Newbie needs help with choosing flashlight

I just came across this forum so bear with me since I definitely don't entirely know what I'm talking about (when it comes to flashlights).

So, I just bought one of those Cree 3W 2xD cell flashlights (mag style) for $10 from buy.com. It's the brightest flashlight I've ever used before, but it's big, and now I've been bitten by the bug—I'd like something more powerful. I did a little search and came across this one and thought it was really awesome (500lm and all), but then after I started reading here I figured that probably wasn't so awesome of a deal. So, what's a good flashlight that's reasonably cheap yet performs well? I'm not interested in a zoom light; I'd rather have two lights that really work than one that only marginally performs.

I appreciate your help!

go to dealextreme.com, and buy something with an XM-L led.

can get them for around 29 bux now.

youll never look back again lol

how about getting that ufh2 deal. just look a few threads down pretty incredible flashlight deal. under $20 great price.

I looked that over but I'd like more of a thrower than that and I don't like how it comes out at an angle.

Is DX reputable? There's some pretty bad reviews on it over at resellerratings. Does Manafont have as many options? Or are they more expensive?

Just keep coming back to BudgetLightForum and reading. Here you'll find the hundreds of flashlights that you need!

In the meantime here is a link to some reviews that should keep you busy till 2012.

hope you find the one you're looking for,

patrick

Maybe you guys could help me out with one thing: when I'm looking at all these chinese lights (trustfire, uniquefire, sky ray, etc.) are some brands known to be better than others? And are there particular things to look for (or stay away from)?

Some good xm-l´s at DX

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/eastward-yj-j06-cree-xm-l-t6-3-mode-900-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-18650-50513?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-x8-xm-lt60-5-mode-1000-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-batteries-set-2x18650-57749?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-stl-v6-cree-xm-lt6-2-mode-1000-lumen-white-led-flashlight-2x18650-3x16340-3x123a-91137?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-stl-v2-cree-xm-lt6-5-mode-1000-lumen-white-3-led-flashlight-black-2-x-18650-91136?r=43033281

https://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-wf-950l-xm-lt6-5-mode-800-lumen-white-led-memory-flashlight-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-91135?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-a9-t60-cree-xm-l-t6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-black-1-x-18650-90602?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-c9-t60-xm-lt6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-90779?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-a9-t60-cree-xm-l-t6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-90776?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-c8-cree-xm-lt6-3-mode-750-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-17670-1-x-18650-90606?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.57003~r.43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.57004~r.43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.57005~r.43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.57006~r.43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.57007~r.43033281

And more, more, more..... check "flashlights" section

Personally, I'd go to Manafont.com and get a $20 special with an XM-L. They have several, my first choice would be the $19 Sky Ray, nice light.

You're talking about the S-R5? How come they don't list how many lumens it is? Yes, looks nice though.

Sorry about my ignorance, but where is the best and cheapest place to get a couple of 18650s and charger from?

skip skyrays, skip any P60 drop in styles with XM-Ls

while cheap and tempting, the heat sinking isnt there.

I love these i got at DX

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-c10-cree-xm-l-3-mode-750-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-90124

c2 and c8 are a little smaller, but dont throw quite as much as that fandyfire C10.

all 3 will fit on the weapon mounts too if your wondering lol

hi-max on ebay are the BEST Bang for buck ive found (through people on here)

great cells, charger id go with an Accucell from hobbyking.com

dont bother with the garbage chargers out there, a hobby charger will charge it perfect EVERYtime.

dont get trustfire flame 18650s, I have had bad luck with those. 2 out of 8 cells owned are worth anything.

+1

Thanks, xP.1337! I appreciate your help!

The KD C8 XM-L is a light that pretty much everyone here that has one loves. Can't go wrong with it.

http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=11278

never bought that one but ive only heard great things. i have a DX c8, not as tight of a thrower as the C10.

Hmm... I couldn't find the Hi-Max batteries on eBay. Nor could I find the accucell charger on hobbyking.

I kind of like the looks of this one: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-a9-t60-cree-xm-l-t6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-black-1-x-18650-90602?r=4303328

Does anyone know how it would do compared to the FandyFire C10?

This could be the cheapest but good performance 18650 batts and charger

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-001-multi-purpose-lithium-battery-charger-12594?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-3-7v-true-2400mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-20392?r=43033281

(there are other cheaper, but not worth)