Hi all,
After almost a week spending my evenings reading this forums for info and insights, I think it’s time to ask directly because I’m beginning to be more confused the more I read and I’m overwhelmed by all the possible choices.
So thank you in advance for helping a newbie.
First, I’m new to Flashlights. I was in the process of buying a “to see” bicycle light that last long enough so I don’t need to charge the batteries every day. Reading forums, I quickly understood that a good budget option was to buy a flashlight and mount it on the bicycle. I liked that “back to basics” avenue.
So, here my criteria (hopefully):
- Last around 10 hours or more on a low mode that I hope would be emitting around 100 lumens (see the NiteCore EC25 for lumens and runtime reference).
- Would have a other modes (medium, high, etc) emitting respectively around 200-300 and 500-600. I don’t care if there is other brighter modes but it’s ok if there is. Also, not having to cycle trough blinking/sos mode by default would be great.
- I want good flood / spill (are they synonyms?). I really need to see max 50-100 meters away. It’s better for my to see a tree branch than see that I will to turn left in 30 seconds.
I will equally ride in lite and not-so lite city streets and often totally dark parks. Around 30-60 minutes a day.
With that in mind I searched the web.
I first saw the Nitecore EC25 (http://www.nitecorelights.com/compact/ec25-cobra-860-lumens/).
Pro:
- The runtime and lumens range is perfect.
- Size, look and heat dissipation good.
- Low battery indicator.
Con:
- From youtube videos I saw, it seems more a thrower (not much flood)
- Expensive
Then I discovered this forum and the Chinese lights.
Here, I found some lights that were appreciated by fellow forum members with similar needs.
- SolarForce L2M
- UltraFire C8
- TrustFire A8
- UniqueFire UF-2200
- Shadow JM07
- FastTech X-Power HA-III
After research I understood that 26650 batteries have more power (hence runtime) so I focused my search on Flashlight using those — still NiteCore EC25 is using 18650 batteries and fits my runtime criteria.
Some thoughts on the models I found.
SolarForce L2M
Pro:
- Saw a lot of good review.
- It is P60 format which are supposed to be good flooders.
Con:
- I suppose it lasts not long (runs on 18650 batteries).
- I was not able to find where to buy it.
UltraFire C8 - Review: Ultrafire C8 XM-L U2 (Warning - Very Picture Heavy)
Pro:
- Many cyclists forum users seem to like it
Con:
- It looks to be more a thrower
- Is kinda big
- I suppose it lasts not long (runs on 18650 batteries).
TrustFire A8 - Review: TrustFire A8 from Manafont.
Pro:
- Use 26650 batteries
- Small
- Have good flood (as I think I understood it is P60 format which are supposed to be good flooders)
Con:
- Gets really hot
- The flood/spill is maybe not that good (26650 bike mount)
UniqueFire UF-2200 - Cheap U2 XML single cell 26650 lights
Pro:
- Often compared to Shadow JM07 and Keygos M10 (which I did not include here because I understood the UF-2200 is better in every points) which seem to be positively reviewed for bicycle use.
- Can use the two types of batteries.
- Inexpensive
Con:
- Not many reviews or visual night shots comparaisons with other flashlights models.
- I was not able to find if it has a good flood/spill.
Shadow JM07 - Review: Shadow JM07 Pro "Stone White" Limited Edition
Pro:
- Seems to have a good spill/flood (26650 bike mount).
- Can use the two types of batteries.
Con:
- Expensive
FastTech X-Power HA-III - X-power lights @ Fasttech or http://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10003006/1225300
Pro:
- Inexpensive copy of the Shadow JM07, so should also have its Pros.
Con:
- Not much info on it so I don’t know.
A Con which applies to all these lights is that there is no runtime and lumens info for medium and low, only for high, which as I read is often even not true. A point that lead me to maybe buy the NiteCore EC25 dispite its price, just to be sure of what I get. Because I don’t want to play a try and error game. Still, having a good flood is important to me.
I’m looking for a good quality/price ratio flashlight, but I like to know what I will get.
So this is it.
I would really appreciate your tips, info and suggestions. If you have an idea of another model to consider, please tell.
Thank you for your help (and for reading this long post ).