I was wondering, what are some of the brightest flashlights out there in our hobby? I mean ones that actually fall under the category of budget and that you can afford to buy? I know the the 3XT6 18650 lights are becoming "normal" now, are there lights that are brighter then those? Thanks for the help. :)
Not in the same league as a triple XML but the UF-2100 I recently got is insanely bright for a tiny light that is small enough for some people to EDC. In high mode it lights up my backyard like a floodlight. Best part is it cost around 15 bucks delivered. To me that is some serious bang for the buck.
I fully agree with Miami...I have the 5 mode 2100 from DD, and I can't imagine a brighter light for $15...truly the definition of budget lights.
I have the Yezl Z1 which is supposed to be the same light without the flashy strobe modes and I can't use it the beam is so ringy it makes me insane I have never seen an uglier beam in my life.
You can get the Manafont or DX direct drive drop ins for $16 bucks and a 501B host for $6 bucks so $22 bucks for over 800 lumens and you don't have to deal with the ringy beam of the DinoDung light.
Back on topic the Triple XMLs kill anything except an HID and there is no HID I can find for $50. I have both the Dry and the Skyray triple and you can hang either one out the window of your car at 60 on a dark back road and drive no problem.
I am sorry your Yezl Z1 is so ringy; I don't like ringy or ugly beams either. I have three 5-Mode UF-2100s from DinoDirect. (One is mine, one is for my mom, and one is for my friend Blake.) None of their beams are ringy, so in that respect, the 2100s are better than the Z1s. When the 2100s are on sale, they can be a pretty good deal. (I also have a Tank007 TK-737, which is not very bright compared to XM-L lights. The 737's beam is quite ringy, so that's my reference point for ringiness.)
My other XM-L light is the famous KD C8 with OP reflector. It's beam is not ringy either. The C8 is brighter than the 2100 and has better heatsinking and a better build quality, but the C8 is more expensive, larger, and heavier.
The Yezl was $30 bucks and it has a horrible almost purple tint combined with the rings it pretty much sits in the corner and collects dust. I should really sell that one and buy a 2100.
I love my KD C8 that one gets a lot of use I can't wait to find out if the new warm white KDC8 is direct drive because if it is it will be my next light purchase.
I think the L2i is the most under priced host on the market. Some of the finest machining you'll ever find for $9.
Drop in a decent drop-in, the Reverend's Panasonics fit perfectly and you've got a torch that can run with the big dogs and put the hurt on flashlights costing a lot more.
evangelizingFoy
The Ultrafire 980l was the throw king for the longest time until someone figured out that if you put an XML an 18650 and 3.5 amps into an Ultrafire MCU C-88 it is like a white laser.
C-88 XML @3.5 amps 980l XML @3.5amps
http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/ultrafire-c88-cree-q5-3mode-memory-led-flashlight-aa-p-4633
Look at that huge pill. Bet you could put what, like two pounds in there, E?
Foy
It's the biggest pill I have ever seen and they made a tiny hole for a 14mm emitter. A 20mm would fit with no problem if they spent 3 more minutes machining the hole bigger.
I think my Keygos KE-5 would have to be one of my brighter lights for the money spent. I think I paid like $25 for mine. I also think the Trustfire TR-12 Q5 5 led light is a good one and a very good beam thrower. I also have a TR-1600 XM-L that I paid $30 for. I actually have 2 and both throw pretty well for the money.
1320, I have the Yezl Z1 and the 2100 - I wouldn't describe either as ringy nor with a poor tint. I'd guess you got a very bad copy. I love both of mine, and are two of my most used lights. I agree though, a triple XML would be tough to beat for under $50.
OK I got one of the first ones this bears some investigation maybe I can adjust the reflector on it and get rid of some of the ringiness. As far as the tint goes an emitter swap is the only answer but I already have $30 dollars into that light putting a ten dollar emitter in it doesn't make sense unless I am going to use it all the time. Thanks for all the input guys.
Damn that Solarforce is sexy
does walmart still sell a hid spotlight for sixtyish bucks??
i remember seeing it three months ago. stanley was the brand.
I have seen that Stanley HID light @ Wally's World as well. That is a serious light.
It has a list of pretty much all the lights I've measured. Most of them have links to where I bought them from.
Not bought all that much recently though.
It's hard to beat the P60 body of your choice with a good cell and the Manafont XM-L dropin.
Beyond that any of the triple XM-Ls are worth a look. The only one I can speak of with any personal knowledge is the FandyFire which is the brightest light I own - but it has been used for less than half an hour since I bought it.
I'd have bought more, but the New Assistant needs to go to the vet for neutering and that is going to cost a bit.
Problem with the wally-world HID; they sit on the shelf, sometimes for a year or more, and the SLA sulfates after it self-discharges, leaving a light that won't operate for long.
I should know...I bought one, exchanged two more, with the same issue. Date codes showed over 1.5 years since date of manufacture. Wal-Marts in this area don't carry them any more.
SLA powered? Do your homework and look at the manufacturer date codes on these lights, if you can.
Will save a lot of frustration.
They are good lights for the money, if you find one with a fresh battery.
under priced ? NEVER !!
$9 thats all its worth not a penny more , be a fair buy @ $5