1)Solarforce, I'd pick the P1, but any Lxx is fine
2) XIN TD C8, hands down the best C8 style thrower
3) S-mini for a small, reliable, longest-running 18650. Get the XM-L if you want more flood and a warmer tint, the XP-G if you want more of a thrower and a cooler tint.
Hey look, three lights and not a single blinky mode to be found!
I have a Fandyfire HD2011. I like it but would like one smaller for general carry. I also want a thrower since the Fandyfire is more flood.
Ideally, i would like a forward clicky with pocket clip and only two modes. High and low. In as small a package as possible. This would be my ideal pocket thrower.
I've got a 2 cell Trustfire similar to the C8 but with a head that's 56+mm that I'd get again over the C8 (which my son has).
Otherwise, I these recommendations are pretty good starting points . . a P60, a larger reflector, and a straight tube . . not going to pay much less but you could pay a lot more and not get much more for your money until you jump up to more LEDs in the head and more batteries to drive them.
Might argue for a thrower, but really the XMLs seem to be pretty decent already.
The whole 18650 list as far as I'm concerned could consist of just the Ultrafire T-50. Other than specialty lights like a dive light or an aspheric thrower the T-50 covers it for me.
I wasn’t limiting myself to just three. I just wanted to see what the good ones were by how often they are included in your votes. What was hot 1-2 years ago may have been replaced by something much better now. My knowledge of 18650 is limited.
that should have shut down 99% of the comments right there
You already have a small 18650 light with the hd2011/about the same as the uf 2100.
You won't get any light to give you more throw in this form factor or smaller unless you change emitters..the only answer I'm guessing is an xpg S-mini . i think trooplewis has one ,you might want to ask him .i thought ric from cqg had a host the same size or a S mini clone ...?? If you want two mode You may need to make it yourself