Looking for Recommendations

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I am in search of multiple flashlights each with it’s own purpose and seem to be getting overwhelmed by the wealth of information on this forum which I have used before which lead me to buy the Sofirn SP40. I use this headlamp quite frequently while fishing, shooting off fireworks, etc. so am looking for more recommendations! I was impressed by Sofirn for the money and am looking for similar quality/value.

1) I am looking for an AA flashlight that can take a 14500. This is the one area that I actually know somewhat what I am looking for. I want it to take AA because I always have those on hand and it would work nicely in an emergency preparedness kit, but I would like the extra power and ability to recharge that the 14500 gives me. I have a Fenix LD12 and had an Olight i5T EOS (I’m still not sure if it was my idiotic self who likes to put things in a goofy place that “I’m sure I will remember I put it here” or if my 3 year old daughter who is as infatuated with flashlights as much as her Daddy is responsible for this loss). I’m looking for a cheaper light than the LD12 as I’m rather frugal and I like to misplace things…

The i5t seemed to be missing some features that I quite enjoy on my LD12 with some of those probably being attributed to not being able to use a 14500:

  1. 4 modes- Moon, Low, Mid, Hi
  2. Memory

I would like the capability to attach it to a cap- it’s definitely not my primary use for it, but I like having it if needed. I don’t care how this achieved: i5T- double clip, LD12- just reverse the clip. Around $15-20 is ideal.

2) A thrower: I am using this mainly for fishing and looking for yoyos in trees (those who don’t fish, think a small metal disc in a tree), channel markers, etc. I am needing distance, but I don’t want a complete laser beam. I will have my SP40 on my head for activities where I need a floodlight, but I don’t always know the exact area that I am looking for something in the distance such as a channel marker. Bonus points if it can fit into a rod holder- inner diameter of 1 5/8”, yes, I know this might not be achievable. I know this will cost me more so around $40-50 if that is reasonable.

3) That everyday flashlight. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. The one that fits in a pocket, but is certainly larger than the previous mentioned AA/14500 flashlight. I’m assuming I’m looking for something that uses a 18650 like my SP40. I want the extra juice that a 18650 will get me. Around $30.

4) I need batteries and a charger for the flashlights that will be recommended above. I know this is it’s own beast it seems so any direction is appreciated along with places to buy them.

Thanks in advance for any help on pointing me in the right direction as I hunt down my next flashlights. My wife is starting to think I have some disease that forces to me acquire flashlights…

2

Welcome here Slate the great,

1) I am no expert in AA / 14500 but I will throw in a budget alternatives like
Sofirn SP10S LH351D 5000K
Convoy T2 Nichia
Lumintop Tool
Manker E05
Skilhunt M150
check out the reviews here
http://budgetlightforum.com/forum/flashlights/1xaa/reviews

2) Convoy C8+ with XPL Hi or SST40 of even Osram is perfect for looking at yoyos. The battery tube is around 1 inch. Not sure if there are any throwers with around 1.6 inch tube. I think maybe Convoy L2 with 26650 tube ??
And this is for a boat? Maybe choose a warmer Color Temp like 4000K to penetrate the fog.

3) There are so many to choose from. I will just throw in some popular ones like Convoy S2+, Sofirn SC31 Pro Sofirn SP31 V2,
Checkout the review section
http://budgetlightforum.com/forum/flashlights/18650/reviews

4) Good and affordable batteries are Samsung 30Q, Sony VTC series, etc… these are ” not protected”
I like Liitokaala chargers Li202, S2 but also XTAR VC2, …

3

1) I’m not really an “AA guy”, but I like the older Sofirn SP10B way way way better than the SP10S, just because of the UI. If you want one built like a tank and still cheap, try to get a Xeno E03 (someone was clearing out old stock, and I stocked up, and I think there are a few more).

2) Best throwers I’d recommend are the Nitecore P3 and Lumintop GTmini. For something in a C8 style, the Sofirn C8T is also a nice thrower. Bigger (1 or 2 26650s), can’t go wrong with a Convoy L2.

3) Lots of really nice lights to pick from. My fave is the Nitecore MH20, but good close-contenders are the Skilhunt M200, and the oft-mentioned Wurkkos FC11 and Sofirn SC31pro. A bit ancient history, but the Nitefox UT20 was on its way to being my perfect light (’though big) ’til displaced by the MH20, and the Zanflare F1 was really well designed and thought out. Convoy S2+es are Modder Heaven, well worth a look.

4) 30Qs, can’t go wrong. I just let the lights charge ’em up, but my Opus 3100 is my go-to charger.

4

Okay, no more E03s, but some other really nice Xenos…

Still an ES1, though. Alkie/NiMH only, not Li-ion, but still really nice.

5

I like the Sofirn Sp10s for AA/14500. It’s like $18 and as one of the best EDC leds around. I think is better than the Skillhunt M150. Otherwise the Lumintop tool AA v2.0 is nice also.

For a thrower around $40, can’t go wrong with a Convoy M21A with an xpl-hi or sst40. Or you could do a regular C8, or Astrolux FT03 in sst40 (but it’s bigger than those).

Batteries for the AA/14500, for AA Panasomoc Eneloop Pros 2450, or if you can get them IKEA Ladda 2450 or Shockli 1000 5A 14500 are nice. 18650 I’d go with Sanyo 18560GA. Handles 10A and has 3200 mah. As was mentioned, the Samsung 30Q is good. Charger? I like my Zanflare C4, but there are other good ones…Opus btc3100 v.21, Vapcell S4, Gyrfalcon All-44, MiBoxer C12+. HJK on here does all kinds of charger reviews.

6

I appreciate the warm welcome and all of the recommendations. Looks like I have research to do!

I have looked at the SP10S and liked what I found. Also, saw that the Convoy T2 has a newer driver that now accepts the 14500, which means it was another one on top of my list.

Yes, the thrower is for a boat so thanks for recommending a warmer color to cut through the fog.