Where do you start.

[andrewd]

I have been into flash lights long before led was thought of. I have always ran Surefire and just started buying some of Malkoff devices. I like running 18650 and cr 123. Where do you start these days with so much product. I am looking for a powerful 1 bat 18650 and a 3 or 4 18650 light.Quality is important which company's stand out on top. I do like to buy USA, Not a big fan of China.

 

[Dead Goat]

Check out:
EAGTAC, Washington, USA.
Bunch of flashaholics over there.


a comprehensive list :
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?189480-American-(USA)-made-flashlights


Cheers,
Dead Goat

 

[PANGES]

There are indeed a ton of 1x 18650 lights that are quite good. There's a ton of 700-900 lumen 1x 18650 lights to choose from. It's almost more a matter of what UI you prefer. For the multiple 18650 lights, it depends on what kind of beam you want, but I just received a Nitecore TM26 and am really happy with it. Thew one I received come with XM-L2 emitters, and it takes 4x 18650's and is 3800 lumens. It's a super floody light with some decent throw, but if you want more throw, I would take a peek into the Fenix RC40. It comes with a rechargeable battery pack already. I believe it's around 3500 lumens, but from the pics I've seen, the beam is quite a bit different.

 

[TEEJ]

I start by deciding on the beam pattern and level of illumination at a particular range or ranges I need to fill...and whether that would be under one handed or two handed conditions, tactical or not, search or inspection, etc.

I then see what can do that.

That's where I start.

Its a bit like any other tool. If I have to drive a screw in, I don't start with the brand of screw driver, I start with the type of screw and its head type, and how far I have to reach in to get at it, and things like that...so if a #2 Torx is the best head shape and I have to fit the driver inbetween a tight access to turn it, I get a stubbier handle, but if its in a deep passage, I might get a really long shaft or handle, etc.

THEN I see who sells that.

:D

 

[PANGES]

I start by deciding on the beam pattern and level of illumination at a particular range or ranges I need to fill...and whether that would be under one handed or two handed conditions, tactical or not, search or inspection, etc.

I then see what can do that.

That's where I start.

Its a bit like any other tool. If I have to drive a screw in, I don't start with the brand of screw driver, I start with the type of screw and its head type, and how far I have to reach in to get at it, and things like that...so if a #2 Torx is the best head shape and I have to fit the driver inbetween a tight access to turn it, I get a stubbier handle, but if its in a deep passage, I might get a really long shaft or handle, etc.

THEN I see who sells that.

:D

TEEJ is a much wiser man than I am. I typically buy a bunch of everything and then weed out the ones I didn't like as much. lol.

 

[andrewd]

I think I need one of everything. Quality and relibality is most important I would buy only surefire but they dont run 18650s. If I find a brand I am comfortable with. I will buy a few lights. spot,flood,pocket.

 

[BIGLOU]

Just my 2 cents. Bore out the Surefires you have to accept an 18650 battery. Get a drop-in from Nailbender or Vinh. Buy AW or Redilast 18650 batteries and a good charger. Don't forget to read up on the dangers in using lithium ion batteries. GL.

 

[thedoc007]

What Teej said. So many people ask for recommendations before they have any idea what they actually want. Makes it tough to give good suggestions.

First make a list of your priorities, then research lights to match that list. Or at least, come back and ask CPF when you have a good idea of what you want.

Your desire to buy US produced lights will narrow your options tremendously, so the job won't actually be very difficult if you stick to that. At least 90% of the lights I have seen are foreign made, even if the company has a US presence. Eagletac, 4/7s, Nitecore, Fenix, etc (as mentioned above) all produce many or all of their lights overseas.

 

[yoyoman]

TEEJ is right. Start with the beam pattern and level of illumination that you need (at a particular range...). Then, at least for me, I look at what Malkoff, Oveready, McGizmo and some others offer. As an example, I have a floody light (triple) and a thrower (Mini Turbohead DD) - both are from Oveready. They are very different beams, but they are high quality and from Oveready. Just using this as an example because the Oveready triple is in my coat pocket today. (Moddoolar H3 head, black alum TL20, SF A19 extender, Z41 tailcap with ZRS and running on 2 183350)