1x18650 Flashlight Advice

Insipid Moniker

Insipid Moniker

Joined
Feb 28, 2011
Messages
27,451
Okay, I have a couple of lights and I'm in the market for a new one. I've done some research, but I'm no expert and can't quite seem to find quite what I like so I'm asking you gents. Purpose will be EDC primarily, but with some eye towards SD.

I'm looking for a 1x8650 flashlight that I can clip to my off hand pocket.

Must Haves:
Pocket clip
Tail cap clickie
Slim and trim, not a huge head that might catch on things inside my pocket
Quick access to high/turbo (if it comes on in low every time I'm not interested)

Bonus points for non-black, high output and good throw, but none are terribly necessary.

I'd like to keep it around $100, but $150 isn't completely out of the question.
 
I don't know a lot about flashlights but I just got a Fenix PD32 ultimate edition and it's awesome.

It's pretty slim, not too much to catch on the pocket, comes with a clip, 740lm max output, memory (stays on whatever setting you turn it off), and easily comes under the $100 mark.

I have had it with me since I received it.

Here it is next to a Spyderco Southard for size comparison.

20130226_101401_zps4d3cbeb3.jpg
 
That Fenix PD32 would be an excellent choice. My top EDC brands are Fenix and Quark.

This is not directly responsive to your question, but you may wish to consider a 2xCR123 light and then run a 17670 in it. You don't get quiet the runtime of an 18650, but it would be a little thinner in the pocket and you would have more options. Google Quark Pro QP2L just for giggles. It would feed on a 17670.

I carry everyday a sweet Quark 2x123 light and run a 17670 in it. I use the light daily for little stuff like looking in dark closets, the basement, outside, under the car hood, etc., and it has a long runtime. I swap out the battery every several days just to keep it topped off.

An 18650 will give you more runtime, but it a little fatter in the pocket and you have fewer options because many or most lights that feed on 2x123 will eat a 17670, but the 18650 battery requires a body made especially to accommodate the 18650, if that makes sense.

123.jpg

Here's a Quark with an 18650 body, but these bodies are no longer made.
 
Thanks for the input, I'll look at some 17670 options as well. Seems like it may actually be more in line with what I want.
 
Another vote for the PD32 ultimate edition. I have a lot of nice lights in my collection this so far is my favorite.
 
neverdie36 said:
I don't know a lot about flashlights but I just got a Fenix PD32 ultimate edition and it's awesome.

It's pretty slim, not too much to catch on the pocket, comes with a clip, 740lm max output, memory (stays on whatever setting you turn it off), and easily comes under the $100 mark.

I have had it with me since I received it.

Here it is next to a Spyderco Southard for size comparison.

20130226_101401_zps4d3cbeb3.jpg
Click to expand...

I hope to second this recommendation shortly. I bought one yesterday. Blade HQ has a special on them right now.
 
not a fan of the fenix pd32 UI... i would honestly recommend the pd30/31 over it.

check out the eagletac d25lc2 before you purchase the fenix pd32 ultimate edition
 
not a fan of the fenix pd32 UI... i would honestly recommend the discontinued pd31 over it (snag one on ebay while you still can if youre interested)

check out the eagletac d25lc2 before you purchase the fenix pd32 ultimate edition

if you can do with an electronic side switch, the new zebralight sc600 mkII looks very promising ;)

heres a few of my single 18650 lights
LtR: thrunite scorpion v2 w/ turbo head, xtar tz58, olight m20x, fenix pd32 ue, fenix pd31, eagtac d25lc2 & zebralight sc600
555272_10151288627125458_946835274_n.jpg
 
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I really like the two zebralights I have,

SC600 Mk II

High output of 900 otf lumens
several medium settings
low of 3lumens for 280 days
Will be out March 22nd

thumbnail.asp
 
I don't know a ton about flashlights but I had similar requirements and the EagleTac D25LC2 is what I ended up with. Runs on a 18650 but has a plastic insert so it will run on 2 x CR123, or their rechargeable version. Comes on in low which I like unless the head is tightened and then it comes on in turbo. There are 2 LED options. One has more flood and over 700 lumens. The other has more throw and just under 500 lumens. I went with the more throw version which is a little cheaper and can be found under 60 bucks. I really like it and it has been in my pocket since I got it. The body can also be flipped around to change the orientation of the pocket clip so you can change it so it will clip to a baseball hat for hand free use.
 
I like the Fenix but the Quark is bullet proof for off hand carry - Get the tactical version and you go into high so long as the head is tight. I have had lights with memory come on the wrong level during firing drills. I can check the Quark in the dark (just tighten the head).

I still carry one of the limited Titanium versions but that XML looks promising.
 
Was just getting ready to order the PD32 when I checked this thread. I may well go wiith the Eagletac instead, it mentioned that you can set turbo as primary and strobe as secondary I'm curious about how that works?
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Was just getting ready to order the PD32 when I checked this thread. I may well go wiith the Eagletac instead, it mentioned that you can set turbo as primary and strobe as secondary I'm curious about how that works?
Click to expand...

head tightened youll have access to turbo mode and strobe by double clicking... the UI is quite common in the fenix ld-pd series prior to the side switch models. with the head loosened youll have access to low, med, high & disco modes with memory. go with the eagletac d25lc2 over the pd32 ue, you wont be disappointed. im not a fan of the new fenix line with side switches, they totally ruined a great UI with quick access to turbo, strobe and low modes for a forward clicky and stupid side switch thats hard to find int he dark unless you index the clip directly above it. why didnt they just release the pd30 with a forward clicky? *shugs* the new models require you to set to a single brightness setting and cycle through each level if you wanted to switch levels or hold the side switch down to enter strobe mode. youll also have to change your grip position to actuate the side button comfortably. i have large hands and its extremely awkward hitting the side switch with my pinky in the harries hold. the thing is also about an inch longer than the pd30/pd31/pd32.
 
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Went with the Eagletac D25LC2 clicky. Thanks for the advice, guys, very happy with it at the moment. Although I may end up cursing you all as some of the Zebralights also look really nice and I don't need another addiction.
 
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