What are /r/flashlight's favorite Products & Services?

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Goodness. That's something you don't see every day. That's a Pak-Lite. Here's an Amazon link, and here's their website.

Thanks for the giveaway. zebralight headlamp HELP please upvote. I’m so close to 100 comment karma.

Wish I could join in but I don't have enough comment karma..

EDIT: Just in case I'm at work and actually get enough karma!

https://www.amazon.com/Headlamp-Headlight-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlamps/dp/B075ZN5LJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1522135967&sr=1-1&keywords=wowtac%2Ba2s&th=1

Thanks parametrek!

Thanks for the giveaway. These are very generous.

Microstream USB red, because I want to review it and none of our usual dealers sell it. This evidently takes a standard 10440 and may be emitter-swap-friendly.

The Nitecore MT06MD was designed specifically for this. It's within your budget, defaults to low, and has a high CRI LED for better color rendering.

You can grab it with batteries on Amazon for $32.

Here's the link because I know everyone will want one. Or two.

it has been about 10 years since Kira saw a laser pointer. this is not a normal thing i do. last time a friend used one in the house we tried to make her feel like she caught the laser. you're right, it's not easy. they will keep meowing if they think it's still loose.

i appreciate all the PSAs re: pet happiness. consider crossposting them here to prevent others from subjecting their pets to torture on a habitual, autonomous scale

edit: I did a bit of research. don't do this around a dog. around a cat it can be OK depending on the circumstances. explanation from a vet

This is the correct answer. You want a 365nm UV emitter, the 395nm emitters won't do what you're looking for. I've seen this light for sale a few times, and I've seen it with a different emitter (higher output but needed a filter, so the end result was about the same), and this is the one you want. If you were feeling really fancy, Simon has a purple anodized host that would complement a UV emitter and a nice email asking for such would probably get you exactly that.

Whatever you choose, buy some polycarbonate safety glasses, as well.

Hammerhead UVH-DWU.

If he doesn't feel like spending $300, the Wurkkos WK30 makes nicer white light (and a lot more of it), nicer UV light (and a lot more of it), red light, and runs on a much less stupid battery for $36.

How the hell are they selling that for $36? I can't even get the parts to fill a host with all that stuff for $36.

You're missing out! Alkaline batteries perform poorly under loads, so they don't allow for a super bright flashlight, and they will eventually leak and ruin your light.

That being said, the ThruNite T10 is great. The "best" is probably something by Zebralight, like this AA flashlight.

Those are called ads man, or ads pretending to be content (see relevant south park season).

Anyway they are like the old X2000 lights of like 2008 that came in 3xAAA, 1x18650 and what not.

Was kind of popular in the cheap light community back then, and I have the 1x18650 verson when I first started getting into flashlights. It should not cost more than like $7 if not less than that.

Example link from dealextreme.

I mean it still lights stuff up, but it's not at all the worlds most powerful anything, and zooming to some people is the bees knees, but with the lens the beam is not great if you care about that.

It's using old tech, and gets hot as well, but to people who don't know any better, or care then it's fine. Just don't be ripped off/fooled into thinking it was ever sold for $200. It was like $12 8 years ago.

The Thrunite TC15 costs half as much, comes in neutral white, charges with a standard USB cable and has higher peak output (both lights will thermal throttle). I'd lean that direction for something that's purely handheld.

But for night hiking, I'd prefer something that can also be used as a headlamp like the Zebralight H600Fc. Not only is it neutral white, but it has a high color rendering index so that colors look vivid and natural. The F models (linked) have a frosted lens for a more diffuse beam, which is probably a better fit for your use case than a focused beam. Unlike the M2R and TC15, this does not come with a battery or have built-in charging, so you'll need to get those separately.

Heres your first flashlight. Please don’t touch those zoomies with a stick. Welcome to r/flashlight.

I think you would be happier and more comfortable with something like a Wowtac A2s in that price range.

I like how you opened the recommendaion form and then completely ignored all of the fields that asked for information that we could use to help you find a light.

Sofirn SF14 if you just want a simple, bright AA light.

BLF 348 (unbranded version), it's 1xAAA, single mode, tail switch, stainless steel, plus Nichia high CRI for excellent color rendering. The only annoying thing - it's a REVERSE switch. The light turns on AFTER you click it, so no momentary on.

Help! I need more comment Karma!

This is the light I would like! Thank you!

Sofirn SP40 Rechargeable Headlamp, CREE XP-L 5500K 1200 Lumen Brightest Torch, 18350 battery and USB Cable Inserted, Magnetic Tailcap Head Lamp for Camping, Hiking, Runing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XP37SZL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UIkLDbGFBGWW1

This is unlikely to be possible. There are basically only two places to buy them, and neither source is likely to arrive within 4 days. Mountain Electronics is located in the US, but it usually takes him a day or two to process an order and then you're waiting for the postal service after that. The manufacturer, Intl-outdoor, is the other source, and shipping is usually a few weeks.

Consider grabbing a Sofirn SP36 with Prime shipping, instead. It's a little larger but has a lot of the same features and capabilities.

Regarding international shipping, does it matter to you how the total price is formed? E.g. would something like $26 light + $14 shipping + $10 import fee deposit be ok? I’m happy either way, just trying to avoid misunderstandings.

edit: Still need a bike light, let's try for a Lumintop this time: https://www.amazon.com/LUMINTOP-Rechargeable-Waterproof-Headlight-Flashlight/dp/B07DK4TD86

> set it on the ground and set up a tent

When I see work to be done, I think "head lamp". Wowtac A2s: 1000lm, 18650 included, USB charge, $30. Works for me. At amazon

My favorite Maglite mod right now is you take a 2 D cell version and you swap the entire light out for this one :)

The Convoy L6 puts out 3800 lumens which is 14 times more than the 2D cell Malkoff dropin.

I do get that it's a nostalgia thing, though. For some crazy Maglite mods check out the user Old-Lumens on budgetlightforum.com

Those are decent lights, well made and pretty sturdy. My only beef with these streamlight pens is they're cold white low-cri. If you wanted a more natural, accurate light with high color rendering (from one tech to another- recommended), a light in that same format is the Lumintop IYP365 with the Nichia emitter option. There's also a titanium version if you feel fancy.

Thrunite Catapult V6 comes to mind. High capacity, farther throw than D1S, on board charging and neutral white. I have one on the way so can’t say personal experience yet but I’m pretty confident it’ll be nice.

ThruNite Catapult V6 Mini Thrower Rechargeable Flashlight (Catapult V6 NW) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07C7SRDFZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_JTmlCb3020YC1

Wowtac A1S is just above your budget at 30 bucks, but it includes everything you need. Usb rechargeable battery, plenty bright at 1150 lumens, waterproof, good UI. Make sure to select neutral white so you don’t get an ugly blue tint.

Bought a small bottle of Brass Black and went to town on my brass D4v2 (green W2 emitters). I was really hesitant to give this a shot, but saw a couple posts here that inspired me to just go for it. Figured I could just use some Brasso if I didn’t like the results, but love how it turned out!

I heavily applied the brass black, especially within the grooves in hopes of it remaining dark, while the surface areas that are more prone wear reveal some shine. Also used fine steel wool to give it a slight hint of texture. Oh and... use some gloves cause the stuff dried up my skin big time. I got too excited, derp.

Stoked to see how it looks after some use and pocket time!

I've seen the product page for those before, but never seen one posted on a forum by somebody who actually owns it.

The product page lacks the usual specs (output in modes other than max, intensity in candela, runtime, LED used, color temperature, etc...) so it's hard to guess what it's like to use. The Amazon page has a bit more information: 1:38 hours at 687 lumens, 98 hours at 10 lumens. $110 seems like a bit much for this light with a single battery and one-slot charger even giving consideration for having a lifetime warranty and US-based customer service.

When asked on Amazon, the manufacturer was unhelpful about additional specs:

> Light power is not typically measured by distance since many factors can affect how far a flashlight can shine: moisture in the air, terrain, etc. They are measured by lumens. At maximum power, the DE-06 throws 687 lumens.

While it's true that many factors can affect usable throw distance, there is a standard for this: ANSI FL1. FL1 throw distance is the distance at which the flashlight can put 0.25 lux on a target, which is about the illuminance of the full moon. Most manufacturers use this standard, and while it's considered a best-case scenario, it allows fair comparisons between different products.

> I ride around on my OneWheel a lot at night.

Seems like a not so great plan. If absolutely necessary wear some high vis gear.

Remember, you are outnumbered, and out weighed dramatically. A flashlight may distract the drivers and actually put you more at risk.

There aren't really any great ones out there. You can either get relatively fragile D cell adapters and load them with Eneloops or get NiMH D cells from 2nd rate manufacturers. I've never had a problem with Tenergy but your mileage may vary.

Be aware that some of the cheaper D adapters only fit 1xAA and not 3xAA like what I linked.

Folomov 18650S

• 3000K color temperature (quite warm)
• Rechargeable battery included
• $28

Hellfighter 6 - $4-6000 worth of HID (~3000 lumens, 80 mins on high with the internal battery)

You could buy 18 GT70s (LED, 7,500 lumens, ~2hr runtime on high) and still have change.

If those work for you, then have at it. However, there are better options for not much more money.

Nitecore Tube

Convoy S2

The tube is rechargeable, and offers variable brightness so you can control brightness/battery life. The Convoy will require a charger and a 18650 battery, which will tack on another $15 or so, but Gearbest frequently runs sales, so you can probably get the whole package for $25 or less. That flashlight will offer a smaller form factor (easier to slip into a pants pocket or just take less room in a bag), less weight, and an enormously brighter beam with a longer runtime. If you're seriously concerned about emergencies during your commute in the subway (a valid concern), you may want to consider upgrading your apparatus. That being said, any light is better than no light, so carry whatever works for you.

this one. By far

Some of you might remember when I was asking about a certain size COB. As it turns out, it’s (seemingly) impossible to find a 130x10mm COB in warm white that also runs on ~3.7 volts, much less anything high CRI.

I ordered two styles of COB from Aliexpress, both of them 120x10mm and listed simply as “warm white”.

After swapping the COB, I realized that this is WAY too warm for me; it’s probably 3,000K or warmer. So I ended up just installing both the original cool white and the replacement warm white so that they both run in parallel. It’s nit pretty, but it’s not a bad color. I’ll still end up ordering the Streamlight Switchblade due to the extra output and high cri emitters, but it was a good learning experience.

The Thrunite TC20 will do over 2500 lumens of neutral white light for under $100, and it includes a cell and built in charging so they don't have to worry about those extra costs.

Absolute false advertising.

Gearbest is selling the Klarus G30 for just over $50, and it really is 2450 lumens. You'll need another ~$30 worth of batteries though (I would recommend protected cells for this light). The Supfire M6 is also somewhere around that, especially if you go for the mod 1 option, which replaces some of the electronics to deliver more power.

Skilhunt H04 RC Mini: cheaper, vastly better headband, high CRI, neutral white, double the battery capacity, customizable UI, still has a pocket clip, still has a magnetic tailcap, still has magnetic recharging

Depends on your budget, but my initial thought is a floody headlamp such as the Skilhunt H03 (for which there is often a coupon around) which has the added bonus of freeing up your hands.

I'd say that charger is crap. Same as these, and a half dozen other names, except Lumen Tactical is probably buying them for a dollar a piece.

Get yourself a Nitecore, Xtar, Opus, Liitokala, or MiBoxer. You could charge AA/AAA rechargeable's too

Well you could use some Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable AA's in it.

Besides that, it looks like a proprietary battery pack to me so if anything rechargeable exists you can find it by googling the name of the flashlight and "rechargeable battery". If nothing comes up it probably doesn't exist.

What kind of budget do you have for this? You might be better off just buying a whole new light. For comparison, this $50 light from Wowtac holds almost as much energy as those 9 AA batteries but is WAY smaller and probably gets way brighter on turbo. It comes with a battery and is USB rechargeable.

The Wurkkos FC11 is a great all-rounder. Has integrated charging and comes with a battery!

the wurkkos wk30 has white, red, and UV options.

You've correctly identified it as junk. Good.

If you really want a zoomie, check out the Wowtac A3S, but we tend to recommend fixed-focus lights for most applications. They're more durable, more waterproof, and have more efficient optics. The duty lights section of the arbitrary list of popular lights has some options that may work well for security work.

Not very good. Not a good value at $35 when a Wowtac A1S is $26.

The mode selection is pretty bad. The high runtime is misleading. The battery is proprietary. It's not very waterproof. It's bulky for its capabilities. Coast lights are known to have visible flickering in their low modes. The color temperature is likely a very cool white that looks bluish and washes out colors.

Wowtac A2S

Definitely the most recommended budget friendly headlamp around here. Bright, tough, waterproof, good UI with shortcuts to firefly and turbo, can be used handheld or on a headband, comes with a battery that has a micro USB port for charging, so it’s perfect if you don’t have 18650s and a charger yet.

I really need to change my lurking ways! Gotta get 50 more karma by Wednesday to qualify! But since I’ve been lurking I’ve got a Surefire and a ThruNite. Really looking to try a Sofrin.

This Sofirn SP33 looks right up my alley!

Just buy a Thrunite Neutron 2C.

It comes with everything you need to get started (18650 included, USB charging on the flashlight). It has a ramping UI, shortcuts from off to low, high, and last-used, neutral white tint, and the option to take out half the battery tube and use a smaller 18350 battery (that battery is not included).

> streamlight protac HL 4

Just get her a $12 convoy with an orange peel reflector. Or something like a Thrunite TC12 with a charging port and save $20

Ya’ll know I’m budget minded.

This is the insert https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X81D98S/

Fits any 50 cal ammo can, I’m using this one in particular https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051F905U

About $25 and I like it better than a pelican case. Not as protective of course, but thats not a feature I really need. The PickandPluck pissed me off because it started getting compressed over time or just picking itself. This isn't as perfect as something custom cut but it's really great, I use the old pick and pluck pieces as spacers to make up for the height differences

Zebralight H600Fd III. The IV is arguably better, but it has a four week lead time. They ship worldwide.

This will do 117 lumens for 11 hours, which is sufficient to light a path in an area with 0 lights. Bring a spare though in case you want to use higher modes. These waterproof match cases are suitable for carrying a spare 18650 while protecting it from the elements.

Wowtac A3S. We don't usually recommend zoomies, but there are a few situations where they make sense due to their lack of spill. This is one of those situations.

Nitecore MT06MD. It doesn't have sharp edges, but it's very high CRI.

Edit: The Lumintop IYP365 might also be good, but I don't know if it always comes on in low mode.

For $20, the WowTac A1 is probably the best choice if you're just going for lumens. For $30, the WowTac A1S.

If you're okay with a site other than Amazon, BLF A6 is damn bright and has a great UI. But you will need to buy a battery and charger.

The K1 W2.2 isn't going to compete against a 5k lumen boat spotlight. If he tries to run his spotlight off of a single 5000mah lithium ion battery though, you'll win.

A single sbt90.2 thrower like the TN42 v2 will maybe give you similar results, or better.

The BLF GT94 will easily beat a 5k lumen boat spotlight. Code MEM25 gets you a discount.

The Xtar PB2S is the charger you want. It can take 21700s, so you can get up to 10,000mah. Comes in several colors.

The one you linked is this, but includes a qc3.0 wall wart for max charging speed if you want to refill your cells faster.

Sofirn BLF LT1 for sure. By default it only goes up to 600 lumens but you can do some soldering on the driver to increase output. It has color ramping from 2700K to 5000K IIRC. Uses high CRI samsung emitters. Here's an Amazon link.

Edit: There are two versions. As far as I know the only difference is the new version supports USB C to C charging and the old version doesn't. I don't know what version the Amazon one is. Here is the new version on Sofirn's site. Looks like it's sold out though.

Wowtac A1.

This is starting from the assumption that you don't already own some sort of rechargeable batteries that are suitable for flashlights, and that you need a battery and charging system included in that $20 price. No, you shouldn't use disposable batteries under most circumstances. It's almost 2020.

Very slightly over budget, but ticks all the boxes: Fenix BC21R.

There's a v2.0 of this light if you can find one in Canada. It's upgraded with USB-C and some other tweaks.

adhere that puppy down boy! i like 3m dual lock velcro cuz it gives a strong/rigid connection, has no male//female, and is removable without damage. and makes mounting things infinitely flexible if you use it on everything.

Streamlight Microstream USB The black model lights up low then high. The coyote one will light up high first then low. I have a ton of high powered lights including FW3A and Emisars but this is my favorite EDC light because it’s thin, lightweight, bright enough for most tasks, rechargeable, but just like you, it’s easy to use.

The Thrunite Archer 2A is $30 at amazon. I'd load it with L91 AA cells because they have the best temperature stability and shelf life.

As you might have guessed, the claimed brightness of your headlamps is a lie. With three XM-Ls and two 18650s, there's a good chance you're getting around 1500 lumens. It's definitely going to have more output than any of the 3xAAA headlamps just because it has several large LEDs and about 8 times the battery capacity (assuming good, new 18650s).

New 18650s would improve performance, but you'd still have a very heavy, low-quality headlamp. Note that I recommend against using the onboard charging in a low-quality headlamp like this because improper charging of Li-ion batteries can cause a fire or explosion. The risk increases as the batteries age, so the fact that it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean you're safe.

Something like a Wowtac A2S might be good for you. I'd suggest neutral white for better color, but it doesn't seem to be offered on UK Amazon. Very low white is preferred over red for preserving night vision in the flashlight community, and the A2S has a 0.3 lumen mode.

Hydra Light HC2D Replacement Hydra-Cell Fuel Cell, 25 Year Shelf Life Stored Dry, 100% Power When Activated, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CDMZJ62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_8Xa3Cb1CZ2H96

Replacement cells here at $25 for 2.

I have the tiny Eton version if this, and it's pretty cool. Most people don't have a stock pile of batteries charged and ready (unlike us flashlight types), so having a light that is ready to use if needed for 50% of one's adult life is a decent value proposition. Even if it is single use at 300 hours (more like 150-200 hours of usable light based on what I saw with my Eton), this will get you through the majority of power outages.

This light is so bad it’s kind of a meme here. We try very hard to be a really friendly, welcoming place, and it doesn’t give a person a good first impression when they ask for input and get roasted. I don’t want to sound like some kind of gatekeeping douche. We can advise some truly excellent lights for very little money, but for some unfortunate reason that model is kind of crappy and was marketed to death.

I saw you mention a list of uses in another comment, the Thrunite you were advised to get is a great one. Another budget option that’s still of good quality is a Sofirn SP31. It comes with a battery and charger, and would be everything you need to get going. Also a world better than that thing.

You could, as it looks to take an odd-shaped module, but it (that is, each individual light) would lose it's EX/etc rating until recertified, which would be why no-one seems to have bothered to make one for it.

Water resistant is the standard around here. You can leave pretty much all of the lights we recommend submerged for at least half an hour.

There's also the A2S if you'd prefer a headlamp.

Ammo containers

Edit: These multi gauge ones are the containers you want. The other ones will work, but they are taller and allow for the cells to move around more.

Also, MidwayUSA will usually have them cheaper if you can get free shipping.

This is pretty amazing! It looks like they are using a pair of holographic display fans.

At those prices though... this is either a very talented modder, or a very wealthy cosplayer.

So, right off the bat you've got two criteria that tend to start fights around here:

• Starting fires is entertaining, but is extremely inefficient. You waste a huge amount of battery power to do it, and can only light certain materials like dark paper. It's a party trick, not a camping tool.

• The best use of a flashlight for self defense is to make sure you don't trip while running away. The second best is holding the light in your off-hand while your gun is in your dominant hand. Other than that, if it's possible to disorient someone with light, just about any flashlight we like will be good enough.

Ignoring those criteria, I'm going to suggest a Thrunite Neutron 2C. Click the button for on/off, push and hold to smoothly raise or lower brightness. Includes a good-quality 18650 and charges on USB.

And grab a BIC lighter for your fires. If you want something fancier, get a Zippo and a butane insert that won't dry out every three days.

No catch. The on-time memory UI is meh, and the linear driver isn't the most efficient, especially on lower modes, but it does what it says on the tin.

A step up would be the Eagle Eye X5R (note: Gearbest link is not an endorsemest of Gearbest), which has a separate mode switch, USB charging, more efficient driver and option of XM-L2 or XP-L HI. The 3A and 3C tints are nice and neutral. No catch here either - it's probably not as well made as premium brands, but it, too does what it says on the tin.

The Astrolux S41 is a steal at $32 for a Nichia 219B quad with the A6 driver. I would recommend adding the 18650 tube.

The Atactical A1 has been popular lately because it comes with a USB-charging 18650 for $20 on Amazon. It's not a great light, but it's manufactured and distributed by Thrunite, so the build quality is solid and it's available shipped from the US, Europe and Japan.

It's sold as a gopro case from amazon with the pre-diced foam already inside, it's a great size case for carrying lights - wish I could find one just a little larger. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071FGC12H

can't go wrong with a Noctigon K1. The W2.1 option has the best throw.

If you're heading there soon, the Thrunite TN42 V2 is the best thrower I know of that's available on Amazon. Currently has a coupon for $89 off, which brings the price to $210. It's a pretty hefty light though. The K1 will be far easier to carry for long night walks.

The AA-powered Thrunite T10 is now $19.99 on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/ThruNite-flashlight-single-hand-operation-Flashlight/dp/B01B498P2U/

edit: Most people here will recommend the neutral white (NW) emitter over the cool white (CW) emitter due to its better color rendering, with only about a 6% loss in perceived output.

• $50 from ThruNite's official site
• $45 from ThruNite's official Amazon storefront (ThruNite Direct)

Check out the Wowtac A2 on Amazon and see if it's what you're looking for. A great quality light for the price, and the battery has a built in micro USB port for charging so no external charger needed.

Wowtac A6

• $30
• Micro USB rechargeable
• Battery included
• 10 cm long (just under 4")
• 1460 lumen max output
• Good company

I would recommend one of these The link is to a two pack so you can wear one facing forward and one facing back. These epic headlamps (13,000 lumens!) will allow you to have your hands free for various necessary gestures - flicking off the drivers and pedestrians that piss you off, making it look like you're strapped, etc.

Lumintop tool aa with usb bat

https://www.amazon.com/LUMINTOP-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Battery-Magnetic/dp/B07Z3H3WZR/

For longer runtimes and a bit bigger theres always the wowtac a6, but u didnt hear that from a phat lazay kat ;)

ThruNite T10 II

• Small. Powered by 1 AA.
• Fairly bright. 160 lumens when powered by a AA.
• Has a 1 lumen mode. This is a very dim mode that will last a very long time (at least a week and a half if you leave it on constantly). It's bright enough to see with, but also won't ruin your night vision. If that's not enough to see with, there are higher modes as well, of course.
• Well built. ThruNite has been in the game for a long time. They know how to make a good flashlight.

Not really. If you don't think more output or throw would improve your existing use cases, I don't see much reason to go for bigger lights. You might want to try something with a high color rendering index, like the 219C version of the Lumintop IYP07.

If you're not already using rechargeable batteries in your lights, that would also be an area to look at upgrading.

I think it's a tough recommendation with the ThruNite T1 being less than $10 more.

Just to keep things in perspective.. it's a frickin' $3 flashlight, with 2 free D-cell batteries (that sell for $2.50 by themselves). I'm actually somewhat impressed that anyone can sell a 50¢ flashlight these days, let alone one that's surprisingly well-reviewed and can output 80 lumen for 70hrs (up to 400hrs with 4x alkaline). I think you just sold me on a shit flashlight, thanks..

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07173ZKH9/

Plus, I wouldn't be all that upset about losing or breaking a $3 flashlight. But a $50 FW3A? Probably a little =)

Can you increase that to $20? For that, you can have the Wowtac A1, and it will be years before you have to buy a battery.

If red is a requirement.

Red modes aren't useful. They're just as effective at keeping night vision as a sub-lumen (very dim) white mode. This allows you to see colors, and means that there only has to be one LED. If red isn't a requirement, I strongly recommend a headlamp witha very dim white mode, like this one.

For maximum output, use rechargeable NiMH AAs. Alkalines can't put out a lot of current, which limits brightness, and they'll also eventually leak, which will ruin your flashlight.

Normal eneloops are 1900mAh capacity with something like 1500 charge cycles. The Pros have ~2500mAh but 500 charge cycles. So you’ll get more bang for your buck with normal I believe since they’re all 1.2v anyway. You’ll just have to charge one more often. The charger that comes with that pack is ok but if you’re getting into flashlights and lithium-ion batteries (18650, 26650) than you may want to get a dedicated charger that can charge both Ni-Mh and Li-ion batteries. Like

XTAR VC4 Li-ion/Ni-MH Battery Charger USB LCD Display Charger Multi-Functional Battery Charger Four Bays for 3.6V/3.7V 26650 18650 17500 18350 16340 RCR123 14500 10440 Ni-MH and Ni-CD AA AAA Battery https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HDRZYPS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pE-jCbZBGC908

Also, IKEA LADDA batteries and amazonbasics seem to be rewrapped eneloops batteries. So same performance at a cheaper cost. I’m not expert but this is the info I’ve gathered along the way.

Feels just like yesterday we had the 40k giveaway. Thanks for organizing this. I’d be interested in the KDLITKER 50.2C8 in warm white:

KDLITKER C8.2 Cree XHP50.2 White or Neutral White or Warm White 2600 Lumens 5-Mode LED Flashlight uses of 1x18650 (Warm White 3000K) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074C3JNYF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qP8eCbXYR45NV

I would not recommend the Emisar D4 as a starter light. Extremely powerful, and that comes with big responsibilities.

But you seem responsible enough to have that kind of light.

1. Doesn't come with a charger or a cell.

Best cell for all around best performance and capacity is the 30Q. Will work on all flashlights, great with the D4 and has high capacity:

https://liionwholesale.com/collections/batteries/products/samsung-inr18650-30q-battery-15a-3000mah-button-top-wholesale-discount-genuine-and-tested?variant=35782220241

Charger: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Zanflare-C4-Rechargeable-Batteries/dp/B07428G1G2/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527732046&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=zanflare+c4

A bit overkill, but will charge all types of cells, all the way from lithium ion to NiMH rechargeable AAs. Can also test capacity to check if genuine.

C8 is generally considered a great "cheaper" throwy light. Its not TN42, but its still got solid range. This is the "latest and greatest" version, but it won't be available again until after the holiday:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Clear-Convoy-C8-with-XPL-HI-LED-copper-DTP-board-and-ar-coated-inside-new-firmware/32732511943.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.XnOlRR

That product reeks of... I'm not sure what to call the stink. But here's some warning signs.

• New product
• No product name
• No official website
• Very few reviews
• All 5 star reviews
• All written by paid professional reviewers
• Hugely marked down (base price is inflated to make it look like a deal)

On top of that, the runtime numbers are not realistic. With a battery that size (32Wh) and 440 lumen output and reasonable LEDs (100 lumens per watt) it should have a runtime of 8 hours, not 84.

In short, it is a rip off.

edit: It is $16 on Alibaba

edit edit: The second model seems dodgy too but not as bad as that Ubetter thing.

If you're okay with waiting a while, you could get an Astrolux S43 and a Samsung 30Q.

Lumintop Tool AA - $21; choice of magnetic tailcap and twist action, or tail switch; GITD silicone lantern/diffuser included.

The newest ones are the Emisar D4 and the Astrolux MF01. Both are available with Nichia 219Cs.

For those who don't have some, you can get them for $5.39 right now without the box and engraving. Excellent deal.

If you like the tint, I would also recommend checking out the Astrolux A01. Same 90+ CRI but with a warmer/rosier tint. Very nice.

Fenix ALB-10. I wouldn't recommend using it with heavy lights or lights with large, long heads like the C8. They'll bounce around a lot. It works well with tube lights like the Convoy S series.

I have one.

I have not done any testing because I don't want to waste money on rechargeable batteries. If you want a lantern like this, buy something rechargeable. There's no excuse for lighting products to be using crappy alkaline batteries these days.

It might hit 1000 lumens right at turn on, but I highly doubt it will hold it for 12 hours. Most lights running on alkaline batteries are largely unregulated and will dim as they run. That extends the battery life, but of course it's not as bright at the end. The standards by which flashlights are tested (ANSI FL1) states that the official runtime of a light just has to be until it drops below 10% of it's maximum output, so at the end of those 12 hours it claims (assuming it's even up to ANSI FL1 specs) it probably slowly dimmed and is down to 100 lumens.

It's really not a great lantern and I don't recommend it except as a disposable option, as in the whole thing being disposable. It's more expensive but I highly recommend BLF LT1, especially if you wait for it to go on sale. It's rechargeable, can work as a power bank, and it's output is regulated so that it doesn't dim at all until the batteries are virtually empty. It's much better made and the light quality it puts out is way better too.

There's lots of stuff that would work. You could spend a little less or spend a little more but here are two of the best options I can think of that are easily available quickly.

The Thrunite Catapult V6 is a popular option for $75 that comes with a battery and charger. It'll give you plenty of light at the distances you're needing.

If you want to spend a bunch of money and get something that will light up the next town like daylight you can get the Thrunite TN42 V2 for $210. It comes with batteries and built in charging. It's nuts.

FYI, Anduril uses PWM so literally every light running Anduril has PWM unless it's on turbo.

If you're this picky (which is not a bad thing), you might consider forgetting about the double duty functionality and just get two different lights: a good video/photography panel light and a good bike light.

Blf lt1

Edit: https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-portable-Inserted-batteries-Batteries/dp/B07YWHDJCR/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_mod_primary_lightning_deal?dchild=1&keywords=blf+lt1&qid=1614182878&sbo=Tc8eqSFhUl4VwMzbE4fw%2Fw%3D%3D&smid=A2LRZV29F1JQ87&s...

For sure.

Also if you don't already own some - pick up some 3M Dual-lock velcro - this stuff is literally magic. Extremely strong grip that doesnt wobble like velcro. I use it in place of the ziptie mount's original adhesive to make the zip tie mounts themselves removable, too (so they can be moved to another helmet, etc).

I'd highly recommend taking a look at the Armytek Elf C2. It looks weird at first, but it's got a lot going for it.

• Magnetic base

• 10 year warranty, 10 m drop and water resistance

• Fits in a pocket

• Works as a headlamp or clipped to a backpack strap

• Comes with a battery

• Built in charging

• Low mode so you don't burn through batteries when you don't need the extra brightness

• Bright modes for when you do need the extra power

• You can set the switch to stay lit so you can find it in a dark tent

It's available on Amazon too, but for a bit more money. If you go that route, I'd suggest ordering from Armytek's store on Amazon so you can be sure the warranty is still valid.