Debating between 3 Flashlights

EdNemo · Sep 14, 2009

I need to pick up a new flashlight. I have narrowed it down to 3 choices. Can anyone recommend one over another? I have read ALL the reviews.

JETBeam M1X JB_M1X $145
http://www.cfrlights.com/servlet/the-674/JETBeam-M1X-Military/Detail
Olight M30 Triton MC-E $140
http://www.cfrlights.com/servlet/the-595/Olight-M30-Triton/Detail
Lumapower MVP - 3X Cree $140
http://www.cfrlights.com/servlet/the-431/cree,-q5,-700,-lumens,/Detail

yellow · Sep 15, 2009

forget the last, crappy quality

Olight and Jetbeam:
Jetbeam: better build quality
both: wide input range
Olight: more level choices (Jetbeam: high and low)
Olight: cell extender for 2*18650 (the best battery configuration) is included, while with the M1X it has to be purchased additionnaly

... just read the description very carefully and think the level choice with that external switch at the side of the end cap is totally unergonomic - with the Olight. At least it sounds so.

elwood · Sep 15, 2009

I think the M1X would throw the furthest out of the three and probably has the best build quality.

As far as the modes, i think you can program 3 different modes to whatever brightness you want.

If it was me, i'd get the M1X, hands down. And don't forget the body extenders to run 2x 18650's!

StarHalo · Sep 15, 2009

I'm not a fan of the "thrower" multi-die lights - if you're looking purely for a long-distance spotlight, any of your choices will do, but part of what makes the MCE emitter great is how floody it can be, it can literally be like walking around with a car headlight, if you don't restrict it to too narrow a beam.

Which is why you might also consider the Fenix TK40; it's roughly the same body size as your other choices, but it has a nicely balanced broad beam which really makes the most of the emitter. It also runs on regular AA cells, so you don't have to worry about unique/rare battery types or extenders. See it here: http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=696

maxspeeds · Sep 15, 2009

Let us help you more by giving us information on how you will be using the flashlight. What type of duties do you need it to perform. Info such as:

- runtime required
- flood / throw needs
- exterior size requirements
- what type of batteries do you prefer to use

berry580 · Sep 15, 2009

M1X actually has Jet-III M's UI.

Tighten for max, loosen for programmable mode

elwood said:
I think the M1X would throw the furthest out of the three and probably has the best build quality.

As far as the modes, i think you can program 3 different modes to whatever brightness you want.

If it was me, i'd get the M1X, hands down. And don't forget the body extenders to run 2x 18650's!

EdNemo · Sep 15, 2009

StarHalo said:
I'm not a fan of the "thrower" multi-die lights - if you're looking purely for a long-distance spotlight, any of your choices will do, but part of what makes the MCE emitter great is how floody it can be, it can literally be like walking around with a car headlight, if you don't restrict it to too narrow a beam.

Which is why you might also consider the Fenix TK40; it's roughly the same body size as your other choices, but it has a nicely balanced broad beam which really makes the most of the emitter. It also runs on regular AA cells, so you don't have to worry about unique/rare battery types or extenders. See it here: http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=696

Interesting, does it have extenders available for it?

EdNemo · Sep 15, 2009

It sounds like everyone thinks the M1X is the best deal, which is funny because I thought aesthetically the Lumapower has the best look.

I really need this to be a tough as nails flashlight that can take a whack.

It will be my everyday flashlight riding in my motorcycle backpack, so something that has a lasting charge when not in use. Also either cheaper batteries available for it or rechargable would be best.

CaseyS · Sep 15, 2009

Why do you want such big lights for everyday use?

HKJ · Sep 15, 2009

EdNemo said:
It sounds like everyone thinks the M1X is the best deal, which is funny because I thought aesthetically the Lumapower has the best look.

I really need this to be a tough as nails flashlight that can take a whack.

It will be my everyday flashlight riding in my motorcycle backpack, so something that has a lasting charge when not in use. Also either cheaper batteries available for it or rechargable would be best.

M30 is designed for light at close range, M1X for light at long range.
But M1X has a lockout function and that is very useful when storing the light in a bag.

Both lights can use LiIon rechargeable batterires, either 18500 or 18650 (with extender).

EdNemo · Sep 15, 2009

CaseyS said:
Why do you want such big lights for everyday use?

Basically, when I am not carrying a gun, I would like to have it for a small amount of protection.

StarHalo · Sep 15, 2009

EdNemo said:
Interesting, does it have extenders available for it?

No, the TK40 runs on 4 or 8 AA cells, so the runtime/output is pretty generous as-is, plus it's multi-mode, so you can turn it down as needed.

EdNemo said:
It will be my everyday flashlight riding in my motorcycle backpack, so something that has a lasting charge when not in use. Also either cheaper batteries available for it or rechargable would be best.

Since the TK40 is AA format, you can use regular alkalines or rechargeable NiMHs as you see fit. Both are as common and as inexpensive as it gets..

EdNemo · Sep 15, 2009

StarHalo said:
No, the TK40 runs on 4 or 8 AA cells, so the runtime/output is pretty generous as-is, plus it's multi-mode, so you can turn it down as needed.

Since the TK40 is AA format, you can use regular alkalines or rechargeable NiMHs as you see fit. Both are as common and as inexpensive as it gets..

I definitely like the battery option. Unfortunately it is a little short for what I want to use it for.

StarHalo · Sep 15, 2009

EdNemo said:
I definitely like the battery option. Unfortunately it is a little short for what I want to use it for.

The three lights you noted (with extender tubes added) plus the TK40 are all within about 1 inch difference in length.

EdNemo · Sep 15, 2009

StarHalo said:
The three lights you noted (with extender tubes added) plus the TK40 are all within about 1 inch difference in length.

Heh, I was just coming back here to post that! I went through and did a metric conversion and realized the heights were all about the same.

I definitely like the battery options on the TK40. How durable is it?

StarHalo · Sep 15, 2009

EdNemo said:
I definitely like the battery options on the TK40. How durable is it?

It's among the more popular and resilient lights of the recent wave of MCE units, lots of positive reviews here on the forum.

EdNemo · Sep 15, 2009

StarHalo said:
It's among the more popular and resilient lights of the recent wave of MCE units, lots of positive reviews here on the forum.

It seems this may be the way for me to go. Before I hit the purchase button, is there anything you would recommend getting for the flashlight? specific batteries, a specific holster?

qip · Sep 15, 2009

holster i have seen 2-3 good choices

these 2 are the same but one has a metal clip for belt other has nylon loop

1.ripoffs holster 1 ..hover over pic to get a different look..CO166 ..also can buy it here

2.ripoffs holster 2 nylon back loop BL166 ...i went with this but im still waiting for it to arrive

3.pts boxer holster

CaseyS · Sep 15, 2009

Get a Maha charger and 8 eneloops.

http://www.thomasdistributing.com/

StarHalo · Sep 15, 2009

EdNemo said:
It seems this may be the way for me to go. Before I hit the purchase button, is there anything you would recommend getting for the flashlight? specific batteries, a specific holster?

I'm not a holster guy, but battery-wise you'd probably want some low self-discharge ("LSD"/"Pre-Charged") NiMHs, like Eneloops. These will provide better runtime than alkalines and will also last longer when not in use. Since they're rechargeable, you can use your new flashlight all you want, guilt-free lumens.

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