Trying to find an "allround" 18650 light with XM-L - desperate!

Hi everyone,

I have spent months, trying to find the right 18650 light for me. But somehow every light I stumble upon has some kind of major flaw. I want to use this light as an allrounder - that means, it must have a decent, easily accessible low-mode (<10lm) with long runtime just as well as a high with a lot of output (>450lm). It should not be an extreme flooder (like the ZL SC600, this one would be perfect otherwise), neither an extreme thrower.

These are my requirements for my new flashlight:

• Powered by a single 18650
• Output at least 450 lumens on max
• Easily accessible low with <10lm and >100h runtime
• decent regulation for almost constant output
• A simple UI with quick and uncomplicated access to the different output modes (except for strobe, sos, etc.)

I thought the Jetbeam RRT-21 was the perfect flashlight for me, I really liked the idea with the infinitely variable output. The 40h runtime at 3lm were a downside, but I knew I had to live with some kind of compromise. Unfortunately, after it was delivered, I found out that I didn't like the UI at all, as already mentioned in other threads. If you turn the selector ring, it runs through the lower modes pretty quickly and gets much slower on the higher modes. Exactly the opposite of what I could use. Finding the lowest setting really is an ordeal.

After sending the Jetbeam back to the dealer, I had a closer look at the Fenix TK21. At first, everything seemed perfect. But after reading some threads about it, I found out that even with good batteries, it switches down from "turbo" to "high" much too early. There might be situations, where I want to use it on "turbo" until the batteries are empty. This is also the reason why I want constant output throughout the battery range.

This is a list of all the flashlights I have considered and dismissed:

4sevens Maelstrom X7
Balder BD-2
Dereelight CL1H V4
Fenix TK21
Jetbeam Jet III M
Jetbeam RRT-21
Klarus XT10
Lumapower Signature LX
Lumintop ED20
Olight i6 Paladin
Olight M21X
Solarforce M6
Spark SL6
Sunwayman V20C
Thrunite Scorpion V2
Wolf-Eyes Sniper II
Zebralight SC600

Ok, my Question is simple: Does anyone of you know of a flashlight, that is not on the above list and at least roughly meets my requirements? I know that this is a long list but I really had a close look at each of these flashlights individually and had to dismiss every single one of them.

Please help me, I just want to find my flashlight, order it and be happy. If it is the right one, price is second rate.

Greetings from Germany, Serial Chiller

I think what you want is a custom light.

Ok... I never took that option into account. Are there people who will just build a flashlight the way I want it? Sorry for the "stupid" question, but I never really dealt with selfmade and custom lights before. Always thought there are enough ready-made flashlights out there.

Eagletac t20c2 XML would be a good choice, I like the Zebralight sc600 myself. Too bad 4sevens doesn't sell the 18650 body anymore or the Quark TurboX would be a winner. 450 lumens and loosen the head for second mode. If you'll consider 17650's than it's still a great choice.
I like my floody lights and that's why I like the XML.

Serial Chiller said:

Ok... I never took that option into account. Are there people who will just build a flashlight the way I want it? Sorry for the "stupid" question, but I never really dealt with selfmade and custom lights before. Always thought there are enough ready-made flashlights out there.

Click to expand...

Not sure, but if you have a light you want modded to fit your criteria ask in the custom modified bst section to see if anyone will do the mod for you. I've had luck with Icarus, VestureOfBlood and VinhNyugen
Have you considered a Solarforce L2P with a two mode XML dropin (made by nailbender) nailbender sells dropins in the custom modified bst

Maybe one of the Peak lights with the variable brightness knob? I keep looking and being tempted but the price has kept me from buying (so far)

Thanks a lot for the replies so far, I'll have a look at your suggestions. The Eagletac T20C2 looks promising, must have overlooked that one.

Have you looked the Shiningbeam S-mini XM-L?

Regulations is close to perfect flatline. Only 400 lumens on max though.

How about the quark turbo x with an 18650 body, I bought the body from a German company a couple of weeks ago as it was the only place i could find any left!
Good luck with your hunt for your perfect light, I hope never to find mine as I wouldn't have any excuses to keep buying them then !

frenchie said:

How about the quark turbo x with an 18650 body, I bought the body from a German company a couple of weeks ago as it was the only place i could find any left!
Good luck with your hunt for your perfect light, I hope never to find mine as I wouldn't have any excuses to keep buying them then !

Click to expand...

Might I ask what company?

tacticalhid just sent me a Xeno G10v2 w/XM-L and based on your criteria, it seems like it would fit the bill decently:

• Powered by a single 18650 - check (or can use 2 x CR123)
• Output at least 450 lumens on max - check (mfg claims 480)
• Easily accessible low with <10lm and >100h runtime - (unf. not quite a match but it's rated at 60lms @ 100hrs)
• decent regulation for almost constant output - I just finished runtime testing on H using an AW IMR and was impressed by the near table top flat regulation throughout the entire run (before quickly tapereing off)
• A simple UI with quick and uncomplicated access to the different output modes (except for strobe, sos, etc.) - check (except no strobe or SOS), the light features 3 levels (H, M, L and always in that order w/no memory so meaning the light will ALWAYS come on in H) and no muss/fuss UI; click on H, click off/click on -> M, click off/click on -> L. It's a forward clicky so you can also access the level you want first through momentary presses and then click on when you find your level.

The light features a smooth reflector so offers a nice balance of decent throw and flood. I'm in the process of reveiwing the light so please DO NOT take this as a personal recommendation since I have not formulated an opinion about it yet. I am suggesting it based on your requirements.

Another to consider would be the Sunwayman T20C. I know you knocked the V20C from your list likely due to the UI (if you didn't like the RRT-21). Again, going by your requirements:

Powered by a single 18650 - check (or can use 2 x CR123)
Output at least 450 lumens on max - close (mfg claims 438)
Easily accessible low with <10lm and >100h runtime - (unf. not quite a match but it's rated at 10lms @ 50hrs)
decent regulation for almost constant output - Not table top flat but decent (check my review)
A simple UI with quick and uncomplicated access to the different output modes (except for strobe, sos, etc.) - this light also features 3 levels (L, M, H and always in that order but w/memory so it will remember last setting used) and no muss/fuss UI w/the strobe hidden (again check my review for full details)

The T20C features a LOP reflector so offers a more floody beam but still has some decent throw.

Hope that helps and good luck w/your hunt!

Cheers,
Tim

I really like the Eagletac T20C2 MKII, the ZL SC600 has a large spill area but it also throws better than you might think at ~140 meters.

Zen Ape said:

Might I ask what company?

Click to expand...

https://www.msitc-shop.com/geocachi...erper-fuer-den-betrieb-mit-18650-akkus/a-177/

I hope it's ok to post the link, I was going to link to my reply on the MP, but that seems to have disappeared?

Name is MS ITC webshop, if the link goes, google should get it ok
There was one more, but I can't find that atm.

Thanks again for your help, I really did not expect so many helpful replies! Right now my favorites are Eagletac T20C2, Sunwayman T20C and Jetbeam PC25, but I will also have a look at nailbenders dropins for the L2P. I really like the modes of the Quark Turbo X, but if I want to use more than two of them I have to reprogram them and that seems to be really complicated. The Shiningbeam S-Mini XM-L is probably quite the flooder, due to the small reflector, isn't it?

don.gwapo said:

Have you looked the Shiningbeam S-mini XM-L?

Regulations is close to perfect flatline. Only 400 lumens on max though.

Click to expand...

I have the XP-G version and I'll go ahead and say it's *almost* my favorite light. Simple, solid, and it's bang for the buck is incredible. I have some nice customs, built to my specs, love em. Yet, an off the shelf "budget" light from Shiningbeam is the one light that is always in my pocket. Always. Even swim trunks. The XM-L is going to be floodier, XP-G is a great compromise and I understand that the XP-G is going to be back in stock soon. ~45 bucks. I am considering getting a second one, I like it that much.

Reprogramming the quark only takes a few seconds, although to be honest, now the novelty has worn off I tend to just leave mine programmed for full power and moonlight, works a treat for me.


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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=52.604810,-4.118240

I'm waiting for V2 of the ArmyTek light. I love that it's programmable and features full regulation for 100% brightness if you so choose. I've seen no other light that offers the flexibility and options.

CarpentryHero said:

Not sure, but if you have a light you want modded to fit your criteria ask in the custom modified bst section to see if anyone will do the mod for you. I've had luck with Icarus, VestureOfBlood and VinhNyugen
Have you considered a Solarforce L2P with a two mode XML dropin (made by nailbender) nailbender sells dropins in the custom modified bst

Click to expand...

I have to support the solarforce L2 option with the XML dropin from nailbener. This is the best light i have by far. Amazing quality and is super bright. Can be had for about $70 as well. Definitely the best value for money light out there IMO. If you have any questions just ask.

The zebra is "floody" because it uses a xm-l in a pretty small reflector. I would not call it a extreme flooder. If you need a xm-l light with more throw, you need someting with a bigger reflector. Drop in modules dont have big reflectors (26mm), so a xm-l version will have similar "floody"beampattern as the zebra. Imo, big lights is not that "allround", so I would go just go for the zebra. It got more reach than you might think.

The Eagletac T20C2 is off the list again. Apparently I have to leave it on "medium" for at least 2 seconds before I can switch to low and it has no memory function.

I'm still sceptical about the Zebra. I really like the UI, but I already had the Jetbeam RRT-21 and it had just enough throw, I don't think I could live with much less. Also, it is really small and does not have any cooling fins, but nevertheless it puts out 500lm (even more in "turbo" mode). Where does the heat go?

@infinus: I just had a closer look at the Armytek Predator - and I love all the options it offers! Seems like I can configure it just the way I want to have it with a huge choice of output levels, regulations, etc. This would be the perfect light for me, if it came with an XM-L emitter. Maybe it will. At least, if I can't find anything, I know what I have to wait for.