Searching for compact thrower with best size-range ratio

Hello. I’d like to ask for help with choosing pocketable, long range flashlight. For now I preselected two models which are noctigon KR1 and manker U 22 II. First is really handy and still benefits from W1 option, but 18650 cell and constant beam intensity of 275 lm are its disadvantages for me. On the other side there is a manker which is more bulky, but I’d still call it “compact”. It has W1 and significantly more range in turbo mode and long-term brightness is about 400 lm. Serious downside for me is it’s strange UI and I’m not sure paraistic drain. (all infos taken from 1lumen.com reviews site).

I’m looking forward to any tips or other flashlights propositions and thank You in advance :slight_smile:

Acebeam E10 for a short stubby pocket thrower, or for 18650 the Acebeam L17 the tir optic really puts amazing throw on these two lights

will this work?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085NHJ2YW/

I have the Manker U22 II and can reassure you that IMO Manker really nailed it this light in terms of driving the W1 to its max and also quality of reflector. It is definitely heavily built but the upside is good thermal properties which translates to slower step down. I seem to remember that the UI is better than some of their older lights with Strobe now split off from the light levels rotation.

My Acebeam E10 is a lot more pocketable, but with the TIR, the beam is less impressive than U22 II, but surely wins in terms of size/ throw.

Although not yet confirmed, I think the Acebeam L17 is using a Osram W2 and if you are concerned about low lumens with the Osram emitters, this may well be the answer to that concern. Have a look at the Flashaholics review on YT and you’ll get a sense of the intensity of the beam.

Overall recommendation (purely speculative): Acebeam L17.

Wowtac is too weak toy for me.

I haven’t heard about this Acebeam to be honest, probably because of its recent release, but performance seems to be really nice.

LEP flashlight like the Acebeam W10 have the best throw to size ratio.

I know, but price…

I found info that LED used in this flashlight is W1, but dunno If this site can be trusted.

Maybe consider the KR1 in another emitter type such as the XHP35.

The Lumintop FW1A may be interesting as well.

From what I know of… this would be my list

Convoy M2 w/ WF1 and 5A driver - 90Kcd and ~$30. Truly pocketable. Not the most straightforward to get focused/assembled tbh, but worth it in the end.

KR1 with WF2 —- thicker than the M2 and about the same range but more lumens. E-switch and off the shelf easy. Desperately needs a new clip design though…

L17 —- Don’t own one nor even seen a review but I have an ET G25C2 I’ve modded with a LEDIL IRIS and WF1 and it’s a slick 130kcd thrower with a beam wider than you’d expect for a 1mm emitter. Should be equivalent.

C8+ with WF1—- Hard to find love for C8s anymore. But some see close to 200kcd and it’s one of the best reflector to bezel diameter ratios out there, still.

Haven’t handled any of the 50mm class of reflectored lights other than my old Jacob A60 running a WF1 and making ~240kcd. I’ll tell you though it’s a very serious light. Compact yes. Pocketable? Not for me.

I personally find most everything between ~35mm and ~50mm awkward and they rarely get used. Not comfortable/practical to pocket and then not big enough to get the performance you expect from a shelf queen (throw-wise). If you wear a holster or tool/duty belt then this goes out the window, but I never do. YMMV.

I did lots of research a few months ago to find the best pocketable thrower here: In search of the best pocket thrower flashlight – Dave's Tech Reviews

You can see the full spreadsheet with more details here: Flashlight Throwyness copy - Google Sheets

I went with the Manker MC12, partly due to price.

What is the best size / range ratio? Isnt it typically the larger the size the greater the range?

I don't know how far it throws, but my compact thrower of choice is the BLF-D80v2.

Thanks for Your interest in this topic and all served propositions, I really appreciate that. :slight_smile:

First of all- I don’t aim in all those finger-sized toddlers nor modified ones, even if they offer best size-range coefficent, because I need flashlight with tight beam and defined spot (dont really care about considerable spill) which makes at least above 100 kcd (ofcourse more is better), so things like FW1A, S2 etc. are not my cup of tea.
My personal definition of pocketability might differ from generally accepted one. It doesn’t have to be super tiny. It should just fit my rather not very huge hand, and when put in a holster or a pocket won’t feel like pear or child’s head under my coat, and same as before- more compact size is better here. I’d prefer slim head (that’s why at first I mentioned KR1, and I’d choose it over MC12), but if torch would be particularly efficent- I’m willing to loosen this feature (that’s why I added U22 II and this whole my embarrasment exists :smiley: )

I’d really want to consider LEPs, but my pocket is not so fat :D. Could’t find specific info about range/candela number of BLF D80V2.
For now I’m adding L17 to my list of choise next to the KR1 and it will actually take manker’s place though.

What about The Noctigon K1 with white flat?
It’s a fair amount larger as the KR1, but it comes with an awful lot of throw.

Astrolux FT03 SST40

Man, You can’t even imagine battle of thoughts in my head when I saw first reviews and beamshots of this gem. I’d like to have one, ofcourse, but I know that it will become toy on my shelf at the moment. Maybe someday, but not for now.

@up: same situation, just too big.

The Acebeam K30-GT would be my choice for a compact thrower.

GTmicro. You ain’t gonna get any “compacter” than that.

If you ask ‘BEST SIZE TO RANGE RATIO’,that no doubt the thrower will be LEP.State your budget so that members can definitely help you.
If you ask me,I like c8 size thrower.Cheap host,cheap parts and cheap everthing.

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I agree , the C8 is very popular and affordable. :+1: