I think you will be happy with a decent C8... Then the addiction will set in. First, a dedicated thrower. Then a dedicated flooder. Then....
You can get what I would assume are (decent?) knock-offs of the C8 for $8.09 each.
Buy two for under $20. ($8.09 + $8.09 + $1.59 shipping)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/371218265894?\_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Personally for the price of the Convoy I’d just buy one Convoy over two crappy ones.
+1000
Cheapnes gets expensive if you buy cheapass lights, they are cheap for a reason.
One should at least aim a certain level of quality and look for a good deal there, same goes for batteries.
Why take a chance at possibly getting a “decent” knock-off when you can get a great quality Convoy C8 for only $16?
Edit: I see others beat me to the punch.
- The cheap light: $8
- An aluminum reflector (if shipped with cheap plastic reflector): ~$3
- A good driver (to replace the cheap 5-mode (next-mode-memory?), ~$4
- A good emitter: ~$5
So the cheap light could end up costing more in the long run... 
Buy the Convoy - ENJOY!
I’ll 2nd the X6 recommendation.
Thanks for all the feedback! You all have been very helpful. Still a little confused with all the possibilities but you have all helped me narrow down my search.
The good thing is, you can buy a couple as they are all so affordable. That way see what you like and what works well for which situations.
One more questions. Does SMO mean the smooth reflector?
Yes, and “OP” means orange peel reflector
So I am looking at the one in the link below. the one that is XML2 T6-4C that does not have SMO next to it. I would figure that would be the OP but it does not state that. Thoughts?
I would assume so. You can always contact BG and ask.
Just so you’re aware, the BG version is only 5-modes. The Fasttech version allows you to switch from 5-modes to 3-modes if you prefer no blinkies. (Fasttech is also $0.50 cheaper)
Do you think the difference in the LED available between the 2 will make much of a difference? Does the XML T6-3C differ much from the XML2 T6-4C as far as light output? Thanks for helping me on this!
Xml2 is 15ish% brighter, don’t think you’ll notice it with your eyes. Some of the fastech do come with xml2 instead oft xml thoug.
Yeah fasttech doesn’t always update their listings
The picture at that link shows a smooth reflector. I would then assume it’s smooth, not OP. But, as pilotdog68 has said, you should call Bang-good and ask them if you want to know for sure.
The pic shows only SMO. The picture does not change when you select OP. But as you said better to confirm with BG.
I would go for XM-L2 over and XM-L. There is enough difference that you could notice it IMO. And the XM-L2 being newer is also more efficient.
Nothing wrong with the XM-L. But given the choice and for approx the same money, go with the latest emitter.
If you’re interested in a Convoy C8, you should get it directly from Simon at Convoy. I don’t know his email address, but he goes by “convoy-flashlight” here. The ones he sells come with a SMO reflector and you can choose the tint for the XM-L2 and current for the driver.