I am new to the flashlight scene. The gateway into my torch addiction was a Harbor Freight Quantum 588 lumen flashlight. I paid around $12 for it with a coupon. The Quantum was so bright for its size it blew my mind, having used Maglites for decades. On a side note; a Harbor Freight EDC folding knife was my gate way into EDC knives, too.
In the past few months I have purchased:
Wowtac BSS V3
Sofirn SP33
Sofirn C8f
Fenix PD36R
Sofirn SP32A V2.0
Quantum 588 Lumens
It looks like it’s time for you to explore higher realms… The SP36 BLF and Astrolux EC01 are good places to start. Or, you could go the other way with BLF A6 / Astrolux S1 and Convoy S2+….
All you have to do is learn to love forgetting that you ordered something by the time it shows up.
The budget thing is different for everyone
I admit, i’m a cheapass as well, but it seems that every new light is more expensive.
I remember the groupbuy price of the BLF Q8, man, i’m getting old :person_facepalming:
I will look into these torches on AlieExpress’ 11-11 sale. LOL the shipping time from AlieExpress, worst is Drop,com, though. Thank you for the suggestions.