Hey guys, new here and this seems to be a great place compared to a certain forum that frowns on budget lights
Anyway, I’m a flashaholic noob, and looking to buy a new light after my old one stopped working.
I’ll be taking this light overseas in a few months to a country where blackouts are common. So ceiling bounce to light up the room is going to be a common use.
Things I need:
- More flood than throw (= more light in the room? )
- Tailstanding
- at least 2 modes (would prefer no flashing modes but I can live with them)
- ability to use 14500 to “wow” people
- Reliable light without issues such as mode not changing, light dying after a while, unreliable on 14500, etc.
Budget: ~$30
Also I should mention that I already ordered the trustfire R5 A3 after reading up on it here. It’s on the way, and I feel like getting another flashlight while it comes
I bought both. it wows on a 14500 and gives great run times on NiMh. The Lighthound clip is bezel up. Balder bezel down. It is so lite I use the lighthound on my ball cap for hands free.
I like Balder more than Xeno, mostly because of the design (= better grip), decent low also with 14500, and clip. My Balder has also a better NW tint than my Xeno (Xeno is more yellowish).
However, Balder doesn't tail-stand, at least without modifications.
I haven't modified mine, because I like it as it is, but I suppose shaving a bit off from the nipple of the switch (and/or rubber boot) might do the trick. Maybe someone has done this and can confirm?
I wouldn't forget the Xeno. It's not a bad light at all. I just happen to like the Balder a bit more. :)
The Jetbeam BA-10 runs on 14500s and is a SCREAMER! I have one. It is good on AAs but 14500 knocks your socks off. Almost as bright as my Fandyfire 2011 with 18650 and XM-L. Really impressed with it with 14500. It is a two mode, high and low and build quality is very high. I think you can pick them up for about $30. I paid like $25 for mine ever so slightly used.
+1 for Xeno E03 and also for JB BA-10, aka Klarus P1A. Dozen of light with 14500! (not supported officially, but works w/o problems). Only one thing, both JB and Klarus have XP-G led, while Xeno have 3 versions: XP-E (WW), XP-G (NW, CW) and XM-L (NW, CW, don’t know about WW). Xeno will have more flood/ceiling bounce though. JB and Klarus can tail stand, but better on flat surface.
I actually found a nice lady at the post office who has been helping me out. I managed to ship a drop in to Canada for $3.80. So I am now willing to try other countries.
the Xeno is a nice light but the Low mode is still very bright and does not have a lot of runtime, plus it is an XM-L
Floody as heck though, probably one of the floodiest lights I own.
