recommend a light ~$50

[weathermaker]

In a few days my parents will be visiting Spokane, Wa. I have asked them if they could pick up a flashlight for me when they go. I'm in Canada, so we don't get all of the brands talked about in these forums.

So this is what I'm looking for:
- an LED light around $50
- be able to purchase from a Target, Circuit City, a sports store, etc. in Spokane
- Something from Surefire (if can get a cree one for $50), inova, or other decent quality brand. (I already own an inova X5, XO3)
- aaa, aa, cr123 are all fine
- cree prefered, but high output luxeon is acceptable

Thanks for the input!

 

[selfbuilt]

I can't really suggest much among US retailers, since I'm also in Canada

But there's actually a good number of lights available both in-store (in major cities) and online in Canada now, see the latest posts in this thread for some leads: More Canadian light discoveries. I've seen plenty of Surefire, Inova, Fenix, etc. at local stores here in the Toronto area.

 

[Monocrom]

Well, if there's a Gander Mountain or Cabela's near there, you could have a new model Surefire G2L.

Target has the Inova X0 with a reflector for under $50. Definitely worth it, if your X03 is a TIROS model.

There's also the 6AAA Dorcy K2 model at a claimed 120 lumens. (About the size of a Surefire 9P). For about $40.

One model I really like is the River Rock 1watt, 1AA model. (The one with the clip, not the other 1AA model without a carry-clip). That is one sweet light for about $23.

Obviously there's also the 2AA Mini-MagLED model.

All of those lights are at Target.
Hope this helped.

 

[greenLED]

Both Inova and some SF models would fit your budget. What is it that you're going to use this light for? That's an important factor in narrowing down the selection of lights for you.

So this is what I'm looking for:
- an LED light around $50
- be able to purchase from a Target, Circuit City, a sports store, etc. in Spokane
- Something from Surefire (if can get a cree one for $50), inova, or other decent quality brand. (I already own an inova X5, XO3)
- aaa, aa, cr123 are all fine
- cree prefered, but high output luxeon is acceptable

Thanks for the input!

 

[weathermaker]

Monocrom, would that be the new G2L with the cree (or is it seoul)? If that's the case then it really interests me. Also for the river rock you suggested, do you have a picture or some specs for it?

 

[weathermaker]

Both Inova and some SF models would fit your budget. What is it that you're going to use this light for? That's an important factor in narrowing down the selection of lights for you.

I basically want to add to my collection:twothumbs. A 'thrower' would be nice, but I am open to anything regulated and LED. What other surefires fit this for around $50?

 

[MattK]

A G2L is $65 - 30% more than your $50 target - but only $15 real dollahs.

The G2L's use a Seoul SSC P4 emitter and is the least expensive Surefire LED - everything else is $85+.

Surefire from low to high:
G2 $36
G3 $59
6P $59
6PD $74
9P $79
E1E $79
6PL $85
E1L $99
etc....

 

[jumpstat]

Hi weathermaker,

Welcome to CPF, putting budget aside, most importantly the intended usage of your light. Preferbly getting the right model/brand first time round is better in terms of cost in the long run.
Do you intend to use the light alot? Going with rechargeables is another option that is also cost effectinve in the long run.
Let us know wht it is for so that a better recommendation can then be made...

 

[ws1wizard]

Hi everyone, I am also in the market for a new flashlight, what is the best Cree flashlight with a budget of $50-60?

 

[weathermaker]

Hi weathermaker,

Welcome to CPF, putting budget aside, most importantly the intended usage of your light. Preferbly getting the right model/brand first time round is better in terms of cost in the long run.
Do you intend to use the light alot? Going with rechargeables is another option that is also cost effectinve in the long run.
Let us know wht it is for so that a better recommendation can then be made...

The light will be for 'general use'. I will be using it a few times a week, and prefer something with long runtime and decent output. I want it to be handheld in size...no more than 6 or 7 inches. I'm okay with using rechargables or primaries. I prefer a quality made flashlight with simple on/off operation or 2 modes at most.

 

[LEDninja]

The light will be for 'general use'. I will be using it a few times a week, and prefer something with long runtime and decent output. I want it to be handheld in size...no more than 6 or 7 inches. I'm okay with using rechargables or primaries. I prefer a quality made flashlight with simple on/off operation or 2 modes at most.

If you can wait a month, take a look at
Fenix L2T v2.0 RB80
or the shorter
Fenix L1T V2.0 RB80
CPF discount code CPF8. Price includes shipping.
Uses common AA batteries. Twist bezel for high/low. Click switch for on/off.
I do not think any Canadian sites have listed them yet as they have not left the factory.
Here is a review of the older version. The new version is twice as bright.
Warning - many flashlights use CR123A batteries. CR123A batteries cost a fortune locally. If you try to order online USPS/the airlines/Canada post would not knowingly ship lithium batteries. That customs declaration is a dead giveaway.

 

[manoloco]

a month? a friend just ordered a couple of l1t v2.0s for him and me, plus an l2d r100.

Is it going to take that long?, what i read was that orders will be shipped sometime this week, maybe im wrong and it will take a *LONG* time since we live in Perú?

 

[robbied]

Go for a Fenix they are great lights I have had no problems whatsoever with my L2DCE, I can run it at 130 lumens for 2 hours. It has 5 different light output modes. It runs on 2 AA batteries.

 

[LEDninja]

a month? a friend just ordered a couple of l1t v2.0s for him and me, plus an l2d r100.

Is it going to take that long?, what i read was that orders will be shipped sometime this week, maybe im wrong and it will take a *LONG* time since we live in Perú?

Canada customs takes 1 to 3 weeks to clear parcels. So far have not charged me tax on anything from 4sevens.
To be safe it is not wise to order online if you need a light immediately.

There are at least 3 stores selling flachlights in the Vancouver area. Surefire, Coast, and Princron Tec. Just follow the link in post #2 and work from the last post back.

 

[manoloco]

Canada customs takes 1 to 3 weeks to clear parcels. So far have not charged me tax on anything from 4sevens.
To be safe it is not wise to order online if you need a light immediately.

There are at least 3 stores selling flachlights in the Vancouver area. Surefire, Coast, and Princron Tec. Just follow the link in post #2 and work from the last post back.

Thanks for the quick reply and information , customs here dont take that long usually.

About being safe with time ordering online.. sadly, its the only way i can get a decent flashlight in my country...

 

[Monocrom]

Monocrom, would that be the new G2L with the cree (or is it seoul)? If that's the case then it really interests me. Also for the river rock you suggested, do you have a picture or some specs for it?

MattK already replied about the G2L. I'm a bit surprised it cost over $50.
But I have to agree that $65 is still a very good price for a High-output LED Surefire.

As for the River Rock model, here's a review. (It's a re-badged Nuwai X-1 model with a wrap-around pocket clip. In this case, "re-badged" is a good thing).

LINK - http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_x-1.htm

 

[Lee1959]

I might suggest a couple of lights instead of just one, you could get an Inova X1 and X0 or X5 for the $50. Or perhaps X5 and X0...

 

[weathermaker]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I'm liking the sounds of the G2L...I might be persuaded in spending $65. Is there any other Inova's that can be bought at a regular brick and mortar store like Target that would be worthwhile (I already have the X5 and XO3 5.8). I'm feeling that an XO would probably not get used as my XO3 is brighter and has decent runtime. Maybe and X1 though, althought the output is pretty poor apparently.

With the Fenix's, I'm not sure. I already have an L2DCE which is awesome, so I don't know if any of the new models would really be enough of an improvement...mabye an LODCE though for EDC.

I also just came across a thread mentioning the new Dereelight 2.0. Very nice looking light with great output and runtime. How would this compare with the surefire G2L? It probably isn't built like a tank, but it looks like it could take some abuse?

Keep the suggestions coming! Thanks!

 

[Monocrom]

As far as Big-name B&M stores go, those are all of the Inova models I've seen; those particular X-series lights.

 

[Lee1959]

I really like the X02, which is the old slimline case design of the original X0. It makes for a very pocketable light like the X05.