Help picking out a new budget XLM

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking to pick out a new XML flashlight in the sub $30 range (hopefully) I am leaning towards the

KD C8 CREE XML T6 1000 Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1*18650) SKU: S009844

https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/939

It looks like about the best deal going now. Are there any others in this class that have been a good proven value?

Thanks

2

I will say this the KDC8 is one of the few lights that I have bought more than one and one of the only lights that requires no modification to make me happy except a small Oring under the clicky so it will tail stand.

Great deal can't go wrong and the newest one I got a couple weeks ago has a brass pill my older one had an aluminum pill so the quality actually improved a bit over time which is rare usually they make products cheaper over time if they can.

3

Yup, The KD C8 is a well made and as bright as it gets under $30. By far its my second favorite light behind my Sky Ray 3800. All it lacks is some good thermal help, Sure it will work without it. But with some thermal compound on alot of the heads threads and rolled foil with compound on it you will have a much longer lasting bright light as it does throw almost as much heat as it does light.

Its designed better than a P60 drop-in imo also when it comes to the thermal issues.

IMO, Its a must own light for anyone who likes 18650 cell lights with XM-L's.

4

I've been looking for a nice C8 type host with an XM-L, but is it just me, or does the nice ones only have 5-mode or 3 mode(High, medium, strobe)?. Have anyone found a great C8 type XM-L with High, medium, low and 3A draw?

5

@xxllmm4

Some good xm-l´s (some are above 30$)

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/eastward-yj-j06-cree-xm-l-t6-3-mode-900-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-18650-50513?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-x8-xm-lt60-5-mode-1000-lumen-memory-white-led-flashlight-with-batteries-set-2x18650-57749?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-stl-v6-cree-xm-lt6-2-mode-1000-lumen-white-led-flashlight-2x18650-3x16340-3x123a-91137?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-stl-v2-cree-xm-lt6-5-mode-1000-lumen-white-3-led-flashlight-black-2-x-18650-91136?r=43033281

https://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-wf-950l-xm-lt6-5-mode-800-lumen-white-led-memory-flashlight-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-91135?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-a9-t60-cree-xm-l-t6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-black-1-x-18650-90602?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-c9-t60-xm-lt6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-90779?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-a9-t60-cree-xm-l-t6-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-18650-1-x-17670-90776?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-c8-cree-xm-lt6-3-mode-750-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-17670-1-x-18650-90606?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-kf-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-57003?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-nf-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-57004?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-nh-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-57005?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-kh-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-1-x-18650-57006?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-th-t60-ha-ii-xm-lt60-5-mode-1200-lumen-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-x-18650-57007?r=43033281

And if you need li-ion charger and 18650 batteries... remember those are cheap and good:

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-tr-001-multi-purpose-lithium-battery-charger-12594?r=43033281

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-3-7v-true-2400mah-rechargeable-lithium-batteries-2-pack-20392?r=43033281

6

Just do it!

7

Prejudiced recommendation ...

Solarforce L2T + Manafont supplied 3 mode XM-L Drop in + Dont forget the clip

Will work out a little more than $30 , but the L2T is a sweet deal .

8

Did I mention this?

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/fandyfire-c8-cree-xm-lt6-3-mode-750-lumen-white-led-flashlight-w-strap-1-x-17670-1-x-18650-90606?r=43033281

21,90 USD (High Low Strobe)

9

So many to choose from! Thanks for the input. I actually "need" 4, One for myself and 3 for birthday presents. I'm encouraging my addiction to my friends

10

Thats the truth, I bought the 5 mode C8 from KD as the 3 mode was new and untested from what i remember. Also DX had the same looking light cheaper, But i stayed with the KD due to its known specs.

There may even come a time when KD has the specs of the light changed without their knowledge and a bunch of people may start getting 1.5A driven XM-L's and be pretty unhappy.

11

Thanks Fran for that impressive list of suggestions!