BLF X5 or Manker T01. Emisar D1S has more throw, but the head is prob too big to fit well in a pants pocket. I have all these lights and the first two would be my picks. The X5 gives maybe a bit less throw but the beam is smooth and lights up a better area. Bonus for the manker is that it will also run on a non LiIon aa if you need to but I never do unless I’m killing off a alkaline.
Imalent DM21T is throwy and I think you can find a coupon for it for much cheaper than the retail price (if I remember correctly, I got mine for about $30-$35 a few months ago).
My vote is for The GT mini … This is my daily companion on morning and night walks. Easily fits in a jacket pocket or cargo shorts. Incredibly bright with mega throw. Best UI on the market IMHO. No other light currently available will beat this beauty for size and throw.
Weltool W3, or if you want slightly larger the Acebeam W10.
Oh and if you want a more regular style flashlight instead of laser, then the P12GT/MH12GT have the most throw of any 18650 light without a large head.
Are you limiting your choices to tube size lights? They generally need to be run on the highest output to throw well and they heat up fast. If you go up in size and price a little, you will get a more sustainable output. Are you picky about the UI? The Haikelite SC26 with XPH 35 Hi will throw well for a smallish light. On sale in the mid $30s.
Come to think of it. The original name of the Jaxman M8 was Jaxman C8 Mini.
A slimmer brother/sister with familiar features of the light you thought to be too big to fit into your pants.
The M8 was from the start designed to have an XP-L emitter and is said to have a dedicated reflector.
Only detail that is not in line: why has (my) reflector a 9mm hole in it instead of a 7mm hole.
Like the new(er) C8’s it has an integrated shelf. On the driver side there is no retaining ring (means soldering).
Quite frankly I am not overwhelmed by it’s throwing capabilities. But then again: it has a 2.1A driver.
All in all good build quality, but Jaxman is not a company that pushes the envelope in the Amp’s segment.