Noob question: those "XM-L T6" zoomies that are a dime a dozen...

I’ll stick to buying and modding decent lights and hosts then!

On The Road does some nice zoomable flashlights! I have the i3 version (16340s) from 2019 and there are other zoomable lights from them on Fasttech.
Also, there is the Nicron N81 that may (or may not) be a good option. Didn’t find any review of it yet, hence my refrain from saying good/bad things about it.

EDIT: Video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NbuXonqaZ4

A Basic S2 or C8 would cost around the same and be a lot better to see with.

right, something from convoy would be a LOT better

wle

I use even cheaper, 2-3USD, 1 x 18650 zoomable flashlights for cycling, one on each handlebar and one on my head. They are not that durable but they do the job. They are branded in various ways. The below is just an example of my most recent purchase at about 2USD.