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:
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.
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.
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!
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.
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?
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 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.
