Hey all
The more I play with my new S-Mini, the more I like everything about it (except the $40 pricetag).
Is there a budget light that is pretty close to the size of the S-Mini, that runs an XM-L and uses 18650 batteries OR Cr123's? To me the ability to run both batteries is important, since in a power outage I may not be able to recharge 18650 batteries.
The S-Mini is 4.5 inches long and only 7/8" wide, quickly becoming my favorite throw-in-my-pocket light.
Dimensions: 11.4 CM x 2.2 CM x 2.2 CM for the rest of the planet :)
I guess this one comes close: http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-2100-cree-xp-gr5-1-mode-350-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-2-x-16340-90127
though it is an XP-G and not XM-L but that can be changed
OK, is there an 11.4Cm clone out there, that takes 18650 and Cr123 batteries? I guess that will still work in Calif 
Consider getting one of the small solar panel / chargers then you can recharge 18650s anytime you get a decently sunny day.
Do you have a recommendation for one?
or 5.14 x 1 x 1 fingerbreadths for those hardcore Hebrews out there :)
Okay, sorry to get off topic. I've actually been searching for the same thing but getting an 18650 in that size is pretty difficult.
The Shadow mini-T6 is slightly bigger but comes in a WW flavor and also has the option of 2 mode groups. It takes 2xCR123 as well as 18650. Maybe $31 still isn't the budget you had in mind. For me, the search is still on. Ric should be receiving some new Shadow models very soon (or he might have them already) so keep an eye out for those.
I have a larger model solar setup that runs 40 Watts that I use at the house but I would think any of the 12Volt 10-15watt models would be sufficient to do 18650s. A WF-139 with a jack attached to the DC input designed for a car cigarette lighter works with the direct 12v output from my setup just fine.
This is using a XM-L
$19
Hey, now that is getting close! Now I need to find it in 3 or 5-modes,. so I can have a long-runtime low mode.
大龙网_跨境电商B2B商机平台_移动端跨境贸易新体验 1 mode
大龙网_跨境电商B2B商机平台_移动端跨境贸易新体验 3 modes
http://www.dinodirect.com/led-flashlight-super-bright-1000lm-5mode-cree-t6.html 5 modes
Getting very close, and for less than half the S-mini price.
Now I need one that will also run on Cr123's
That I'm sure you won't find. FandyFire 2100 can use them but it's got the R5.
I'd say get this very cheap host and mod it with XM-L and driver of your choice. Its bang on your required size. The pill looks ideal for modding.
At 10 bucks, that last one is looking pretty good! Still not useable with cr123, but looks like a decent light. Up until a few weeks ago, S-mini's were also XP-G
Exactly what I ordered a few days ago to do just that! I’m actually very excited to see if a p60 drop-in screws in as suspected. Will be run at a true 2.8A unlike all the other stock XM-L of that size that only use 1.4A.
Regarding the DD UF-2100 links above, read all the reviews and check out the beam shots. Same reviews for all 3 and all of them are for another torch entirely. Beamshot photos are of a thrower that is obviously not the light they are selling. Oh, DD, you crack me up.
Hey trooplewis, you missed the DD groupbuy? Yeah you have to read the "fine print" and all, I still don't know what will i be getting 3 mode or 5 mode. LOL!
But i know it would be about 2A driven and $12 for a Uniquefire UF-2100 delivered is not bad at all (I used my Dino points with the previous free $8 gift flashlight + UF-H2). It is actually $14 for me via PP but they threw in registered air mail for free so i can consider it for $12.
Again, $12 + $2 registered shipping. Some sites are selling a XM-L star for more than that price! My previous 2 packages came within 2 weeks, so that's a plus. At least it's not those recently triple XM-L fiasco costing people nearly 50 over bucks! (and many people were hit by that, both here and in CPF)
I will be using this for my EDC, current it is a Tank007 737 XP-E but it is too low in lumens.
This one is like the Shadow mini T6. Seriously at 1.5A and a XTAR/Sanyo 2600, you don't really need current regulation. 7C tint choice, 2 groups, 1.5A high with 5 modes and 2A turbo.
That looks like a great light, but for $35 I’d spend the extra $5 and get another S-mini, and it gets here in 3 days. I’m actually contemplating my S-mini on my keychain, LOL
If you are a regular, i am sure Ric can help you with the price, and the help is quite a lot. 
The thing is that you guys in the USA finds it better to get from US, and we guys from all other parts of the world most times find it better to get from China/HK (the US shipping charges can kill for international). I paid the same price for First Class Mail International that I paid for my 4 batteries NiMH!
Does the S-mini come in neutral now? If not I hope so for the future.
The thing is, 1.4A is too low for a floody light. I guess something happened to the old one at 2.8A, too hot and regulated too much when the 18650 is nearly empty (generates a heck lot of heat overall). 1.8A from my Xeno E03 XM-L is just barely passable.