I've spent a bit of time going through the various posts, but I can't find the information I'm looking for... sorry if this has been beat to death somewhere else.
I have literally 200+ unprotected 18650 Li-ion rechargeable batteries and a couple of quality Pila chargers. Up until now I've only bought a custom flashlight and the Jetbeam lights, all of which have been excellent, but expensive lights with built-in over-discharge protection. Recently the cost issue was driven home when one of my Jetbeam lights were stolen from my son at camp.
Which brings us to the real question... I'd like to buy 5-8 lights for emergencies, occasional camping, and something so the kids will leave my expensive lights alone
. There seems to be a lot of quality lights on DX, eBay, and other sites for less than $20 that would be perfect - if I could only verify they won't ruin my unprotected cells.
What is a good quality, inexpensive, and rugged 18650/2xCR123A flashlight with at least two or three brightness levels that is water-resistant (waterproof is better), 200 lumen or more (but not over-driven), with a decent run-time, that won't bake tiny hands? I'd prefer an aluminum reflector and glass lens in the interest of sturdiness, but will consider any suggestions.
Incidentally, I've had problems with my last three orders from DealExtreme (DX) and don't plan to buy from them again...
Thanks for any suggestions!
Grrash
I have literally 200+ unprotected 18650 Li-ion rechargeable batteries and a couple of quality Pila chargers. Up until now I've only bought a custom flashlight and the Jetbeam lights, all of which have been excellent, but expensive lights with built-in over-discharge protection. Recently the cost issue was driven home when one of my Jetbeam lights were stolen from my son at camp.
Which brings us to the real question... I'd like to buy 5-8 lights for emergencies, occasional camping, and something so the kids will leave my expensive lights alone
What is a good quality, inexpensive, and rugged 18650/2xCR123A flashlight with at least two or three brightness levels that is water-resistant (waterproof is better), 200 lumen or more (but not over-driven), with a decent run-time, that won't bake tiny hands? I'd prefer an aluminum reflector and glass lens in the interest of sturdiness, but will consider any suggestions.
Incidentally, I've had problems with my last three orders from DealExtreme (DX) and don't plan to buy from them again...
Thanks for any suggestions!
Grrash