Need some advice. I'm looking for a LED flashlight that had a good hotspot with some pretty decent range but also all good flooding light. The light would be used to inspect the things that go bump in the night at or outside the house.
Not looking for a laser pointer, but also don't want a massive flood light that's barely bright. Would like to keep it under $50.
Suggestions?
How about an SF host with XML dropin......I suggest getting the 3mode so you can have a level for indoor use and high for going outside.+
+1 Done.
Sorry for my ignorance, but I'm pretty new to the flashlight scene. Who makes the SF host?
Here you go. You need this. Keep in mind it requires an 18650 battery or you could use 2 X CR123 primaries. Sounds like you are new to the flashlight world, do some reading here on 18650 batteries (for your safety), it will be cheaper in the long run! With the 18650 battery and charger you would be right at your budget. It may be wise to spend a little more for a nicer charger, but I use budget chargers just like this and just be sure to check your batter voltages before and after charging.
http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=45&id=304
The Pimp stick. Very appropriate for intruder hunting. Solarforce makes the SF host. Best place to buy from is Solarforce sales online or ITC shop on ebay, same store. An L2 variant is probably what you want. Most likely candidates are the L2,really nice host/ L2T nice "tactical" host/ L2P, like the L2 but upgraded a little bit and tailstands. Really nice host. Buy one of those and an XML dropin and you are set.
I'm gonna have to say that my favorite "budget" light is the Ultrafire 2100 3/5-mode http://www.dinodirect.com/led-flashlight-1000lm-3mode-cree-t6-super-bright.html http://www.dinodirect.com/led-flashlight-super-bright-1000lm-5mode-cree-t6.html . For less than $20 you get an extremely bright, yet compact light that is a little bit more flood than spot. I can light up the entire front of my (small) house from the street at night!
I really like the looks of that "STICK" hehe I have always wanted one but never have pulled the trigger. So are you saying Solarforce Sales sells it?
I think Langcjl needed to break up that paragraph. The stick is not from SF but his text reads like it is.
Ok,Thanks for letting me know. Do you have one or know anyone that does? Do you think it's worth buying?
Thanks for all the info thus far guys. Very much appreciated!
In terms of led flashlights with multiple modes. What is most recommended, a forward click or reverse click?
I like the SP L2T, but I'm really digging the L2P in gray - sadly it's only in 1mode. I think 1 mode would be to high powered all the time and would be more of a pointer than a good over all light to make a room shine.
Just buy the L2P body then and get a 3 mode XML drop-in seperate. The drop-in is super easy to install. All you do is unscrew the head of the L2P, "drop in" the drop-in, and screw the head back on.
I just finished testing the Xtar Wk25B. It provides very good throw for a small light that runs on only 1xaa. Not nearly as floody or bright overall as an XM-L Solarforce, but it may be sufficient for what you need and it will take just a standard AA battery should you decide that you don't want to go with an 18650 powered light. Cost is about $20. Look for my review shortly.
I have two L2T's and love them, one is running a single mode SF XML and the other is running an XPG R5........The L2X is running the 3mode XML and its a good dropin for indoors and out.
Okay, I've placed an order with Solarforce-sales:
I like the fact that the 900 lumens bulb comes with an "orange peel" surface. My hopes is that the light will be super bright, maybe with a decent hotspot yet still be able to light up a room (thanks to the orange peel).
Just ordered them and already I'm looking for more Solarforce lights to buy. haha!
Thanks for all the help guys.
You can go back and forth all day about what is “best”, what you got there is a fine choice. Nice rig, I’m sure you will love it.
Thanks Langcjl. Just for fun I went ahead and added a XM-L 820 lumen bulb as well, it's reflector is smooth. So this way I can try both the smooth and orange peel reflector.
Now I can't wait for this order to come in. :D
On a side note, I still need batteries and a charger for the 18650 battery. I know it was manafont was linked above, but is there any place in the US that has good prices for these items? I'd like to get a few good, long lasting batteries as well as a nice charger. Something that isn't going to burn the house down. ;)
Good call on the XM-L.
The Solarforce charger and cells are a very good choice, except for the wrappers.
The Sanyo-based cells have no problems pushing the XM-L to the max, but the wrap is a bit brittle. A re-wrap with shrink tubing takes care of that, when it happens.
EDIT: If you want to buy domestically, check out the Callie's Kustoms cells. They are among the best out there, for any price.
I really like the XTAR WP6 II charger, for under $40. It charges up to 6 cells at once, and comes with spacers and a warranty. JWayne25 on the forum here sells them.