New to the forum, and the amount of information is staggering. I’m looking for a good single 18650 for EDC. Priorities are lots of light (duh), a clip, and affordability. Probably will be used in more emergency type situations, so heat management is not that important.
Also a plus if I can buy from a seller on Ebay. (though I have used dealextreme in the past with good results.)
Sorry to ask the question. I searched, and was overwhelmed with the results.
Buy a couple DX lights, then buy a couple premium lights because you think they will “cure” you, THEN buy one of the many lights people suggest you buy in this thread. Much more fun!
I just got a Sipik SK73 from Manafont for $11. Caveat is that you should take it apart first thing and make sure the star board is firmly affixed to the pill, because if it comes loose as one member here has found, it smokes the emitter. It is very compact for a 18650 powered light and is a zoomie with a clip. XM-L T6 emitter. I bought one and have not had problems with the emitter so far (have had it for 5 days). Unfortunately DX doesn’t seem to have this one (yet).
I just bought a new L2M Solarforce, love it, but way too BIG to EDC for me. It’s a pocket light certainly, but not compact and only for carry in a coat or jeans.
I can recommend my own personal EDC light. An EagleTac D25LC2 twisty. It’s very very compact and easily fits in a pocket (shirt pocket, trouser (sorry pants ) or jacket pocket.
I also love the clip, it’s mounted right at the very end of the light, so is ideal for deep carry. Having other lights with the clip mounted part way along the body or with a shorter clip, I can honestly say I’ll only EDC this basic design from now on. The deep carry clip is the BEST feature of the light IMO.
Ok maybe the EagleTac isn’t the most budget offering, but it’s not silly money either. It can also run on 2 x CR123A or 2 x RCR123’s.
It’s pretty bright too, 343OTF lumens and with really good throw for it’s size (mines the XP-G version). Heat isn’t an issue, it gets warm, but in max turbo mode it’ll gradually step down to high automatically to regulate heat.
The UI is ok, I’m not overly fussed by low modes, but it goes Low -> Med -> High -> Turbo and has hidden disco modes (which is nice as you never see them unless you want too).
Build quality is superb too.
Size comparison, it’s narrower and not much longer than the AA powered SIPIK SK68
Some beam shots
If you fancy looking a little more premium take a look at the new Niteye EYE15. Very similar design to the EagleTac in terms of shape and size, but uses a magnetic control ring and offers up 500 lumens via an XM-L.