New convert to LED

I recently picked up a Dorcy Metal Gear 3-AAA light at Wally world and I must admit I am impressed.
I was very sceptical about LED reading how it doesnt throw as well as incan, and hearing that LED relies on circuits which may break leaving me without a flashlight, but after EDCing this light for a month now I am very happy I bought this light.
The light is very snow-white leaving my incans in comparison horribly yellow, and after dropping it (and a few 6 year olds and one 3 year old playing with it for hours rolling it and beating it on the ground) I can report good reliability so far.

I now want to step it up a notch and try my luck at a higher end Luxeon light.
I would like to spend $100 or less, and would like to go with something close to the color output of my Dorcy with atleast double the output

what would you recommend?

Fenix L1p I hear is good (44ish dollars?)
Willing to spend 20 more dollars? Get a HDS EDC Basic 42

22HERTZ,

I assume you are OK with making the jump to lithium cr123 cells.

Without question I would reccomend the PentagonLight L2 in HA finish.

If you think the Dorcy is rugged and well built, you will enjoy the PL L2. As far at brightness, I think you would fine the PL L2 twice as bright or more to the eye. You won't be dissapointed.

The PL L2 can be had for $69 from highmarket goods:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Pentagon-L2...temZ8720909447QQcategoryZ106988QQcmdZViewItem


Another option would be the Pelican M6 3w HA. It is $99 from BatteryStation (not the regular M6 LED):

http://www.batterystation.com/m6led.htm

Both lights are finished in Hard Anodize, run 2 cr123 cells, and are 3 watt Luxeons. I have both lights and prefer the Penty L2, with it's glass lens, and superior fit and finish. Both lights make the Metal Gear look like a toy, and have superior tint.

The Fenix is a nice option for AA cells
HDS should be releasing a new AA pack out (Soon in this month hopefully)

year that´s a problem

Most compare led torchs with the excellent Maglite reflector. That´s pretty unfair.

Throw begans with +2500 lux and high CRI for better green/brown distinction (also underated)

If you put a magnifying glass in front of your LED torch than you might be surprised ;-)

Cr123s are fine

That Pentagon L2 looks interesting. Is there a review somewhere on it?

Any other suggestions?

Check out cones-stuff.co.uk
or flashlightreviews.com
or ledmuseum.??? org

22HERTZ,

I would check out Mark's review:

http://photonforums.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/658102481/m/651108804

He shows the light compared to the Pelican M6 3W HA (2390) and the Surefire E2L. The Pelican M6 3W HA is $99, and the E2L is $110. All 3 of those lights are made in the USA.

The Penty L2 is as good or better than the other 2 and costs considerably less.

For the price of the others you could get the Penty L2, and a 15 MCP Cyclops Thor spotlight. :laughing: