Looking for 2xCR123a, 2xRCR123a, 16340 XM-L Light Suggestions

I am looking for 2 x CR123a, 2 x RCR123a or 16340 based light with an XM-L led. So far I have turned up the Jetbeam RRT-21 and the Klarus XT-10 and the Lumapower Signature LX XM-L. I am not interested in lights that require you to twist the head to change modes, that doesn't work for me walking two dogs at once. Am I missing any other potential candidates?

You are missing TONS of potential candidates. You have it narrowed down to what kind of batteries you want your light to take, and you have identified a usage scenario, but there's still a lot more information you could provide that would help the community here suggest the perfect light for you. My recommendation is to do the following:

1. Read, read, and read some more. It sounds like you've done some research already, but just try Google searching or searching candlepowerforums for things like "2 x CR123 light + Multiple modes" and see what comes up. Those results that are the most popular, read the reviews and discussions. You could do this for years and not read everything, but just try to get a sense for what things you want and don't want in a light. Once you get to that point, or if you're already at that point, move on to step 2.

2. Fill out this flashlight recommendation questionnaire:

Flashlight Recommendation Checklist
by CPFer ThomasH with edits and additions by EDCF members


Recommend a Flashlight Checklist: (Don't worry about all the questions, just the ones you feel strongly about!) Please mark "x" inside the [ ] to indicate your choice and please delete the options that you are not at all interested in.

1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?

2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[ ] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
[ ] I am in _______(country) and __________(state/providence).

3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
[ ] $1-15
[ ] $15-30
[ ] $40-60
[ ] $80-$120
[ ] I have no limit!

4) Format:
PART A
[ ] I want a flashlight.
[ ] I want a headlamp.
[ ] I want a lantern.
[ ] I want a portable spotlight.

PART B
Length:
[ ] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
[ ] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
[ ] 4-9 inches. (Holster carry)

PART C
Width:
[ ] I prefer a long narrow light.
[ ] I prefer a short wide light.
[ ] Doesn't matter.

PART D
Weight:
Lights of a similar size can be very different in weight and may turn the perfect sized light into a paper weight. In general a lights of the same size will stack up like this; plastic and aluminum will be your lighter choices brass, stainless steel, bronze will be heavier. I won't put numbers here because everyone has a different weight sensitivity. For the purposes of EDC specifically I'll limit the choices here to the more easily carried sizes pick 2 sizes to represent a range of weight.
[ ] Very light, can't tell it's there.
[ ] Light, no heavier than a few keys or a small car remote.
[ ] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
[ ] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag
[ ] Heavy Medium, can of Coke
[ ] Heavy, PDA or small digital camera

5) What kind of "bulb".
[ ] LED - more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)
[ ] Incandescent - can be very bright, more accurate color rendition, burn out or can be damaged more easily, shorter runtimes, very noticeable dimming as batteries deplete
[ ] HID - like new car headlights in color, very, very bright, can be had in lights as small as a Mag 2 D cell but generally larger spotlight sized lights, no dimming turns off when battery depletes
[ ] Don't care, just want the best fit for my needs.

6) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
[ ] I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
[ ] I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
[ ] I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)

7) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
[ ] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
[ ] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
[ ] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
[ ] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
[ ] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)

8) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won't have to "sweep" the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.

Throw (distance)----------------------|----------------------Flood/close-up

9) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries. Understand that runtime is a function of brightness and capacity of your batteries. If you want 6 hours you'll either have big batteries or dimmer light, they haven't made a setup yet that lights up like the sun, runs all night, and fits in your watch pocket.
[ ] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
[ ] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
[ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
[ ] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours)

10) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
[ ] Not Important (A "night-stand" light.)
[ ] Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood.)
[ ] Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
[ ] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)

11) Switch Type:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] sliding switch (Stays on until slid back.)
[ ] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
[ ] momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
[ ] rotating switch

12) Switch Location:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
[ ] I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
[ ] I want a rotating head switch.
[ ] I want a rotating end-cap switch.
[ ] I want a remote control.

13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[ ] A simple on-off is fine for me.
[ ] I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
[ ] I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
[ ] I want a strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
[ ] I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
[ ] I want S.O.S. flashing

14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite? In this case "plastic" and it's variants does not mean "cheap" or poorly made. In many applications a plastic bodied light is preferable, hard use and water resistance comes to mind; think caving or lights that get dropped or abused.
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a metal-bodied light.
[ ] I want a plastic/composite light.

15) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
[ ] Red (night vision preserving) filter
[ ] Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
[ ] Waterproof – how deep: _____________
[ ] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
[ ] Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
[ ] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[ ] "Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
[ ] Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
[ ] Belt/Jacket clip
[ ] Holster
[ ] Wrist/Neck Lanyard
[ ] Kuboton/self defense features
[ ] Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

Once you have the questionnaire filled out, the members here will probably have some more questions, but in general they will have what they need to start recommending some lights that fit your needs perfectly. And I will be first in line! Good luck.

Duplicate post. Sorry.

Triplicate post. Sorry.

Quadruplicate post. Sorry

I should remember the old adage... "502, it went through, 504, try once more"

1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?

2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[x] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
[ ] I am in _______(country) and __________(state/providence).

3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
[ ] $1-15
[ ] $15-30
[ ] $40-60
[x] $80-$120
[ ] I have no limit!

4) Format:
PART A
[x] I want a flashlight.
[ ] I want a headlamp.
[ ] I want a lantern.
[ ] I want a portable spotlight.

PART B
Length:
[ ] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
[ ] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
[x] 4-9 inches. (Holster carry)

PART C
Width:
[ ] I prefer a long narrow light.
[ ] I prefer a short wide light.
[x] Doesn't matter.

PART D
Weight:
Lights of a similar size can be very different in weight and may turn the perfect sized light into a paper weight. In general a lights of the same size will stack up like this; plastic and aluminum will be your lighter choices brass, stainless steel, bronze will be heavier. I won't put numbers here because everyone has a different weight sensitivity. For the purposes of EDC specifically I'll limit the choices here to the more easily carried sizes pick 2 sizes to represent a range of weight.
[ ] Very light, can't tell it's there.
[ ] Light, no heavier than a few keys or a small car remote.
[ ] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
[ ] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag
[ ] Heavy Medium, can of Coke
[ ] Heavy, PDA or small digital camera

5) What kind of "bulb".
[x] LED - more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)
[ ] Incandescent - can be very bright, more accurate color rendition, burn out or can be damaged more easily, shorter runtimes, very noticeable dimming as batteries deplete
[ ] HID - like new car headlights in color, very, very bright, can be had in lights as small as a Mag 2 D cell but generally larger spotlight sized lights, no dimming turns off when battery depletes
[ ] Don't care, just want the best fit for my needs.

6) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
[ ] I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
[ ] I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
[x] I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)

7) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
[ ] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
[ ] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
[ ] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
[ ] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
[x] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)

8) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won't have to "sweep" the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.

Throw (distance)--------------x--------|----------------------Flood/close-up

9) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries. Understand that runtime is a function of brightness and capacity of your batteries. If you want 6 hours you'll either have big batteries or dimmer light, they haven't made a setup yet that lights up like the sun, runs all night, and fits in your watch pocket.
[ ] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
[x] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
[ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
[ ] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours)

10) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
[ ] Not Important (A "night-stand" light.)
[ ] Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood.)
[x] Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
[ ] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)

11) Switch Type:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] sliding switch (Stays on until slid back.)
[x] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
[ ] momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
[ ] rotating switch

12) Switch Location:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
[x] I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
[ ] I want a rotating head switch.
[ ] I want a rotating end-cap switch.
[ ] I want a remote control.

13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[ ] A simple on-off is fine for me.
[ ] I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
[x] I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
[x] I want a strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
[ ] I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
[ ] I want S.O.S. flashing

14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite? In this case "plastic" and it's variants does not mean "cheap" or poorly made. In many applications a plastic bodied light is preferable, hard use and water resistance comes to mind; think caving or lights that get dropped or abused.
[ ] I don't care.
[x] I want a metal-bodied light.
[ ] I want a plastic/composite light.

15) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
[ ] Red (night vision preserving) filter
[ ] Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
[x] Waterproof – how deep: _____________
[ ] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
[ ] Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
[x] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[ ] "Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
[ ] Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
[x] Belt/Jacket clip
[ ] Holster
[x] Wrist/Neck Lanyard
[ ] Kuboton/self defense features
[ ] Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

Great! You filled out the questionnaire. Just a follow up question... First of all, you specify you want the light to take CR123a primaries, and then you say RCR123a and 16340. Around here, a 16340 is a rechargeable lithium ion battery, sometimes called an RCR123a. These will have a higher nominal voltage than the CR123a primary, and it is generally recommended that you not use them in series in multi-cell applications. That's not to say that you can't, but there isn't a reason to. You get more run time from 2 primaries and a much safer setup. If you want to go rechargeable, you would usually use an 18650 Li Ion cell which will fit in most lights designed for 2 x CR123a and provide about the same run time as 2 primaries.

Is there a specific reason you want to be able to run 2 x 16340?

The lights you have mentioned seem to fit your needs. I would also look at the Thrunite Scorpion.

The reason that I am looking for a light that will take either standard or rechargeable CR123a batteries as I already use those in a Liteflux lf3xt and at this point am not interested in investing in 18650 Lion batteries or a new charger. Thanks for all the help!

In addition to your picks, and the recommendation above, check out the Eagletac t20c2 mkii with the XML drop in. Additionally, you have the option of acquiring a bored Surefire 6p (from Oveready) or clone (I recommend the solarforce L2p or L2T) and getting a dropin from the likes of Nailbender (a forum member here) who can tailor the input voltage and levels to your specific needs.

Edit: It looks like Nailbender is out of 8.4 volt drivers for the XML.

Spark SL6-740CW or SL6-800CW come to mind.