I'm buying for a friend and I already got him the Sky Ray G6. I'm looking for something comparable to replace it since I'm a little nervous about that brand after all the triple XM-L failures. The G6 seemed to hold up fine until a coworker dropped it from the top of a semi trailer on to concrete. I'm still curious what else is out there that should perform just well or maybe even better for around the same price. I might be able to go as high as $30. He likes the XP-G and also the compact size. So what's the best out there right now?
weiser - are you looking for full SS or just a SS Bezel?
No worries about the SS skyray, if it fails should be an easy fix compared to the triple XM-L's.
sky ray g6 is good. there are 2 others with 18650 which look alike:
Stainless steel and XM-L emitters are a poor combination unless gently driven. SS and XP-G has many of the same issues. Keep the drive current down and fit the most efficient emitter possible.
Basically, aluminium is a better material to build lights from - and that it despite my SS fetish. Which is a lot cheaper than a titanium fetish.
He specifically wants SS. I tried to convince him to go with aluminum this time but since he's using it in the shop every day he prefers the durability of SS, as if it's really that much more of a difference considering the application. I know that G6 gets hot on high even with the XP-G but I guess he's okay with that. Maybe I'll just tell him they're not available anymore :D
Also, a friend wants a copy of my L2i UF XM-L but I had to inform him the L2i is no more.
I think the G6 is the nicest stainless steel 18650 light around, it would be even better if it didn't have strobe modes. The Yezl S2 is the prettiest SS 18650 light around, and it has a nice side clicky, but it has an aspheric lens and in my opinion the beam sucks.
Have you considered a Trustfire T2? It has SS head and tail caps, and is a very attractive light, with a side clicky as well.
Actually, I put the TF T2 in my cart not too long ago. I think it's top 2 or 3 right now. I had forgotten that light. It's sort of refreshing searching for an XP-G. It's been a while.
Ultrafire WF503 B SS
The Aurora SH-032 is worth a look. Sensibly driven so it isn't a brightness monster - but it doesn't get hot enough to burn hands either.