First, I want to apologize in advance for asking what some might interpret as one of those “search, newb” questions; trust me when I say that I’ve spent no less than a dozen hours in the last week researching LED flashlights, watching video reviews, looking at the new technology that’s been developed, and generally, gleaning as much information as I possibly can.
With all of that said, I am now officially caught up in the “paradox of choice” quagmire.
I would like to buy an affordable (less than $30), relatively bright (a true 80 to 150 lumens), more white than yellow or blue, COMPACT (something I can fit in that square small pocket that’s inside one’s front jean pocket, ideally, or in the main front pocket at least), reliable flashlight, that can also obtain several hours of run time, with at least useable light, on regular AA or AAA batteries (the fewer the better).
Just to save any of you who are helpful enough to take the time to give me a recommendation, I will post this video that I found on youtube; in this video, the gentleman reviews a maglight, a Ultrafire C3 (the 5 mode that can either run on 1 or 2 AA batteries), and one of the Cree Q5 specials that can be bought off ebay or at meritline or DX for around $5 to $8 (they all look the same, like a Sipik or a clone):
While he states that he thinks the Cree Q5 is a good light, especially for the money, I tend to like the Ultrafire C3 that he has much, much more, and here’s why: The Ultrafire C3 has much more spill and broader coverage than the Q5, while still being able to throw a decent amount of light with a nicely patterned center hot spot, and he’s demonstrating it with just one AA battery in it. I do not like even the broadest setting on the zoomable Q5, as there’s no spill, and I think the beam is far too narrow for general use purposes. Also, the Ultrafire C3 he is demonstrating has a nicer color light output, IMO.
I do know from reading posts here that many have had problems with the Ultrafire C3 (especially the non-stainless steel one and the 5-mode unit), and that’s another point of consideration. If I could find a Fenix or something similar to the Ultrafire C3 he demonstrates in this video, in its smaller configuration with 1 AA battery, for around $30, I’d be quite satisfied. I do not need a strobe function, and to be honest, I really don’t need a firefly/low mode setting (although it would be nice).
I really appreciate any and all feedback and suggestions.