Suggestions for a durable, 18650 carry light

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

Alright guys, ive been looking for about two weeks now to try to find the perfect edc light for myself. Ive found a few options but am really having a hard time narrowing it down and finding what im looking for.

Would like:

  • 18340 or 18650 powered
  • Head 30mm or thinner
  • Body 120mm or shorter (BLF A6 size or shorter)
  • Somewhat floody (think A6 beam but slightly more flood)
  • Able to constantly run 500lm for 10-15 min without overheating
  • 70+ CRI, 80+ preferred - 5K
  • Waterproof - up to a foot or so
  • Impact resistant - 2m would be nice

Ive found a few options that seem close, but each have their own set of “issues”

What do you guys suggest

2

Except for the CRI (I’m not sure) it sounds like the answer was inherent in your question: the BLF A6.

3

blf a6
or astrolux s1 - have one and it;s great

4

Emisar D4
http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=80&product_id=855

Jetbeam E40R
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/JETBeam-E40R-Rechargeable-Flashlight-SST40-N4-BC-LED-max-1100L-beam-distanc185-meter-tactical-torch-with/32836049108.html?spm=2114.search0204.3.41.79c574c2hUvR69&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0,searchweb201602_2_5722916_10152_10065_10151_10344_10068_10130_5722816_10324_10342_10547_10325_10343_10546_10340_10548_10341_10545_10697_10696_5722616_10084_10083_10618_10307_5722716_10059_10534_308_100031_10103_441_10624_5722516_10623_10622_10621_10620,searchweb201603_25,ppcSwitch_2_ppcChannel&algo_expid=c0f5cfb3-1339-41b3-94ea-6b1635f233ca-6&algo_pvid=c0f5cfb3-1339-41b3-94ea-6b1635f233ca&priceBeautifyAB=0

They make the E20R as well which is a 16340 light.

5

I have an A6 in 3D tint, and while the color is correct, ive grown to really like the Nichia tints.

I had a D4 but it felt fragile, and ive read reports of it not being very waterproof. The tint was perfect though

I also looked at a Zebralight SC64, but ive read of electronics issues with this latest gen of lights.

I was also checking into the Armytek Prime C1 but The warm is ~4k, and the “Neutral” white is 6k

6

Jaxman triple Nichia.

https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32812945810.html?trace=wwwdetail2mobilesitedetail&productId=32812945810&productSubject=32812945810&shortkey=FvUrMfQz&addresstype=600

7

My D4 has held up to my fumbling around with it. I tend to drop it everytime I pick it up. It sits on a small shelf about 5 feet above the hardwood floor next to the front door. If the door slams to hard or it gets bumped into, it goes diving off the shelf onto said floor. Hadn’t had a problem yet, YET. Waterproofing? Not real sure. I know it handles a good downpour but I haven’t been swimming with it or accidentally ran it through the washer yet.

8

Oh, thats a good one. Forgot about that one. Nice.

9

I cant say for sure, but ive read a few reports of it not functioning after a rainstorm, which to me isnt acceptable for an edc.

I really really like that, but its either 4000k or 5700k, both are a no go. I want 5000k

10

Manker E14 ?
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Manker-E14-II-2200-Lumens-USB-Rechargeable-Flashlight-with-4x-CREE-XPG3-LED-4x-Nichia-219C/32812238125.html?src=google&albch=search&acnt=479-062-3723&isdl=y&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&albcp=266121556&albag=7593673036&slnk=&trgt=aud-165594907443:dsa-42862830006&plac=&crea=64152518476&netw=g&device=c&mtctp=b&memo1=1t2&aff_platform=google&gclid=CjwKCAjw75HWBRAwEiwAdzefxII97nCVoSv2hZ9lwVpwGhxRdTaQ28jNiLYcGV57Z3eEXwk6Ohx5_hoCNZ4QAvD_BwE

11

Looking at that one still. I read about earlier production issues with the USB cover not being waterproof and slipping out causing shorts, nut havent seen anything recently.

Thats definitely still a contender. Looks like the Astrolux S41 comes in 219c now with no charging which is another good trait.

12

Ready to build it yourself? Host and parts are available at mountain electronics:

http://www.mtnelectronics.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=831

13

Great light for the money. Still use mine a lot even after owning a D4, gave it a bake recently for a fresh color. BUT For edc use I find it to heavy.

14

Emisar D1 for sure! on turbo it warms quickly though. So does the D4 get hot (even faster than the D1). Both have remarkeable output!
If you want smaller, I really like the Zanflare F1s. More output than 1240, the Nitecore EDC23 is an awesome 18650 tube light powerhouse at 1800 lumens. heat is well controlled.
Coming in at 34mm head, the Lumintop TD15S is one of my favorite lights of all time.
All of these will do more than 500lm for 15 minutes or more. Most will do 1000+ for 15 minutes or more.
Too many choices!

15

I finally got around to a BLF A6 with the 3D tint and it’s now my edc. I like the beam quality, neutral color is good on my eyes. Build quality is good, haven’t had any issues with it. At $23 from BG it’s one of my lowest costing lights. But it is a very good edc for me. I love the modes, nice and simple.

16

90cri, 5000k, rechargeable, batt included, Will run 600 lumen for 3.5 hours. 1.5 meter drop, IPX8 Waterproof.

Wuben TO46R

17

Take a look at the Eagle Eye X2 (or X2r), 3C tint…
(X2r has built-in USB charging)

I believe they check most, if not all your boxes. Excellent quality too.

  • Model: Eagle Eye X2 / X2r
  • Emitters: Cree XM-L2 U2/U3 3C 5000K
  • Luminous Flux: 600/670Lm
  • Circuitry: 2.4A (max)
  • Mode: 3 (L-M-H) No strobe
  • Battery Type: 18650
  • Mode Memory: Yes
  • Waterproof Standard (X2): IPX-7 Standard
  • Impact Resistant 1 meters /1.5 meters
  • Size (X2): 116 mm x 24 mm

X2:
Black: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/EagleeyeX2-Black-Cree-XML2-U2-1A-AMC7135-4-EDC-LED-Flashlight-lanterna-bike-camping-light/1735126_32296861710.html?spm=2114.12010615.0.0.41b07138Azt6l7
Titanium Grey: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/EagleeyeX2-Black-Cree-XML2-U2-1A-AMC7135-4-EDC-lanterna-bike-camping-light-lamp-for/1735126_32303654863.html?spm=2114.12010615.0.0.41b071389khOh0
Bangood: https://www.banggood.com/EAGLE-EYE-X2-CREE-XM-L2-U2-3C-600-Lumens-LED-Flashlight-18650-p-928575.html?ID=46963&cur_warehouse=CN

X2R:
Black: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/EAGLE-EYE-X2R-usb-led-flashlight-camping-light-lamp-for-bicycle/1735126_32698198611.html?spm=2114.12010615.0.0.41b07138nfwPze
Titanium Grey: https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Eagle-Eye-X5-Cree-XM-L2-U2-LED-Flashlight-Torch-7Modes-900Lm-1-x-18650-or/1735126_32467770609.html?spm=2114.12010615.0.0.41b07138Yr0I16
Bangood: https://www.banggood.com/Eagle-Eye-X2R-XM-L2-U3-670Lumens-USB-Rechargeable-Tactical-LED-Flashlight-18650-p-1224112.html?ID=522951224&cur_warehouse=CN

18

Probably too floody and not a budget option but

19

They do make a non-so-floody version without the diffuser lens, if he’s willing to go between 4000k and 5000k, it’s the newer XHP50.2 (4500K 80+ cri)
http://www.zebralight.com/SC600w-Mk-IV-Plus-18650-XHP502-Neutral-White-Flashlight_p_225.html

I have it under consideration myself, and also these two:
(both also NW 4500K CRI80+)

92.5mm length:
SC64w (XHP35) SC64w 18650 XHP35 Neutral White Flashlight-SC64w

96mm length:
SC600w Mk IV HI (XHP35 HI) SC600w Mk IV HI 18650 XHP35 Neutral White High Intensity Fla

20

Have you guys heard much about the 4th gen Zebralights? Over on CPF I found a few threads on people getting lights with faulty electronics

Any of you guys familiar with the PFlexPro lights?

Stupid expensive, but it seems to tick all the boxes and includes US based lifetime warranty support even if its my fault it breaks. The owner actually replied to my email in just a few hours.
Neat though because I can run it with a 18350 short or full size with a 18650 and customize the output modes to match the battery. Appears to be a N+1+FET driver with thermal regulation too.