What XML light should i buy?

Hi everybody!

My name is Koen from Belgium. I'm 21 years old and i'm new to this forum from today but i can already say that this is turning out to be an amazing place to learn everything i want about budget flashlights!

After reading FlashPilots (very good) review of the KD C8 CREE XML T6 1000 lumen (using 1 18650) flashlight,
i'm really interested in upgrading my SSC P7-C MTE from DX..

However now i see that at kaidomain some other new xml flaslights have seen the surface and now i'm wondering which one of these i should buy. And considering the KD CREE XML there are 3 models with 1, 2 or three 18650 batteries with the last one providing 1200lumens.. Is there any real difference in quantity of 18650's used?

(Sorry for the last question i'm sure it must seem very dumb to you guys)

Furthermore i'm considering the followoing flashlights:

KD Cree XML T6 1200-Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight (3*18650)

RQ 07 Cree XML T6 1000 Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1*18650

Cree XML T6 1000 Lumen 5-Mode White LED Flashlight (2*18650)


KD C8 CREE XML T6 1000 Lumen 5-Mode LED Flashlight (1*18650)

Sorry for the messy post i'm not used to this :d

Thanks a lot for your help!!

Hi there Koen, a warm welcome to BLF! Thanks for joining.

Sorry, I don't know much about XM-L lights, I just wanted to say Hi. I'll defer this question to the experts...

Hi Koen

I suggest you go for the flashlight that flashpilot reviewed as that has been tested. We don't know how brighter the other lights will be. In terms of battery numbers sometimes you will get more light or same amount of light but better runtime, or both. It all depends on the driver.

Hi Koen,

I ordered a Yezl M6-XLM CREE XML-T6 HAIII at CN Quality Goods

http://www.cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1055

They almost sell the same light at DX (other brand)

Yezl uses different drivers as the DX ones.

+ Not so much unuseless modesCool

1000lm with a XM-L T6 seems a bit overrated.

I hope at 2500MA I get the full 800Lm, Than I will be very pleased (not those ratings on DX)

grts

thommy.

The Dx light is this

thommy How much did you pay including shipping?

I also say go for the C8. The P60 is just too much trouble with the drop-in, and there shouldn't be a noticeable brightness jump with more batteries. If you want brighter with more batteries, get an RC-T6.

I can't comment on a lot of these lights, but the extra 18650's will be more likely to give you extra runtime rather than extra brightness. The LED manufacturer doesn't even claim an XM-L can produce 1200 lumens, but even the 1,000 lumen claim is overrated on some of these lights. On 1 18650 I don't know how long you will really see the maximum brightness, probably not more than 15 minutes. So an 2 18650's will let the light stay in regulation for most of the battery life. The key things will be how well the driver works (constant output? good modes? memory? driving hard on Max but not overdriving (2.8-3A)?) and how good the heat-sinking is. But we won't really know those until people buy them. 3 18650's seems like overkill unless you really need longer runtime and want or don't mind a much bigger light. Even a light with 2 18650's can't be carried in a jacket pocket.

Welcome to BLF, KDLST!

Thanks for your comments and warm welcome everyone!

I'm still doubting between the KD T6 with 1 or 2 18650 bateries (3 is overkill indeed), but right now i'm more leaning towards the one with only 1 18650 because it's 10 dollars cheaper and more compact.. it's probably going to be that one!

Thanks a lot

@ how2

39.99 + 5.59 shipping USD.

If you put an item in your basket and proceed check-out, fill in your Zip code or country, You will be seen the shipping cost in different shipping methods and order total.

I hope that the delivery will not takes several months...

This is also the first time I buy from this retailer.

Fixed it for ya.

If you are getting it from cnqualitygoods, then there is a 10% discount if you type in your CPF user id.

Too late seenFrown

After I ordered, I saw that these guys are also active at CPF

Nevertheless thanks for the tip.

There is always a next new light to order!

I placed an order for two of their stainless N-lights on december 23:rd. Their sales rep said that they would try to ship it out the same day though I don't expect to get it anytime soon. Snow crisis in Europe causing shipping delays you know... : /

Still waiting to buy my 1st xm-l. Based on the reviews on the various xm-l lights that have come in since the original post, it seems like the KD C8 may still be the front-runner at the 30-ish price range... the YEZL M6 looks nice but don't know that it is worth paying ~$10.00 more for. Thoughts anyone?

I am unfamiliar with the yezl, but I am very happy and impressed with my KD c8!

As ever, I'd go for what others have and like. Unknown quantities from China may be excellent.

Or may not.

Which is why places like BLF exist.

So that idiots like me can put down their money and find out why you shouldn't buy whatever is the latest thing.

See any threads on the Ultrafire C303 to see why.....

It might be better to get a HAIII light if you can justify a few extra $'s

http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.50463

Looks really good. Nice smooth reflector, good tail design (tailstands) and HAIII.

For a few less $'s, I am really enjoying this one:

Has a nice design that actually tailstands. I like it better than the C8.

http://www.dealextreme.com/search.dx/search.50512

Retrofitted with this 2.8A driver (ordered, but not yet delivered), it should be a single 18650 barn burner with only the three 'important' modes..

http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=10995

Most of the sub $40 lights require a driver upgrade/replacement if you want to drive the XM-l @ close to 3A and get rid of the useless SOS/Strobe modes.

Anyway, each to their own.. I'm sure you will be impressed with whatever XM-L powered flashlight you buy.

i'm in the same boat.

can't decide which XM-l light to get.

I'd rather not order from DX.

I'm trying to decide between the KD C8 with light OP reflector, Manafont C8 with smooth reflector, or a p60 host and XM-L drop-in from KD or Manafont.

does the C8 with it's larger and deeper reflector throw much better than the p60 version?

can someone who has tried these please give me some input or suggestions?

thanks... :)

I ordered the drop in from Manafont with a solarforce body, still waiting for it to show up though. After that, I think the KD C8 is the top of my list.