Hi,
I am a newbie in the LED flashlight word and I would like to buy a new flashlight to replace my old “low quality” Q5 mini LED flashlight (not too bad for the price, but work only by intermission now).
I look for a flashlight for camping, I would like something very bright, I like the zoom option but I wonder if it’s essential, I like the possibility of using AAA instead of special battery (or maybe the two possibilities are much better). Many mode are not absolutely necessary but a low/medium/high mode can be interesting. I order a lot from Banggood, but I can order at other place, but I don’t want to pay too much for shipping…
I find some candidates fitting in my tights budget (<30:money_mouth_face:. So, anyone have a advice for me (about models in my list or other better choices ?)
——- Models with zoom ——-
(I don’t like the charging port with a small rubber plug)
Hi Alain, welcome to BLF!
There are no cheap flashlights that use AA or AAA batteries and at the same time are very bright. For that there are a few expensive options (to name one: the Nitecore EA41, which runs on 4xAA in series)
I can recommend the Convoy C8 at Banggood, it is a must-have for flashlight enthousiasts, a bit throwy, and you can choose from a number of led-tints.
I really like my Olight i3s, runs reg AAA or 10440 for more bright, modes are norm, hi, firefly (perfect for walking without disturbing others) and fast cycle twice for strobe.
Specifically not to bother others I also have some red LED lights of various sizes.
Everybody should have a few SK68 clones, single AA or most take same size lithium.
Thanks Djozz and Danglerb,
The Nitecore EA41 or the Olight i3s is to small, I woul like something bigger.
The Convoy C8 seems to be a good option, what model (color temperature) is recommended ? Smooth or orange peel reflector ?
Also, Convoy C8 it’s rated at 1000 lumens, Is it possible to find more in this price range ?
(It’s difficult to compare since the lumen specified for cheap China flashlight seems to never be true)
What you mean by “a bit throwy” (my English is not very good)
Any other models to consider in the Convoy C8 range ?
Thanks for your help,
I can also recommend the Nitecore EA41 pioneer.
It does need 4 nimh AA’s though, I had trouble making it go through the programs in the correct order with non nimh AA’s
It will work on normal (alkaline) AA’s in a pinch though so it’s also a nice backup licht.
Will set you back 60 USD plus what 12 USD on 4 nimh’s? and perhaps a charger……
Crap now it does get kinda expensive doesn’t it.
If your camping maybe a solar charger would help you out, but that’s just making everything more expensive.
I can recommend you a headlight for arround 30USD that uses 3 AAA’s
A black diamond spot, to be honest a headlight is more suited while camping than anything else.
You have both hands free, you can read, clean, cook, make a fire etc.
It has some sweet modes and an extra red led for when you wanna keep your eyes in nightlightmode.
If you want a thrower you gonna need lithium batteries which is another typ of sport.
Nothing super dangerous or difficult but you’ll need some info before buying and charging lithium batteries.
Honestly a zoom option does not add anything, perhaps maybe 5 meter further beam in a tiny square.
Best thing to do is wait till you have a little more to spend and buy something good.
As in a real tried and true flashlight of a good brand, or you’ll just keep wanting something better and each time step up a bit on a ladder while adding to more costs.
Instead of buying that good stuff right away.
I know where you’re coming from and would hate to see you go through the same mistakes I did
Don’t rush into buying anything before getting all your facts.
Joining a Flashlight forum was a great idea!
I wish you the best of luck!
Ok, I thought AA or AAA it’s more friendly but it’s something I can remove from my list.
I can buy some battery and charger.
And maybe I can forget the zoom too, I find it useful with my old Maglite or my small cheap LED flashlight but if the brightness is a lot more powerful maybe it not necessary ?
About my budget; I don’t want to pay a lot because I tend to lost a lot of things… And my children too So, I prefer to keep the price not too high. I don’t want the super mega best flashlight in the word, just something better than the cheap 10$ cheap China basic LED flashlight.
CAUTION
Are you aware of the hazards of using li-ion batteries?
Do you know how to properly take care of li-ion batteries?
If not, please take the time to learn more:
Just remember that should you get a good li-ion light, a few batteries and a quality charger (preferably universal), you’ll be set for years. You shouldn’t really need a zoomie either, just a relatively throwy light with a nice low mode that can be used at close range.
In the AA/14500 arena, have you looked at the Thorfire TG06? It works very well on lithium and ok on nimh. I has a pretty good driver and hidden disco modes. TG06
With the 18650 battery, you should have a Convoy S2+. They are tough, floody but light a good distance well and fit a pocket well. The following one has a 6*7135 driver and comes in several tint bins. S2+
Buy good batteries and a good charger from Xtar and enjoy either.
There are quite a few flashlights that can be used with either li-ion or 3*AAA/AA cells using a holder.
The Watson X65 can use AAs if you wamt for example.
If you understand how to use li-ion safely they are delivering more energy in one package.
I am still waiting for the ordered C8 diffuser but with it my Convoys C8 in warm white becomes ideal camping flashlights. Waterproof nice lighting power, high quality and usable inside tent because of diffused beam.
+1 for the Olight i3s (get the matte brass model if you want more lumens). Just clip it inside the corner of a front pocket. You'll never know it's even there.
Then for a 18650 light, the Convoys that have been mentioned offer great bang for the buck. S2+ for a compact, M1 for the next size up (fatter head), C8 for the big head (more throwy).
Get some protected 18650 cells from Mountain Electronics (I like the Sanyo/Panasonic NCR18650GA Protected 3500mAh).
J&H
ps. Recently bought a screaming deal on an XML-2 light (basically a Convoy S2+ clone) from FastTech.
By “throwy”, we mean “a very focused beam, like a spot light, which might project a longer distance”. The opposite is “floody”, or “a wide beam, much like a flood light, which will light more of the area around you”.
When I’m camping, I usually want something more floody than throwy. And “very” bright might not be necessary - at the very least, I want a less-bright mode or three because I don’t want to wake everyone up with the super-bright light as a stroll through camp.
Without commenting on the other lights you found, I would not get a Convoy C8 for this purpose. A convoy S2+ seems more the thing. And I would be tempted to deliberately get a less bright version of it (e.g. the 7135*4 driver rather than the 7135*6). I would definitely not get a 7135*8. I would also get a diffuser, to better use it as a lantern.
I’m a huge fan of the C8 but I agree that the Convoy S2+ will fit this need better. I’m not sure I’d agree with 7135*4 over 7135*6 as you can always select a lower mode but I’d not go higher than 6. Tints and mode groups to suit your preference are available. If you’re not familiar with tints aim for the middle, say 4500K or close to that. Higher numbers will give brighter but harsher light which you may not like.
Once you get a light like this you’ll discover just how much you’ve been missing and you’ll want to try more options- welcome to Flashaholism
Thanks everybody for your help. I learned a lot of things.
So many choices available, it’s very difficult to make a choice. I will be forced to start a collection . It’s only the beginning!
Since I don’t want to use this first one only for camping (all utilities are possibles) I would like something powerful and not too small, so I think yours suggestions for the three flashlight below can fit my needs, tastes and budget. The price are in the same range and all use the same LED XM-L2, so, can I conclude that all three are “similar” products ?
Palight MTS
XM-L2 LED, IPX-3, 5 modes with memory, 1100 lumens, battery indicator
26650 battery and charger included
Convoy C8
XM-L2 LED, 3 and 5 modes with memory, 1067 lumens,
Customizable (orange peel reflector can be ordered if I want a more floody beam)
BLF D-80
XM-L2 LED, IPX-7, 5 modes with memory, 1100 lumens, batteries with protection circuit are too long for this flashlight but a longer tube are available.
They are all pretty “powerful.” You need to decide on form factor and user interface. There are so many, so it’s best to tailor a particular light to a particular need IMHO (thus starts Flashaholism!).
How big do you want to carry camping (and still have it on you 100% of the time?). A holster? A clip? Stuff it in a pocket?
How much battery capacity will you need? Larger battery? Spare batteries? Recharging?
What type of light output? Floody? Throwy? Diffused?
Modes? Which levels? Which level to start on? SOS? Strobe? Beacon?
Will you have a lantern of some sort for evenings?
The lights you have selected so far are best carried in a holster (for comfort due to head size). Will you always be wearing a belt?
The D80 has a larger center spot and brighter spill than the C8. By contrast, the C8 has a much tighter center spot (throws more), at the cost of diminished side spill. When compared side-by-side on a white wall, the two beams appear relatively the same brightness because of the intense spot thrown by the C8. However, a ceiling bounce test will confirm that the D80 puts out more overall lumens (in excess of 1300 lumens with a good unprotected cell).
So, which one suits your needs better? If you’re lighting up a foot path, then the D80 would fit your needs better. If you’re hunting for coyotes, then the C8 would be your choice.
Notes:
Your comment regarding the C8, “orange peel reflector can be ordered if I want a more floody beam,” isn’t exactly true. The OP reflector will smooth out the beam, reducing artifacts and taking the hard edge off the center spot. It won’t significantly affect the floodiness of the beam.
I do not own the Palight, so I’ve refrained from commenting on that choice.
Thanks for this comment. At first I don’t understood well the orange peel utility. It’s more clear for me now.
So, I wonder if some models similar to Convoy C8, Palight or D80 are available in a more floody beam. I will probably take one of the three mentioned above as a thrower, but I woul like to look for a other one more floody. Any suggestion ?
If you want a floodier beam, I’d recommend the Convoy S2.+ It feathers smoothly from large center spot to spill areas. Short of buying a Surefire (or adding a diffuser or diffusing film), you’re not going to find a nicer beam profile. The Convoy S2+ comes in a variety of tints, colors and power choices. “[link]”:18650 flashlight with protection built in? - #12 by 1dash1 Note: For camping purposes, I’d recommend you get the 7135*8 version, because you might need the extra output.
However, I hope you recognize that everything is a compromise. With a more mellow beam, it won’t throw nearly as far as the other flashlights. The S2+ is well-suited for needs in and around the campsite, but not for investigating things. I recommended the D80 to you because while camping, you may have an occasional need to try identify distant objects. The D80 is also more weatherproof than the S2+.
I’m going out on a limb here and recommend the Thorfire VG10. This light will let you use cr123a’s then if you want to jump on the 18650 format it’ll work there also. 4 well spaced mode and around $20.00. http://www.banggood.com/ThorFire-VG10-CREE-XM-L2-4modes-847lumens-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-p-1039684.html They have one with a battery and charger for $25 but I know nothing of the battery or charger. It’s not the brightest 900 lumens on good 18650’s but is fairly stout and should take lots of abuse before that fatal drop.
More I read your comment, more my idea become more clear.
I think a Convoy S2+ and a Convoy C8 can make a good pair.
(And a good collection beginning:-) )
Some peoples seems to recommend the 8x7135 while othe recommend a lower setup like 4x7135 ou 6x7135. If the flashlight become too hot after a few minutes, I think I prefer to choose less chips… But how many is enough ? 4 or 6 ? I hesitate between a 7135x4 and 7135x6.
The D80 seem interesting, but the longer tube seems to be sold out. So the “standard” model don’t accept protected battery. I imagine all flashlight does’not have a cut-off protection (not specified for the D80). I think a protected battery is better, I am right ?
. It’s only the beginning!