CarKid1989
CarKid1989 SuperDork
3/19/18 9:58 a.m.

I had a LED flashlight and the batteries went bad so I bought new 18650 batteries.  They are wonderful but its actually the LED flashlight that took a crap.

I am on the hunt for a new light and figured I would see if anyone here had some advice or suggestions.

Looking for:

-LED

-Uses 18650 batteries. ( have 2 but would prefer the light to use one)

-Would prefer it to have a clip on it for a pocket or clipping to something to aid in use

- Bright (does not have to set records but not a HF special)

- Under say, $30

- Small, everyday carry size  would be great but not a total turn off if its a bit bigger.

 

Any input?

Thank you

mad_machine
mad_machine GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
3/19/18 10:09 a.m.

I do not know about your battery requirment, but I use Fennix brand lights at work and home. They recharge via USB with batteries that are exchangeable with the common 123 series battery if you had no want to charge them. My work light is 960 lumens at highest output and the light at home is over 3000

The0retical
The0retical UltraDork
3/19/18 10:13 a.m.

Slightly over budget but a Streamlight Protac 2L (500 Lumen, 2 batteries) or Protac 1L (275 Lumen, 1 battery) if you're determined to stay with the 18650's.

Toyman01
Toyman01 GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
3/19/18 10:30 a.m.

My daily carry is a Streamlite Protac HL. Streamlght makes some outstanding products. 

iceracer
iceracer UltimaDork
3/19/18 11:03 a.m.

I got one of those "free for shipping" lights.    Great little light with adjustable beam.

No idea on longevity.

1988RedT2
1988RedT2 UltimaDork
3/19/18 11:04 a.m.

I've had two of these for about a year and a half.  Better than expected.  20 bucks.  Stout aluminum body.  Uses 18650 battery.  Comes with charger.  Recommended.

https://www.parts-express.com/lavolta-f10wc-5-10w-cree-led-flashlight-with-battery-charger--361-654

 

 

pheller
pheller PowerDork
3/19/18 11:33 a.m.

The Flashlight addicts over at BudgetLightForum (the GRM of flashlights) love the Convoy S-Series. Simon, the guy who runs Convoy Flashlights is responsive and very active in the community, and can do special requests for custom tints, drivers, etc. The Convoy S9 is one of the newer lights the features a side switch, USB charging, and I guess soon will be a 1/4" threaded end cap (although I think you can request a magnet cap as well). 

Floating Doc
Floating Doc GRM+ Memberand Reader
3/19/18 12:04 p.m.

I like the LED lights, and there's some really good values out there right now.

At the other end of the spectrum (see what I did there), this is my new headlamp for surgery.

Will
Will UltraDork
3/19/18 5:28 p.m.

In reply to The0retical :

The Protac 2L and 1L are good lights, but they use CR123s.

The0retical
The0retical UltraDork
3/19/18 5:38 p.m.

In reply to Will :

Woops you're correct. The HL-X is the 18650 Protac.

I carry around a rechargable Stinger. I've only used other people's Protacs. That's what I get for 18650 + Streamlight in Google.

iceracer
iceracer UltimaDork
3/19/18 5:38 p.m.

My "Torch" uses 3 AAA batteries.

travellering
travellering HalfDork
3/19/18 7:05 p.m.
93gsxturbo
93gsxturbo SuperDork
11/15/20 9:09 a.m.

I pretty much gave up on flashlights and now use an M18 worklight when I need one.

dxman92
dxman92 Dork
11/15/20 2:50 p.m.

https://atdtools.com/80302

I gave my brother one of these for a gift and he really likes it. It's usb recharge so no batteries. 

 

I use Maglite flashlights. LED Solitaire on my keys and a Mini Maglite LED as a house light. Cheapo flashlights are scattered around the house and once they die, I toss em. 

Toyman01 said:

My daily carry is a Streamlite Protac HL. Streamlght makes some outstanding products. 

Still carrying the same light from 2+ years ago. Still works perfectly. 

Carbon (Forum Supporter)
Carbon (Forum Supporter) UltraDork
11/15/20 3:03 p.m.
Toyman01 (Moderately Supportive Dude) said:
Toyman01 said:

My daily carry is a Streamlite Protac HL. Streamlght makes some outstanding products. 

Still carrying the same light from 2+ years ago. Still works perfectly. 

Customer service is incredible too. Was given one, it broke, they replaced it. No receipt, no proof of purchase, no questions. Handled. Awesome  

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