Thoughts on a budget flashlight.

G

Grayzer86

Joined
Jan 15, 2012
Messages
1,209
Hey guys I just wanted to ask for some opinions on a budget friendly edc flashlight. Right now what I am looking at is a Nitecore MT2C which peaks at 360 lumens. I am looking for something roughly 6 inches long max, and don't want to go much thicker than an inch. I would prefer to stay below in the 50-60 dollar range as it will be used for work, and their is more chance of it being lost than worn out. I like the idea of defined settings that don't require cycling each time the light is turned on, and would like to stay above 200 lumens. I plan to use it for walking the dog, fishing trips, some camping, and a general work and edc light. I already have a mini mag which is too dim, a 3D mag that is too big and heavy for the output, and a huge wall mount streamlight that is a great light but too big for nearly anything. Any opinions on this light, or others in my range would be awesome.
 
I know you say 200 lumens but id honestly check out the fenix E11.. its 115 lumens or so, but its brighter than the last light i had that was supposedly 200 something lumens.

Its below your budget, in your size range and is powered by just 1 AA, its my favorite light. I had a kydex neck sheath made by a member here and use it for everything. With a single Eneloop I can camp all weekend and use the light as much as I want with no worries.

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I will look into both of those options. Thanks a bunch guys. I have also been looking at a Nitecore MT2a whish is 280 lumens and runs two AA cells. Being in the middle of nowhere the AA's as a power source may be a lot easier to find in a pinch.
 
I carried the Nitecore MT2C today actually :) I really like it. Its really bright for the size and price. Batteries are a bit of a hassle because of the price, but you can get the Nitecore I4 Intellicharger and some rechargeable 18650's. The I4 Is great, it's not too expensive. And it charges most rechargeable batteries. The MT2C is really tough. Ive dropped on the ground, in snow, it's been in the rain. And it's still working great :)

I've also been looking at Fenix lights. I've only heard good things and they have some great budget models

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Take a look at the EagleTac D25C. It's a fine little (literally) light. It's the smallest (76mm x 20mm) and brightest (~750 lm on turbo with a 16430) CR123 light that I could find. It can be had for $55 with the XM-L U2 emitter.
 
I have a fenix pd 35 on its way, 75 dollars 6 different modes, 850 lumens and down with a strobe.
 
Check out some Klarus flashlights, max output every time because there's no memory and simple operation with both switches on the tailcap.
 
At the suggestion of C-K (in several posts in this forum), I bought the Zebralight 52w (also mentioned by IM above).

Great light. Click on side, a preference for me - not tail-cap.

I have been cautioned against leakage in the AA.

I bought the Nitecore Charger (T4) and Elenloops Ni-MH batteries until I can purchase the original Zebralight 14500 batteries.

Many of the lights above also look great, but I am a neophyte in the world of re-chargeables.

The new LED lights are amazing to me - they are like my guns - they all shoot better than I can.

Mike H.
 
Just for future reference to anyone who may stumble on this thread, there is the Shining Beam S-Mini. Great little light.


-X
 
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