I have Richard’s S3 little monster in the 5.8 amp version. All flood but a fun little item with 4 output levels including moonlight and no strobe or SOS. No visible PWM. Check Mountain Electronics for more info.
Where is that clip from?
…and can it house a protected NCR18650B?
Another vote here for the Convoy S2. It’ll take protected cells, and the fit and finish is excellent. While it doesn’t have an electronic side switch, it does have the advantage of being able to take almost any driver and led combination you can imagine (with a little bit of know-how), and the total package would cost a fraction of what any ZL would run you.
Olight S20.
The magnet attachment is really great, and it has a nice clip too.
ultrafire 502b has many options; XP-E R5 1-Mode 320?-Lumen $12 from Fasttech?
XP-E for throw, Sweeper friend want one mode for easy use,looking down chimneys in daylight.
Ok,I reread the original post. A bit boring suggestion as a gift?
I can´t compare these, I have C20C but the S20 is “in way”.
I like Hank’s S3, with the Nichia option. 2.3 amps gets hot enough for me. http://intl-outdoor.com/t12-18650-xpg2-r5-nichia-xml2-u2t6-flashlight-p-522.html
I got the clip for my S2 T5-5C AMC7135*8 at Fasttech .
I believe that any long batteries will fit in the S2 . I use NCR18650B Panasonics in mine .
I really like the 5C tint .
I still like the Sipik SK-73 style for a pocketable 18650. The Sipik itself won’t take protected batteries but others will. (I have a very compact, non zoom, AKOray AK-12, but it is no longer available.)
I think to zoom or not to zoom is the main question.
I have Olight S20-L2 and it’s a gread EDC light, a perfect one for me. Very compact, side switch, great modes and UI, current regulated (a con for some because of tint shift on lower modes), removable magnet at the tail.
Convoys or Roche are a good budget choice. There is also a group by going for Eagle Eye X6 (BLF Edition) - if you don’t mind waiting for it to be finalized this is a great option as well.
Take a look at these Eagle Eye lights. I have all three and although I know nothing about Convoys (even though these are supposedly similar) I can say that sitting stock they are quite impressive to me.
The only issue that I have is that the X2 and F30 are reverse switches. The F35 has a forward tail switch as well as a side mode switch. All three of mine take protected and unprotected cells.
http://www.banggood.com/Eagle-Eyes-F35-CREE-XML2-U2-1A3C-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-p-929536.html
Convoy S2 or S3, have both. S2 is little longer and has more throw, S3 is more pocketable and has nicer bezel
I can use eagletac protected 18650 in both. In S3 its a tight fit (but i have a nichia 219 with nanjg 101 (4x7135, long spring) in my S3)
FT Pocket clip fits only S2, not S3.
Altough i pocketcarry a Solarforce L2P with ss flat bezel and clip for EDC.
Another vote for S2 or S3.
Build an S3 with XML-2 T6 3B and 8x7135 qlite…
:bigsmile:
That’s the one? I’ve been EDCing the S20 for years.
Yes. The Olight S20-L2 is an upgrade to XM-L2, but it isn't all that new either.
Very nice 18650 EDC. The only thing I would change is a slightly warmer tint. But that's just a minor thing compared to all that is right about the Olight S20-L2 flashlight.
Nice!
Ordered one S2 and a couple of those clips 
I have both and alternate use. For me the C20c I like a little better for one reason….I do not have to lock it out. The S20 I find turned on many times if I do not lock it out. I do carry mine in the holster not my pocket. Other than that I find them very similar and both great lights.
I edc a solarforce l2m usually, otherwise it’s a triple xpg S2. The l2m seems like it will take more abuse, but the S2 is much thinner and you can’t beat the power of the triple.
I EDC the Thrunite TN12 2014 it takes Panasonic 3400 batteries no problem
1050lm(90min)
800lm(1.5hour)
280lm(5hours)
20lm(74 hours)
0.3lm(1585hours)
came with a very nice holster to.
http://www.thrunite.com/thrunite-tn12-2014/
selfbuilt review
sounds good. thanks!