help choosing!

Im looking at ultrafire c8 or 501b which one is best choice?

Well which one do you want?

Seriously though, it depends what you want.

The main advantage of the C8 is that it is more throwy (the beam will go further)

The main advantage of the 501b is that it takes P60 drop-ins, so it is easy to switch between different leds and drivers.

Also consider different brands, like the Convoy C8 or Solarforce L2/L2m. They are a small increase in price, but a huge increase in quality.

I like the C8, it’s more throw yet just as good at close range.

I have both and they are very different. I prefer the C8 as it’s an overall better host design. It provides better heat dissapation compared to the 501b which is a very cheap and light P60 host. If you do go for a C8 take care as there are many models in th emarketplace that appear identical but are not. Avoid ones with plastic reflectors and hollow pills. The safe bet is to get a known C8 (eg Convoy). This ensures you get quality and dont get caught out buying a cheap C8 on ebay thinking you got a bargain but find it’s not. I once bought a XML U2 C8 on ebay for less than $10, and then found it had a hollow pill and plastic reflector. It worked ok, but I wasn’t happy with it. Ended up giving it away to a friend at work. He was very happy.

i do like the idea of easy drop in mods.

Im looking to replace a 2D and 2 AA mag that ive been using for a great many years for daily use. i was thinking the c8 would probably be good replacement for the 2D.

I don’t know how new to the hobby you are, so I’ll say this here. When you’re first getting into this hobby do not skimp on your batteries and charger. It can be a safety issue as well as the huge performance issue. Only buy batteries and chargers that are known to be good from trusted sources, not eBay or Amazon

I think a C8 will be a good replacement for the 2D, but you probably won’t get as long of runtime on high.

Very much agree on the batteries and charger. I just got my Xtar charger today, and so far ive had great luck with the Olight batteries. Im rather new to the high power LED’s. The first high power LED light i got was 2 years ago i got a 500 lumen LED from Home Depot. Im still learning about drivers and pill’s and all that…… very new to me.

Convoy C8 for the win.

Was also thinking that the Ultrafire S5 would replace the 2AA mag. But im always interested in getting as much info and opinions before i buy.

Buy any Convoy model(s) directly from the manufacturer (Simon) and you will be assured of quality and the genuine article vs. counterfeits. You will not be disappointed :)

Convoy Direct on Aliexpress

Wow really like the Convoy L4! 32.2€ |Convoy L4 XM L2 U2 1A seite schalter LED Taktische Taschenlampe (extension tube enthalten)|tactical flashlight|led tactical flashlightconvoy l4 - AliExpress

If you got your heart set on the Convoy L4, you can get it cheaper in the United States from Mountain Electronics (RMM on BLF). He’s who I buy all my batteries from. Get your batteries and charger at the same time when you get the L4.

Convoy L4 XM-L2 18650 Flashlight - Includes Extension Tube $31.50

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, Gearbest still has the New Version Convoy C8 XM-L2 T6 4C Neutral White for $13.39

Another light that I own and think is a nice light is the Warsun CT9T.
Gearbest $19.89
Banggood $19.99

Since you are replacing a 2D MagLite, you probably want to have a 2 cell light so it feels like you got something in your hand.

The Warsun MX900 takes one, two or three (with optional extension18650) cells.
Warsun MX900 Cree XM-L2 5-Mode 1198 Lumens High Power LED Flashlight $24.69

The Warsun A9 takes one, two or three (with optional extension) 26650 cells or 18650 cells if you use adapter sleeves. That should feel like a MagLite C in your hands.
Warsun A9 Cree XM-L2 4-Mode 1198 Lumens High Power LED Flashlight $28.99 (single flashlight not the suite set)

Thank you very much for the suggestions. I got an M6 from RMM a couple weeks ago and have been very happy with it, and i definitely plan to buy more from him. I really like the looks of the MX 900.

Anyone looking at the Warsun CT9T can use code BGLFC to get a further $3 off from Banggood - bringing the total down to $16.99.

This is an open code published publicly on the Banggood website, and elsewhere on the forum for their clearance items; so there should be no issues sharing here again.

The latest CT9T revision is modified to a metal cap over the charging port, instead of the usual rubber type. It is however a proprietary charging pin-style connector (like that used on some cheap tablets), with the connector supplied, instead of a regular USB. Also, the charging seems to be a direct positive - negative circuit, so likely better intended for use as a power-bank, than for actually charging the cell inside the light!

The EagleEye X6R and Lucky Sun D80 (SE BLF edition group-buy will be here on BLF) are also two worthy low-cost lights that exceeded all my expectations and I actually prefer to the C8/L4 options.

Keep shining, Hirsh