Brightest LED flashlight for $20-$25

Zoomie does not seem to be a good choice for your purpose because most of them are prone to water.

Besides a strong light like a C8, you also need a backup light that is small (to hold in your mouth) and with long burning time at a low setting for example thrunite T10 or Fenix E12. Or instead you should get a headlight to completely free your hands.

But the Convoy BD04 is a new one to me. It seems a quality light. Thanks for bringing it up.

Thanks. Is there a big difference between the XML2 T6 and the XML T6? I see on the one Convoy, you are able to select either of those. Not sure how much better the XML2 is than the XML.

You want the XML2 if its an option. IIRC it’s about 20% brighter. For outdoor use, you’ll want either a 3C or 4C tint probably.

Are you still looking at the C8 at fasttech? If so, I would go with this one

The orange peel reflector will give a smoother beam (but not quite as much throw)

I only suggested a zoomie you would at least get a decent one and don’t end up with nasty ultrahouseonfire lights. Convoy refelctor lights are great to: Convoy L4, C8, M2, M1, S3, S2+ are all great. So great that I have all of them. Choosing the led tint really sweetens the deal, no unknowns and you avoid blueish crappy light you get out of most cheapos.

The C8 is an awesome light, highly recommended. Another to consider, the ZY-T08 - $24.99 at Mtn but out of stock at the moment. $26.73 - 5% @ FT puts it close to your budget:

http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002537/1188301-small-sun-zy-t08-cree-xm-l-t6-635lm-5-mode-white-l

...That is if you want a thrower. 2x cells in parallel, so safe operation, with twice the runtime. You didn't specify if by bright, you wanted long range or wide flood.

I’ve bought 7 of those Ultrafire WF-878s, I’m sure realistically they are 600-800L, I guess $10 is a fair price.
You can order them off eBay (shipped from China) for about $8-$9, free shipping and no tax.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultrafire-2200LM-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-18650-26650-AAA-Flashlight-Focus-Torch-Light-/321400785323?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4ad4fac9ab

I’m torn between flood and throw honestly. I favor a little more towards throw with still a decent flood. It looks like the C8 is able to satisfy that from what I can see.

I think you will be happy with a decent C8... Then the addiction will set in. First, a dedicated thrower. Then a dedicated flooder. Then....

You can get what I would assume are (decent?) knock-offs of the C8 for $8.09 each.
Buy two for under $20. ($8.09 + $8.09 + $1.59 shipping)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371218265894?\_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Personally for the price of the Convoy I’d just buy one Convoy over two crappy ones.

+1000

Cheapnes gets expensive if you buy cheapass lights, they are cheap for a reason.

One should at least aim a certain level of quality and look for a good deal there, same goes for batteries.

Why take a chance at possibly getting a “decent” knock-off when you can get a great quality Convoy C8 for only $16?

Edit: I see others beat me to the punch.

  1. The cheap light: $8
  2. An aluminum reflector (if shipped with cheap plastic reflector): ~$3
  3. A good driver (to replace the cheap 5-mode (next-mode-memory?), ~$4
  4. A good emitter: ~$5

So the cheap light could end up costing more in the long run... Innocent

Buy the Convoy - ENJOY!

I’ll 2nd the X6 recommendation.

Thanks for all the feedback! You all have been very helpful. Still a little confused with all the possibilities but you have all helped me narrow down my search.

The good thing is, you can buy a couple as they are all so affordable. That way see what you like and what works well for which situations.

One more questions. Does SMO mean the smooth reflector?

Yes, and “OP” means orange peel reflector

So I am looking at the one in the link below. the one that is XML2 T6-4C that does not have SMO next to it. I would figure that would be the OP but it does not state that. Thoughts?