Hey guys, first post here on the BLF - loving the site. I’m a new flashaholic, and I’ve started out with some more “expensive” lights like a Klarus XT11 and a 4Sevens Maelstrom MM-X. Now I’m looking at moving into a real light throwing monster, but don’t want to spend the $250 on a Nitecore TM15. I’ve been spending hours poring over this site looking at different lights, but I haven’t really gotten the answer I’m looking for. I’m looking for suggestions on an honest 2000 lumen (or more) light. Here are my criteria:
-$100 or Less
-Must take 18650 cells (I have a bunch of them)
-Must be able to take FLAT TOP 18650 cells (or give me a reliable way to modify the ones I have)
-Good Build Quality
-Good heat dissipation (My cells are unprotected)
I’ve been looking at the SkyRay King, Solarstorm Raging (called the Apex on this forum?), DRY (can’t find out where to buy one though…), Ultrafire UF-T70 - but I am open to any other suggestions.
What is the best light that meets these criteria? I realize this is subjective, but I welcome any opinions. I’ve been very interested in the King, but worry about whether it will be able to use my cells. Thanks in advance for any help!
Thanks for the input on the Raging - is this a different light than the Apex I’ve seen on here elsewhere? Why is it crap? I was worried about the flat top cells. I much prefer that style of battery housing over having a separate housing that fits inside the tube like the DRY and the Ultrafire, but I believe that system would allow for flat top cells - is that correct?
i would vote for the skyray king… i managed to pick one up here for $49 from a fellow member with a holster… and neutral white to boot… one of the best bangs for the buck in my opinion. just make sure u have 4x quality 18650 that are about the same age and are the same capacity
edit: welcome to blf! I see you are from Wisconsin… I have family in Osceola
yeah… SkyRay King quickly get my vote as it’s a decent light for the price, unfortunately it can’t be said about using them for longer periods as it gets hot for the handle to hold it comfortably. ( i bought 3 of them during black friday :D)
if the size doesn’t matter… i think Trustfire TR-J18 for around $60 would fit the bill too… or maybe even this one 7 LEDs light
( i ordered one myself :laughing:
but if it only 1 light you want to be happy with for a loooong time… probably you want to save up a little bit more and just get Fenix TK75… you can get them cheaper than before @LAPolicegear.com they have sale 15% off ( although you might have to wait, as they’re back order)
edit: just checked the website it’s 15% savings last day is today
Kumabear also has Thrunite TN30 for sale $145… i paid $150 last week and he returned $5 for “rebate” without me asking… he’s awesome!!
or you can wait a little longer, as most Flashlight companies will try to get rid of their inventories as the new LED XML2 is coming out soon :bigsmile:
hmm… is that why i can buy TN31 and TN30 for cheaper prices now?
but Thrunite TN30 and Fenix TK75 definitely trump skyray king in term of brightness
DayLighter… you are really messing with me now. That TK75 looks amazing. I was going to go with a budget light since getting to the 2000 lumen mark with an “expensive” brand seemed to cost me $300 or more. However, with the 15% discount, that it only $170.
Is it really that much better of a light than the SkyRay?
jmpaul - thanks for the welcome! Osceola is only about 1.5 hours south of me!
There are at least two different drivers they can come with. The original is a real buck driver that will regulate output flatly by drawing more current as the battery depletes. Several people have reported receiving Kings with a crappy direct drive board (output diminishes with cell voltage-i.e. unregulated).
ahhh yes i forgot about this… mine is the older more desireable version… i am not sure if the new black colored ones ric sells have a different driver or not - can someone confirm?
You want cells with a smooth flat top on the button. Those with the little protruding nipple in the middle of the button will wear a groove the the contact board of any light that does not have a spring on the positive contact.
my TK75 is not here yet but it’s coming sometimes this week…but somebody can quote on me on this… i think TN30 and Fenix Tk75 is almost the same brightness and here’s the comparison between Thrunite TN30 and skyray king
on the left is TN30 and the right is skyray king
here’s another shot with brightness reduced –45% and it’ll gives you a better idea
!!
it comes with a cool case and it’s cheaper than fenix tk75… it’s only $145
Thanks for the input everyone. I went ahead and ordered a SkyRay King off of Ebay in black for $50 shipped. If it turns out not to be what I am looking for, I will order the Fenix TK75, as it looks absolutely fantastic. But, for the money it seems that the King is hard to beat!
