I'm looking for a cheap multi mode (no blinky necessary) zoom light with AA/14500.
the obvious choice would be the Romisen RC-29 as there are many reviews and opinions about it.
i found some on ebay: Citipower G7 and some other noname one
Any hints?
And why aren't there any R5 zoomers? or xm-l for that matter ;)
There are but they don’t throw well.
I personally have this one, the Citipower G7:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/120852777962?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
It looks a lot like Saik SA-9, but on a single AA/14500.
I have no idea why it's not more talked about. Personally, I consider it a Sipik SK68 killer. It's 3 mode, much more robust, prettier.
I can take pictures if you'd like comparisons. All in all I'd recommend it instead of the so popular Sipik any day. G7 actually replaced the Sipik as my EDC pocket light.
It's beam fully zoomed is roughly half way between SK68 and Small Sun ZY-C10-S.
Only downsides I can think of are the size (it's slightly longer than SK68) and slow flicker on low mode. If that doesn't bother you, you don't need to look any further than that.
Viktor
There you go.
In order of appearance, left to right:
Citipower G7 is really small enough and more useful than SK68 because of it's 3 modes, robustness and, let's be honest, better looks.
No mode memory (yay!).
Sipik SK68 fully extended is only 1cm shorter than Citipower G7.
Viktor
Thanks a lot Viktor!
that's exactly what i thought. The SK68 seems alright but i really want a multimode light because it's just that more usable.
Nice to hear that you like the Citipower G7 and the lack of mode memory is no problem at all.
The longer i search the more i think maybe i should leave the 14500 and invest in 18650.
There are so many cool lights and now there is even a cheap 5mode zoom xm-l:
DX ebay
I actually feel that I prefer the no memory interface. I always know where it starts and it takes 1, 2, ... clicks to get what I need.
For the flashlights with memory I always run at least once through all modes anyway, to make sure to get to the mode I want. Memory turns out to be just a hassle for me. 
If you want runtime, I suggest 18650 and not even bothering with 14500s. 14500 are bright, but very low runtime, especially if you don't invest in decent cells. I only have cheapo 14500s from DD, and both SK68 ang G7 run about 20 minutes on high with those. Enough for casual EDC, but not for anything serious.
Viktor
Im sorry, but I found SK68 aesthetics pleasing while G7 looks ugly to me :)
So its not prittier 
I agree regarding the memory thing however what you have to watch out for is that some lights that say they have no memory actually have what I would call “bad memory” 
Those are the lights that go on in whatever mode you last used plus one! A light like that is much worse than having a light with memory.
Keygos M12 has that "bad memory". :(
If you leave it off long enough it resets to high mode, but in real usage you cannot get that to happen. I know it takes more than 1-2 minutes for it to reset, at least.
Btw, I've posted a comparison wetween Sipik SK67 and Citipower G7 here, beamshots included:
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/7619
Viktor
14500 is much more pocketable for casual EDC than an 18650 zoomie.
I'm currently using a Sipik 58 that I modded. Very small and slim for a zoomable light. Running with a custom programmed Nanjgc 105c 2.8 amp driver, XM-L T6 3C neutral emitter, and an electronic switch. Added extra internal wiring to make the electronic switch work; Extra heatsinking behind the emitter, and modified the body tube and top of pill to allow the lens to retract closer to the emitter for a much wider zoom than a stock SK58. Also added a small reflector which gets rid of the rings in flood mode and gives a significantly brighter flood mode.
Overall pretty pleased with how it came out. Thinking of modding another one with an electronic side switch and a clicky tailcap switch. Just need to decide where on the side I want to put the side switch...
For less than 9 bucks, this one is an awesome single mode zoom that's almost as bright on an alkaline as it is with a 14500...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200734718072?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
How about this New 14500 XML 3 Mode Zoomer from Trustfire. Boy its a looker too.........
More great pics here
For less than $9 its a great light but its still crap when compared to an XML. I think I'm done with Q5's and the older stuff, I've become spoiled over the XML output even while it costs more, its just so much better.
I've been wondering about XML zooms. I hear they suck, so i made one DIY style with a Solarforce drop-in and it did indeed suck, but then i see lots of u-tube vids that show TR-Z5s and Z6s that really don't seem to suck at all! So I'm undecided. Which one do you suggest?
It really depends how you intend to use your light:
If your goal is a pocket thrower that can shoot a laser-like beam off into the distance, but also just "happens" to have some usable, if rather dim short-range flood capability then XM-L sucks. You should choose a zoom light with an older, but higher surface brightness emitter such as an XPE.
If you want a pocket light that is balanced with both mediocre flood and mediocre throw then get a light with XPG in it.
or If you're like me and want a pocket rocket that can deliver a massive amount of flood at short range, but also just "happens" to have the ability to zoom to spot mode for some serviceable, if very mediocre throw, then the XM-L is the emitter of choice. It's also possible to mod these lights to significantly improve the flood mode. My modded Sipik 58's flood is wider than my Thrunite 1C, and brighter than my RRT-01 running on IMR 18350.
that looks like a mini balder se-1 ! give it the blowtorch pimp treatment and you'll have a nicely baked gold/silver/gold mini xml thrower! :)
That light is just sexy !
+1
This about sums it up for flood-to-throw lights with different emitters. There are differences amongst different models and versions using same emitter, but what FIrelight2 wrote is an excellent general guide on choosing the emitter you want in your FTT.
Viktor
Firelight2, have you described that SK58 in detail somewhere?
If you ever decide to sell those, they sound very tempting, and beyond what I know how to do.
Heck, if someone in China wants to build a very useful light, sounds like you could teach'em how, if they'd listen to your specification.