Compact EDC with good throw?

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

I have both the KD C8 and UF-2100, both 5 mode. The 2100 is great for EDC due to its slim design. It is easy to mount on my bicycle too. However, I prefer the quicker mode memory and the throw on the KD C8. The 2100 needs like 2-3 seconds before memory kicks in

Is there a compact light like the 2100 with better throw (similar or greater output)?

2

Trouble with the compact torches where the head is the same size as the body is that the reflectors are simply too small to provide decent throw. I don't think you will ever find a light the size of a UF2100 that throws well. Your best bet might be to see what compact XM-L zoomer is considered to be the best compromise between flood and throw.

3

Thanks for yr reply JohnnyMac.

I have the EDI-T P4. But I have renewed interest in non-zoomies thanks to XM-L . Is an XM-L zoomie significantly better than those XR-E/XP-G ones?

The large head on the KD C8 sure helps with throw. I was wondering maybe a light with the 2100 head but with deeper reflectors?

4

XM-L zoomers don't throw as well as the XR-E zoomers but they flood much more nicely.

As for reflectors, the XM-L's wide viewing angle needs a wider, shallower reflector to throw well. Deeper narrow reflectors don't work well with the XM-L like they do with the XR-E emitters.

5

I would think that throwing a TIR in your 2100 might give you the effect you want.

6

My favorite EDC light.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-kf-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-57003?item=32

Its slightly longer than a P60 light but it has a much deeper reflector (SMO) for great throw... It's an awesome light.

7

Couple lights for you to consider. Small form like the UF-2100 but with SMO reflector. I have the Yezl Z1, which is similar:

N-Light ST50 - Just a hair bigger than the Z1 but much brighter (+ it has a turbo mode), nice beam, throws pretty well and crisp cool white tint. I use this as a spot on my helmet.

New IOS Mini - I have no experience with this light, but you have choice of modes, tint and reflector (including SMO). About the same size as the SB S-mini.

8

Nice light . . wish the head turn was ramping. Or that the mid was lower and the flashy modes were in the other group.