I need a flashlight that is cheap (something I have to buy) and has high lumen outputs. I live in the US (if that matters). I won't be paying for batteries because I will be using this for work, where I can get AA batteries for cheap.
How about the Sipik sk68 clone for 6 bucks can't go wrong.
Are you limited to AA batteries? There are some pretty cheap XM-L lights on manafont and ebay that use 18650 batteries, or two Cr123 batteries.
You can stack the sepik tubes to make it a multi cell light?
I love the Sipik SK68 clones but I'm not sure its a zoomie that awmiscool is after. Stepping up in price the Trustfire R5-A3 may be the better choice. Or better still get both......
The Trustfire R5-A3 is one of my all time favorite lights especially once you eliminate the flashy modes.
Is this the same? US Seller, like the color.
Possibly. There are two versions out there. One with a good pill, one with a poorer pill. TBH if you will only ever be using AA's or NiMH rechargeables either will do. However, if you ever intend to use lithium 14500 rechargeable cells then you need the one with the better pill. I've no idea what pill the one you linked to has.
Ah I dissagree with the Sipik clones, I have one from tomtop and it was rather disappointing.
The only things I have compared it to though is the ZebraLight H51 and a Solarforce L2 with a XM-L drop in.
I have a TrustFire Z2 on the way and I expect it to be comparable to the H51 but time will tell.
Also depending on your budget there is some 2 x AA lights with XM-L, even single AA lights with XM-L too but they are better on 14500's.
is 20$ cheap?
then why not try the Balder SE-1 with XML emitter? ( i dont own it. )
I didn't even know they come in XM-L
I might have to buy one, I already have some 14500's doing nothing.
three different emitter choices:
i dont know how good it throws, though. ( it it does throw well, then geocachers might like it instead of the Fenix LD20 )