Hello, new here and searching.

Hi all,

Just wanted to say hello.

I've been lurking for some time now.

I have 2 really budget lights, a 1AA TrustFire C3 with P4 LED and a Sipik SK58 with OGD LED.

Now I'm looking for something more serious, a decent but good value XM-L light, 1 or 2 * 18650, since I've already got batteries (flames and unprotected TF) and a charger.

I also got a load of LEDs, 3mm, 5mm, 1W and 3W emitters on stars and some 18650 battery holders, so will try my hand at building some lights myself.

Thanks for reading,

Steve

Welcome to the board. Lots of choices for XML 18650 lights. My two favorites are the Trustfire X9 or a Solarforce L2 variant with a good dropin.

Welcome to BLF, Vortex!

For XM-L there are many great choices.

The KaiDomain C8 XM-L is a very popular light around here and a great bargain in the medium size lights.

The UF-2100 from DinoDirect is another great light and a bargain in the compact size.

The TrustFire X9 is a great thrower and possibly the best on a single 18650.

For lots of light in a reliable, well built package go with the TrustFire TR-3T6 with triple XM-L LEDs and 2 or 3 cell configuration.

Welcome to BLF

I would highly recomend the KDC8 for a first 18650 light.

http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=11097

I own a KD C8 XML light and I like it. I have had no issues with it at all and it would make a good first 18650 light.

+1 One of the very few lights that I have actually bought a second one of.

Welcome to BLF.

Welcome to BLF!

C8 from KD or a good combo with L2P body and XML drop-in.

Like JohnnyMac said, if you want something more compact, UF 2100 is a good choice.

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome!

I already went ahead and ordered the X9 on ebay.

The price was right and I really like the look and size of it.

I'm gonna order a couple of 8x7135 5-mode drivers from KD anyways and might swap the driver if I don't like the output of the X9.

I read that it's hit and miss when it comes to current readings with X9's bought on ebay.

The KD C8 will be on my list as a possible next buy, as so many here seem to like it a lot. I've been checking C8's on ebay before, but I didn't trust some of the offers, as feedback wasn't always possitive (wrong emitters and such).

I'll remember to check out KD when the time has come to buy something new.

Thank you,
Steve