I would like to see what the opinions are on what the ultimate budget thrower is. Let's keep this budget under $35. Also when I say "thrower" I do not consider an XML a thrower. I'm thinking more XRE R2 based. So what ya got??
Some info here...https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/2418
…I just got this light and it throws really good and takes 18650s,2 cr123a,and AAA
its a little over your budegt but itss a great light http://www.itc-shop.net/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=26&id=12
IMO a KD C8 with an XM-L (or similar) will pretty much kick any other emitters ass when it comes to throw. At least in the under $35 price range.
You might look at an XR-E and think it has a slightly brighter hotspot (or not) but the hotspot on the C8 will be about 8 times bigger and just as bright unless you have something like a Skyline ( way over your budget) with a very small, focused spot. I've got several XR-E throwers. Believe it or not the yellow Dorcy with 4xAA batteries is one of the better ones, 20 bucks at Sears, but I am so over XR-E's unless they are in a really small package like a Trustfire Z1
Does the KD C8 have the typical XML flood splash though? This kinda kills long range night vision.
Uniquefire HS-802.
Do you have a lux meter? lux @1m please?
Would be interesting to see how this compares to HS-802 or KD RQ..
(KD RQ with XR-E R2 is currently my best thrower with ~27k lux@1m - And I really like the narrow beam of it!)
Right up there with my R2's/aspherics,
Here's one of the best thrower lights that you can buy for $35 or less.
And for $25 or less the Keygos KE-5 XM-L T6 light would be very tough to beat for brightness or throw. It will throw a beam a good 400yds and then some.
That white horse barn on the right side of the road in the background where you can see a vehicle or 2 parked in front of it is approx 360yds from the camera. Now I have my camera on nite mode, but I can assure you that picture is just about the same as seeing this light live and in person.
Here's a link to the same picture but a little bigger. You should be able to click the picture to make it bigger.
And here's one of the Trustfire TR-1200.
http://www.itc-shop.net/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=26&id=123
its in a price range and great quality.here you have some beamshots:)
I'd avoid the Skyline 1 if you want to use 18650's, its pants on those.
The HS-801 or 802 (only styling differences between the two so pick either) is your best choice if you want superb throw and close to zero spill. Manafont have it and spare pills, if you want.
The other choice is slightly more expensive but a terrific offer, its the Masterpiece Pro 1 head which SolarforceSales currently have a special offer on so it includes a free L2i tube and switch so you are set to go right away and you can use 1*18650 or 2*16340 or 3*AAA.
<strong>+1 great light pro1</strong></p>
If I would (hypothetically, you know) buy that above mentioned MPP1 with L2i, what else would I need to run the light in 2 x 18650 configuration? An extension tube, which one? Or another tube + extension? Or what?
Thanks in advance!
body.. The L2i MPP1 package comes only 1 18650 you would have to buy
just MPP1 head and get L2 body..
Does anybody know if this pill is compatible with HS-802 ?
The deal I linked to gives a free L2i tube which can be used in 1*18650 mode. by using 2*18650 in series won't make hardly any difference to the throw because of the extreme range of the MPP1 in the first place and the inverse square rule re throw. On the other hand if you want the extra runtime of a 2*18650 then just carry a extra/spare 18650 cell with you. 
I suspect it might be but no-one could really say for sure. The only guarantee really is that if MF sell an HS-801 and also this pill for 801's you can bet that those two fit. But I wouldn't even guarantee that that pill fits 801's sold elsewhere.