#1# BLF Special Edition : A6
#2# Brinyte : B158
#3# L3 Illumination : L11C : Nichia 219B
#4# Nitecore : P36
#5# ZebraLight : SC62 : w
The foregoing list is in alphabetical order. In random order, here are some comments.
ZebraLight SC62w
Of all the flashlights on my list, the SC62w is the easiest choice to defend. It combines superlative design with engineering excellence.
Brinyte B158
Going to the other extreme, the B158 is probably the most difficult choice to defend. I include this budget flashlight, however, because I have discovered that I prefer the broad beam of a zooming flashlight—set to flood—for most indoor uses. Compared to the follow-the-dot hot spot of a reflector, the unfocused beam of a zoomie is superior for showing the way down a hallway or down a flight of stairs. In a large space, it does even better.
As the B158 is the best of the two zoomies I own, it gets my pick. It features a large 50mm aspheric lens that produces a generous, floody beam. Focused for throw, it delivers 52,000 candela, reaching out to 450 meters. Not too shabby.
As is the case with most zoomies, the B158 shows some rings when focused for throw. Its unfocused flood beam is perfect, except for some chromatic aberrations at the outer edge.
Modders will love the B158. It uses a removable pill design that makes the job easy. Brinyte sells a bare brass pill to which you can add the emitter and driver of your choice. Brinyte also sells its own finished red and green pills that use colored Cree XP-E emitters.
L3 Illumination L11C Nichia 219B
This one gets daily use as my EDC. I like to carry it discreetly in the bottom of my pants pocket, so the small size of AA is important. At 0.09, 3, 30, and 140 lumens, mode spacing is near perfect. I bought this light because of its mid-level price and high-CRI Nichia emitter. In case I need more power, I also carry an 18650 flashlight in my daypack.
Nitecore P36
The excellent Cree MT-G2 emitter is just one of the things that makes the P36 stand out. The P36 drives the MT-G2 at 10 different output levels, ranging between 2 and 2000 lumens. It uses a unique mode dial, similar in size to the mode dial on a camera, to select output levels. The 5000K emitter produces a beam with a wide hot spot and bright spill. I cannot see any hint of the green and purple that show up, respectively, in the corona and spill of an XM-L2 or XP-L.
The 2x18650 format makes for a flashlight that is comfortable to carry, and which easily fits in a coat pocket.
BLF Special Edition A6
The BLF A6 is a custom flashlight designed by members of BudgetLightForum. This 1x18650 tube light is a burner, using a FET+1 driver to supply as much current to the emitter as its battery can supply. Running the stock (i.e., unmodded) A6 on a high draw battery, it is easy to get 1200 lumens. A spring-bypass will typically get you 200-300 more. Some owners have measured 1600 lumens.
The user interface and firmware are outstanding. The A6 uses regular half-presses to get brighter, and longer half-presses to get dimmer. This simple UI makes for easy access to the seven constant-brightness levels of the A6.
Note
I am still without a headlamp. Right now, the ZebraLight H600Fd Mk. III is my top candidate. When I get one, it will no doubt make this list. I am expecting any day to receive the Olight S1 Copper (Rose Gold). If it were already in my possession, it would also be on this list. Most likely, it would bump the Brinyte B158. The Olight S1 uses a TIR optic that produces a wide beam that should be good for the indoor uses I currently assign to the B158.
Honorable Mention
Five votes is not enough! Given more, I would include the Nitecore Tube and the BLF 348.
There is a such a small amount of votes in here, and the end of the 2015 is coming.
