What's the best light I can get for under $100?

I'd prefer something that isn't D-Cell maglight sized, but closer to AA cell maglight sized if you know what I mean. I have a 3AA LED maglight which I like, and my dad has a surefire something or-other (90 lumens?) which I like too. I want something that is a lot brighter than either. GIMME IDEAS!

I found the elektrolumens site and it looks like there is a lot of good stuff there.

http://elektrolumens.com/Stunner-3D/Stunner-3D.html

That's > my price range but it seems like a good deal...

The Lucidus-XR3 seems like a good light, but I saw that he had these :

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/145739

On sale too, so I really don't know what to do. Help.

Welcome to CPF!

If your dad has a Surefire 9P, then you might want to look into the Streamlight TL-3, which is only $55 or so and very good. It throws better and should be a little brighter. There's also the Pila GL4, which is exceptionally bright but sacrifices runtime, and it's also under $100. The GL4 can be had from JSBurlysFlashlights.com for a very good price, and the other lights can be found from many online retailers

My current favorite light under $100 would be the Streamlight Strion, which compares well to the Surefire 6P in terms of brightness -- it's rechargeable, about the same size, and runs for 70 minutes. It should be about $85 for the Strion + AC adaptor + cradle.

I have a hunch this is the best one to buy on a $100 budget.

Huntlight FT01XSE XR-E Cree P4

http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com

I haven't seen anything about the new Huntlight, so I hesitate to recommend it, but it should be a scorcher if it measures up to specs.

That reminds me-- there's also the Fenix P1D-CE, which is very bright, about as powerful if not more than my Surefire C2 (65+ lumens). It's also exceptionally tiny and catches people by surprise because of how much power it has in such a tiny package. It's about $70, if I remember correctly. A very nice light, and also very practical.

EngrPaul said:

I have a hunch this is the best one to buy on a $100 budget.

Huntlight FT01XSE XR-E Cree P4

http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com

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That one seems nice, but (I forgot to mention) that I'd like one that can run on AA's.

The one from elektrolumens is rated at the same lumens (what about the throw though?) and uses AA's.

If you're looking for a light that runs on AA's, I think you are limited to a very small selection... and Elektrolumens would be on the top of my list for your criteria.

That pila light looks great though, I'm just not sure about the batteries and how the charging system works. Also, how big is it?

http://www.jsburlysflashlights.com/...aff=&pg=prod&ref=Pila_GL4-RS-550&cat=&catstr=

carrot said:

If you're looking for a light that runs on AA's, I think you are limited to a very small selection... and Elektrolumens would be on the top of my list for your criteria.

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That's what it looks like to me too. The thing is with AA's, I already have a charger and nickel metal batteries. Do you think it's worth venturing into other battery types?

The GL4 is huge, IMO, (I reviewed the slightly smaller GL3), but compares well to the size of a Mag 2C. Unfortunately, however, I do not own the GL4 or Mag2C so I cannot take comparison pictures. There is a review and pictures of the GL3, the GL4's smaller sibling here: http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/pila_gl3.htm

Another rechargeable light you may want to consider, as I pointed out before, is the Streamlight Strion. I consider it to be a very good value for the money and it is not all that bigger than a Maglite Mini. http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_strion.htm (See link for review and pics.)

carrot said:

The GL4 is huge, IMO, (I reviewed the slightly smaller GL3), but compares well to the size of a Mag 2C. Unfortunately, however, I do not own the GL4 or Mag2C so I cannot take comparison pictures. There is a review and pictures of the GL3, the GL4's smaller sibling here: http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/pila_gl3.htm

Another rechargeable light you may want to consider, as I pointed out before, is the Streamlight Strion. I consider it to be a very good value for the money and it is not all that bigger than a Maglite Mini. http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_strion.htm (See link for review and pics.)

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How does the streamlight's brightness compare to a cree XR-E LED?

In my tests (ceiling bounce only), both the P1D-CE and Strion appeared to have output within the same range of brightness, with the P1D-CE being slightly brighter. However, on high, the P1D-CE has less runtime, and on medium the P1D-CE has more runtime but slightly less brightness than the Strion. At close distances P1D-CE appears to have an edge, as the hotspot is larger and more useful than on the Strion (which can be focused differently, but I choose not to). Also, it is extremely difficult to compare brightnesses between LED and incandescent because of the difference in color and color rendition.

However, due to the generally observed nature of incandescent light, and the larger and deeper reflector of the Strion, I believe the Strion is more effective for lighting up subjects at a distance.

GetSome said:

How does the streamlight's brightness compare to a cree XR-E LED?

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Who said Lumapower?


http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=143409

GetSome said:

How does the streamlight's brightness compare to a cree XR-E LED?

Click to expand...

This is a good link for information. It gives both throw and overall output info.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/chart_manu.htm

Raybo said:

Who said Lumapower?


http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=143409

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How many lumens is that rated at? I didn't see it.

If you dont mind the size. the Pentalux and Tesla6 from elektrolumens are great lights. I dont think you'll be dissappointed at all.

Alin10123 said:

If you dont mind the size. the Pentalux and Tesla6 from elektrolumens are great lights. I dont think you'll be dissappointed at all.

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How bright are they?

I think that just a little actual research would go a long way.
Personally For under $100 I like a well modded c cell mag. It use to be called a space needle.
That is a great way to go.
Yaesumofo

As bright as a six-up with T-bin luxeons driven at that drive level should be

over 400 lumens i think...

If you want AA-cells, then maybe you should look into the Elektrolumens XR-2:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/143176&page=1&pp=30

GetSome said:

How bright are they?

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Look at the elektrolumens forum. There's a sticky in there regarding a $99 special for both of those lights. I believe they are regularly at least $159. It's pretty bright. I dont think you'll be dissappointed at all.