I have both and I also do not like the switch on the ba20 . Not to muddy the waters but I also love my SPARK from shining beam I got the neutral whit with the extra single AA tube .I can run 2 AA , 1AA or CR 123.
OK. I think that I'm sold on the Caveman.
Now, I need to figure out which version. If I understand correctly, both the T6 and the initial batch of T5 are cool white due to some sort of screw up with the manufacturer. I sent an e-mail to Shiningbeam to confirm whether this is still the case, but assuming that is still the case, am I correct in understanding that a T6 cool white would be preferable to a T5 cool white due to increased brightness? Is one more or less likely to have an off-colour tint?
If the T5 neutral white is now available I think that I would prefer it due to the warmth of the light.
Again, thanks!
I was surprised to see such a spread. I thought that it would be closer.
Neutral IMHO gives of more useable light , I wish I had purchased more neutral lights instead of going for more lumens .
I only have the Jetbeam, things I like are...
Reversable clip, points up or down, as you choose, because it has grooves at both ends.
Momentary on switch for quick glances around the dark places outside. Set the head position for high or low before using. I dislike flashlights that require continual clicking just to take quick glances.
Runs fine on any cheap alkaline cells, lithium primaries or AA rechargeables. Maintains high brightness until the cells are sucked down to nothing.
Each year I buy a new brick of Costco Kirkland AA Alkaline before storm season. Great cells for less money than name brands. My experience is that Costco's house brand, Kirkland, is always as good or better than standard name brands. Never store the light with alkaline cells inside, only lithium primaries are good for that.
My Caveman is neutral, and looks very warm in the beamshots I took of it. Cool white lights impress folks with their brightness, but neutral white lights are much easier on the eyes of the user, and I find myself using them more.
See post 56
Another thing I will add. Of all the lights I listed, the only one that has had any kind of a failure is the Jetbeam BA20. I gave it to my friend and I think he dropped it or something. He said it just stopped working and brought it back to me. I traded the tailcap with my Klarus P2A and the Jetbeam started working. Funny thing is with the Jetbeam tailcap on my Klarus my P2A works just fine. We left it that way as it's not my go to light as far as 2AA lights are concerned. Until I find something better, the Caveman easily holds that position.
Having said all this, I have found another AA light that I really love. Jetbeam PA40. Not small by any means and uses 4AA batteries. It's a great all around light.
How did you order a neutral? Both the T5 and the T6 are supposedly cool whites.
Hi Silverman. I have the JB and the XML Caveman. In the event the TerraLUX LS300 slipped under your radar, you might consider it. 300 lumens, clip, lanyard and a pair of alkalines, for less than $30 at Amazon currently. And unlike my Caveman, the TerraLUX will tailstand; the JB does too, but a little bit wobbly... [quote=Silverman]
Hi all,
At the moment I'm flip flopping between the Jetbeam BA20 and the Shiningbeam Caveman. Any thoughts either way? Anyone own both? Also, if I go for the Caveman, am I better off getting the T5 for $40 or the T6 for $48? (I was also looking at the new mini maglite pro+ initially, but that may just have been nostalgia...)
I'm relatively new to LEDs so I've been lurking for a while, reading up and educating myself. I currently have a few mini maglites recently converted to LED, a couple of SK68 clones, and several other cheap lights. Now I'm trying to figure out what's next. I'm set on the 2xAA format, and I don't want to spend much more than ~$40.
Any thoughts?
Thanks!
[/quote]
Johnny, how long do you own your Terralux and how it compares to other lights?
Is it quality light or more like cheapo build quality wise?
Not sure if its available outside USA...
Well, I just placed my order for the Caveman XML T6. Thanks to all BLF users who helped me with the decision, and Bryan at ShiningBeam who was quick to answer my multiple e-mails. (BTW - He confirmed that there is only cool white available. There is no neutral white.)
Now the tough part... waiting. 
Thanks again!
Good choice (Shiningbeam always is), but you're wait shouldn't be too long. Hope shipping didn't break the bank.
JohnnyBravo, yes it had escaped my notice and BetweenRides it does sound like a good deal, but the only review on Battery Junction's website is titled "A little disapointed" [sic]. Too much uncertainty for my first decent light.
On the other hand, I haven't heard any real negative comments about the Cavemen (other than the non-tail stand friendly design) so I bit the bullet. At least I got the BLFuser discount!
The wife will be upset about the cost of the light, not the shipping.
According to their website, shipping to Canada is supposed to be $2.95. When checking out, I actually got charged $3.95. Oh well, not really worth making a fuss about. As mentioned in my other post, at least I got the BLFuser discount.
I ordered the cheaper one, the T5. Look at the beamshots I referenced in an above post.
I’ve had my “grey” one since June 4, 2011. Build quality is one of the best (top 5 probably) out of my 31 flashlight collection. Feels very solid and strong. Beefy is a good word. I understand they now offer blue and orange. If you haven’t, look at the TerraLUX website. There are ebay sellers that ship worldwide by the way 
I like my Caveman XML. Don’t get me wrong. The diameter of the head is wider than the TerraLUX, and the Caveman has a FWD clicky. I like and use both!
Welcome to BLF, Silverman!
I received the Caveman on Friday so I had a bit of time to play with it over the weekend.
I'm definitely pleased with it so far. The thing is solid and very well built, and the beam is nice with no rings. I was a bit worried about the fact that there was only a cool white version available, but it isn't bothering me at all. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to others.
My only (minor) criticism so far is that, as others have mentioned, the medium may be a bit bright. Going from low to medium looks like a big step, whereas going from medium to high seems just a bit brighter.
Thanks to all who helped me make the choice!