What is the best flashlight?

[artix]

So what is the best and brightest flashlight? I like this one. And this one.

I am looking for a big one that uses 18650(s) and my price limit is about $35.

But what is the best? (Doesn't have to be on DX)

Thanks XD

Sorry if this is already asked but, I don't go to the off topic section very often.

 

[jayrob]

For me, you have to consider three main things...

1. Size. I find that it's not always worth the extra size for brightness gained and run time.
2. Brightness. Also consider bulb life, and color of light. This is why I like LED lights like the Cree Q5 or the P7 much better than Xenon.
3. Which batteries and how much run time.

Here are a couple of my favorite lights:

The large one was a xenon that I upgraded with a drop in P7. I also changed the tail switch to an on/off clicky. This is the brightest of the 3 pictured, but not my favorite! This is the same thing here:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12761
2 X 18650's gives about 1 1/2 hrs. run time

The middle is a 4171 host modified with a Cree Q5. This is an excellent light using a choice of 2 X 3.0 batteries or 2 X 3.6 rechargeable batteries. Even though the larger P7 light is about twice as bright, I will reach for the smaller light every time!

The bottom is a very nice Q5 that can be bought as is from DX. It has a glass lens and an aluminum textured/OP reflector. This will give the same light as my 4171 mod.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14027

Again, for me, the smaller Q5 lights are more desirable.

My favorite of all, is a Q5 mod that I did on a host that uses 3 X AA batteries for a huge capacity and much longer run time for the Q5. It's only about 3/4" longer than the 4171 host, but is thicker. It is about the thickness of a size C Maglight.
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/forums/YaBB.pl?num=1194770080/80#96

But if you don't want to mod a light, I recommend the bottom light in the picture for best size vs brightness vs run time...
Jay

 

[artix]

I like the top one but it is too expensive for me right now...

What do you think about this one.

 

[jayrob]

That's definitely a sweet light. Especially for the price!

A couple of things that you could expect though... Even though I don't have that light, I can tell you that you will not see 900 lumens... probably more like 500 or 600. But that is still seriously bright!

My P7 light has two 18650's. So I know that a single 18650/P7 light will not have much of a run time.

Not that is isn't an awesome light!

I look at size vs brightness vs run time.
Jay

 

[artix]

That's definitely a sweet light. Especially for the price!

A couple of things that you could expect though... Even though I don't have that light, I can tell you that you will not see 900 lumens... probably more like 500 or 600. But that is still seriously bright!

My P7 light has two 18650's. So I know that a single 18650/P7 light will not have much of a run time.

Not that is isn't an awesome light!

I look at size vs brightness vs run time.
Jay

Thanks! For size, I want a huge flashlight! For brightness, I want about ~500 lumens. And for run time, as long as possible!

Ultrafire WF-500 Xenon Flashlight. This one holds 2 18650s and it will last longer.

It says "500" so, I think that means 500 lumens so it will probably be less.

But this will be my first flashlight and I just need it to light things up in the dark! (And I also want so I can show it off to my friends who have little lights ;D)

 

[jayrob]

That's the exact light that I pictured above. It needs not just any 18650's. It works good with AW brand, which are the best, but cost more.

I put in the drop in P7 LED from DX ( http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14413 ) and it is much better than the stock xenon bulb. Better bulb life and color of light is white instead of yellowish. Better run time and Brighter too!
Jay

 

[artix]

That's the exact light that I pictured above. It needs not just any 18650's. It works good with AW brand, which are the best, but cost more.

I put in the drop in P7 LED from DX ( http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14413 ) and it is much better than the stock xenon bulb. Better bulb life and color of light is white instead of yellowish. Better run time and Brighter too!
Jay

OK! Sounds great! But, I can't see it... DX isn't loading. :-/

Can you link me to a big, bright (and under $35) flashlight? (Because I can't :'()

THANKS!

 

[jayrob]

DX must be doing some site maintenance or something...

I think for that price range, you will have to settle for the smaller P7 that you listed with the single 18650. Either that or go for the Q5 light that I linked for $20 bucks. But it is back ordered right now.
Jay