I’ve been searching for a flashlight that can output a large amount of light and is as small and light as possible. To achieve that, I’d already be happy with a short use time, but different brightness modes would be nice, too.
How good is something like the Convey M3 for that purpose?
The thing is that I almost always carry a powerbank and a smartphone and both have LEDs integrated, so I already have ‘low power, very long runtime’ solutions. And I also don’t want to carry a huge flashlight with me, so something like the L6 would already be too large for me.
Hmm. You've mentioned a large amount of light - if you mean ~1000 lumens, there are too many options to list. If you mean what a flashlight enthusiast means, you're probably talking about 2000+ lumens. I'll base my recommendations on that assumption first.
Emisar D4
Edited to include recommendations with smaller batteries:
Convoy M3 is huge, even compared to other 26650 lights. You should be looking at triples and quads like the FW3A and D4, or something with a single XHP50 or 70 emitter.
I’ve used the short max burst from the FW3A on people, even the strobe. Nobody likes getting hit with that much light, but curiosity and machismo seem to win out when they see how small the light is. The D4S is another option, I tried it as my edc but the FW3A is so small in comparison it disappears in my pocket. I still use my larger lights most often but the FW3A will probably have a home in my pocket from here on out.
What do you mean by “self-defense addition”? If you mean a crenelated bezel for gouging people’s eyes out, then the FW3A and D4 aren’t going to cut it. They have smooth bezels.
Something like the Astrolux S43 is a very similar light, but has slight crenelations. It’s a little larger, but that means easier to hold as you’re attacking with it. Comes with built-in micro-USB charging port, which might come in handy. (The other lights don’t.)
Of course, you’ll probably get shot in the process, but at least you can put “the toughest flashaholic SOB lies here, RIP” on your tombstone. Kinda cool.
The D4v2 has an interesting “feature”. Put it in “muggle mode” and 15 minutes later it automatically turns on and heats up and burns the robber that stole it from you. Good for revenge, not so good for defense.
