I lost my XinTD C8 V4 XM-L2 T6 18650 last fall and am ready to buy a replacement. That light had a great beam throw and yet non-blinding spread so I could see what was close to me also. What would be a solid replacement? Where do I start - I’ll gladly search reviews here but don’t know what brands or models or vendors to search anymore.
Here’s what I am looking for:
- does NOT have to be a C8, smaller is better. Good throw with wide spillover.
- single 18650, able to handle protected and slightly larger ones so that I don’t have to hunt for smaller dia. batteries.
- good CRI, slightly warm, so that it shows the foliage color at night.
- 3 or 4 mode, ascending, last mode memory if possible. Moonlight mode bonus as the 4th mode.
Thanks for the links- good starting point to see what’s good on the market now. I gather Sofrin and Eagle Eye are reliable? i.e. minimal chance of getting a flaky one?
I see a lot of Convoy lights, sooo many to choose from. Suggestions of 1000 lumen / 1 hr run time models using an average capacity 18650?
Sounds like you’re describing a Thorfire VG10s. Not high CRI, but mine seems to be a nice neutral tint, and I prefer the size for EDC over a C8.
Probably too few lumens for you, but in that size, I also like the Jaxman M8. Naturally, the XPL-HI version is closer to your 1k lumen requirement, but I lovemy 219b version , even though it only claims to get nearly 400 lumens (and really is begging for a driver swap). Noticeably more throw than most tube lights, but still pocketable IMO.
ETA: Oops, mixed up my links and models (fixed now)
Also another option is a Solarforce L2 host (a bit smaller than C8, but featuring a “tactical” tail switch), with a nichia-based led drop-in module for high CRI (~600 lumens max.) or a regular Cree-based (~800 lumens max.)
You can find these on Aliexpress, and LED drop-in modules can also be found on Kaidomain (search for KDlitker P60), they have a very wide choice, tints, SMO or OP reflectors…