This question is really going to depend on what you are willing to spend and what your looking for... but here are a few pointers.
From a professional perspective, I would suggest you stay with the K.I.S.S. standard. Most flashlight UI's dont do a very good job of making all of the cool little gimicks accessable under extreme stress. Double tapping, bezel twisting, and different clicky combos dont work when you need to get your chunk out and paired with your light
.
To that effect... I know opinions vary here
... but try and stay away from strobes. A quick pulse (momentary tap) of 150 lumens or higher, especially at a subject that is even partially night adapted, is going to disorient and temporarily blind them enough for up to 5 seconds, which should be ample time to make your move. Believe me... it works wonders, so much so that I actually had a better reaction with a pulse up light from my current light (not even 4 days ago) then I get from OC spray :devil:. The subject quite literally screamed, put his hands up, covered his eyes, stumbled around, and fell over... and he wasnt impaired either
.
Anyway... you have lots of offerings so Ill just run down some biggies here...
From Eagletac you could pick something from their "T" line of lights. My suggestions would be the T20C2, which has a high out put and is regulated (but not flat regulated), can accept either 18650s or CR123A Primaries, has 4 modes (Strobe, Max, Med, Low), and has options/accessories galore. There is also the T100C2, which is more simple, flat regulated at its max output over the course of the whole 2:00 hours (est.) of runtime on an 18650 cell, and only has 2 modes. Both lights are built like bricks and fairly good quality, considering the price.
You could also look into the Fenix TK11 R2. Generally, you can expect 1:45 of flat regulated light at 240 lumens and an additional hour droping to about 65-70% output before the light tanks off of one 18650. It will also accept CR123A primaries in a pinch. Overall Its a fairly well built, simple, and solid light; especially considering the price and where its made. In my experience, the only real flaw in the light is that you need to be reasonably careful with the tailcap switch because it seems to be the weakest link in an otherwise good system, however even with a surefire you cant just abuse the hell out of it and expect it work when your done (even though it probably will). If you decide to go this route, do yourself a favor and get the spacer ring... because you will have one hell of a time trying to find a holster that will accomodate the tactical ring
. With the spacer ring it will fit in STRION LED holsters.
Jetbeam is AWSOME quality and has some really cool features; but for me, their IBS system (Jet III) proved to be a little to complicated for field use and their selector ring (RRT-2) kept switching on me when I tried to remove and replace it from the holster :shakehead. Otherwise they are awsome lights, will accept Primaries and 18650 cells (Same as the Eagletac and the Fenix TK11 R2), Good runtime, and are built like a
rock... and I still love them for everything
BUT duty carry (but everyone is different).
I have heard that the Olight M20 and the new M21 are respectable competitors to both the Eagletac and the Fenix. They are extremely good quality, appear to be solidly built, have 4 modes, accept 18650's and Primaries, and come with pretty standard accessories. However, I dont have any "hands on" experience with either of them :shrug:, just observing; so make sure you do your own homework, read LOTS of reviews, and ask questions. The M21 was just released so availability could easily be a problem.
Personally I have gone back to a more simple and mainstream brand name that I purchased right here on CPF. Its a 18650 bored
Surefire C2 with a Malkoff M30 drop-in (it also has a stainless steel bezel ring and a Z58 Tailcap) :twothumbs. I currently, and likely will ONLY, run the AW 18650 cell and use a AW-139 Charger because when it comes to batteries I wont chance bad quality because they CAN go
. This light will also work with just about every side arm pairing technique that is taught and it has a clip if you need it.
Ill sum it up and keep it short. If your looking to spend the minimum while still keeping quality
... you can prolly do with any of the first options that I gave you (Eagletac, Olight, Fenix). You would have a good solid light for GENERAL duty use and wouldnt break the bank.
If you have the money or you want the best... do yourself and favor and look around on CPF for a bit first... go chat with ElectronGuru and Moodoo about their custom Surefire jobs. Get in touch with Milkyspit and see what he can set you up with. Check out the Custom forum and the Marketplace.
Good luck in your search and stay safe :wave:... hope this helped
Alberta-Blue