Typical newb question . Best light under 35$

Was actually looking at the c8 design, something easy,don’t need sos or strobe 1k lumen or better. Low-med-high is fine

You could try the Astrolux C8, which has the same interface as the BLF A6 but much more throw. You can program it to use just 4 different levels, and use mode memory to start in high. Strobes are hidden.

I only have one Astrolux, the EO2 and it is a very fine light. I have all of Sofirn’s C8’s and all them perform very well. I tend to use the C8A when I need to reach out and see at some distance and the C8F when I need to light up the yard.

Link?

Wuben T046R $30.99 Code:YT046R

USB charge and battery are included, so there is no need for anything else.
I own this light, this light does not heat much,It will light for about 2 hours.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-C8A-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-18650-Powerful-1750-lumen-Flash-light-Cree-XPL2-High-Power-Torch/32838475029.html

-Looks pretty good with the current sale price. I’m thinking about one myself now, but also trying to resist as I just bought several other lights (BLF Q8, Convoy S2+, Skilhunt H03, & Sofirn SP31). Not sure I need a C8 thrower too, but…

One more vote for the Astrolux C8, it is dead cheap for what you get, it is a proven design that is built wel, and with its 40mm reflector, XP-L Hi and the BLF-A6 direct driver it has excellent output and throw. And as said, with mode memory activated you will always start on highest mode if you ended with high.

https://m.banggood.com/Astrolux-C8-XP-L-HI-1A-1300Lumens-74modes-A6-Driver-Tactical-EDC-LED-Flashlight-18650-p-1217415.html?rmmds=search

I’ve never ordered from banggood , it says possible 6 or more weeks for delivery ?
I usually order from Amazon to get things within a week

It will be a lot slower than Amazon. But being in the US, you should get it in 2-3 weeks.

I haven’t had anything run past 3 weeks with BG. Unless of course I knew I was ordering something under restocking. Usually 2 weeks, 3 weeks being the exception. Can’t beat free shipping and cheaper pricing.

Yes, I find both Banggood and Gearbest are great for things you don’t need right away, and can wait a few weeks. Aliexpress and Ebay are fine if you don’t mind waiting a couple of months.

I have a love/hate relationship with Amazon. I love it for the fast delivery. I hate it for the minimum price for free shipping, and that the prices change from one day to the next. You also have to be really careful you’re not overpaying for something. Some stuff (like 18650 cells from Amazon Canada), can be 5x the price you’d pay from reputable sellers (either overseas or from the US). And if you’re in Canada, most stuff on Amazon US won’t ship here.

Oh, and some stuff on Amazon are fakes, like 18650 cells. But, they have a great return policy, as long as it ships by Amazon.

astrolux c8

Sofirn C8 T or A with a 2 usd store discount and Ali discount total price is around 14 usd.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-C8A-C8T-C8F-Tactical-High-Power-LED-Flashlight-18650-Cree-XPL2-XPL-HI-Powerful-lamp/32853161830.html

Thanks for all the info and links guys, it’s much appreciated.
I am leaning heavily towards the Sofirn C8A kit on Amazon for 27.00 I get the light,battery and charger.

I tend to not trust no-brand chargers from package deals, batteries in those deals can be from ok to very bad, but always have an outdated current and capacity performance

The Sofirn batteries aren’t bad. I tested it in my review of the Sofirn SP32A. It’s about a 2700-2800mAh cell, with decent drain, at least for the light its included with. You’ll do better with a name-brand cell, but the Sofirn battery is a decent starter cell.

Well the Astrolux is under restocking from BG, so who knows when it would be available.

Excellent choice.

Ok well the Sofirn came in today.
Now I’m not an expert in lights by any means and I don’t know the technical jargon used here, I’m a simple redneck who likes nice lights on a budget and anything that goes bang.

This thing is BRIGHT, low is perfect for the back yard, medium is really about all I will need and high is just insane but perfect for spotting downed game.
It has a nice big hot spot and plenty of flood yet it really reaches out there quite a ways.

Yup, the C8A is definitely a good’un. It was my first Sofirn light. Now I have a SP10b, SP33 and an SP31. I like them all, but the SP33 is a particular favorite. The reflector isn’t as big as the C8A, nor is the emitter driven as hard, but it still quite bright, with a good general purpose beam + I like the thicker body and added runtime that comes with a 26650. Oh, and I have another SP10b, and SF14 and a C8F host & driver on the way.