You know I was kidding, right? Well, hopefully, in time, you'll learn to take very little of what I say seriously. Very, very little.
This isn't your preferred battery format, but I have this Romisen from Shiningbeam and it is quite nice. Use "BLFuser" for a small discount, 6% if memory serves, and it will around $15 to your door. Get yourself a few AAA Eneloops and you'll be all about it.
A "good' flood-to-throw light in my opinion is one with a balance between flood and throw. For instance my SkyRay ZY-C10 throws far but it's almost a dedicated thrower compared to my other zoomies because it's lacks flood. However I do agree that an XML can only be good if you are wanting more flood than throw.
I originally thought about getting a Rominsen but I read that it isn't as bright overall as the other lights mentioned. I also believe that it is twist style and not slide. I prefer the slide.
I have heard a lot about the Edi-T P-4 so I will add that one to the list.
I'm not sure that a light ran off of AAAs can compete with some of the lights mentioned. I really like the 18650 batteries and I think that I will be able to get a lot better performance out of them. That it is nice looking light for $15 though.
Joe, and anyone else who hasn't yet got one of these: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190529994052?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l264
Most definitely a budget offering, but IMO one of those incredible bang-for-the-bucks lights where you really can't go wrong. Don't know how seriously to take the '2 left' tag, but it could be true. I have two of them, seriously thinking about pulling the trigger on a third one. They can't last forever at this price..
I don't know about the standard one, but the one from ShiningBeam has been modded so it is brighter than it you would think. It is however, a twisty, but you can still adjust it with one hand. Personally, I think the biggest drawback with that light is it has no memory and, therefore, always starts on high.
I have a thing for the EDI-T P4 also. I have a couple of them kicking around great little do everything light. Awesome knurling and threads, nice tint, super long run time if you get the ramping mode 18650 one and it fits in your pocket. Can't be beat for the price, good luck finding one.
I have both the EDI-T P4 (18650) and T11 (16340) zoomies from DX. I love both. Great uniform cylindrical body and thus very comfortable in the pocket. Both are about equal in brightness. Wide flood, tight zoom. Superb value at less than $12 each.
Agreed. I've seen it on their website before too, but have not seen anyone selling it. From my experience using the P4 and T11, I'd buy a AA/14500 version anytime for myself and as gifts
that is just plain wrong. fine if you don't like them, but that's not what you said. there are several well reviewed xm-l zoomies. My first M12 was driven at 3.5A on high. My next two are near 3A. My Z6 was over 2A but I modded to 3.5A.
I suppose you mean by modding? have you tried this? I have, and I didn't like the results.