Re: In the market of a flood 18650 light
Hello LowTEC,
Most LED lights utilizing single die emitters in 18650 packages are relatively throw oriented. The only exception that comes to mind is the M60F module for a surefire compatible bezel that has been mentioned. The cost of putting said configuration together(with 18650 compatibility), not including batteries and charger, is going to be around or over $150 just about any way you slice it.
One "surefire" way to get more flood, is to have a smaller reflector... I'm thinking maybe something like a Jet III pro ST from Jetbeam. it does not have the larger reflector found on most 18650 lights, and will probably be somewhat more floody.
As I understand it, it's a "variable" output light, but I believe it can be setup to always come on in high when you turn it on. The jetbeam electronics are notorious for suffering from relatively low efficiency when operated at lower output modes, but this would not really effect you as you are interested in the high output modes.
There are VERY FEW lights on the market that will run in regulation on a single 18650 cell. Most of the 1x18650 lights out there are using a buck regulation circuit that can not boost the voltage of the 18650 as it drains down to maintain output. The easiest way to determine if the light you are considering will actually run at full output through the duration of the discharge on an 18650, is just to see what batteries it is compatible with. If it's an 18650 ONLY light, then it's probably regulated on an 18650, if the description says something like "1x18650, 2xCR123, 2xRCR123" for power sources, the it is NOT going to run at full output on the 18650, accept maybe fresh off the charger for the first few minutes.
Dereelight offers modules for the CL1H that are specifically designed for 18650s, and the JetBeam 18650 lights are all fully regulated on an 18650, with no support for higher input voltages.
Personally... I've been doing a lot of "battle" in my own little world, trying to decide which option is really better. A steadily diminishing output 18650 powered light will offer extended runtime, and feedback in the form of dimming before the battery dies. A light that maintains regulation is providing the level of output that the light is expected to generate every time you use it. I think both have their applications, but it can be tough to decide what is best.
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Having said ALLLLLL this, I'm very tempted to just tell you to grab one of the "2-mode" P7 lights that run on a single 18650 from dealextreme. They are like $40 give or take. I've been tempted to check one out, but the issue of reliability and long term value and usefulness gets in the way.
