I must admit I have been keeping some eye on Shiningbeams lights.
They would cover IMO a need for a very reliable, not too provocative looking light. I just feel this base is covered with my L2 2011 with a good high PWM self assembled dropin.
On AA point of view, TK41 is not out of question. Got MAHA, Eneloops also, I like very much the immense reliability and low cost they offer. Jetbeam PA40?
4 x AA, Zebra Q50? :) Wait for S-series and go nuts?
Have you ever though ZL being an Apple of flashlights? :D
These are quite heavy arguments in favor of these two.
Very different lights, Got one Zebra, liking it pretty much. Sunwayman is strangely attractive. Not sure if I can deal with ring control but I´m somewhat sure I could make a good user from this with that charging station (yep, still have to check batteries since no balancing).
Sunwayman is Big. I would like to have biggish light but there+s a danger it will get less use cause of it´s size. It´s also more expensive but I can live with it.
Zebra feels right size in hand, button is small, though. "I already have one zebra", someone yells from the back of my head...
The Jetbeam BC40 is ok but it doesn't do anything really outstanding. I doubt it will put a smile on your face when you turn it on. Of course you could get a BC40 and a Caveman and still stay within your budget. If you want something about the same size and battery configuration as a BC40, get yourself a Olight M3x, Sunwayman T40CS, Crelant 7G5 or some of the others ILIKEFLASHLIGHTS has reviewed here on BFL.
The TK41 never fails to put a smile on my face. It throws with the big boys but it does so much more.
Feels awkward to buy Ultrafire as a classy option but then again, 980L is one of the "not-for-sale´s" on my shelf. Have to say, I hate the PWM on it like nothing but doing it the Foy-way - using it always on High 8)
I'll tell you 4 lights to have. And I'll put them in the order I like them.
Fenix TK41
Sunwayman T40CS
Sunwayman V60C
Olight M3x
I love both my Sunwayman flashlights, but as much as I love them if I had to keep only one light it would be the Fenix TK41. But if I wanted to keep strictly a good quality thrower, I would have to pick the Sunwayman T40CS.
T40CS seems promising. Cannot say to be a real fan of throwers but T40CS seems to have a wide spill, no PWM, side clicky, hidden flashies, good regulation and efficiency... Many good arguments.
ILF; what would you say about those beam rings, are they that bad?
TK41, hmm, seems also "legit" but for some reason does not ring the bell.
How about something different! The Photon Proton Pro. It’s only about $40 and has been out for years but is a totally cool light IMO.
It’s single AA with a side button that ramps the output from high to low (uses a XP-E). It also has a red LED. That ramps from low (almost invisible) to high.
It has multiple beacons/strobes/SOS but they are all hidden.
It throws well for such a small light but if you like flood (and I do) you can take the head apart easily and put some diffusion film in there and you’ll have both a beautiful white and red beam.
You could also wear it around your neck, use it with a key chain or use the removable clip as well as just dropping it in your pocket.
The beam rings you basically will see indoors more than you will outdoors. But even if they are present, they don't bother me in the slightest. The T40CS will become one of your favorite lights. Trust me.
HKequipment seems to have a set of 8 Eneloops with TK41 for 130$. Not NECESSARILY needin 8 more Eneloops but it does not hurt. Not sure if I have 8 more absolutely idle...
DD does not have, Batteryjunction for 130$ but no loops...
there's a long thread on cpf about diffusers for it - I forget which one specific model, but there's an olight diffuser that's supposed to fit well...if you're into that sort of thing
You can feel the battery holder rattle a little if you move it quickly or when you bump it. There is an easy fix that someone mentioned either here or over at CPF. After I put the batteries in the holder, I wrap two 3x5 index cards around the batteries and holder before I put it into the body. Stops everything from moving or rattling around and the index cards mold themselves to fit the inside of the body of the light. They stay in when I remove the batteries from the light.