Hi there guys, 1. post! :) Been lurking :)
What about making some more defined categories, and also some extra details. I have added some lights to the list and divided it into classes.
Heavyweight :
2x18650: M3X Clones starting @ $45
Middleweight (Best suited for jacket pocket due to size of head or lenght):
-1x18650: Xin TD C8 - 29.95 (One of the best C8 XML lights, good driver every time so no lottery, can be bought with different modes and with neutral emitter)
-1x18650: Romisen RC-T601 - 28.75 (Quality C8 alternative to Xin TD, black finish, 2 modes but no low, 6% discount if you use this code "BLFuser" )
-1x18650: Super Tactics style starting @$12.50 -(Budget thrower)
Lightweight (could go in jeans):
- 1x18650: Ultrafire WF-501B - 13.99 (One of the cheapest XM-L lights, can be found on ebay too, maybe save a buck or four there?)
- 1x18650: Ultrafire Uf-2100 - 15.32 (small and cheap 18650 XM-L light)
Featherweight (small EDC lights):
-1x14500: Sipik SK68 clones starting @$6 ( probably the most popular budget flood to throw, takes AA aswell)
+1 on sipik 68 clones and the "Super Tactics style" thrower lights. I only own the sipik, but read great stuff about the thrower, and would have added it myself.
Not familiar with the M3X clone.
Maybe someone should add some multiple XM-L lights since they can be found in the 40-60$ range too.
I would also like to see some tiny good budget AAA, AA lights and 2xAA on this list. ;)
Do not know anything about the failure rate of the Xin TD. And I do not own one (yet?). But in my book that would be the champ. It is a middleweight, but can keep up with many heavy weight lights You can easily carry it in your jacket pocket. Or on a belt. Pretty cheap. A good combo of flood and throw. Budgetlight that you can get with decent modes (not all the blinky stuff), and with neutral emitter if you wish.
Wish I would have gotten my eyes on that light instead of buying Ultrafire C8 (clone?). Atleast mine was 10$ cheaper and black (and with good memory).