Hello,
I've been lurking here for a few months and just wanted to introduce myself. LED flashlights are new to me, but the theory is not. I'm an ex-nuke turned EE (mainly industrial automation atm...).
In the past month I've picked up a few new lights, most of which seem to be popular here. Only one was disappointing. In no particular order:
1.) Fenix LD01 - wonderful keychain light. Absolutely amazing output on 10440 with a sturdy build.
2.) Trustfire XP-EF23 (DX sku 24291) Another neat keychain light. Noticeably larger than the fenix, but is a clicky with 3 modes and memory. My first light with the memory feature, and I like it a lot. Not nearly as bright as the fenix when run on similar batteries.
3.) Ultrafire C3 (DX sku 04452). Wow! Talk about an overachiever... The specs at DX don't do this little bugger justice. Absolutely amazing output in any of the configurations (1xAA, 2xAA, 1x14450). I'm also impressed with the throw as well. The only issue I had with it, and seems I'm not alone, was poor contact between the sections. Easily cured with a strand of wound copper wire.
4.) Zebralight H51 - Although not really a budget light, I'd have to say that if I had bought this one first, I may never have purchaced another type of light. For me, it's the total package - Useful flood, good throw, and a killer UI all wrapped up in a very small unit. This one gets daily use in an industrial setting and has performed with aplomb.
5.) Shiningbeam MG P-Rocket XP-G R5. I couldn't really find many reviews on this one, since it's just been released. It drives the XP-G at 1.4A and is currently my brightest light. It's not pure flood, and not pure throw, but a good combination of both. This is the one I'd like to post a full review on here so other members have some info to go off of.
6.) Uniqufire AA-S1 (DX sku 24220). This is the only light to date that has been a complete disappointment. After reading all the rave reviews both here and "other" sites, I thought I would be in for a treat. Blah! I believe it was Don who made a reference to "sickly glow worms"...which is very apropos here. Build quality is non-existent, Brightness (even on 14450's) is about on par with our last president, and the tint reminds me of my old lava lamp. Short of swapping out the emitter and driver, I've done the usual de-ox to ensure good continuity and tried a plethora of different batteries. I probably just got a dud ( it happens...).
From this small cross section sample, I think I could be content with a couple more Zebras (sc51, sc60), and about a dozen more Ultrafire C3's :) I'm open to other suggestions of lights to try out. So far, it's been enlightening enjoyable.