After putting Fenix light in tough conditions while caving I am not sure I agree with your opinion :)
Have you posted somewhere what happened? I’ve dropped my fd65 so many times, ~1m. not on solid rock though…yet
Not to challenge you, especially since I’ve owned neither, but are you saying you find Fireflies more robust than Fenix?
I totally agree with this. 21700 based with a spare cell slot would be ideal imo. For a really budget and practical option I like to recommend the Convoy L21B with SFT40.
What range do you need? What terrain and conditions? Runtime?
Welcome to BLF, Stevieb 
Some questions:
- what size is ideal for you (since you say that the lights your team elements are too big)?
- what is your budget?
No, I was offering Fireflies since it has very narrow beam and I don't think SAR requires super robustness as in caving.
My comment was only regarding Fanix which in my experience are not as robust as some people think. The H series is popular light for caving since it is compact and cheap but I have seen many Fenix lights fail
Someone pls explain for gentleman why search lights are big.
The range of throw will be limited if you stick to more compact options. A large reflector is practically a requirement on a true searchlight. But maybe there is smaller light that will throw well enough for your needs. How far does this light need to be able to throw?
Not a flashlight advice, but a channel that shows search and rescue flashlights,
Yes, the comparisons at the end of this video will give a quite good understanding of typical setups:
https://youtu.be/W68DWHYhotw YouTube channel, comparison video
And off topic, I can see why they call it flashoholics.
Some person coming in asking for an advice, gets jumped by 10 friendly persons: “of course you have to try this one, but this is also good. Come join us in our addiction, come flash with us” cut your credit card now, and run. RUN!
Well at least flashlights come in handy. It’s popular to collect lots of things that are less practical. (rocks, stamps, etc)
Well, can’t argue with you! I have five flashlights incoming on the mail, or was it six? 
Haha I guess it is Christmas all year round! I “only” have 13 lights so far and I’m trying to limit myself to one shipment in the mail at a time.
Thanks for the feedback. It’s like being a kid in a sweet shop but there’s so much choice you can’t make up your mind!!” I loved the IF22A but the only place I found them was on Ali express and then when I ordered it said they couldn’t deliver to my country, (UK) !!! The Convoy L21B with SFT40 looks great but I have the added expense of batteries and charger, I don’t think it’s rechargeable in the torch like the IF22A so I’d have to buy batteries and a charger.
The Convoy M21D is a compact thrower with a 21700 battery and onboard charging. It normally comes with an XHP70.2 which is bright but not the throwiest LED. You could ask Simon to swap it out for an sft-40 or something, he’s very obliging like that.
How odd. I’ve ordered many things from the Sofirn Ali store with no problems.
I’ve just had a look and I’m able to purchase the IF22A with shipping to the UK. Are you definitely on the official store? Try this link - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003092164967.html?spm=5261.promotion_code_product.Table.1.1bda4edfzTZFTA
There’s even a coupon for it - [Black Friday Deal]Sofirn Aliexpress Store~Deal price for all products
Then there is larger SBT90, multi -cell throwers. But i guess they might be to big for your specific purpouse.
Thanks people . I got a Sofire IF22A delivered through the post, it took ages but it is worth it. Micro nav and area searches are much easier now I can light up the area like daylight and its small and light enough to not be an issue in your pocket or top of the sack. I dont know how long it lasts yet but its still going strong after a whole evening of intermittent use. Theres lots ot interest from my team mates and i think we’ll be getting some more.
It’s a great light!