Those $4 lights are always going to be second or third rate - by now 4th rate .
You want to spend at least $10 ...
You want serious value for money = Solarforce L2 host + a XM-L drop in of your choice for around $15 , for under $30 you get the latest and greatest in a package that should offer good service for quite some time .
For around $20 now you can enter the XM-L world by buying a package from Manafont , DX , KD or some such ..
For around $15 you can buy a decent XR-E equipped light ...
Starting around $10 a EDC powered by AA 14500 or 16340
Start window shopping @ Manafont.com / Dealextreme.com / Kaidomain.com / Lightake.com and all the rest and when you see something you like ?
Post a link to it , and ask folks who own one to comment on it .
I got the Quark, Preon 2, and Fenix from my CPF days....bought them used. I am starting to enjoy this hobby but want value for money for a tool that I need....moreso than to collect. :) Shoot everyone needs a hobby. :)
If you don't mind a 1 mode AA light, give the Ultrafire C3 SS a try. Very nicely built. You can use Alkaline, NIMH or 14500 battery . I would recommend using alkaline or nihm , just because with a 14500 its not a whole lot brighter and runtime will be poor. For $ 10.75 at tmart.com it is a steal.
Agreed! That or an F15 are excellent lights at any price and you have to have at least one larger reflectored light. They are much better than regular p60 sized lights in output and in feel, IMHO…just not as easily pocketed but then who stuffs a 504/L2 in their pants pocket anyway?
I have to agree with the KDC8 recommendation, that light is the bargain of the century, nothing else puts out that amount of light for $25 bucks. I just bought my second one and it is even better than the first it has a brass pill now instead of aluminum, so it gets improvements over time unlike most lights that get cheapened. This light puts out a flood beam like nobodys business and the price is unbelievable, a must have bargain classic.
I am still learning here, how does the KDC8compare in brightness to my UF 504B with MF 3 mode XM-L drop-in? If one more flood than the other, which is brighter?
Well I have a fixed amount that I give myself to play each month. My wife is into needle work, me it is lights and knives for now. Alright, before I pull the trigger on the KDC8, how does it compare to the Trustfire F15 P7?
When you ask people whats the best value, you might also want to specify more what features, or aspects you're interested in. There are so many different types of lights that people will think one attribute is good, but other person isn't interested in that.
Some value a very powerful and bright light, others value run time, or modes. Some are into all types of batteries, while some of us only are interested in standard AA or AAA batteries, double or single battery only. Some people want a light weight light for carrying, while others like the feel of a heavier more solid light.
I think my Ultrafire WF-606a is a really nice light. So is my Trustfire F20. My ebay powerlight are also good value. They're all so very different and range from $2 to almost $20. Those are just my fav flashlights.. then there's the excellent lantern and headlamps I've enjoyed.
Well I just pulled the trigger on the KD C8 18650 light. I wonder how long it will take to get here? It is my first KD purchase. :) That was my play money for the month, so it is all good. :)
How does the ultrafire C8 XML compare to the KD C8 XML? I have the ultrafire C8 and its pretty bright with really good throw. It does have a ringy beam and gets hot within a few min on high.