I'm John and I'm rather new to CREE flashlights.
About 6 months ago, I was at a local hardware store and saw a Redline 200LM Zoom at the checkout counter and was impressed enough with it that I bought it. I have always tried to have the best flashlights - my most recent, before the Redline, being a huge HID flashlight. That 200LM Redline, though not as bright, made up for the lack of brightness, in size. I kept telling myself that I was going to go out on the net and do some research and see what else was available, but just never got around to it.
However, my wife is traveling for a while and I gave her the Redline flashlight, to take with her. I never really realized how much I used it. This inspired me to start doing some research and I ended up here.
FYI, my background is EE.
I'm now looking for a small (pocket-sized, like the Redline), single CREE, zoomable, 1-LI or 3-AAA, in the 1000 to 1600 LM range. If I get a LI light, I will need to get a charger, too. I would prefer to get a light that will give me the option of using either LI or AAA batteries. Having the option of AAA batteries means that regardless of where I am, I will always be able to get batteries if I run out of rechargeable batteries.
I found a supplier that provides a Trustfire Z3 (requires 1 18650 or 3 AAA), with two 18650 3000mAh batteries included, a dual charger with both AC and auto adapters, and an adapter to allows the use of 3 AAA batteries, for emergencies. I have seen the Z3 elsewhere, but not with the variety of accessories.
So now, I'm here to research the TF-Z3 and to see if there is anything better. Most of the Z3s on the net are around $33, but the one with all the accessories is about $37. The $33 versions are available from US suppliers, while the $37 version is from a supplier in China, via eBay. The fact that several US suppliers have chosen to sell the Z3 is one of the reasons why I think it might be a worthwhile product.
Maybe there's something better, for my stated needs. Maybe not. That's why I'm here... to find out. I'm also here to find out if I can get such a complete package from a US distributor for anywhere close to the same price.
FYI, throw at max zoom is more important than flood, to me. Battery life is only moderately important, since I can carry more batteries. Besides, I tend to only use the light for a few minutes at a time (usually less than 20 min). Blinky and SOS are not terribly important to me. But I do think that the blinky is a good security feature, in the event of facing a burglar or assailant who has a gun. The strobe in the eyes will disorient the perp more than a steady bright light, while allowing me to still see my aim point. But for ease of use, in emergency situations, I think that the strobe should be the first click, instead of the fourth.
I welcome any suggestions.