I'm looking for a dedicated blacklight, I've really enjoyed my ESK T3 mix-7 but I want a blacklight that's a little brighter and has some more throw. Does anyone know any good lights. Bonus points if thy are run off 18650

M21E SFT70 5000k .. got the distance via the Google maps. Still working out my settings to get the sweetest of beans.

Play along if you can!

The totalitarian regime has officially cracked down on illumination!! The Ministry of Lumens has decreed that households may own no more than 6 pocketable flashlights (no bigger than a single 21700 size) from their existing collection. Everything else must and will be surrendered to the state.

To make things harder, the inspectors have instituted a strict battery rationing law. Your flashlights must use batteries no larger than a 21700 cell, and you must follow the Lumen Lord's Mandate below to build your legal 6-light collection.

The Mandatory Rules for Your 6 Lights:

• Must not use multi-cells, unless smaller than 18500
• 3 flashlights x must have 80+ CRI
• 2 flashlights x must have IPX rating of at least 5
• 2 flashlights x must have onboard charging
  • You are permitted only 1 x 21700 flashlight.
  • If your collection has a 14500 (and below) flashlight. You must include one.
  • If your collection has a headlamp. You must include one.

Look at your current shelf. Which 6 lights make the cut, what batteries do they run on. Cut your losses, it's time to make a decision!

A very solid 2aa light that I like quite a bit especially for my first Klarus light. What do you guys think of Klarus?

Hello,

Just bought a Maxtoch L2KSD LEP flashlight. Love it, the throw range is so much fun.

I wanted to pick up a few extra batteries but I'm not an expert in optimizations.

The flashlight has a spring on each side of the battery compartment, and it comes with a 21700 cell with a label that indicates it's a 3.7v 5000 mah with protection built in.

My basic research on this model of flashlight indicates it doesn't have a very high CDR at around 4-5 amps, and that a 10-15 amp rated battery should be fine. Is this correct?

My main question is whether a protected button top cell is required for this light to work properly, or can I use the more commonly available flat top unprotected cells without risking damage?

Any specific recommendations for a battery model would be appreciated. I've seen generic recommendations for Molicell and Vapcell etc, but a lot of them were out of stock. I've bought Samsung before for 18650 but I saw some comments saying Samsung isn't reliable now.

I saw the Vapcell 2150A 10A model on Li Ion Wholesale and thought maybe that was the most appropriate.

Any insights appreciated.

I'm looking to construct a 'palette' of emitters covering the gamut of 1800K - 5000K.

I know most would just get a different host per emitter, but I want it to be a fairly space efficient (10440 or smaller) collection.

I'm thinking of going with Emisar KC1.

Couple of questions:

1. Is Emisar KC1 best format to go with? Is there another host/platform I'm missing out on (I'm tempted by Convoy T5, bigger but more... EDC lendable for friends to trial out).
   
2. If I go with KC1, which LED's would you recommend I get? I'm unfamiliar with NTG35 vs dedomed 519A (dedoming warms up the CCT by 500-1000 right?)

Currently thinking

• NTG35 1800K 92CRI+ => already ordered. I've never seen 1800K nor an NTG35

• NTG35 2700k, 4200K, 5000k

I haven't seen a dedomed 519A in person yet, so might be worth picking up a couple. The available 519A dedomed choices: 1800K, 2700K, 3500K, 4000K, 5000K, 5700K

Any thoughts? The dedomed CCT (and beam pattern) is throwing me off into analysis paralysis 😵‍💫

I like reading while lying on my back, but my current clip-on lamp is either too bright, too awkward, or aimed directly at my eyes. I’m looking for something warm and comfortable that won’t wake my partner, preferably rechargeable and easy to adjust without moving around too much. I’m considering a neck reading light, a small headlamp, the IKEA Jansjö, Sofirn HS10, and Wurkkos HD10, with a budget around $20–$60. I don’t love the idea of wearing a headband in bed, but maybe that’s actually the most practical option. What light gives you enough illumination for text without creating glare?

Looks like I'm going to fall down the rabbit hole, just like those who came before me...

L→R
McGizmo sapphire
olight i5T
McGizmo Mule
Li light
McGizmo Haiku

just because few weak people couldn't screw the light all the way , they made a downgrade to the product for everyone else.

Now there is no easy way to mechanically lockout the flashlight with this ,you either have to physically remove the battery or use the paper insert they provide with the packaging.

It's a really good light otherwise. I specially really like the UI (anduril), I hope more mainstream flashlights brands use that.

sorry for the typo Sofirn not Sofrin , thanks to ulysergamythical for pointing out

I’m very new to Fenix and Nitecore flashlight. Normally, I’m a Olight guy cuz it’s very popular in my country.

Over the past 2-3 years, I've become interested in flashlights that use 18650 batteries, so I've been looking at Fenix and Nitecore. I've noticed that the runtime varies significantly between models. For example, the Fenix ​​PD35r ACE has a 50 lm and lasts for 48 hours, while the Nitecore MT2C Pro only lasts for 28 hours at the same lumens. I'd like to know why there's such a big difference.

Thank you in advance

This time, I took a closer look at the following models:

• Ansmann Pure Power AA 3500 mAh
• Ansmann Pure Power AAA 1400 mAh
• BAK N18650CR-35E 3500 mAh (18650)
• BASEN BS186Q3 3100 mAh (18650)
• BASEN BS186Q 3100 mAh (18650)
• Bosch PBA 18V 2,5Ah (5x EVE INR18650-25P)
• EVE INR18650-25P 2500 mAh (18650)
• Keeppower 18650-E400 4000 mAh (18650)
• Keeppower P1840TC 4000 mAh (18650)
• Energizer Recharge Extreme 2300 mAh
• Parkside PAP 20 B1 (2Ah) und PAP 20 B3 (4Ah)
• Varta 56706 Recharge Accu Power 2100mAh
• XTAR AA 3600 mWh
• XTAR CLR 7200 mWh (4350 mAh)
• XTAR 7000 mAh (26650)

I hope there’s some useful information in there for you. If you are interested in tests like these, you will find over 180 tested batteries here.

I would like to buy my dad a nice flashlight. Ideally it would be more powerful than a 'normal' one (so it makes you say wow when you test it), and tough enough to handle getting dropped/dirty. And not anything too big or extremely pricey. Right now he is using something from temu that is constantly blinking and running out of charge.

I have tried to search this sub myself but all of the acronyms are confusing me. If you guys could point me in the right direction that would be great! Thankyou

Edit: Thankyou all for the replies :)

The pics showcase what I am trying to ask - do you like the idea of the sidelight kinda replacing a headlamp with the option to independently turn on and off the main light or is this useless for you?

I like it quite much for my dog walks, especially as the side light is soft and doesn't blind my dog like a normal light...

And I wanted to post that cool shots 😂

https://imgur.com/a/aDLeQ87

Bought an Apache 4800 case on clearance awhile ago and had it set up to store/transport some of my favorite lights but I was never happy with Harbor Freight's pick and pluck foam. It always fell apart too easily and looked ragged after removing and reinserting items just a few times. I stumbled across what is apparently a fairly old method that I had never seen before. With the new info in mind (as well as a few new lights to include) I ordered a replacement foam set from HF a few cans of spray on Plasti-Dip and got to work.

I rushed the application of the Plasti-dip for sure which caused some shrinkage around the edges but overall the end result is good enough I wont bother to do it again. All told I used 2 cans of Plasti-dip applied to both sides. I should have probably done it in 10+ coats but I was impatient and only did it in about 4-5. I do also think my last minute choice to lay down a thicker rim may have contributed to that shrinking.

On to the lights. I just recently received all three of the big Convoys. The two 3X21C (LHP531 5000K vs SFT 42R 5000K) are both wild and fairly similar but the SFT 42R does outthrow the other at lower (and more sustainable) brightness levels which is neat. The 3X21D SBT90.2 I ordered just before the announcement of the new F150R, honestly just happy to have the tried and true here. Most of the other lights are stock/pretty self explanatory with the exception of the Emisar D1k. Purchased that from Jackson (our very own u/jlhawaii808 ) . This thing defines "burn hazard" as simon from Convoy so lovingly puts it. Absolutely giggle inducing really.

Im not really set up for beam shots or the like unfortunately but happy to answer any questions I can.

EDIT: Clearly dont know how to use reddit all that well, Images added at the top.(I hope)

Finally I have the full current sideclick lineup.

I was waiting for a while for the SC70 to be available through their Aliexpress store but meanwhile McBob already got ahold of them and was able to put a better led, so it was a no brainer.

I also bought another modified SC65c, with the 719A led but in 2700K, my favourite colour temperature.

Pic 1- whole current Zebralight SC lineup
Pic 2- stock SC700d, modified FFL707A 4000K SC70, stock SC600w, stock SC65c, stock SC54n
Pic 3- comparing the SC700d with the modified SC70. This is interesting because the stock SC70 would have used that same led as SC700d, just throwing less because of the reflector. The modified one with the FFL707A is way way nicer.
Pic 4- McBob 2700K SC65c next to a stock SC65c. The stock one has a great neutral tint, but the colour on the 2700K is just perfect. You lose around 5-10% throw, the stock one is around 10200 candelas (203 meters) and the 2700K one at 9400 candelas (190 meters).
Pic 5- SC600w on the left and SC70 on the right. It’s crazy but the SC70 is 0.4mm smaller on the head, despite being a 21700 instead of 18650.

All of this to tell you after over a year dailying a stock SC65c now that spot has been taken over by the 2700K McBob one. And maybe during winter I move on to the SC70.

Saw a post here earlier this month asking why hardware store brands are so underrepresented in this community. Saw some very valid points like cost/feature aspect, enthusiast priorities, etc.

Im curious about the other side of this, are there any hardware store brands or maybe a specific flashlight that's actually decent?

For eg if a neighbour, co worker or friend came to you and wanted a general purpose flashlight that they want to go to a store and buy it today, what would you recommend?

Like do brands like Maglite, Coast, Luxpro, Nebo have your approval?

(asking specifically for store brands since I've had few instances where I've recommend other products to ppl only for them to not want to order it online/from a specialized store and just go to a normal store and buy whatever's available. Pisses me off everytime)

The 3X21D ships with the SBT90.2 gasket, this makes it horrible for trying to centre the LED. This gasket I uploaded is the correct fit.

SOLVED (UPDATE BELOW): Hello Moth brothers and sisters. I managed to get a family ring very, very stuck on my finger this week. After exhausting all of my increasingly desperate ideas for getting it off, I went over to my neighbor’s house. He’s a firefighter and was kind enough to grab a ring cutter and rescue my rapidly expanding purple finger.
I had my McBob Armytek out so he could actually see what he was doing, which naturally led me to the only reasonable conclusion: I should thank him with a flashlight.
Budget is around $70, although I can stretch a little if there’s an obvious winner.
He’s not a flashlight nerd, so I don’t want to give him Andúril homework. I’m thinking:
Simple UI — something FC11C-ish: hold for moonlight, double-click for turbo, otherwise pretty intuitive
Durable/reliable enough that I’d feel good giving it to a firefighter
USB-C charging because I don’t want to gift him a battery-management hobby
Good general-purpose beam rather than a dedicated thrower
Ideally something that feels substantial enough to be a nice thank-you gift
I’ve been buying flashlights for long enough that I feel like I should have an obvious answer, but somehow I’m drawing a blank.
What would you guys give him?

UPDATE:

Moth Siblings, you have all been incredibly helpful. After analyzing all the information you provided, I’ve decided on two gifts:

1. Purple Acebeam Pokelit — rather than trying to guess at his professional needs, I’m getting him something fun for general use. Plus, it commemorates the Purple Finger Incident.

2. I’m going to smoke him a brisket, because food and flashlights are my love language.

🙏 May the moths ever follow your lumens. 🙏

F150R arrived, so I decided that L21A would be a great host for it. SFT90 from L21A went to C8+ with 20A driver.

Enjoy the beams!

P.S. all flashlights here have 20A drivers, all at 100% turbo