I’m looking for something that will throw for a long distance for spotting coyotes in the hills around my house or for use in the desert. It will be a car and house based light so sixevand weight are of no concern. Looking for something that will greatly out throw my C8 type of lights but on a budget. Something in the $30-40 range if possible. 18650 preferably and first mode high if possible.
FT03 SST40, L21A XHP35. Both are compatible with 18650 and 21700. FT03 also works with 26650.
A C8 with a XP reflector, White Flat emitter and a 5Amp. driver. Gives you an easy half mile reach.
At $30-40 you won’t really exceed a C8 by much tbh, I use a 5w 21700 c8 and the range isn’t too far and I can’t even see out of my pistol scope at all (1000 lumens, so probably ~750 out of the optics). At coyote ranges imo you may want 4000+ lumens with some spill, you probably won’t want a super focused beam like below because it makes seeing out the scope hard… I think you’ll honestly have to go custom with someone like silent thunder ordinance to actually be happy, you can light up a literal mountain…
There’s always this if you can afford it, but the narrow beam will be awful unless you’re using a large riflescope, forget it with a EER/pistol scope, even then, it’ll be a pain… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L75AINK?tag=besttactiflas-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1
I agree the FT03 is probably your best bet. Stock it should do around 230kcd. Depending on what C8 lights you have that is a ~3x jump in beam intensity which is pretty good.
3rd recommend on the FT03, based off price, throw and battery choices.
I have the SST40 and XHP50.2 models, and they light up my road to end of the block, 1/4mi to the cross street.
I have a Convoy C8+ with XPL HI which throws a very tight beam. Of course, I’d opt for my Astrolux FT03 XHP50.2. The beam shape isn’t as tight but it still throws great and puts out a very large amount of light. I can light up houses a couple hundred yards away, across a corn field, without issue. Just a lot of light.
Either makes my old 3D Maglite with Malkoff look weak by comparison. Interestingly, my Streamlight Survivor LED throws extremely well, but its overall pretty low output just very focused. Some of their search lights would be a great option, but not budget.
My Choices:
- FT03 XHP50.2
- C8+ XP-L HI (highly recommend with biscotti driver from Simon )
- other lights in this price range.
Edit: Actually another possibility… Not sure how well it would suit you, though. Customlites makes XPE powered P60 pills in various white and colored options. The XPE throws pretty well in a P60 due to the small die size but doesn’t really compete with the above recommendations.
For $30-40 I vote for Astrolux FT03 SST40
Hmm, everyone considers the L2 antiquated? That was always a nice thrower, with lots of battery-oomf for long runtime.
I agree, all those spoiled brats nowadays :sunglasses:
It still is a nice thrower, with a white flat it easily hits 500+ kCd
Plus, you can go 1-cell or 2-cells. Lets you manage size/weight/runtime/etc.
L2 has great proportions, especially in single cell mode with the overhand grip. A bit heavy so it’s perfect for a higher power setup like the SBT90.2.
Thats what she said
I agree with the Astrolux FT03 I have the xhp 50.2. You could go 200 yd to 300 yards hunting with it is a guess. I don’t think there are any other throwers better for the budget. I use mine for spotting deer, and it works well.
I was hoping mine would replace the old “1 million candlepower” spotlight and I think it does plus some. Real test will be when I can get out to the lake this summer …
I second this. Unbelievable. Nothing like it. I will blow your mind and then some. 705 lumens otf but enough throw to wake your dead grandma. And useful throw, too.
Different if mounting it though. Too Big. WIDE in head.
Several C8’s now are not too bad.
I have a C8T and a Convoy C8+.
Which throw a good shooting length beam with periphal spray of light.
There is also a Drop in for c8’s.which I’ve ordered $15.
Supposed to be the gnats dick in long throw.
Aliexpress… CREE XP-L HI V3 1600lm 10x7135 Driver.
Brass Base LED Drop-in for C8 Flashlight.
There’s a WIDE model too.
It’ll save me buying another C8. I have about 5 or 6 now.
a couple empty of driver/led’s.
These Apparently the next step up in Cree LED’s.
We’ll see hey.
Up against the C8+ should show.
Del to here is usually 30 days. Probably more at present.
Also. US $$. Equates to around 63c AUD.less conversion nowadays.
Pretty much 2 for 1 when we buy nowadays. Everything exxy.
Few yrs ago. AUD were worth around $1.6/8c US.