Since everyone has their own unique circumstances regarding the flashlight they carry with them, I figured I’d solicit some input about what you all think might work best for my use case and preferences. I’ve decided that 18650 offers the best size/performance ratio for my needs, not to mention the fact that the cells are easily replaceable. So with that being said, here’s my use case and preferences:
I do not work a physically demanding job where the light will be subjected to torture (walking to and from hospital parking lot early in morning and late at night)
I want a good balance of flood and throw (more on the floody end though)
High CRI is a must
Want a good sustained output for when I’m doing things in the dark around my house.
I want to be able to use 18650s of most varieties, including flat top, button top, protected, and unprotected.
What do you guys think? Some of the stuff I’ve come across that sound intriguing are the armytek wizard c2 pro with nichia 144a and the acebeam e70 mini.
The C2 is right angle light, I like this form factor as it’s super easy to slap on a silicone headband and use as a headlamp.
The Skilhunt H04 with the floody optic might also work? There’s also an option with weird mag charging, but if you wanted that option I’d probably recommend the convoy H-something that has USBC charge port.
Your use case isn’t actually that demanding. Convoy (and sofirn?) Both make 18650 right angle, high CRI lights.
The wizards have the best clip of any flashlight. So you could probably find clothing or bag strap or something to clip it on to for the walk through the parking lot or anywhere you’re going to walk for that matter. It does work fine if you want to hold it. It is one of the widest “flood” lights out there. That doesn’t mean it’s not throwing some light out well in front of you and especially on the higher settings. It’s definitely brighter in the center but there is no distinct hotspot. That’s a good thing for a lot of uses. If you’re in the US you can get a 3000k nichia version at killzoneflashlights.com . The advanced UI sounds overly complicated but once you have it in your hand and watch a good YouTube tutorial it makes sense quickly. It is in my pocket everyday.
So yes, your research LED you to a good place.
I’d also recommend a Convoy S3 B35AM with your choice of beaded TIR for flood. The TIR will be 20mm 5050 footprint FYI. This will work with flat tops only.
If you have longer batteries (button top, protected), the E70 Mini is great too, but often doesn’t work with flat tops
I like zebralight interface. Any of 6 modes are quick and simple to get to. Hold briefly for moon. Click for high. Double click for med. Double click while on for sub level of the 3 main levels. Hold to cycle low, med high.
Strobe is 3 clicks. Levels are programmable if you want to customise.
Zebs give years of trouble free, reliable service in all kinds of conditions.
If i was to pick one light in that kind of urban environment zeb would be it.
One budget option - Sofirn SC32 with Nichia 519A 5000K (only this tint is available). I really like it because it’s small - 18650 flashlight 10cm in length. More of flooder than thrower. But I don’t know if it will accept protected cells, I must find such and check it.
