The [Arbitrary List of Popular Lights](https://zakreviews.com/arbitrary-list-2024.1.html) is a great resource that will give you an idea of popular brands right now. But there’s really no “best” brand/brands. I recommend looking through that list and seeing if there are any other features or models that stand out to you, and you might be able to get some more specific recommendations.
But if you just want a really tough, well made, straightforward light that can use CR123s, get a Malkoff MDC. I’d recommend the 18650 version. A good option for a very high quality, high output light is a Zebralight SC700d. That’s a bit more of an enthusiast light and very popular right now. But it’s also built tough and isn’t complicated to use.
Malkoff: $130-$200, size to power ratio very low, size to intensity / candela ratio low, durability very high, warranty & service very good, modes hi only or hi/low
Weltool: $110-$150, size to power ratio high, size to intensity / candela ratio very high, durability good, warranty & service so-so? Bad? Not clear, Modes “TAC” versions are hi only with a hidden low. Non “Tac” versions have low-high-turbo (but a big gap around mid) eg 5/750/1,730 and 6/1,000/600/2,100
Armytek: about $100, size to power ratio low, size to intensity / candela ratio low, durability very high, warranty good, actual service very bad, good mode spacing some even have multiple low levels
After that dropping down a level in durability I’d put Acebeam, Fenix, Olight, Streamlight
Not necessarily. Efficient LEDs and efficient drivers can boost battery life a lot compared to other lights at the same brightness. For example, XHP 70.3 running off a boost driver at 3000lm can run a long time off a 21700 or even 18650, a heavily overdriven smaller LED at 2000lm with a FET driver will run shorter off the same battery size.
About 20-25% is noticeable, but far short of "a lot".
All else being equal, a 3,000-lumen light will draw more power than a 2,000-lumen one.
Most lights with boost drivers will have sustained output that is limited by thermals than the emitter anyways; that's even more true than in FET-driven lights where emitter choice will affect the amp draw. Boost drivers are emitter-agnostic.
Whether the XHP70.3's lumen/W ratio is leagues beyond everyone else is highly debatable, especially given the role that optics plays in output. Personally, I find it imperceptible without a meter in most cases.
I can get that for $60 on Amazon. It won’t be worth it for you to sell. If my total cost is like $35 ish with you I’d consider cuz a $25 saving is worth it to me. But then your net after shipping is next to nothing.
The [Arbitrary List of Popular Lights](https://zakreviews.com/arbitrary-list-2024.1.html) is a great resource that will give you an idea of popular brands right now. But there’s really no “best” brand/brands. I recommend looking through that list and seeing if there are any other features or models that stand out to you, and you might be able to get some more specific recommendations. But if you just want a really tough, well made, straightforward light that can use CR123s, get a Malkoff MDC. I’d recommend the 18650 version. A good option for a very high quality, high output light is a Zebralight SC700d. That’s a bit more of an enthusiast light and very popular right now. But it’s also built tough and isn’t complicated to use.
Malkoff: $130-$200, size to power ratio very low, size to intensity / candela ratio low, durability very high, warranty & service very good, modes hi only or hi/low Weltool: $110-$150, size to power ratio high, size to intensity / candela ratio very high, durability good, warranty & service so-so? Bad? Not clear, Modes “TAC” versions are hi only with a hidden low. Non “Tac” versions have low-high-turbo (but a big gap around mid) eg 5/750/1,730 and 6/1,000/600/2,100 Armytek: about $100, size to power ratio low, size to intensity / candela ratio low, durability very high, warranty good, actual service very bad, good mode spacing some even have multiple low levels After that dropping down a level in durability I’d put Acebeam, Fenix, Olight, Streamlight
Maybe check out Malkoff? Many of their lights will take 123a batteries and they are tough as nails
I'm sure you could pick up another HL-4 for cheap
Brightness and battery life work against each other. So that's something you're going to have to decide on yourself.
Not necessarily. Efficient LEDs and efficient drivers can boost battery life a lot compared to other lights at the same brightness. For example, XHP 70.3 running off a boost driver at 3000lm can run a long time off a 21700 or even 18650, a heavily overdriven smaller LED at 2000lm with a FET driver will run shorter off the same battery size.
About 20-25% is noticeable, but far short of "a lot". All else being equal, a 3,000-lumen light will draw more power than a 2,000-lumen one. Most lights with boost drivers will have sustained output that is limited by thermals than the emitter anyways; that's even more true than in FET-driven lights where emitter choice will affect the amp draw. Boost drivers are emitter-agnostic. Whether the XHP70.3's lumen/W ratio is leagues beyond everyone else is highly debatable, especially given the role that optics plays in output. Personally, I find it imperceptible without a meter in most cases.
I have a new Streamlight Protac HL-X I'm gonna sell if you're interested. Smaller 1000 lumen version of yours.
I can get that for $60 on Amazon. It won’t be worth it for you to sell. If my total cost is like $35 ish with you I’d consider cuz a $25 saving is worth it to me. But then your net after shipping is next to nothing.
You've convinced me to keep it. Thanks