Sebenza of flashlights

I had similar requirements minus the finish and I EDC mine. I also wanted a 18650 battery that is rechargeable so as to save money on batteries and also not to have to recycle so many. After research I went with a EagleTac D25LC2. Since I just mentioned the battery, it also comes with a plastic sleeve so you can use 2x CR123 (or the rechargeable version) and they won't rattle. There are also 2 LED you can choose one is 750ish lumens with more flood, the other just under 500 lumens but more throw and a little cheaper and the one I went with. It also has a bit better run time and I have only charged the battery twice in the 4 or 5 months I've owned it and the battery wasn't 'dead' either time.

It has a black HAIII finish which is a lot more durable than regular anodizing. It has a pocket clip and the body can be turned around which flips the direction of the clip so that it can be clipped to the bill of a baseball hat for hands free use that shines wherever you look. It has a click switch that cycles through the modes. The head can be twisted to get to turbo mode so the brightest settings are quickly accessible. I use the lowest mode for most things but having almost 500 lumens is nice if you really need to see. You can get the light, a good charger and a good battery for under a hundred bucks. Or just the light for around $55 if you already have a charger and batteries. As I mentioned I EDC mine and use it almost everyday and really like it. I'm not a huge flashlight guy but as fast as LED technology advances I get a new one every year or two and don't spend a ton because you don't have to, to get the newer technology if you don't mind the light being made in China, and most are. If you want to spend more you can get a US made light that is more along the lines of handmade or midtech knife, or a Sebenza like you mention. Candlepower forums can point you in that direction but you will need to increase your budget. Good luck.
 
The sebenza of flash-lights cost about the same as a sebenza.
Two custom makers come to mind McGizmo or Mac's customs

There is one other option, but I'm not sure if there up to date with production, HDS systems, the maker henery has such high standards for fit and finish, and tight tolerances that he had trouble finding anyone to make them to his specs. And there much closer to your price range.
 
After looking at some reviews, I'm now leaning towards the Felix PD32UE or Surefire E2L-AA.
 
everyday commentary has reviews..

Check out ZerbaLights - love mine.

Nitecore Tm26 - my dream light..
 
It's been mentioned before, but the Sebenza of Flashlights is the McGizmo Haiku. Mac's XM-L or Triple EDC is probably the 'zaan. They cost as much as a CRK, but with good reason. Both have similar levels of F&F and quality, and sterling reputations.

HDS is awesome, and in your price range (they are aluminum, but tough as nails.) I waited 14 months for mine, love it, and carry it every day. It looks like production has ramped up to the point where, depending upon configuration, people are getting them in ~ 4 months now. (His discontinued Titanium lights sell for $400-$800 on the rare occasion they come up for sale.)

In your price range, if you want Titanium, the Sunwayman V10RTi is very highly regarded, but discontinued. The V10Rti+ is a nice light, but some say they let quality slip a bit.
I'm quite fond of my Titanium EagleTac D25C, which is quite a bit less. I like it better than any Fenix, JETBeam, or Thrunite (not that there's anything wrong with those. I just feel ET is a step above in quality.) But it's hardly a Sebenza.

If you don't need Titanium, take a look at Malkoff Devices. His 2-cell lights are available with a wide range of drop-ins to give you whatever combination of tint, beam pattern, brightness and run time may best suit your need. The single cell lights are high quality, but not as modular, and have a couple different options available.

Good luck, and enjoy the search.
 
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No HDS mention? It's not Ti, but it a very tough, dependable light. Multiple modes, adjustable, built like a tank. Not sure how available they are these days...
 
Check out lens light. They are made here in the USA and seem pretty awesome. Their mini puts out 300 lumens on a single cr123. $150 for the aluminum version, if you want titanium it will cost as much as a sebenza. Also they have a patented lens focusing system that allows you to adjust your beam for more flood or more throw. They are pretty much bomb-proof as well. They are a newer company so they don't get much attention but are definitely worth watching. If I had $150 to spend on a light right now that's what I would get.
 
Thank you for all the feedback everyone; I've learned so much. I ended up going with a Fenix 32UE. It's a great value and it doesn't break the bank.
 
Let us all know what you think of it when you get it.

I have to agree that even though it's out of your specified price range the Sebenza of lights is the McGizmo Haiku, I love mine and the fit and finish is superb.

Within your price range I'd suggest the Sunwayman Ti model, I have one in aluminum and it's outstanding. Keep it in mind if your not happy with your choice or if like us you just feel the need to get another light.
 
SUREFIRE. I ve been through just about every kind of light being in LE for years and nothing beats a good ol Surefire!!
 
While titanium is great, it is not the best material choice for a bright flashlight because it is a poor heat exchanger. Aluminum is better.

My vote is HDS. Fenix is possibly a better choice if you value lumen quantity over quality. I had a Fenix P2D and it was great.
Even though it's more than double your budget, the McGizmo Haiku seems to be what you want. He doesn't categorize his flaslights as waterproof though.

Do yourself a favor and read about high-CRI LEDs. McGizmo was an early adopter and has some great reading material in his CPF sub-forum.
 
Striderco said:
SUREFIRE. I ve been through just about every kind of light being in LE for years and nothing beats a good ol Surefire!!
Click to expand...

I wouldn't say that's the Sebenza of flashlights. Surefire are pure utility. Not really classy by any means.
 
csp203 said:
I assume you would want a flashlight that is made in the USA. Bullet proof, best warranty and customer service... Malkoff makes awesome lights, great people to deal with, designed, and made in the usa.

http://www.malkoffdevices.com
Click to expand...


I was looking at his website yesterday, for a SF drop in, and saw some of his lights.
A few of them are on sale, and for the price run ready with a P61 style drop in, the housing, tail cap and bezel are almost free. I've always been very happy with SF's, but am thinking of giving one of his lights a try.
I prefer my lights simple. I can live with high/low, but I don't want 6 different positions/strobes and other functions.
I'm glad SF finally made a light that is compatible with AA's too.

Post up some pics of your new Fenix. I've never owned one, but a lot of people really like them
 
The fenix tk41 meets all your specifications except for
the color. It is black. But, it makes 860 lumens
on 8 aa batteries (it can also run on only 4)
for $130.

Fenix flashlights are made in china although the
quality colntrolis excellent.
 
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