I have been resisting about going into the 18650 camp because I built up my collection on a 14500 format because they can take regular AA NiMH, but there is only so much you can do with a 14500 format as most of the better torches are all 18650 based.
I am deciding against these 4: SK98 > C8 > 502B > 501
I like the SK98 because it has a zoom and the others don’t, if I had to go with the other three, then I would pick the C8 with T6 or U2.
What are the merits on these models, they are too similar !
I think that zoom function is pretty useless in LED flashlights. Combination of spot and spill from regular flashlight is very useful and than you have different modes to chosse how far you want to see. Zoomies have square spot and flood that disturbs the perspective (because it’s flat or even brighter on the sides).
501B and 502B are very similar, they use D26/P60 modules that you can replace in the future (failure, new emitter, driver etc.). C8 is a fixed flashlight with bigger reflector (still pretty compact overall though) with the most throw and wide spill. It’s very versatile and basically all time favourite (I remember when it came out with XR-E P4 emitter). C8’s version from Convoy is one of the highest quality flashlights you can get for under $20.
Solarforce L2m pick your own drop-in and you get the option of using a single CR123 or an 18650. Plenty of choice for the drop-in
This option gives you a lot of scope to make the light that you want, the L2 series of Solarforce is “Lego” able so you can mix and match as you want. They are very good quality for what you pay as well.
Zoomies aren’t useless…they are jack of all trades masters of none
Not the master of flood but can do decent flood, not a master of zoom but can do zoom
I rebuilt my SH98 (SK98 clone from FT) put in a XM-L2 T6-4C on copper sinkpad, replaced driver with a 8*7135 Nanjg and 20mm adapter plate, flashed with custom STAR V1.1(flipped) firmware, soldered the spring to the click tab, it is my brightest flashlight and even with a square zoom it still reaches way out there. With that said it doesn’t hold a candle to my C8 that throws so much better.
With that said…there are MUCH better choices that are more capable than a zoomie given a specific task
I own 2-502B’s, (I did upgrade the single mode 4*7135 driver with a 3 mode 8*7135 driver and disabled the flashies) they are rather nice flashlights but are GP throw arounds and don’t worry if they get busted, I also own a C8 and with just a teeny bit of tweeking it becomes a decent powerhouse (it’s my bump in the night flashlight).
I think it still boils down to what application you will need for the torch using 18650 to do, leave it in veh or carry around?
Do u need it to flood & still have some throw? Erm…Can flood & see at least 30 to 50 feet? WOW factor with friends?
Then you might need to really consider how bright & how long you intend to use it per time to justify multi/single LEDs or multi/single 18650 (size of torch).
Example:
At my smallish home or during my hobby work as a rental/installer for sound equipment, i use C8, plenty good as its sufficient, can fit those tight place for me to connect wires etc…
Also do not use for extended time, average 3mins? Do not even charge it for like a month or two & it kept going, on a single 18650…LOL
But when i go help out overnight at dad’s plantation, most of the time i bring my well used 3T6 (3x18650). Multi emitters/multi 18650.
As no electricity in the wild, flood with able to see further then my C8 is very much better because the dark just “suck away” my C8’s light, rendering it useless.
Average usage is 30mins (walking on foot), switch it to the brightest, use it till flicker , change to lower brightness & use til batt dead.
Also did stick my 3T6 at higher place or tie on small tree, leave it on medium brightness & left it there thru the night, if it rain, i jus stick it into a potato-chip bag.
My SRK’s brightness also do wonders at night but i personally do not like the size, too big/thick, like holding a canned food.
I have a TangsFire C8 that is very well made, but I mostly only use zoomies at more than keychain size. I like the SK-98 clones for cooling, but Sipik 73 and similar lights are more compact and just as bright in unmodified form. I prefer the smaller lights for a battery size unless I want a lot of throw.
Thanks for all your input so far !
Now there seems to be a whole array of emitter options for this torch, which one is the brightest and most efficient; XML T6-4C, XML2 T6-4C, XML2-U21A, XML U2-1B ?
XM-L2 U2 1A is the brightest and most efficient, but puts out a very cool light. Some people say it looks bluish. It doesn’t bother me, though. If you want a more neutral light while losing maybe 60-70 lumens (not much), then you should get the XM-L2 T6 4C. The other two are the old generation XM-L.
As for the C8 get a Convoy and customize the setting to what you want most.
On the zoomie end I would go for a Uniquefire UF-T20 it’s a great zoomie and if you ever get into modding it can be turned into a fantastic thrower with nice flood as well. I know many people don’t care for a zoomie but I still love them and I have had a ton of different lights.
Now having said all that, I will give you my favorite budget light 18650. It’s the ZY-T08. It takes two 18650’s side by side so it’s still not a very big light. You get the extended runtime of two batteries in a not so large package, it has excellent throw and a great flood as well. This is easily a step above any of the lights listed above for not much more.
I wouldn’t go for the 14500 version unless someone has tried it out first. The problem with zoomies is that a lot of them don’t have the greatest focal length or lenses. This wastes a lot of light.
That is really a great deal on the 502B and I think it’s a light everyone should own. If fits perfect in a coat or jacket pocket yet it’s still a ton of light. For $7 you really can’t go wrong.
No problem, I think I will get the C8 version with the same emitter from BangGood !
Also looking for good protected 18650 batteries like KeepPower, Evva, not more than $10/2
