For Outdoor use:
IF25a in 6.5k (which is closer to 6k)- LOVE the tint and doesn’t lose it’s amazing THROW for such a small (cheap) light (like it’s twin in the 4k tint which is very nice, but worthless past 80 yards without a lot of fast heat in the hand!) My older Lumentop EDC18 is a better light (and the little green rabbit looks great up on the “Queens’ Shelf”), but the USB C charging keeps the IF25a by the back door where it’s used almost nightly
For indoor use:
The little $9.95 Sofirn S11c (Boruit resell) with the LH351D emitter invaded our stash of older Sofirn SP10s and finally took over. Again… USB C charging is starting to win us over and the UI in this little el cheapo’ light works superbly around the house with the “zoom” set about 1/2 way. Perfect! (and did I mention… CHEAP!) That said, I would not give or sell this light to many since it’s NOT waterproof (at all) and outdoor it’s pretty useless. It is what it is
For Camping:
The LT1 is the bomb- technically a late 2019 light, like Covid it really took off in 2020 (ok, bad joke, sorry) AND… this “camping” light is used every night by my wife and I on our night stands (next to the S11c’s). We’ve had them there by our bed for 6-7 months and I can’t remember ever charging them yet!
I guess my favorite lights this year came mostly from Sofirn and had a LOT to do with Anduril and USB charging. The wife does love her SC312 Pro too. I like the folks at Sofirn and I’ve never got a bum light from them- lucky I guess!
I bought fewer lights than usual this year but these stand out.
Favourite- YLP Gryphon G180- great build quality, lovely warm beam and surpringly bright.Also an astonishing price, thanks fnksb.
Coolest - Acebeam E10, 26350 lights are tactile and I love the stubby shape although there’s not a lot of choice either in lights or battery manufacturers.This throws a huge distance for its size.
More used than expected- an Olight Perun mini in orange though I still don’t like propriety batteries.
Olantern in green- not much liked on this forum apparently but I like the candle effect and there is a You Tube video of it constantly being thrown high into the air and dropping on to concrete and still working each time, I wouldn’t try that with my BLF LT1. Just avoid paying list price for it.
Honourable mention- Reylight pineapple copper, just so well built and the patina is beginning to get interesting.
So far I have not spend a lot of money on Flashlights in 2020. Mostly AAA.
But I like to roam the web looking for items I missed (or could not afford) in the past.
Preferably NIB.
And I found this SS Solarforce X3 AAA light (no link). And now they are gone!
Performance-wise it is a bit outdated. But who cares! Just the wonderful feel of it!
Top Bill Spot
KR4 - Only light i use everyday, without exception. Its a beast, ive dropped it probably 100 times, the paint is wearing at the “seams”, its looking like a proper used light, and as hard as its hit the pavement numerous times it is still 100% reliable. and Bright. and easy to use. oh, that deep carry clip really just makes it faaaantastic. Hank killed it with this one. now just make us a Copper version, Please!
Favorite Purchase / Biggest surprise
Convoy M21a (w/ CSLPM1) - Just a great sized small thrower, sand ano is really nice. Mechanical switch is a great feel. I am convince it throws the same and has as Great Spill as my L21a CULPM1 to the point where i took then both apart to make sure they didnt have the same LED in them. Also 21700 battery lasts forever, and it doesnt heat up quickly at all compared to my other Osram Lights. For under $25USD, this light is porbably my favorite purchase of the year! Holster carry in the EC03 holster.
Others
Lumintop X9l - just awesome. really impressive for size, more than most others. Love this light.
Astroux EC01 (xhp50) - just surprising how much throw and spill this “little” light has! Charging and 21700 battery life. would buy again if it were in stock, but i have the sst40 coming in to compare it to.
D4v2 with either 3500k or 4500k E21A emitters; a reasonably efficient cc driver and Anduril; stainless steel bezel and raised switch ring; choice of 18650 and 18350 tubes. It ticks off everything and has the nicest tint; a great all-round EDC.