Best throwing flashlight.

What i need now is a FTT flashlight:

- not so big
- 3xaaa or 18650 (but it's not mandatory, also 14500 or other cell are ok)
- with the brightest throw (doesn't matter if the flood isn't as good as the throw)
- budget 20$ (flexible)

I search on the forum and i read a lot of post about FTT flashlight but every post has a different conclusion.
I see that someone already test the FTT with the T6 from Taobao but seems that the throw is not the best quality of this flashlight (that's what i understand but maybe i'm wrong).

Someone say R5 would be the best for a throwing lgiht but I search for a R5 FTT and seems that the only one is on shiningbeam.

I accept also suggestion for a DIY project (for example a C30 modded with a new circuit board and a R5 or a R2)

Thanks

http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1275

This one was so throwy that it was almost unusable. How throwy you want it?

Some refer to them as pencil beam thrower... i would totally agree.

R5 for a thrower? Not likely in the very cheap realm. R2 is the emitter of choice for throwers (not because it's cheaper but by design).

DIY project? Lunapower MRV 1mode from manafont and a R2 emitter on a 14mm base at KD. Perhaps a 1400mA single mode driver along. But keep in mind that R2 are rated to max 1A. Lifetime will be heavily reduced.

Price? a little above 20usd altogether.

Thanks for your suggestion.
HS-801 is an optimum thrower but i'm searching for a Flood to throw light (FTT) more "throw" than "flood". I need a bright spot also at a very long distance.
Searching on the forum i found many info, for example:

- X2000 is an excellent flood to throw but has some reliability problem
- Romisen RC-C8 is more reliable but not so good on throw
- MXDL SA-28 seems the best thrower but i don't know if a R2 upgrade can cause heatsink problem
- Sipik SK 68 seems to be good but use only AA or 14500 (Romisen RC 29 has the same "problem"
- C30 would be good for mod but use only 3xaaa (not 18650 as option)

So now i don't know what to do. I know that the best way to learn is making error but i don't want to throw away money.

Any suggestion?

Buy one of them, change the driver (and emiter if needed) and lens. If you need a FTT light, of course. If not, I think HS801 is an excellent choice. :~ (haven't tried it by myself, but as far as I know, it's the best thrower for 20 bucks)

I would stay away from the x2000. i have two of them and the retaining ring they use has no plate that separates the star from the driver thereby providing no cooling to the led.

I agree, only having the emitter touching a 1mm rim of aluminum is not very smart. Does anyone know if the MXDL SA-28 has a solid surface for emitter mounting?

Another option is the SmallSun ZY-A4

Best price I found $12,99 and use a Discount Code (5% work fine : FLASHLIGHT, or a 7%, but I do not know, if it work: SNAPSHOT)

http://www.lightake.com/detail.do/sku.30687

Some information about it:

http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/658

I have the Smallsun zy-a4 and i also made a review here http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1771.

Good flashlight but i don't think it's the best flood to throw light. Maybe i'll change the drive but the problem is always the same:heatsink. It has a 20 mm star without plate so i don't know if it's safe upgrade it.

I see in this review http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1078 that sipik sk68 has a plate that can help heatsink. Anyone mod it with r2 or different circuit board?

I read recent post about some thrower light and "recoil thrower" like HS801 or Sipik CK361 and i have to admit that i still don't have flashlight similar to these.
Do you think i can get more throw (farther and brighter spot) with one of these light or with a flood to throw flashlight?

my recoil thrower, sipik ck361, throws a much brighter spot than my FTT, romisen RC 29. The Romisen has a Q5 and the Sipik a Q3. Both with lithium batteries. My next light will be an HS801/802. Then ill know which is better. Im betting on the HS 801.

The spot from a pure thrower (Recoil or aspheric) can appear much brighter than that from a 'normal' reflector. That's because the lack of spill creates much greater contrast between the spot and its surrounds. You'll see what I mean here http://budgetlightforum.cz.cc/node/1963

truer words were never spoken