Advice for a under $50 flash light.

LED Flashlights – General Info
10

The C8 with Batteries and charger is an excellent suggestion. I lucked out and got a Kegos KE-1 off ebay and I think they are the same light. Amazing amount of light from a small package. My favorite light for dark nights outside.

However, I still really like this one for its overall usefulness. It still blows people away on high with the 14500s. The mid is a very useful amount of light -- as much as your old mag light -- and decent run time as well. Great light for working on things.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-r5-a3-cree-xp-e-r5-3-mode-230-lumen-memory-led-flashlight-1-aa-1-14500-39062

A very cheap but good charger.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/universal-smart-quick-charger-recharges-all-batteries-100-240v-ac-14885


Some 14500 batteries if you go the R5 route.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-14500-3-7v-900mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-26124

Glad that SWMBO doesn't read this;-) just realized that I have about $80 into my two favorite lights. Hmmm. Then there is the P60 XM-L bringing me up to a C note in flashlights, batteries, and chargers. Could likely live without the P60 once I got the C8 (KE-1). It really is nice to have all three though;-)

Wade



11

@jacktheclipper

Thanks for the links, do you think that drop-in would fit the TrustFire Z5? I really like that light but the drop-in with reflector I assume would brighten it up a lot if it fits.

@how crazy is this

That R5 isn't really what I'm after but I might put it on the wishlist to buy at a later time to keep in my tool box. My brother has a little ZebraLight thats very useful under the car and around engine bays.

12

For reviews of the Solarforce lights, go to the 18650 forum. They are highly regarded.

13

The Z5 does not appear to be a drop in style of light .

Add to that it is a flood to throw , which does not do as good a job of flood or throw as a light dedicated to one or the other .

Keep reading . You will not only learn about the various capabilities of flashlights , but your personal needs in a light might be clarified more as well .

14

If you're really looking for the Brightest light at the Cheapest price, and you can deal with the light being ugly (LoL) then take a look at this one...awesome if you like throwers.

$18 on Amazon, super bright, super throw, decent spill...

http://www.amazon.com/Dorcy-41-4750-Lumen-Flashlight-Batteries/dp/B002OOZERY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318958466&sr=8-1

180 lumens but awesome throw, runs on 4 AA (use Eneloops or some other LSD battery).

15

Right. Z5 is not capable of using drop ins.

BUT I disagree with your comment of flood: Z5 is my current go to light if I need a floody light. It gives a really nice, uniform, bright enough flood. Good for in house tasks, car repair etc. Throw isn't that good, but then again, it is still available in case you need it.

That being said, I strongly recommend a single-18650 light for beginners. For example the above mentioned C8 + good batteries + reliable charger. That is a very good package even for a non-flashaholic (or flashaholic in training :))

For example:
- KD C8 $25.86
- 2x XTAR 18700 from BLF group buy (ask Serena first) $13.50
- XTAR WP2 II charger also from Serena $15.99
Total: $55.35

Goes a bit over $50, but it's worth it.

16

Ezarc , I should probably warn you that you might end up buying several different lights even if you think you've found The Perfect Light .

This place has that effect on people .

17

That set-up jack put the links up for should be the first kit a budding flashaholic should buy. And, his warning is so true; once you experience the performance of an XM-L equipped L2, you'll soon be Paypaling your way right out of a marraige.

cantputthecrackpipedownFoy

18

My personal picks would be..

The KD C8 http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=11097

Or if you wanted a little more throw I have been very happy with my C10 from DX http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-c10-cree-xm-l-3-mode-750-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-90124

For budget chargers I would recommend anything in the Xtar line.

There are lots of good choices for batteries. Xtar, Hi-Max and check out the Rev Jim for panasonic batteries, he is selling them for a crazy low price! I would not recommend any battery with Fire in the name, Ultrafire's being the worst. For a couple $ more you can have a battery with a proven track record. IMO its not worth saving a couple dollars on a craps shoot.

19

Thanks everyone for the input, I decided to go with a solar force L2 and the MF T6 3 mode drop in.

Although the combination I like consists of 2 of the solar force flash lights so I may but another later down the track and end up with 2 of them or give one to my brother.

20

The solarforce will be an absolute awesome option! You will not be disappointed! Which batteries and charger did you end up getting?

21

Just curious , but what is your favorite ( LEGO ) combination ? I like the look of the L2T head on the L2 body .

22

I wont be ordering any until Friday (its Thursday here now), I was going to order the ones posted but now just after looking a little I see the single 18650 from SolarForce are 2400mAh and $7 where I can get a pair of them with 3000mAh for $1-4 more depending on the brand. Unless anyone says otherwise Ill probably get 2 cheaper ones with a higher mAh rating than the single SolarForce one.

The charger posted Ill get, the TrusFire one. The cord comes out so I can put a Aussie one in that I can get for $3 at a cheap shop.

23

I saw that at sears for about the same price. Looks like a pretty good light. Best for the money too compared to everything else they had.

24

If you want a good pair of 18650's for a good price I think most ppl here can recommend these:

http://www.manafont.com/product_info.php/protected-trustfire-18650-37v-2400mah-rechargeable-batteries-flame-2pcsset-p-5560

When looking at the mah rating, do not be fooled by the chinese ratings on them! More often than not, they are way off the mark with the rating.

25

Cheaper at DX $9.90

26

Good call thanks!

27

Yeah the same, L2T head on the L2 body. Ill just get the L2 for first and the L2T another time.

28

Good,thanks!

29

Is this actually a good thrower? I saw this flashlight on Amazon and was considering picking one up just for the heck of it. I mean, it's cheap and unique, so why not? But the shipping is like, 10 dollars to me so I'll hold off on it for now. Especially since I just bought a TK41.

What I mean to ask is...do you own this light, and if so, do you like it?