Better or more just more expensive?

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I was warned that joining BLF would cost me $ :bigsmile:

I’d like to get some opinions. Currently I normally EDC a Maglite XL50 and a Sipik SK68. I bought the ML on an Ebay auction for less than $20 and the Sipik was probably around $6. I use the Trustfire 14500 in the Sipik. When on duty I have my issued Streamlight Stinger but rarely use it. Rather I find myself using a Sipik SK98 (clone) with either a genuine Sanyo or TF 18650. I bought the SK98 for about $8 IIRC. I’ve used each of these lights for 2+ years and I’ve not experienced any issue with them. I don’t beat them to death or use any of them daily, but they’ve always worked when I’ve used them.

Okay, that’s the set up, here’s the question(s). Today I’m viewing various threads in my never-ending quest to learn more. I came upon a thread where ‘Racer’ was talking about using either the Sunwayman V11R Cree XM-L U2 or the Nitecore SRT3. He mentioned that he can use a CR123/RCR123/16340 or use an AA extender with either AA or 14500. This caught my attention. I looked at both of them and the best price I’m seeing for them now (Amazon) is like $69.95 with sheath/extender and some other options. I really like the looks of both of them and their features. I also like the various options in batteries these lights have. So seeing some of the lights I have now that are really inexpensive (but so far working fine), are either of these lights (or of the same type) really that much better that they are worth quite a bit more money? I’m not saying they aren’t. Perhaps I’m ‘Jonesing’ a bit but if I’m going to spend this amount on a light I’d like to be able to justify/rationalize it from a reasonable perspective. I know that $70 isn’t really that expensive for a flashlight and that one could spend a lot more, but it would be the most that I’ve laid out for a flashlight so if I do…well, I’d like to know I made a reasonable decision. Or are the lights I currently EDC perfectly fine and just as good without the higher price tag?

Pros and cons welcomed. :slight_smile:

2

What are you looking to improve for $70? For about the same price for an upgrade in lumens, modes and ease on the eyes, I’d recommend instead getting a triple modified S2 from Richard at mountain electronics for around the same price. The S2 and S3 look nice, you can get him to make the driver have up to 6 modes with a lower low and high will completely blow those you mention away on output. Plus you can pick a different tint if you want. They use 18650s though, so if you are stuck on a smaller battery for some reason, that wont work for you. I’d also not ever prefer to put two cr123s in series…see the recent flashlight blow up thread for the reasons why…

For “looks” if you feel those lights you mention really “look good” for you, only you can determine that… :slight_smile:

3

The answer is yes and no. Let me explain.

It’s a bit like asking is a BMW or Cadillaic is better than a base model Ford or Hyundia.

In terms of lights. Premium lights as a rule have better fit and finish, better machining and better anodising. They also have better more advanced UI’s and often nicer drivers.

I have the SWM V11R with a neutral white emitter and it’s brilliant. But runtimes on 16340’s are massively lower than an 18650 light.

4

My EDC is a V11r with an extender. My only regret about it was not seeking out the NW version. I’ve carried it in my work uniform pocket for about 8 months now, and no problems so far. I use a 14500 with mine and it’s plenty bright.

5

I have an $80 light, and my friends have similar lights priced from 50-300 from the nitecore p12 to the Surefire p3x, we have a couple triple emitter 2 battery monsters, and an assorted amount of headlamps from the Walmart garden variety lights to the 1,000 lumen Chinese headlamps. My friend that gave almost $300 for a 2400 lumen light was pretty disappointed the other day when my $30 XinTD from MtNElectronics showed up. We were all pretty awestruck when I found and ordered the convoys, then much more impressed when I p60 swapped them. For some reason they are WAY brighter with the p60 pill and stock reflectors than the stock pill. As far as longevity goes, it's hit or miss even the expensive lights will fail eventually. The fit and finish..... Eh, I can't say any finish is worth much they all get scratched and dented after some use. Some finishes are prettier than others haha the XinTD is sharp!

I guess the bottom line is that I won't be paying $50+ for any more run of the mill '1000 lumen' lights, when they can be had just as good for about 20 bucks. Maybe 30 if you want an awesome thrower. Now if they are modified like the triple s3 from MTN that's probably worth every penny of the price tag. that v11r looks really nice, the control ring is what I like about it, if that and the fancy tailcap is worth $50 to you then go for it! It's tempting for me but I think I'll stick to my guns and wait for the cheaper version to surface, I'm sure it'll work just as good.

6

Remimber,

“Quality is adherence to specification.”

“Know Thyself”

and maybe:

“The unexamined light is not worth buying.” :slight_smile:

Once you know what your requirements are, reasonable option(s) will fall out naturally.

After my first 3 or 4 C8 lights I knew I wanted to invest in a light with MT-G2 emitters(s), from there I was able to make a short list with out too much struggle. I happen to be very happy with the Nitecore P36. So far she does not seem to be the bell of the ball around here, but I think she is the golden mean of lights.

7

wildly ventilated flashlights

https://www.google.com/search?q=Lux-RC+FL33
and
http://www.oveready.com/insiders/55/

8

I guess it depends upon one’s need and desires. I have lived a lot of years with Maglites, WalMart plastic, and other cheap lights made of aluminum that did not have a pretty beam or long throw. BUT I did everything I needed to do, or wanted to do with a flashlight.
One year my adult son wanted a Surefire e2e. I had never heard of Surefire, and they cost about $70. I thought the price was exorbitant, but I wanted to get him whatever he desired for Christmas

I bought him one, and was impressed with the throw. I got myself one, and one for my SIL and an e1e for Daughter. Then I found CPF, and got interested n flahlights. I bought a few cheapies, and lost interest. A few months ago I returned to CPF and BLF to see what was new. I am amazed at the differences in the current LEDs and the old lights. Subsequently I bought a few AAA and AA lights, and a couple of inexpensive 18650 lights.

I found that I have little use for 18650 lights, but do like the smaller lights. I have a couple of 4 Sevens Quark’s, a mini AA and a mini CR 123a. I like them, but in truth all I ever carry are Tank 007 e09, Fenix LD01, or some AAA cheap lights that I have found reliable, like the Tanks or now the Hugsby one mode AAA. I give them away when I encounter someone who I think would use them, such as widows at church.
I did recently buy a Thrunite Ti3. I do like the Thrunite Ti’s, but don’t want to pay the money.

The lights I put in my vehicles are Sipik SK 68 or clones, or mini Mags. I don’t use them hard, and have never had one fail. In my life I have had only one or two lights fail (switches) and a couple that I did not use much and had alkaline batteries leak. So I have found no need, and have no desire for a $50 plus light. I have no quarrel with those who do. Until age caught up with me I was a hunter and outdoorsman. I have a pretty good battery of big game rifles. More than I need, but like the flashaholics I wanted to try them. Of course hunting in the US and Alaska I did need different cartridges for different game. If I were hunting today I would get rifles that might cost $5,000 plus.

So after all this I conclude that as to flashlights I can well live without any problems with my bedside 3 C Maglite with a Terralux 140 lm bulb, a Tank 007, and a few Sipik clones, plus a couple of Thrunite Ti’s with the low moon mode. I appreciate the knowledge and skill of so many here, and I do play around with lights for fun, but I cannot see myself paying anywhere near $70 for a light.

Regards,
Jerry

9

It’s not about brightness, throw, or flood.
It comes down to reliability when you need it. I use a Jetbeam III for daily use as I know I will thrash it at work.
I have dropped it numerous times on the concrete floor, dropped it in 3 feet of water, used it close by while arc welding, and left it in a steam washer. It is not the brightest, but it still works everytime I need it.

10

Just to add a little to what Chicken Drumstick is saying here, there’s also a low-end 150cc motorcycle w/ a clone engine in this comparison. Sure, it’ll do 60mph like the others, it’ll sure get you there, and the brand-new price is only $2k vs $15k or $30k…

But with all respect I’d never consider an SK68 for my primary in duty situations. Even if it pulled my uncle out of a burning building and barked when little Johnny fell down the well.

11

Thanks to everyone for your responses, much to think about. To date the most expensive flashlight I’ve purchased is the one I ordered yesterday, the ThruNite Ti3 for $19.95. Next would be a couple of Trustfire A8’s for $18/$17. Have a couple of F13’s on the way for $9 each and then the SK98 mentioned above and three ML XL50’s (all purchased in the mid-teens). I have a half dozen ML C&D lights that I’ve converted over to LED using the Niteize 55 lumen drop in from Harbor Freight. And then I’ve purchased a bunch of SK68’s to keep and for gifts. These I get for less than $4 each. And then I have an assortment of inexpensive 18650’s off Ebay. Only one was sub-par and they replaced it for free.

So this thread so far has answered my question(s). A $70 light might be better quality but it isn’t likely to last 10 times as long as my $7 light, nor is it 10 times more durable. This is what I’m understanding. I have a buddy at work with an expensive light that isn’t anywhere as bright as my SK98 (forget the brand but it is a CR123), it is MUCH dimmer and he’s ready to chuck it. He saw the SK98 and couldn’t believe it was $8 on Ebay/Amazon.

On duty I usually have four lights on me: Streamlight Stinger, SK98, ML Solitare LED and a ROV mini-led. So I’m not hurting for light sources. When I hike out into the deep woods I’ll have the A8 and several other back ups. And EDC is the SK68 and XL50 (and the Solitare/ROV and the ROV is soon to be replaced with the Ti3).

I figure one could buy, at current prices, about 18 SK68’s for the price of one of the above. So far my SK68’s have lasted for about 3 years with moderate use. So if 3 years was ALL the light lasted then I’m covered for the next 50+ years and if I lose one or break it I’m not going to cry about it. I started thinking about losing/breaking a $70 flashlight and wasn’t exactly happy about the prospect.

Many thanks folks for helping me out :slight_smile:

12

It is a budget forum, after all. :slight_smile:

13

True the more expensive lights won’t last 10 times longer, or be 10 times brighter. In the long run you will notice that the cheaper lights last for a while, but they break when you need them to work.
I use to think the same as you, but over time I have found the better lights are worth the investment. It is ok to buy the cheaper lights as I still do, but I rather keep my primary a good quality light.

14

considering you’re LE I’m surprised there’s no mention of P60 lights anywhere in this discussion. Have you tried them??

15

:bigsmile:

16

I’d say the biggest “safety upgrade” would be to discard the Trustfire batteries
and get some Quality 18650’s & 14500’s ( Panasonic, Sanyo, etc)

17

The reason I transitioned to the Trustfire Flame was because of the recommendations here on BLF. So far they’ve been working out great. I also have a couple of genuine Sanyo in 18650.

18

What field of work are you in? If you are looking for a nice new light, I would suggest one catered to your needs opposed to just buying an expensive light that has the same practical output as one of the lights you have now.

For example, if you need throw for distance, a bigger reflector will offer a lot more practicability than a small light with a fancy magnetic control ring and colored LEDs.

19

Was that some several years ago?

20

Yeah…even mildly used laptop pulls will be heads and shoulder better than most **fire batteries out there…and you can always buy a bucket of spares if you are worried they might fail