I'm looking to get a new light and I've got $40 to do it with. What gets me the most lumens?
Batteries aren't part of the expense, and I don't really care if it's flood or throw, just max lumens.
That depends; are you already equipped with any 18650 cells and a charger or will you need to include that expense in the cost of your light? Or do you prefer to use other sized cells?
For 40$, you can get:
- UltraFire C8 XML: http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/c8-xml-t6-900lumen-5modes-led-flashlight-118650-p-6402?rp=032201 - $21.95
- 1 Pair Trustfire 3000mAH 18650 cells: http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/protected-trustfire-18650-37v-3000mah-rechargeable-batteries-2pcsset-p-7941?rp=032201 - $11.70
- 18650 charger: http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/110v240v-ac-lithium-battery-charger-for-single-18650-us-plug-p-5642?rp=032201 - $5
Total cost: $38.65.
That will get you a very bright flashlight that is much better than any typical flashlight. Great throw, and useable spill. It will impress any non-flashaholic you show it to...
And yes, those are referral links. If you buy from those links, I would get a tiny, insignificant cut from the purchase. Not shilling for Manafont here, but I am a satisfied repeat customer.
Yeah, I've got 18650s. Batteries aren't part of the expense. $40 for the light only. I'm cool with going piecemeal, or lego assembled as they call it here, too.
There are quite a few lights that can be had for $40. I really want the X-Thrower SST-50, its a great deal IMO.
EDIT: Shiningbeam.com $2.95 shipping to Canada
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-125/MG-X-dsh-Thrower-SST-dsh-50-Premium/Detail
http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?id=304&s=45&t=LF
Are you looking for a thrower or more floody light ?
Then you should have fun finding something. Maybe a budget triple-XML like this?
I'm not recommending this light in particular, you may want to research first since some budget triples have been known for blowing their drivers...
It's $5 over your budget but this light looks like a decent STL-V2 clone if you want an XML thrower:
Several people here have positively reviewed the X8 light: here's a clone for $37.70:
I don't really care if it's flood or throw, just max lumens.
I'm sure these sell for around $40 and max output of 1200 lumens.
I used to have a lumen problem but now I make enough money. 
All good lights so far. How about 2 for less than $40? C8 w/smooth reflector xml http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S010014 UF2100 xml http://kaidomain.com/product/details.S020108
If you pony up $45.30 and want a Fandy w/3 xml http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-stl-v2-cree-xm-lt6-5-mode-1000-lumen-white-3-led-flashlight-black-2-x-18650-91136
The C8 seems to be coming up as the popular vote, and a little googling shows a strong following for it, and it's quite a way under my budget, but UniqueFire UF-3000 3 XR-G seems to be claiming more lumens. Anything beating a claimed 2500 lumens at that price point?
For the most lumens, you will need a triple of some sort. The C8 is a great light, extremely impressive for its size, and is affordable. The other lights I have referenced, although only single emitter lights, would probably be better lights with better reliability, build quality, and much better throw than any budget triple in the price range you have set.
I don't personally own any triples, but there are a plenty of owners here who can chime in with their input...
I think the nicest, brightest light for that range is the C8-styled XIN TD C8, look here
Plus you get to pick the tint and the modes you want
And you still have 10 bucks left over for 18650 batteries
For $2.75 more have one of the best $40 lights there is....
Well, an XM-L driven at it's maximum efficient level will net you around 800+ LED lumens and you can basically triple that for the better 3 x XM-L lights. There really isn't a whole lot of guessing once you know that. The more difficult variables to look out for are body thickness and design for heat dissipation (output won't sag as quickly). A C8 doesn't necessarily net you more lumens just because. The only reason it might perform better than a P60, for example, is because of the larger body size, which can accommodate better heat dissipation. Also, the C8 will be designed for that reflector/driver setup whereas the P60 is a little more sloppy because of its universal design.
One great example is the Ultrafire 3-mode XM-L drop-in in a P60. Because many are driven over 3A that will be one of your brightest single emitter/single cell lights. That setup is famous and a fan favorite!
There's a Small Sun FTT light that's around $14, and bright as heck. Perhaps someone here can please help out with a link ?
One of those, plus a C8 variant of your choice, should be right around your budget.
It is a heck of a bright light..http://www.dealextreme.com/p/smallsun-zy-c10-s-cree-q5-wc-230lm-3-mode-focus-adjustable-white-led-flashlight-1-x-18650-108290
Can you spare close to $10 more? Well worth it if you can go with a Trustfire TR-3T6. Can be had for as little as $46 and easily under $50
About $45 will get you a well driven C8 AND a P60 with UF 3-mode XM-L. It's hard to beat that price-to-lumen ratio.
I don't get it... x2