Hi everyone,
I had to join this forum because I enjoy it very much, and I've learned a lot from many of the knowledgeable, veteran posters on this board. I'm planning to continue reading and learning from all of you because, like all of you, I've caught the bug, to my wife's slight dismay.
For some reason 18650 flashlights appeal to me, and so far I'm remaining committed. I'm currently attempting to acquire 1) single-18650 lights with as small a form factor as possible (lights similar in size to the UltraFire P10-R5, or even smaller if possible), and 2) single-18650 lights that throw well, and that have the UltraFire U80-style form factor.
Small-size 18650 lights I have/use (or have ordered):
UltraFire P10-R5 (5-mode) -- This light's form factor is ideal to me. This $18 (from DX) light operates flawlessly, and it seems to exhibit only slightly less spill/throw than comparable size T6 lights. I'd absolutely love a black UltraFire P10 in 3-mode with a T6 or U2 emitter.
UltraFire V6-T60 (3-mode high/med/strobe) -- Just received this yesterday. This light is only slightly larger than the P10-R5, but it is has slightly more brightness/throw. However, operation seems glitchy. Sometimes the light works fine. But many times it won't come on (pressing switch again remedies this). I'm not experienced enough to determine if its the switch or other component. Going to use it and experiment with different batteries to newbie troubleshoot. Paid $24 from DX (not feeling great about purchase so far. This might be returned...).
UniqueFire/Kingston UF-2100 (3-Mode T6) -- Recently ordered 2 a few days apart. Paid less than $15 each using the BLF code on DD. I hope these work well... I like this size light. Based on the positive reviews, I'm hoping at least one of them works flawlessly...
Single 18650 throwers I use/ordered, or am contemplating now:
UltraFire WF-502B -- I added a one-mode U2 emitter not too long ago. Nice light output and I like the form factor, but I'm detecting an extremely slight/occasional but consistent "flicker" during output (barely perceptible), and emitter or switch seems "glitchy" - sometimes emitter is low, and then turning it off and on corrects this. I'd like this light a lot if it operated flawlessly. Had P60 shell on hand and dropped a $16 U2 emitter from Kaidomain into it (now they sell them for $11). Knowing what I know now, instead of upgrading my WF-502B, I would have ordered: http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=11251
I've also recently ordered an UltraFire C8 T6 5-mode light from eBay for $16. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=130579738166ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123 Honestly, I only ordered this light because of the price, even though I knew this light might not arrive with T6 emitter as listed... living dangerously, rolling the dice.
Right now what I plan on purchasing next is a single-18650 thrower with clean form factor like the UltraFire NH-T60 (two-mode version) http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-nh-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-2-mode-1000-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-55907, but this $30 light costs more than my personal $20 per-light limit, a rule I only break occasionally. So I'm waiting for restock on what I think is a U80 knockoff: http://www1.shenzhen-wholesale.com/high-power-cree-xml-t6-led-aluminum-f...
or:
I might return my new UltraFire V6-T60 to DX and order either the UltraFire NH-T60 or the UltraFire UF-980L. I really like the form factor of the NH-T60, but I understand the light output on the UF-980L is higher, so I'm torn here. But I'm starting to think that maybe I shouldn't fool around -- it might actually be cheaper to pull the trigger on the UF-980L and get a good light.
Related to the above possible purchase: would I have a better chance of getting a flawless-operating NH-T60 or UF-980L by ordering from someplace other than DX?
Thanks in advance for any input, feedback, and advice.
Joe