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!!
I didn’t buy a lot of lights in 2013 - I only really started buying lights in 2013 - but they are all considered purchases and I am pleased with them, so:
- Olight S10 l2 - Top billing has to go to this light. The revised UI is great, the run times are decent, the output (and range of out puts) is excellent, the UI is very useable and, importantly, give access to moonlight or high from off. For my personal EDC needs and as a go to around the house light, I think the S10 would take an awful lot of beating.
- Convoy M1 - I came to this flashlight due to a thread I started here. Simple, robust light. Easily pocketable. Decent throw for it’s size, good mode spacing, simple UI. With an XM-L2 5c, this is an excellent out doors light, and perfect for my requirements when I started the thread.
- Olight A3T - The key ring light. I always have my keys so having a decent key ring light is a worthwhile investment. You won’t go far wrong with this one.
Solarforce L2m body, L2t head, s11 switch, sml2, qlite and OP reflector
Supbfire M6 upgraded edition
Supbeam k40
no particular order.
PS: Honorable mention to the Jetbeam RRT-0. Wonderful little EDC.
Also, best buy of 2013? My gunmetal Farka f8v5. Came as black, and eBay seller no questions asked refunded the money and told me to keep the light for a positive rating.
Other notable lights of 2013 include the BLF A8, and XinTD x3.
Its a tough one because I only joined this forum last year and so every light I have bought was all in that year!
Would have to go with:
1) FF4 - Just stupid bright, awesome tint and blows everything else I have away.
2) Modded SupBeam K40 - Crazy throw for a single XM-L2. (prefer the appearance and feel of my TN31 but its unmodded so the performance just isnt the same.)
3) Convoy S2 - Modded with a Qlite 3A driver and an XM-L2 T6 3C on a Noctigon. Awesome little pocket light.
Convoy C8 8xAMC7135 3/5 Mode - Great performance and quality on a budget.
SkyRay King from CNQG - iirc, by far the most recommended light on this forum for those looking to wow on the cheap.
a. TN31vn - the thrower king. b. Solarforce S2200 - In my opinion, the nicest of the first round of MT-G2 flashlights. c. Convoy L2 - really nice 1/2 x 26650 host. d. Solarforce L2P HAIII SS Bezel - Just a really nice P60 host.