Just getting into this torch obsession and find your videos very helpful and informative! Started with a dolphin torch 20 years ago, then maglites, then maglites with led upgrade bulbs, but now theres so much to choose from! Think I'll go with a Sofirn.. of some sort 😂
Sofirn, convoy, Wurkkos or Wuben are good options if you're starting out and just want to try a few options without spending too much! Glad you're enjoying my videos.
Thanks for sharing your 18650 EDCs, Darren. Just received my gun metal grey FC12 and the black TD02. I had issues with the FC12's tail light switch and thought I had gotten a dud. After doing some research, it seems that the FC12's problematic tail switch is a "feature" and not a bug. 🙄🔦 Mashing the tail switch multiple times seemed to alleviate the problem of not switching on when it's supposed to. The TD02 is a very simple affair. It does a strobe mode but there's no SOS or beacon, since its mechanical tail switch doesn't register more than 2 consecutive clicks to get to strobe. It's very lightweight like my SC31 Pro only without Anduril but its color temp is pure white with no traces of green tint like the SC31 Pro. It's funny how I started out as a 21700-only flashlight enthusiast and started to like the 18650 EDCs. 😀
FC12 - sounds like some contact issue in the switch. I used to prefer 21700 lights too but the smaller profile of 18650 lights sold it for me after I got tired of EDCing 21700 lights haha.
@@DarrenYeoYT Apparently the FC12 had tail switch issues after Wurkkos updated the firmware UI to Lighting/Tactical modes. It now behaves like a TD04/SP35T (neither has smooth ramping). I don't think earlier versions were affected. Is your FC12 an early production with the stepless ramping mode? All the same, the current FC12's not a deal breaker either. It's long for an 18650 light for a reason - the reflector needs to be extra deep and recessed to direct all that SFT40's light into an intense beam and anything with a tail switch adds several centimeters at the rear. The TD02's shallow reflector makes it more floody than it is throwy, despite its smooth reflector. _"I got tired of EDCing 21700 lights haha"_ Mate, you have no idea what I had been EDC'ing in my sling bag before I bought my first Wurkkos TS22 earlier this year! 😀This: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002891060683.html. Behold the S-272 "XHP 70.2" with the COB side light! "Crocodile" Dundee would have used this as his EDC light! 🐊🤠 Well, last year it was sold by the Shustar brand and now it's become a product of Gzlidy. It's like a chameleon.
@@StratmanIIyeah I have the stepless ramping version of the FC12. A buck driver would really seal the deal with this light haha. Yeah, I mean there are some 21700 lights that I still carry - for example the Nitecore MH12SE (almost identical size to the FC12) and the P23i. Just because they offer incredible power to size ratio. at that reflector size though, SFT70 LEDs don't focus well and have that donut hole effect.
One argument I have for the wurkkos td02 is 2 rapid half presses take it to strobe, it’s not picky about the number of rapid presses either, I did 6 half presses and it was still in strobe.
Nice, I'd rather strobe be taken off completely from that tailswitch actually. But I can see how it could be useful. The best implementation of this is half press for turbo, full press for strobe. When I'm in a panic, probably won't think to double press the back switch.
@@DarrenYeoYT that’s a good point! In any situation were you have to be ready in a high stress situation it’s good to have your tools be second nature.
You should check out the Wurkkos TD03. Unlike the lights on this list it has shortcuts to strobe and turbo and can actually qualify as a tactical light. And it has a really nice neutral SFT40. That and a rotary switch makes it rather unique.
@@nickmartin8495 Yes, I would also rather have it a two-stage switch and rotary work only as a mode selector. It is, however, operable with one hand, but requires fine motor skills, yes.
Yep - TD03 is a sleeper - imho once you get past the auto lockout its almost the perfect combo of throw and flood - on walks when you hit turbo you can light up everything within 200yds and maybe 100yds wide - great light
Hi Darren. First of all, thank you very much for your videos and the time you take to give them to us. What do you think is today the best cheap tactical flashlight that those of us who want to get started in this world can access? Are we looking for an XHP 50, an SST40, an SFT40 or something else? Greetings from Spain 👍🏻💪🏻.
Hey there, glad that my video has reached you over in Spain! People get all funny when defining what a tactical light is. But in terms of a budget one, I'd go for a Convoy S6/S8 with the SFT40 or CULPM1 or XHP50.3 HI. I suggest those LEDs as they're high intensity, producing the most amount of candela (throw), while still making a lot of light. The convoy lights I mentioned don't have onboard charging and you'll need to get your own 18650 battery/charger. But they're your best bang for buck. Can program it to 100% mode or to always start on 100% which is tactical enough for me. Otherwise, for a cheaper option with everything included, try the Wurkkos FC12/ Sofirn ones I mention in this video. Hope that helps mate.
Awesome thanks! Love these type lights, like bigger too but this my EDC single 18650 is my go too, honestly it should be something lighter but i wont be a weight weenie as the flashaholic in me found a glitch in my ocd. I wanna pick up a sofirn edc tactical with a not to cool tint, ide go for a buck driver since i use the lights a lot, still havent ordered a light, i need one of these, but really i should be ordering a 90, degree style 18650 headlamp or something of that nature but my fenix pd35 quit working and i lost my thrunite tn12, and mytk35, lol 😂 that thrunite t10v2
Nothing like a solid 18650 light! Those rotating heads are convenient but I find they get in the way of proper heatsinking. And that's a surprise with the Fenix PD35, they're usually solid. Send it back for warranty.
@@DarrenYeoYT I think it was the second one I had already got back that crapped out and they wouldn't do it a third time, had it a while, may have thrown it away cuz I was tired of looking at it but I'll get another cheaper option probably better
how does it feel like to get shined by a green light compare to the white one? and can u please change your testing field to a flat ground? it's kinda hard to understand the real beam shape with that slope in between, thanks
Green is noticeably more blinding. Probably because our eyes are more sensitive to green light. Ok I'll note that down, normally I pick two or more beamshot locations but sometimes I'm strapped for time so I'll just do one location.
Just getting into this torch obsession and find your videos very helpful and informative! Started with a dolphin torch 20 years ago, then maglites, then maglites with led upgrade bulbs, but now theres so much to choose from! Think I'll go with a Sofirn.. of some sort 😂
Sofirn, convoy, Wurkkos or Wuben are good options if you're starting out and just want to try a few options without spending too much! Glad you're enjoying my videos.
Thanks for sharing your 18650 EDCs, Darren. Just received my gun metal grey FC12 and the black TD02. I had issues with the FC12's tail light switch and thought I had gotten a dud. After doing some research, it seems that the FC12's problematic tail switch is a "feature" and not a bug. 🙄🔦 Mashing the tail switch multiple times seemed to alleviate the problem of not switching on when it's supposed to.
The TD02 is a very simple affair. It does a strobe mode but there's no SOS or beacon, since its mechanical tail switch doesn't register more than 2 consecutive clicks to get to strobe. It's very lightweight like my SC31 Pro only without Anduril but its color temp is pure white with no traces of green tint like the SC31 Pro.
It's funny how I started out as a 21700-only flashlight enthusiast and started to like the 18650 EDCs. 😀
FC12 - sounds like some contact issue in the switch. I used to prefer 21700 lights too but the smaller profile of 18650 lights sold it for me after I got tired of EDCing 21700 lights haha.
@@DarrenYeoYT Apparently the FC12 had tail switch issues after Wurkkos updated the firmware UI to Lighting/Tactical modes. It now behaves like a TD04/SP35T (neither has smooth ramping). I don't think earlier versions were affected. Is your FC12 an early production with the stepless ramping mode?
All the same, the current FC12's not a deal breaker either. It's long for an 18650 light for a reason - the reflector needs to be extra deep and recessed to direct all that SFT40's light into an intense beam and anything with a tail switch adds several centimeters at the rear. The TD02's shallow reflector makes it more floody than it is throwy, despite its smooth reflector.
_"I got tired of EDCing 21700 lights haha"_
Mate, you have no idea what I had been EDC'ing in my sling bag before I bought my first Wurkkos TS22 earlier this year! 😀This: www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002891060683.html. Behold the S-272 "XHP 70.2" with the COB side light! "Crocodile" Dundee would have used this as his EDC light! 🐊🤠
Well, last year it was sold by the Shustar brand and now it's become a product of Gzlidy. It's like a chameleon.
@@StratmanIIyeah I have the stepless ramping version of the FC12. A buck driver would really seal the deal with this light haha. Yeah, I mean there are some 21700 lights that I still carry - for example the Nitecore MH12SE (almost identical size to the FC12) and the P23i. Just because they offer incredible power to size ratio. at that reflector size though, SFT70 LEDs don't focus well and have that donut hole effect.
The Sofirn SP31 V3 is nice and I love the tail switch as it's more than just on and off.
Yeah, Sofirn have got it right with this one, especially with the buck driver and tac tail switch.
FC12 all day
I have two and still going strong after 1 year + of regular use.
Thanks for the review, great affordable options!
You're welcome mate. I still use these even though I have more expensive lights. They just get the job done.
One argument I have for the wurkkos td02 is 2 rapid half presses take it to strobe, it’s not picky about the number of rapid presses either, I did 6 half presses and it was still in strobe.
Nice, I'd rather strobe be taken off completely from that tailswitch actually. But I can see how it could be useful. The best implementation of this is half press for turbo, full press for strobe. When I'm in a panic, probably won't think to double press the back switch.
@@DarrenYeoYT that’s a good point! In any situation were you have to be ready in a high stress situation it’s good to have your tools be second nature.
My Nextorch ones have that feature, not a common feature @@jarofaar8618
You should check out the Wurkkos TD03. Unlike the lights on this list it has shortcuts to strobe and turbo and can actually qualify as a tactical light. And it has a really nice neutral SFT40. That and a rotary switch makes it rather unique.
I have the TD04 on the way :D will check out the TD03. Thanks mate.
TD03 is great but would prefer an easy one hand operation for instant turbo without needing to turn the rotary switch
@@nickmartin8495 Yes, I would also rather have it a two-stage switch and rotary work only as a mode selector. It is, however, operable with one hand, but requires fine motor skills, yes.
agreed.. at least the tail cap push goes to instant strobe 👌
Yep - TD03 is a sleeper - imho once you get past the auto lockout its almost the perfect combo of throw and flood - on walks when you hit turbo you can light up everything within 200yds and maybe 100yds wide - great light
Hi Darren. First of all, thank you very much for your videos and the time you take to give them to us. What do you think is today the best cheap tactical flashlight that those of us who want to get started in this world can access? Are we looking for an XHP 50, an SST40, an SFT40 or something else? Greetings from Spain 👍🏻💪🏻.
Hey there, glad that my video has reached you over in Spain! People get all funny when defining what a tactical light is. But in terms of a budget one, I'd go for a Convoy S6/S8 with the SFT40 or CULPM1 or XHP50.3 HI. I suggest those LEDs as they're high intensity, producing the most amount of candela (throw), while still making a lot of light. The convoy lights I mentioned don't have onboard charging and you'll need to get your own 18650 battery/charger. But they're your best bang for buck. Can program it to 100% mode or to always start on 100% which is tactical enough for me. Otherwise, for a cheaper option with everything included, try the Wurkkos FC12/ Sofirn ones I mention in this video. Hope that helps mate.
And thanks for your support 🙂
@@DarrenYeoYT Thank you very much Darren. You do a great job, we learn a lot from you and you save us time. Keep it up. You are great 👍🏻💪🏻.
Awesome thanks! Love these type lights, like bigger too but this my EDC single 18650 is my go too, honestly it should be something lighter but i wont be a weight weenie as the flashaholic in me found a glitch in my ocd. I wanna pick up a sofirn edc tactical with a not to cool tint, ide go for a buck driver since i use the lights a lot, still havent ordered a light, i need one of these, but really i should be ordering a 90, degree style 18650 headlamp or something of that nature but my fenix pd35 quit working and i lost my thrunite tn12, and mytk35, lol 😂 that thrunite t10v2
Nothing like a solid 18650 light! Those rotating heads are convenient but I find they get in the way of proper heatsinking. And that's a surprise with the Fenix PD35, they're usually solid. Send it back for warranty.
@@DarrenYeoYT I think it was the second one I had already got back that crapped out and they wouldn't do it a third time, had it a while, may have thrown it away cuz I was tired of looking at it but I'll get another cheaper option probably better
how does it feel like to get shined by a green light compare to the white one?
and can u please change your testing field to a flat ground? it's kinda hard to understand the real beam shape with that slope in between, thanks
Green is noticeably more blinding. Probably because our eyes are more sensitive to green light. Ok I'll note that down, normally I pick two or more beamshot locations but sometimes I'm strapped for time so I'll just do one location.
@@DarrenYeoYT I found it really hard to see the green beam on the video..I could see it, but my brain could not figure out the distances properly
I wonder of its worth getting the s8 bundke buy with battery on amazon
Yeah I'd say so, the battery tends to be cheaper when bundled.