Olight T10 or ? Help Me Choose

[DonK]

OK, winter is coming and I need (want ?) a new small pocket light. Single 123 cell.

I have narrowed search to 4 models. Peak lumens / Cost $ indicated

Olight T10 190 / 45
Lumapower V2 130/45
Inova T1 100 / 49
Fenix P2D 180 / 53

Prices and lumen values from Battery Junction.

I have lights by Inova and Fenix, so I know that the quality is good from those two (especially Inova - and US made)

I have no experience with Olight or Lumapower. Olight look v nice in the pics.

Also, there is a significant difference in the peak output - how reliable are the figures ?

What I really need to know from someone who owns all 4 brands is how they perform in terms of build quality and beam quality.

As the title suggest, I'm leaning toward Olight at the moment.

 

[mikra]

As the title suggest, I'm leaning toward Olight at the moment.

I EDC the Olight for 8 months now, and I have only one complaint about it:
I hate the UI :sick2:.
The Olight memorizes the last used brightness, sadly most of the time that is not the setting I want to use.
To change brightness you have to cycle through all brightness modes by twisting the head (2 hands).
Thats why I'm waiting for my Quark to replace the Olight.

 

[Patriot]

I would select the T10 or the P2D. All are good lights in the department of build and beam quality, though admittedly the Inova would be the last on my list. The output is close enough to advertised that it shouldn't be a major factor in the case of these lights. Get the style and UI that will suit you best.

 

[Tesla]

I second the Olight T10--happy with mine & a good combination of throw & spread. Unlike the previous poster, I like the UI--for the same reason he doesn't...

 

[DonK]

Thanks for the input. Not seen a Quark, so perhaps another option worth considering.

I think the memory feature would suit me. No big deal to flip through a few settings if you'rer using the tail switch, but having totwist the head could be a bind - taking two hands.

 

[DonK]

Well, the more I look into this the more options pop up

Now I have JetBeam & Quark

Quark seems to have some great features. I like the idea of the square threads because threads give me problems on other lights (mainly backlash problems)

Think I'll research the two brands above - anyone know where those two brands are manufactured ?

 

[DimeRazorback]

I have a T10, I use to carry it around in my pocket, and after about a week the ano was wearing away on the tailcap... it has since been replaced by my E2DL

I like the T10 for its size and output, nice smooth beam.

 

[DonK]

that's not good. I have a little $12 Fenix keychain light that has been in my pocket with keys for months, and not a scratch on it.

Wonder how the Quark and JetBeam finishes hold up ?

 

[hyperloop]

If you're referring to the Jet II Pro IBS, its finish holds up fine, rides in my pocket with keys and after close to a year, its still pristine.

Ever considered the Nitecore EX10? I just got one not too long ago and its my current EDC (plus the LD01 and SF G2)

 

[DonK]

Just looked up Nitecore. Expensive, but a lot of good features. Good output for 1x123. Manual indicates made in China. I'm not averse to China, but feel more comfortable with US

Too many choices

PS - from my research it seems like the light business is comprised of American basement operators who design a light and subcontract production to Chinese manufacturers, or small US operators who become importers for Chinese companies.

There are so many good products on the market that the consumer is becoming swamped with choices. I've owned perhaps a dozen brands, and I think that Inova, Fenix, Streamlight, and Surefire all are making good products with their individual pros and cons. I am particularly impressed by Fenix, who seem to offer advanced features & design, high output, long runtime, sturdy construction, excellent beam quality and good manufacture all at a decent price (though some of their lights seem a little on the high side for what they are). So right now, I'm a Fenix guy until something convinces me it is better than what they have to offer. Time will tell how durable these products are, and I personally suspect that the control circuit electronics will be the first items to fail. If we ever get nuked the EM pulse will make them all useless.