Currently have a Solarforce L2i with XM-L drop-in running on AAAs in the car but I need the Solarforce elsewhere. Been looking for a replacement but can only find this:
Want something that kicks out a comparable amount of light to the Solarforce, flood rather than throw. Would prefer to run off primaries and keep a spare set with the torch but would consider Eneloops (doesn’t necessarily have to be AAA but 3xAAA makes for a handy size). The Keygos is about the right kind of money (it’s just gonna sit in the car for very occasional use), but would consider paying a little more if it gains me a good deal.
The Aurora looks nice but isn’t quite ‘budget’ enough - I would prefer something closer to $20 than $30.
The RS-710 looks pretty much like the Keygos I linked to, though the Keygos is a good deal cheaper and I’ve seen the ‘NEW-108’ (or something very similar), on eBay for around £10 - does anyone have any experience with these lights?
The light found by VFMaddict looks interesting but it might be just a little large for keeping in a smallish glovebox:
I guess I should have said that I want to steer clear of rechargeable Li-ion cells as I’m not too keen on leaving them in the car long term, so anything requiring 18650s or 14500s is out. I’m happy to consider Eneloops or similar and wondered whether lithium primaries would be of any benefit (how do they compare to Eneloops for output?).
It’s all relative, and situational. In the end there’s absolutely nothing wrong with feeding an XM-L with AAAs (of any sort) if the output (and runtime) is acceptable for your purposes.
I have some of the best 18650s you can buy to satisfy my lumen cravings, but the reality is that most of the time I don’t need that much light. As such I find myself using my AAA XM-L light quite often.
The problem with Alkalines is self-discharge and with Eneloops (and all LSD NiMH’s) is that they will not function well or will not function period in very cold or freezing temperatures. So it has to be lithiums when you want to leave them in a vehicle. If you are worried about lithium rechargeables then it has to be lithium primaries. One option is to put Eneloops in for general use but keep a couple of lithium primaries wrapped up in a waterproof bag for emergencies.
I think this is a MUCH better idea for storing in your glove compartment…lithium primaries have a shelf life of 10 years. You can always get a few 16340’s for other use as well.
Had a look at the Poppas review and the flood does look good; how would this fare on lithium primaries (actually prefer the look of the Keygos but I’m assuming it’ll be fairly similar output/beam shape)?
Hi Soytnly, what CR123 lights would you suggest, or is it just the lithium primaries you approve of?
How about sticking with Solarforce New New Solarforce L2M - great quality for the price, get the drop in of your choosing. There are other options as well…the Trustfire Z1 can’t be beat, especially for car use http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/trustfire-z1-xper2-modes-flashlight-16340-p-7347 - I’m a fan as are many others…takes both primaries and 16340’s. One great advantage of these lights for car use is their small size coupled with very bright output. The downside is shorter runtime, but batteries are cheap (at least 16340’s, and primaries are cheap if ordered online)
Had a look at the Solarforce but with an XM-L drop-in and shipping, it’s getting up to that $30 mark again. Like the look of the Trustfire Z1 but isn’t the R2 more throw than flood?
tinyspammer!
oh that’s probably too big and a little over the $30 mark 
