I bought my NW ET D25C last year, along with two rechargeable 16340s (also ET), and it has made me very happy. After a couple of years of rotating through several edc lights, this one has hit the sweet spot of intensity, color, size and the right modes for my needs. We moved this year and the D25C was probably the single most useful tool for the whole process.
If I had to list another one it would be my XinTDv4, which has relegated my TK41 to permanent hall closet duty.
Those are the two outstanding ones, but if I had to name a third, for sheer budget fun, I finally got a Sipik SK68 clone (Ultrafire) 3-mode that I run on an equally budgety trust fire 14500. After reading about these for a few years I just wanted to see one in person, and it’s a kick. So much fun for so little money.
1. Nitecore tiny monster TM11
2. Zebralight SC 600 (WARNING !!! i mean mark 1 because on MK II they changed the bezel from removable threaded to press fitted :_( and that way they made it even harder to swich emitter…) so i actually paid a little more money to buy new but older model from EBAY… :Sp )
3. Convoy M2 (3C tint)
Have to ask myself which I reach for and which is just WOW
Anyway, here they are
1. Sunwayman D40A, impeccable quality and every mode you ever need, best of all it uses AA’s
2. That little $2 Zoomer from Wallbuy’s sale, once I did the head reduction mod it has the best flood of a small house light. Use it constantly.
3.Convoy L4 from Wallbuy’s lucky money sale, less than $20, Fantastic quality, AR lens, Cigar grip and hidden strobe. No need to mod it, it is perfect.
Supbeam K40 (group buy)
Int’l Outdoor XinTD C8v4
HD 2010
Other candidate for my purchase in 2013 is CNQG brass 18650 and unpopular Bronte RA10 (although have rather strange UI, mid - high - low strobe, mine can start from high if fully tighten the head).
Tbh it’s hard to remember which were pre-2013 and which after, it’s a tough choice anyway…
1. SC52w, Zebralight are just impossible to beat imo as long as you get a good one. Top efficiency, top UI, top size/output ratio, top quality finish.
2. I would have to give this one to one of my homemade Convoy S2s, probably the XM-L2 T6 4C 3-mode 2.8A max one. I made a few last year, but when you take into account the fact that you pick your tint, emitter (so beam profile), and output levels/modes, then I think the performance and quality for the price is better than anything else out there at the moment.
3. Tough call between a Surefire E2L which I got a good deal for 2nd hand, a Sunwayman D40A, an Olight I6 (self-modded to 4C tint) and an Olight I3S.
I think it has to go to the D40A, as it offers so much power and versatility in a small size running on AAs. It’s just the light I’d always hoped would be available, although the I3S has had more use so far.
It was a standard original Sipik SK68, but modded with a neutral white XR-E, a 20-mode grouped Modes 7880 driver, ( http://dx.com/p/3w-5w-20-mode-regulated-circuit-board-for-flashlights-7880 )
and a thread-in extension tube so it runs on a single AA Eneloop or two AA eneloops for more output.
Its best single AA thrower in my collection on Highest mode, and runs for weeks on the “weak” moonlight mode.
L2M w 18350 and a E1320 modded emitter. My favorite EDC.
L2M w 2 x 18350 and a DBCstm modded K-3 MT-G2 head. Never fails to surprise and impress each time.
SkyRay King. Or SF2200. or the BS Terminator. Use them all about equally for the last 6 months.
#1 - Armytek Wizard Pro Wide (Warm)* …headlamps are just so functional in so many ways. This thing has taken the torture of being covered in ice and snow, and operating flawlessly in –40c temperatures. Love it!*
#2 - Uniquefire UF-T20 …self modded with: de-domed xp-g2 on Sinkpad, driven at 2.8a and the pill was modified to focus better under full zoom. This thing is a pocket monster.
#3 - Sunwayman V20c-y…infinitely variable with the most insane low, and a factory installed neutral xml installed. I love the clicky indents from ’off’ too ’high’ and then to ’strobe’. No messing around. Simple beautiful UI.
Can I mention my 2012 purchase is still my go-to…a 4sevens Quark tactical aa2 modded with a warm tint xml and programmed with a moonlight and turbo mode. Love this light!!