Looking for an 18650 XM-L Flood-to-Throw zoomer

I am looking for a 1X 18650 XM-L light with Flood-to-Throw.

I've seen a few reviews out there, but wanted to get the esteemed opinion of the folks here on what they would recommend.

On a related note, has anyone seen / can you talk me out of THIS:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CREE-XM-L-U2-LED-Headlamp-Zoom-Headlight-Bicycle-Light-Flashlight-Torch-Zoomable?item=180880579944&cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p5197.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC.NPJS%26itu%3DI%252BUA%26otn%3D12%26pmod%3D251060235556%26po%3DLWI%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D8410328126243516852#ht_4393wt_905

I like my Poppas W-878 for the price. Lots of battery options (26650, 18650 w/sleeve, or even 3AAA with included carrier). Tons of flood! I posted some beamshots at that link. It's not high quality, but acceptable and very good performance for the price.

-Garry

Thanks, Garry. Any idea what the battery life is on high with the 26650 vs. the 18650?

Also, I've never owned a light with a sleeve like that before. Any issues with fitting different size 18650s (protected vs. non protected) with the sleeve?

Thanks.

For battery life you can take the measured mAh (or the "rated" if that's all you have) and divide it by the current the light was tested to draw. Now this one seems to be direct drive on high, so it will vary depending on what your batteries are capable of. In my case, I would expected the following:

26650 King Kong (been tested to 4500mAh): 4,500 / 4,200 = 1.07hrs

18650 Protected TrustFire Flame 2400mAh (assuming mine are 2,400): 2,400 / 3,000 = 0.8hrs (Note, I'm assuming 3A draw with an 18650; I didn't measure on mine.)

The battery sleeve worked fine with my protected Trustfire Flame, but I only have one other type of 18650 and I didn't try it. Actually, I'm going to be replacing my sleeve with a piece of 3/4" PVC (either PVC water pipe, or electric conduit) because the original sleeve is way too narrow and allows the battery to rattle too much. It's a cheap and easy replacement. I think the inside diameter of the 3/4" PVC is wider than the sleeve, so any cell should fit.

-Garry

Keygos M12

That Keygos looks pretty nice. Thanks.

There are some nice threads here with pictures and lots of info on Keygos M12.

Here is one on how to disassemble it, and more links:

https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/7174

Viktor

Manafont just came out with the Sipik 18650 upgrade to the XM-L zoomie, just ordered it today. There is another thread floating around about it.

I saw that thread. Looks very interesting. I have one of the AA clones, and it's a steal for the money.

With XM-L and 18650, it will be hard to resist.

Thanks.

Keep in mind the lenssize, and what size flashlight you are ready to carry. Bigger lens means better throw, smaller lens and size means you'll probably consider it easier to carry.

As far as XM-L zoomies go, the Canso is a winner...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CANSO-Zoomable-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-3Mode-650Lumens-ZOOM-Flashlight-Torch-B06-/250954289311#ht_3495wt_922