I am new to this forum and I don't know a lot about these flashlights, so I am here to get some information on which torch I should buy as there are so many to choose from. As a cabbie I am looking for a reliable, yet bright torch for finding people's house numbers while I am driving at night. Currently I am using a 4D Cell Mag-Lite but I'm after something smaller and brighter. Last night I was thinking about purchasing a UltraFire WF-502B, and then I noticed on these forums that the KD C8 CREE XML T6 1000 Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1*18650) was quite popular. So which flashlight would you guys recommend for me?
You are on the right track with the c8. It is pretty small and I would say the beam would be perfect for house number hunting. I like the trustfire from Manafont because it’s bright and has a little stainless bling to it.
I assume you mean this one http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/trustfire-c8-stainless-steel-head-xml-t6-900lumen-5mode-led-flashlight-118650-p-6968 right?
and how long do you get out of a set of batteries?
Welcome as well. I also agree with this light although I got a clone for about $5 less on ebay. Doesn't have the nice stainless bezel though. Great light! You will be amazed!
For batteries and charger I would take advantage of this:
Include the car adapter and you will really be set! Better than the bundles from what I can see.
Also ask Serena if she will extend the $13.50 shipped deal for 2 XTar protected 18650s I think she will. So, for $30.50 you get 2 top quality batteries that could easily cost you $34 alone. Plus, you get a good charger that will allow you to charge your batteries in the cab! Add the C8 from manafont and you end up still under $60 for a light batteries and charger. The light will blow many $100 plus lights away and you have batteries and charger included.
(this one may be ended but redlog was good to me and has others. The kegos KE-1 is a very similar clone. Cyberport also sells them on ebay and I think others here have had good experience with them.)
The 18650s simply have more power available than anything else that small. These lights put out a tremendous amount of light. That means they use a lot of power. The 18650 is a nice format as a balance of small size big power. I had my KE-1 out in the country with a friend that had one of those big tool lights with the rechargeable battery like would go in a skill saw etc. His light was 3X the size and probably 10X the weight. Also some kind of "bright" LED light. However, the KE-1 made it look like a toy! Perhaps run time was longer but with the charger and spare cell above it wouldn't be an issue in your use.
For finding people's house numbers from inside the car I'd suggest a dedicated thrower (thinner but brighter beam, with longer battery runtime as a bonus and no bright spill to blind the user).