Options for EDC light - 18650? host?

[KurtS]

I'm looking for a nice sized, bright light that fits in my hand. I have a Surefire G2X and a Mag 2C with an XML driven by 3 x CR123. I'd like to combine those two. ;)

I want something with nice flood and reasonable throw. 300-600 lumen??
I'm ready to make the leap to rechargable Li-on batteries. I assume 18650's.
About $50-60.
Must have modes, prefer 2 or 3. No strobe.

So I've been thinking about a P60 host. I also see a 36 mm host mentioned?
Any other good options?

I'd also consider a cheaper, not as bright, light that uses 18650's, since I'll already have the charger.

Appreciate hearing the options cause I know there's ones I don't know about. :)
Thanks!

 

[jaycyu]

Sadly, a Surefire P60 host + good drop-in would cost more than $60.
If you choose a Solarforce L2P ($18), it would be a step down from your G2X logo-wise.
Get max current XML U3 (like 1000+ OTF lumens) from Vinhnguyen54, or a more reasonable driven and more efficient XM-L2 from Nailbender.

 

[TEEJ]

You mentioned nice flood and reasonable throw....and a 300-600 lumen range, but no indication of range.

How far away do you need/want to be able to see things with this light? (in yards or meters, etc....)


I ask, because it takes a LOT more lumens to have a floody beam that also has a lot of throw, as those lumens are spread out over a much larger area...spreading them thinner.

 

[KurtS]

I'm looking for a nice amount of spill, not as much as flood. I dislike spots with no spill, very hard to walk with.

It look like a P60 would be $20 for a host and $40 for a XM-L2 (800 lumens). Looks good.
Or Solarforce has an XM-L U2 (500 lumen) for $20.

I imagine the beam would be better with the 36 mm dropins, but I don't see much written about them.

Other options that I should investigate?
I see the cheap Ultrafires might work for the cheap option, but they are a crapshoot whether you get a good one.

Thanks!

 

[KurtS]

There seem to be some other good 18650 options. These 2 from Shining Beam look interesting:
P-Rocket II http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-97/**NEW**-P-dsh-Rocket--II/Detail
Romisen RC-T602 http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-64/L-dsh-mini-flashlight-nylon-holster/Detail

Others to consider?