Hello!!! Sorry for such the newbie question, but I have literally spent the last few days researching LED flashlights and feel more confused than when I started. Basically I am looking for a very bright light. I am going to be doing a lot of hiking and camping this year and want a nice bright, smaller, compact light. I bought an Ultrafire knockoff last year which I thought was bright until I watched some of the videos and post on different forums.
So my question to you is, if you had $20-$25 to spend, what would you buy? Ultrafire 502, 503, 504, 878…. too many to comprehend. OR maybe there is some other brand of entry level lights that I don’t even know about!! I am fine with going with the 18650 batteries or using the regular AA or AAA.
Mostly cost. A 2-pack of those samsungs is $10, a 2-pack of protected 3100mah panasonics is more like $14
Edit: In case you are seeing all of the ultrafire batteries that look like a great deal, ignore them. They almost always lie about their actual capacity and many of them are a fire hazard. Just buy good quality batteries before you get too invested in junk.
Although nice light, I don't think it's very great for camping/close up work. Maybe a zoomie? Flood for close up, and zoom for the time you want to see further away.
How long do you intend to keep the light? If forever, buy the best you can afford.
Will this be used indoors, outdoors, close up? You have already said hiking.
I would go with one of three lights.
Eagle Eye X6 with 3C tint - EE lights are among my favorites and there is plenty documented about this light. (Use code "BLF" for an additional 8%)
Convoy C8 with XML T6-4C if you want to bump power in the future. This is a quality light and was one of the most popular before the X6 became popular (Use code "BLF" for an additional 8%)
Convoy M2 with XML T6-4C if you want to bump power in the future. This is a quality light and is popular. (Use code "BLF" for an additional 8%)
The C8 is the most throwy. The X6 has a nice balance and comes with a clip also.
Samsung 18650-26F Very good price and very good battery. There are higher capacity batteries but if you look at tests you will see that Low Voltage protection kicks in before you get the full capacity out of the higher capacity batteries. (Use code "BLF" for an additional 8%)
Nitecore D4 Very good price for a very good charger
Also does anyone have experience with the light in the link below? Zooms and takes an 18650. I doubt the 2000L is realistic but seems like a decent piece for the price.
Yeah definitely not 2000 lumens. Probably 1000 if you’re lucky, 600-800 is more likely. I personally don’t like zoomies because the vast majority of the cheap ones are very low quality. I can’t comment on that specific one though.
I can’t comment on that light but would rather not get it.
Take a look at Convoy lights for best value to price ratio. If you want a zoom light try the Convoy BD04 It has an inbuild charger and looks sturdy. Don’t know if there are reviews jet. But the seller is great, you can choose what led and sometimes driver you want and they’ll assemble it for you. My suggestion is XML2 T6-4C.
Add a high quality 18650 cell and use your cellphone charger and you’re good to go.
Zoomie does not seem to be a good choice for your purpose because most of them are prone to water.
Besides a strong light like a C8, you also need a backup light that is small (to hold in your mouth) and with long burning time at a low setting for example thrunite T10 or Fenix E12. Or instead you should get a headlight to completely free your hands.
But the Convoy BD04 is a new one to me. It seems a quality light. Thanks for bringing it up.
Thanks. Is there a big difference between the XML2 T6 and the XML T6? I see on the one Convoy, you are able to select either of those. Not sure how much better the XML2 is than the XML.