I lurked around here for a while and did a little research after I bougjt a disappointing light off of Ebay(however that first crappy light ignited my interest in budget f-lights and brought me here). Anyway, I decided on a Romisen T601 (which also turned out a dud if you’ve read my other post.) Now, down to the C8 topic- I heard the term C8 used in many comparisons and decided this was a tried and true light for you guys so I decided to pick one up while I wait for my Romisen issues to be resolved. My assumption is that the Ultrafire C8 1000 Lumen is the standard light you refer to… Is it? If not, is there a particular C8 that is king? I mean is there a certain one that is simply brighter and better than othets? The one I picked up(Ultrafire C8L,T6) arrived today and with a freash battery in it, it seems markedly less powerful than the Romisen. Bottom line, what is considered the best C8? In the budget world? Sorry this was so long…. Thx : )
Sorry for the mis-spells, my big fingers dont cooperate with my phone.
Look up the XinTD threads. About $30 and worth more.
Best budget deal is the Convoy C8 from Fasttech @ about $15.
there is the kaidomain c8, the convoy c8 from fasttech, the xintd c8 from intloutdoor, the lightmalls c8s are getting a good rep.
The keygos ke-5, the uf980l from manafont the trustfire tf-15? is worth a look. I’m rushing out to work but I’ll find links later today unless someone beats me to it.
I think this is the one I bought a couple years back.
http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S009844
Bear in mind that parts, design and build quality can vary quite a bit from batch to batch, never mind differences between manufacturer and vendor. Plus at least a couple years have gone by since we were so excited by the "kaidomain C8".
I also bought the one from lightmalls a while ago and I was pleased with it. It has slightly more throw than my KD C8, but I've read good things about the Xint from intl-outdoors too.
I would recommend you read up on whatever flavour of C8 is popular and getting good reviews from current buyers. Chasing that "hot light from six months ago" may not be as fruitful because what was good then may not be now.
I never hear a bad thing about these: http://www.intl-outdoor.com/xintd-c8-xml-u2-910lumens-multi-modes-flashlight-p-308.html?zenid=aaace1174364ee66a84dd5351cea0503
They are the more expensive C8 offering, but still firmly a budget light IMO.
I also like the fact that you can choose your tint and driver to suit, something not offered by most other makers/vendors.
I don’t have a C8 yet, but when I do it’ll be one of these.
Well, that really sucks!! I ordered the XinTD C8 from intloutdoor a week ago and since then they have updated it to the V4 :_( I haven’t even received it yet and there is already a new upgraded replacement…
I will let you know how the one I ordered goes when I receive it. From all accounts it is one of the better C8s out there. I got the 1C tint with 3-modes.
A bit off topic but would anyone know how different mine will be with the XM-L T6 U3 1C emitter as opposed to the XM-L2 T6 1C.
“C8” only really refers to the host. The parts that are in it can vary a lot as others have said. The emitter, driver, reflector, and the switch can be different (among other things).
And also as has been said, your best bets are probably the Xintd C8 and the Convoy C8. Both of them have regulated drivers in them which are more reliable in terms of drawing a specified current. It’s hard to tell how much current some C8’s will draw until you get one and try it, but with the Xintd and Convoy, you know that they will always come close to 2.8A (as long as you get the 8 chip driver).
A reminder also: Being able to get ‘x’ amps also depends on the battery(ies) you use. I’ve had situations where a light “should” be drawing, say 2.8 amps (at tailcap), but didn’t, until I used a different (better) battery.
DayLighter likes Lightmalls C8 w/ xm-l2:
http://www.lightmalls.com/ultrafire-c8-cree-xm-l2-5-mode-led-flashlight-torch-1×18650
From earlier DayLighter post:
“i wouldn’t blame you for liking the C8… what’s not to like? outthrow pretty much all the lights in it’s price range Laughing out loud”
“especially the new XM-L2 version always wowed the crowd everytime i showed it to friends.”
The $9 Aurabuy C8 T6 I received is excellent. Just missing an o-ring at the lens. It also accepts Panasonic 3400mah Protected cells which some C8’s dont.
Cant beat the price 
-PG
Xin for the win .
Missing an o-ring and the lens? can that be called excellent?
‘At’ the lens. It has a regular glass lens but there was no o-ring between the lens and the reflector on the one I received. Overall build quality was excellent. I ordered another two
-PG
huh? :~ That light is not very much like a C8 at all…
Another vote for XinTD. A little pricey for a budget light, but I think worth it. Much more solid build than _fires. XinTDs beam from the smooth reflector can be a little dirty on white walls, but in real use outside its perfectly fine.
V3 or V4 are both good. V3 is still good enough so I would buy one in a second if I found a deal on a used one. If not, buy a new V4. Mine is 3-mode neutral white and I recommend it if you like neutrals. Nice thing is, you can specify what you want based on your own taste.
Hey Bennett
Why do all of your posts have a link to aurabuy?