I've been browsing DX (thanks to metawaffle ) and I'm checking out tons of good stuff, but these particular models have me entranced...

Ultrafire SG.DX-B
http://www.dealext...tails.dx/sku.19025

Aurora X-06-2
http://www.dealext...tails.dx/sku.20759

Both have a highly aggressive strike bezel, pretty decent brightness, and use batteries I already have. What I'm wondering about though, I've checked CPF and both lights can accept P60 modules. What other options do you think I could get with either of these? Specifically, I'm looking for 'tactical' tail-cap, possibly glow-in-the-dark.

Thoughts? Help me decide if I can trick a light out.

I notice the Aurora already has an R2 module, compared to the older, dimmer P4 in the other one. Considering that an R2 drop-in module on DX seems to run about $10, and that's about half the cost of the lights, I know what I'd be getting. Just don't drop it on your foot

I wish they'd list whether the switches on these things are forward-clicky (half-press to light it up) or reverse. I saw your comment about waterproofing, too - I'd expect any of those lights to handle a puddle, as long as there are o-rings in all the right places. Certainly rain shouldn't be an issue.

Really, the main thing I thought of to really trick out the light was this (but it's sold out at present):
http://www.dealext...etails.dx/sku.1472

If you wanted a slightly less spiky light, there's always this one ($20 w/ R2 module)

http://www.dealext...tails.dx/sku.18473


I have two SolarForce lights that are identical to this - I think they're all copying a SureFire model anyway. I found the stupid bezel to be irritating, and sharp enough to tear clothing. Now that they've worn down a bit, they're far less annoying. The reason for the stupid bezel, though, is that on my models at least, they allow the lens to be replaced with a coloured filter...

The Ultrafire L2 you linked is absolutely a Surefire clone. Same knurling on the body. Probably machined with the same set of dies. I was looking at it earlier. I like that one, too. Nice strike bezel, plus replaceable LED module.

See, both the ones I linked have advantages. The Ultrafire one has a recessed clickie so it can tail-stand. The Aurora one has the grip-ring, so you can hold it tactical-style.

I also like that both use drop-in LED modules (replaceable). That way, even if they are $20-$25 each, I don't have to throw them away if and when they do go out. That's something that Surefire pioneered pretty much. Want an LED module? Drop one in. Want to make your LED light into a Xenon? Drop one in. Want a brighter LED module? There ya go.. For the masses, you could go LED, without being stuck without Xenon if you decided it wasn't for you. Of course, now that LEDs are so damn cheap, there's no reason to even consider Surefire.

I do favor the strike bezel, primarily due to it being one type of light I don't already have. I'm probably going to end up with either a TK10, or one of these lights here in this thread.

I have to say that even compared to my more expensive lights, I really like my Solarforce L2 - it's just solid and simple. Single mode, too, which even I appreciate sometimes.

Just because I'm a JetBeam fanboy, I'll also throw this one in for your consideration:

JetBeam Jet III M
http://www.jetbeam...nks/pro/jet3m.aspx



Far more expensive than the DX lights, of course, but certainly something to consider next to the Fenix.

Oh, and if you really must have a stabby end bit, it seems there's always someone who'll make one to fit any given light - here's one for the Jet III M:

Alas, the Jet-III M, as incredibly nice as it is, might be out of my budget for now, at least until Xmas. Nothing certain on that, just I was planning on getting more than one thing with my birthday money.

I really like that model. I'm definitely going to add it to my collection soon.

I'm seriously trying to work out my budget to afford the JetBeam III-M.

But, yeah, I could get two of those Aurora lights plus a neck knife and field sharpener for about the same price. So it's still up in the air.

I was seeing a review on Candlepowerforums, and they also had an Olight M20 Warrior standing next to it. I love the look of that light, but it has all those damn modes. The P3D is really all the modes I'd need in a flashlight.

I'm also fond of the Aurora because even though as Meta says they're all pretty close copies of the same Surefire type, the Aurora is just different enough to make it interesting, and I love that strike bezel. I have no strike bezel lights currently, and also no superbright 'tacticals', so really any choice I make should be a positive one.

So, in a brutal diversion, I've decided to build my own flashlight out of a Solar Force L2 host, Cree R2 P60 module, and some extras. It's going to cost me a bit more, but I'll have a light that I can use with 2 or 3 CR123A cells (tube extension), as well as a 'strike bezel', and a lantern head that allows the light to be used to flood an area. Throw in 4 colored lenses, and a Maxpedition holster, and a pack of 12 batteries. I should be good to go for a while.

Once Xmas rolls around, I'm going to expand on this with extra accessories. There's a gruesome looking strike bezel set. All in all, as I've set it up, this particular light can pump up to 9.6v input into the lamp. Should be plenty bright for my needs. I'll use my existing backups for dimmer tasks.

I'll be particularly interested to see how the lantern attachment performs - I didn't know that existed until you pointed it out to me.

I'll get some pics once I get the light, especially of the lantern head. I'm curious myself. It's really something I was looking at with hurricane season approaching. Figured it could at least give a wide flood of local light in an emergency, but we'll see.

I've also spotted a 1-cell body that is compatible, so I will probably add that to my gear. It'll give me 1/2/3-cell options just by swapping a tube or head here and there. Good option if space is a concern.

I'm going to end up getting a universal flashlight holster, as at it's longest length it will be just a tad too long to fit anything normal.