Sub $50 light on Amazon for newbie?

LED Flashlights – General Info 18650 Flashlights
1

Hello all,

I’ve been drafted to take part in a “secret Santa” with a $50 limit ($30 is better). The gifts are chosen from an Amazon wish list.

I’d like to score an 18650 flashlight from this.

Something floody enough for urban cycling (i.e.: for seeing obstacles ahead in the presence of streetlights, not lighting up a room), but preferably more on the throwy end.

I’d like something physically sleek enough to be pocketable for EDC.

And ideally, it would have a moonlight mode as well as a higher lumen output.

Tailcap standing would be nice, but unnecessary.

I don’t need any blinky/tactical modes.

I place a premium on durability and water resistance, but don’t require it for work.

I had a Foursevens Mini MA, and was unimpressed. (max 108 lumens, XP-G2).

I’m comfortable with electronics in general, but have never modded a light before. I’d probably get into that down the road, but want something that works well out of the box.

*I have a Nitecore charger and some solid batteries, so that doesn’t need to be factored into the price.

So: <$50 on Amazon, pocketable, bright, throwy, dimmable, durable.

Can anybody suggest anything?

Thanks.

EDIT: Spelling

2

Although I don’t usually recommend gifting Lithium Ion batteries/lights, here is my recommendation in 18650:

Has moonlight, medium and high. Hidden strobe. Newest XML2 LED, tons of output. Easily pocketable/EDC. Can tail stand. Has magnet for sticking to ferrous surfaces.

Olight S20 Baton (XM-L, 1x18650, 2xCR123A) Review: RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, VIDEO + more! | Candle Power Flashlight Forum!

You won’t be disappointed.

-Jamie M.

3

Thanks for the rec.

Looks like a solid performer. And I really like the magnet. Earlier today I was soldering with a flash held in my mouth, and the loss of depth perception was frustrating.

Added to my wish list.

Also, I totally understandand not recommending Li-ion lights as gifts, but since this is for me, I’m comfortable with it (use a quality charger, never charge unattended, stick with known-brand batteries, stay well within the C rating, monitor the voltage to avoid overdischarge, etc.).

Plus this means I get to shop for the latest batteries well-suited to this light. :wink:

4

http://www.amazon.com/JETBeam-PA40-Cree-Flashlight-Grey/dp/B005FCDPGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1386247192&sr=8-1&keywords=pa40

Not exactly what your asking for but what the hell.

5

Yes, I would also say something in the jet beam range, pa10,20 or bc20…

6

Other than being a few cents over, how is it not what I’m looking for?

What advantages does it offer over the Olight linked in the first response?

Thanks

7

Well you mentioned this:

"I’d like something physically sleek enough to be pocketable for EDC."

"I’d like to score an 18650 flashlight from this."

These two statements kinda weed out this light, but I wanted to bring it up because it is a nice light for the money. Plus it is sold by Amazon not another retailed through Amazon, easy to return.

This thing has 4 X AA so it is also a little large for EDC


8

Just want to throw a big +1 on the S20. Hard to find a more usable light in my opinion. I’ve got its little brother the S10, and it adds the function of being a great headlamp on the bill of a ballcap, with the downside of having less runtime.

9

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-182/P-dsh-Rocket-XM-dsh-L-530-pls—Lumens/Detail

10

I get that a sleek, pocketable 18650 is a big ask. I’ll definitely keep my eye on the Jetbeam for future purposes, though.

Thank you.

11

EagleTac D25A clicky or mini.