Romisen RC-F4 vs RC-G4 Vs RC-N3 ?

[Cruzer23]

So I want a sub 20 dollar woods light, needs to be as bright as possible with big throw (It needs to light up a completely dark trail)

I've checked out the RC-F4, N3 and G4, all get great reviews online.

But which is best for my needs ? Willing to use CR123 and AA's.

Thanks !

 

[wingnut86]

Out of those lights the RC-G4 should have the most throw, but it still uses an outdated emitter, the CREE P4.

But if you go to shiningbeam.com, the other two lights are available between $20 and $25.

The RC-F4 with the Q5 is most likely the brightest along with the upgradeable RC-M4. The RC-N3 however, is available in warm white which is far superior to cool white when used in the woods.

 

[Cruzer23]

thank you for the detailed answer !
So the G has most throw, F4 is brightest and n3 has a warm light...

tough choice :)
Bottom line what would you get for total wood darkness ? Note it has to be much brighter than my ultrafire ss q5 1xaa.. It's too dim.

 

[wingnut86]

I'm not saying the G4 does have the most throw, but it does have a larger, deeper reflector than the others, so it probably does.

The RC-N3 WW is a very nice light for the price, however, it won't be super bright. I have this one, it is comparable to my Surefire G2 in brightness, which is rated at 65 lumens.

If I had to choose one to buy for your specific use, I would probably go with the Romisen RC-M4 from shining beam, and know that I can purchase a drop-in from Deal Extreme or Kaidomain in the future for added versatility. Or I would get the RC-F4 and mod it with the CREE Q3-5C that shining beam sells since I love 2xCR123A lights and Warm White tint.

I have had a total of 4 Romisen lights, and have never had a problem with any of them, they are very nice lights for what you pay for them. And when you deal with shiningbeam, the service you get is top notch, and the shipping is fast since he is stateside.

 

[Cruzer23]

Wow thanks for the Shiningbeam recommendation ! What a nice site !
I found that G2 in 2 versions for a good price AND it takes 1XAA's !!
1 is Q5 the other "warm light Q3"

Could I possibly settle for this as my camping light as it's bright AND takes AA's ? I hope I am not compromising too much when passing the F4/M4 for it.

So, which G2 should I grab out of the 2 ?

 

[wingnut86]

I have the original RC-G2, and it is a very nice, durable light.

Search here for reviews on the RC-G2 Q5 II, as that is the one on shining beam. The warm white one will be the same, just a hair less bright, and have a beautiful natural incandescent like tint...

 

[Wiggle]

I have the neutral white one from SB (I'm not sure the difference between NW and WW on that site cause they both seem to use XR-E Q3-5C). Anyway, its a very nice light. I've bought 3 of RC-N3s as gifts but this is my first NW one. It's output isn't amazing, probably about 100 OTF lumens but respectable enough. It's got pretty good throw and the color works great out in the woods.

 

[Tec40]

I just got both the RC-G2 and the RC-N3 both with the neutral white led,and I LOVE both lights ALOT!!! I love the color of the led,and they are both very bright. They are now the lights I use the most,both on,and off,the job!!! Shiningbeam's customer service is second to none!!!