I just ran across a thread that was about 3 or 4 years old titled "The poor flashaholics top 10". With all the advancements in LEDs in the last couple of years, even within the last few months. I was wondering what you all think would be the top 10 for 2010?
The poor flashaholics top 10 for 2010?
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gcbryan
Flashlight Enthusiast
I would think an Akoray K-109 (Cr123) 3 mode programmable with XR-E Q5 at $20 would qualify.
As would a Uniquefire L2 (18650) with XP-G R5 at $23.
I have other more expensive lights but I could easily just have those two and they would do everything I really need a flashlight for.
That means having a small high (220 lumens), medium, and low light and a 6P clone with high (325), medium, and low (and strobes unfortunately) with a good combination of throw and flood.
Another one I like is the Ultrafire 602c twisty one mode AAA light.
As would a Uniquefire L2 (18650) with XP-G R5 at $23.
I have other more expensive lights but I could easily just have those two and they would do everything I really need a flashlight for.
That means having a small high (220 lumens), medium, and low light and a 6P clone with high (325), medium, and low (and strobes unfortunately) with a good combination of throw and flood.
Another one I like is the Ultrafire 602c twisty one mode AAA light.
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sol-leks
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Aug 10, 2008
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Romisen RC-29/C6
I haven't really owned it for long enough, but I might put forward the sky-ray sr5 as well.
I agree with the akorays and ITP as well.
Would the quark mini qualify as a "poor mans light"? Probably not, but its almost there.
Also maybe the MG PLI, from all the good things I've heard about it.
I haven't really owned it for long enough, but I might put forward the sky-ray sr5 as well.
I agree with the akorays and ITP as well.
Would the quark mini qualify as a "poor mans light"? Probably not, but its almost there.
Also maybe the MG PLI, from all the good things I've heard about it.
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JaguarDave-in-Oz
Enlightened
Absolutely. To me it's just phenomenal what usefulness that little A3 can produce from its size and usage of one dead common AAA battery.
I'll take a stab. I am going to list 10 lights that will run on standard alkalines and are under $25. No particular order.
1. ITP A3, A2, and equivalent Maratac (Too similar to really separate all these)
2. Romisen RC-N3 II
3. Trustfire F23
4. Rayovac Sportsman Extreme 300 lumen lantern (I know its not a flashlight, but it deserves to be honored)
5. Ultrafire C3 Q5 Stainless Steel
6. Dorcy 180-lumens Cyberlight - for the poly fans out there
7. Solarforce L2R
8. Fenix E01 - not very bright and the beam sucks, but reliable and always good for emergencies. Plus a genuine fenix for a poor flashaholic price.
9. Duracell Daylite 2AA or 3AAA - Not the best at any one thing, but solid and that lifetime guarantee is sweet.
10. Hugsby P31 - an up and comer
Honorable mentions - whatever the latest superbargain is, currently: the almost free Coast mini-tac and the $1.48 ebay powerlight. Maglite 3-D cell -just because there aren't a lot of other D cell options under $25.
1. ITP A3, A2, and equivalent Maratac (Too similar to really separate all these)
2. Romisen RC-N3 II
3. Trustfire F23
4. Rayovac Sportsman Extreme 300 lumen lantern (I know its not a flashlight, but it deserves to be honored)
5. Ultrafire C3 Q5 Stainless Steel
6. Dorcy 180-lumens Cyberlight - for the poly fans out there
7. Solarforce L2R
8. Fenix E01 - not very bright and the beam sucks, but reliable and always good for emergencies. Plus a genuine fenix for a poor flashaholic price.
9. Duracell Daylite 2AA or 3AAA - Not the best at any one thing, but solid and that lifetime guarantee is sweet.
10. Hugsby P31 - an up and comer
Honorable mentions - whatever the latest superbargain is, currently: the almost free Coast mini-tac and the $1.48 ebay powerlight. Maglite 3-D cell -just because there aren't a lot of other D cell options under $25.
My list:
* itp A3 AAA -- very light weight keychain light. Great for gifts (to guys...) Doesnt come on in pocket. Simple twisty interface. 3 distinct and useful light levels. (2,18,80)
* itp A1 with CR123 -- keychain/EDC light. Bigger than A3, but 2.5 times the output. 200 lumens in a 2.3 inch long by 0.8 inch diameter package! Same twisty advantages as above with 3 useful distinct light levels (3,30,200). Can use an RCR123.
* itp A6 6xAA. 80 bucks for a 700 lumen light that is fantastic for father's day, etc. High flood, traditional switch, semi-traditional batteries (eneloops preferred).
* MG- RX1. 60 dollar MC-E light with 1x18650. One of the cheapest quality 18650 lights with high output (700 lumens). Big reflector head for a cheap high-throw option.
* Romisen C6 something - Flood to Throw light. One of the best flood-to-throw which is really handy for a lot of applications.
* Trustfire TR1200 - 50 bucks for a 2 or 3 x 18650 light! 5 emitters for massive output. THE most lumens for the dollar in the heavyweight class. People seem to be pleased with build quality and has favorable reviews. Good throw/flood balance.
* FauxTon series - The little bitty 2 battery squeezie lights from battery junction and the like. A dollar each (or free), and pretty nice output from a tiny tiny super lightweight package. Great for padding a gift. The same light on amazon is 15 bucks for a real Photon squeeze light.
* itp A3 AAA -- very light weight keychain light. Great for gifts (to guys...) Doesnt come on in pocket. Simple twisty interface. 3 distinct and useful light levels. (2,18,80)
* itp A1 with CR123 -- keychain/EDC light. Bigger than A3, but 2.5 times the output. 200 lumens in a 2.3 inch long by 0.8 inch diameter package! Same twisty advantages as above with 3 useful distinct light levels (3,30,200). Can use an RCR123.
* itp A6 6xAA. 80 bucks for a 700 lumen light that is fantastic for father's day, etc. High flood, traditional switch, semi-traditional batteries (eneloops preferred).
* MG- RX1. 60 dollar MC-E light with 1x18650. One of the cheapest quality 18650 lights with high output (700 lumens). Big reflector head for a cheap high-throw option.
* Romisen C6 something - Flood to Throw light. One of the best flood-to-throw which is really handy for a lot of applications.
* Trustfire TR1200 - 50 bucks for a 2 or 3 x 18650 light! 5 emitters for massive output. THE most lumens for the dollar in the heavyweight class. People seem to be pleased with build quality and has favorable reviews. Good throw/flood balance.
* FauxTon series - The little bitty 2 battery squeezie lights from battery junction and the like. A dollar each (or free), and pretty nice output from a tiny tiny super lightweight package. Great for padding a gift. The same light on amazon is 15 bucks for a real Photon squeeze light.
mcnair55
Flashlight Enthusiast
Another ITP A3 fan here for what it does in a small package.The Fenix EO1 for its runtime.
My favourite though is the Nextorch K1,sort of up market version of the EO1,brighter,lighter,smaller and a far nicer beam.
My favourite though is the Nextorch K1,sort of up market version of the EO1,brighter,lighter,smaller and a far nicer beam.
kramer5150
Flashaholic
ITP-A3-EOS
Maglite 2D and 2C ROP
Fenix E01
Romisen RC-N3-Q5
Solarforce L2
Akoray K-106 and K-109
Stanley HID
Maglite 2D and 2C ROP
Fenix E01
Romisen RC-N3-Q5
Solarforce L2
Akoray K-106 and K-109
Stanley HID
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brted
Enlightened
I'm in the minority, but I don't think of iTP lights as being budget lights, just inexpensive good lights. But I don't argue the A3 would get a spot otherwise.
Ultrafire WF-504B (silver) with XR-E R2 drop-in
Ultrafire WF-502B with XP-G R5 1-mode
AKOray K-106
Trustfire XP-E F23
Those are my 4 favorite budget lights. You can mix and match the 504B (same as Uniquefire L2) and 502B with those 2 drop-ins, but each of these 4 lights was less than $20 and exceeded my expectations for quality. I know it is a lottery with DX and KD, but I felt like I did really well with these.
Ultrafire WF-504B (silver) with XR-E R2 drop-in
Ultrafire WF-502B with XP-G R5 1-mode
AKOray K-106
Trustfire XP-E F23
Those are my 4 favorite budget lights. You can mix and match the 504B (same as Uniquefire L2) and 502B with those 2 drop-ins, but each of these 4 lights was less than $20 and exceeded my expectations for quality. I know it is a lottery with DX and KD, but I felt like I did really well with these.
Ian2381
Enlightened
1. ITP EOS A3
2. Solarforce L2
3. Fenix E01
4. Romisen RC-G2
5. AKOray K-106
6. Romisen RC-N3
7. Trustfire XP-E F23
8. Romisen RC-29
9 Ultrafire C3 SS
10.Tank 007 E07
I should have included my TANK007 TK-506 Cree Q2-WC Stainless Steel - My best looking Budget flashlight, For $22.00 It's stainless steel plus its programmable.
:twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs
2. Solarforce L2
3. Fenix E01
4. Romisen RC-G2
5. AKOray K-106
6. Romisen RC-N3
7. Trustfire XP-E F23
8. Romisen RC-29
9 Ultrafire C3 SS
10.Tank 007 E07
I should have included my TANK007 TK-506 Cree Q2-WC Stainless Steel - My best looking Budget flashlight, For $22.00 It's stainless steel plus its programmable.
:twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs
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Ecolang
Newly Enlightened
In no particular order
Trustfire F23
Tank007 E07
Hugsby P31 Very very well made
Aurora SH-034 One of the best built lights at any price
Tank007 TK-703
Uniquefire L2 with XP-G R5 dropin
Uniquefire AA-S1
Trustfire F23
Tank007 E07
Hugsby P31 Very very well made
Aurora SH-034 One of the best built lights at any price
Tank007 TK-703
Uniquefire L2 with XP-G R5 dropin
Uniquefire AA-S1
shark_za
Enlightened
7 out of 10 I have, I will add the RC-29 to my next order but not sure the Trustfire and Tank are the same level as the rest?
Are they?
Would the Black Cat not be better value in this format?
Ecolang
Newly Enlightened
The Trustfire F23 is better made than most, I've had no issues at all with it. Bright solid and can use 10440 if desired.
The Tank007 has an unusual switch design that has given some people trouble. I have two and they are generally to be found in my pockets. One of mine had a bad solder joint in the head but it was easily enough remedied. The anodising is not ultra-tough but pretty good. The one I had apart shows some character marks where it was held in a vice - the head is glued together.
I kinda understand where you are coming from. But I consider 'cost effectiveness' moreso than actual price as "budget".
The A1,A2,A3 are all 20 or 25 dollars each for the alum version. I'd consider that pretty cheap. I haven't found a DX light of the same super-compact size. While it is possible I guess, you wouldn't save THAT much money, and the itp reliability I believe is well worth the extra minimal cost.
I would not consider a quark budget as it costs well over two or three times that of the itp, with fairly minimal improvements in quality and usability. Therefore, I wouldn't consider it as cost effective.
In the world of high powered lights (above 400 lumens), cost expectations rise accordingly. I therefore do consider the itp A6 to be budget, as opposed to Fenix, Jetbeam, and other 2x the price lights. It is possible to get a 1x18650 P7 for 32 bucks, but they generally aren't driven very well, nor are they reliable. Most of the 2x18650 lights for SST-50 or P7 are 70+ dollars even on DX! So I believe the itp A6 and MG RX1 are among the cheapest high-powered lights that are pretty high quality with a very low defect rate.
The only really solid DX one in that category is the Trustfire TR1200.
aim54x
Newly Enlightened
I love my Tank007 TK-703!!! I dont have enough lights to participate in this thread but i am glad that I have one that is mentioned here.
Does anyone think the Romisen RC-N3 still makes this list? Or the Romisen RC-G2?
Surnia
Newly Enlightened
I'll throw in the iTP Eluma SA2 as well, amazing battery life, good beam pattern, and only $40!
