I am a novice when it comes to flashlights, a had a power outage and when I went to the flashlight cupboard I found that most of my flashlights had gotten battery corrosion or bulb was burnt out or some of the led ones just didn’t turn on anymore. So I threw out about 8 flashlights ranging to the old bulb kind to some newer (cheap) led’s. Then I began my search for new flashlights. Spent a few hours on amazon then decided there was too much to pick from then decided to turn to the experts. I am slowly learning the terminology, parts I didn’t know flashlights had drivers!!
Anyways I kind of know what I want but would like good recommendations from the experts. I am looking for ones under $25 preferably. I was looking to maybe get 4 to start with, 1 flood and 2 throw and 1 ??? Id like ones that use 18650 and possibly come with standard battery cage in case I need to use AA/AAA preferred but not mandatory. All I need is ONE mode off and on (bright) I don’t really need flash modes or low power modes although it seems like its hard to find ones like that, so extra modes will be okay but I don’t NEED them. Examples of ones I was considering as reviewed here were the BLF X5 for a throw and the UltraFire T6 seemed to be a good flood. So hit me with your recommendations, all would be tremendously appreciated.
Love the BLF X6 (aka, Astrolux S2), the BLF X5 (aka Astrolux S3) and Convoys mentioned above.
As for zoomies, I have no experience with the UltraFire zoomie. I have read good things about the Jaxman Z1. I own the Brinyte B158 and the (flawed) CPFItalia Cometa. If I were shopping today, I would probably buy the Z1.
For your "??? (other)" pick, consider buying a 1xAAA, high-CRI model such as the BLF-348 or the Astrolux A01.
By the way, I found BLF the same way that you did! No power, the sun going down, and most of my flashlights in an alkaline mess. As a result, I no longer use alkaline batteries for any purpose.
For an entry level thrower, my vote is the Convoy C8 with XP-L HI. If you get it with the new driver, it can be set up with 1 mode.
For really throwing light, you might want to check out an aspheric like the Brinyte B158 with XP-L HI.
For flood, I’d say a Convoy S2 (mostly flood, a bit of throw) or S2+ (pure flood).
Lastly, it’s always good to have a light around that can take AA/AAA in case li-ions are inaccessible for some reason (eg, extended power outage). For these, I prefer to use eneloops to avoid leakage, they’re rechargable, and better than alkaline in nearly every way. I’d check out the Klarus Mi7 which can handle either 14500 or AA.
I own all of the above lights and love them. All can be had with your $25 requirement.
Edit: where are my manners?! Welcome to BLF, Boda!
So the Convoys seem to be a good fit the C8 and the S2+ both fit a larger 18650 battery. Some of the other ones only fit 14500 batteries (astrolux), i’m not so sure I want to buy 2 different battery types. Others I couldn’t find listed on Amazon and some were over budget. Are there any others that come to mind that will also fit the 18650 battery?