18650 Flashlight. What Is The Best

UPDATED March 2017:

On our hunt for the best 18650 flashlight for our EDC, camping trips and survival packs we will always look for

quality.

Why do you need a quality flashlight and in this instance, what should you even buy?

We want something we can rely on for many different scenarios.

For EDC flashlights we want reliability.
For survival situations we want it to be rugged, strong and reliable.
For camping we want it to be lightweight and not eat through batteries like they are going out of fashion.

There are many things to consider when looking for your ideal flashlight. What do you need it for being the primary one, how bright is it, what type of batteries does it need and can I use disposable batteries in my light?

The fact that a single 18650 battery gives out the same power as 3 normal disposable batteries, you can recharge it whenever you want and you can see where we are going with this.

Size wise your flashlight will be a bit bigger than your normal pocket flashlight but this is a sacrifice worth taking because of the additional power.

When you are investing in one of these tactical flashlights you need to look at how they are put together. Price is always an important factor but as we mentioned earlier we always look at quality first.

Top Rated Flashlights On A Budget

[vc_row full_content_width=”row-inner-full” top=”0px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” background_color=”#000000″ padding_top=”15″ padding_bottom=”15″ css_animation=””][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1451674241229{background-color: #000000 !important;}”][vc_spacer size=”10px”][vc_heading title=”18650 Flashlight comparison review chart” subtitle=”A quick look at the top five 18650 flashlights” color=”#ffffff”][vc_spacer size=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” padding_top=”50px” padding_bottom=”25px” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Olight S2 Baton 18650 Flashlight”][vc_single_image image=”1522″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” qode_css_animation=”” link=”http://amzn.to/1ky8kFg”][vc_column_text]The Olight S2 is made of 6061-T6 aluminium. Weighs in at 1.78oz/50.5g(excluding batteries) and can take a single 18650 battery. Quality 18650 flashlight that won’t let you down.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”OLIGHT S2 Baton Features”][vc_column_text]

Side switch LED flashlight
Powered by a single 18650 battery or two CR123A lithium batteries.
High performance Cree XM-L2 LED / 950 lumens Max output
Cool White balanced Beam
Low-profile side switch, removable pocket clip, magnetic tail cap, and timer.

Read Reviews | Buy Now

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

One of the cool features on this flashlight is the side switch. It’s very handy to get to and lets you easily operate the varying light modes.

How bright is it?

It has a full strength 950 lumens brightness – albeit limited to a few mins on this level.

A 400 lumens setting which will run for about 4 hours continuous use.

Set it to either 80 or 40 lumens and it last for ages.

A very nifty function of this torch is the .5 lumen mode. Just enough light to see what you are doing in the dark without alerting everybody to your presence.

Build quality

A solid flashlight that can take a good knocking. Fits into the palm of your hand so not the biggest light out there but that’s the nice thing about this particular light. It packs a great punch for the size.

Made from Milspec Type III grade aluminium, it fit’s nicely into a front jeans pocket so you can take it everywhere with you. An ideal EDC flashlight that won’t break the bank.

Here is a great review video by Joe Robinet on the S2 flashlight that highlights some of the awesome features of this compact but super bright light.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” padding_top=”50px” padding_bottom=”25px” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Zebralight SC62 18650 Flashlight”][vc_single_image image=”1531″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” qode_css_animation=”” link=”http://amzn.to/1JOCryR”][vc_column_text]The Zebralight 18650 flashlight is one of the smallest 1000 Lumen flashlights available on the market. It features a state of art PID thermal regulated output which comes in handy for different weather conditions. Uses a single 18650 li-ion rechargeable battery that has a runtime of over 5 months in Low mode.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Best EDC Flashlight”][vc_column_text]

LED: Cree XM-L2 Cool White (Nominal CCT 6300K)
User Selectable Levels: 3 main levels (High, Medium and Low)
One 18650 size (up to 69mm long) 3.6/3.7V li-ion rechargeable.
Beam Type: 80 degree spill, 12 degree hot spot
Head Diameter: 0.96 inch (24.4 mm), Length: 3.8 inch (96.5 mm)

Read Reviews | Buy Now

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

The ThruNite TN12 EDC LED light is made from hard-anodized aircraft-grade aluminum so is rock solid and can take a beating. Waterproof to IPX-8 and come with a handy stainless steel belt clip.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Best Slim Flashlight”][vc_column_text]

Cree XM-L2 U2 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
Uses one 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A batteries(Not Included).
Max output:1050 lumens with XM-L2 U2
Working voltage: 2.7V-9V
143mm (Length)*25.4mm (Diameter)
82g weight (without batteries)

Read Reviews | Buy Now

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

There are many great features to list for this flashlight but one of the features we especially liked about this torch is the memory mode system. Get your light settings just how you like them and the next time you turn the flashlight on it will operate on this setting. No more fiddling around with default settings.

The dual on/off buttons provide immediate light so no waiting around for it to fire up.

This is one of the best flashlights on the market today and definitely worth the money. Perfect for EDC use and can fit easily in your pocket, pack or mounted on your weapon of choice. Go for it – you won’t be disappointed.

Similar to the TN12 the Fenix PD35 TAC 1000 Lumen Flashlight is made from hard-anodized aircraft-grade aluminum and comes with waterproof rating of IPX-8. It also has duel switches – one for tactical mode and one for normal operation.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Best Tactical Flashlight”][vc_column_text]

1000 Lumen max utilizing Cree XP-L (V5) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
Uses one 18650 rechargeable Li-ion battery or two 3V CR123A Lithium batteries
Tactical tail switch with momentary-on function
137mm (5.4 in.) Length x 25.4mm (1.0 in.) Diameter ·89-gram weight (3.1 oz.) excluding battery

Read Reviews | Buy Now

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

The Solaray pro zx-1 flashlight is an ultra bright LED flashlight. It comes with every function mode you’ll ever need. High, medium, and low beam selection. Bright tactical intruder strobe and SOS emergency signal mode.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Ultra Bright 18650 Flashlight”][vc_column_text]

SOLARAY 18650 3.7v 2400mAh Premium Energy Efficient High-Output, Long Run-Time, Lithium-ion Battery
Special Powerful Genuine Ultra Bright XM-L T6 Cree Super-Silicon Carbide Single Die LED Chip
Tactical Security Design with Disrupter Strobe and Strong Front Mounted Self-Defense Striking Bezel
Deluxe (2 battery) Cordless Lithium-Ion Rapid Battery Charger, Adjustable Focus Zoom Lens
(BONUS) 1 Extra Lithium-Ion Battery and (FREE) Our Popular 3 LED Solar Key Chain/Mini-Flashlight

Read Reviews | Buy Now

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner row_type=”row” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” css_animation=””][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Final Thoughts on 18650 Flashlights:

So there you have it folks. We took a look at our top five – from compact to tactical and EDC flashlights.

Do you have a favourite light that you won’t leave home without?

We would love to hear your thoughts on this and open up a discussion on why you choose the flashlight you do and what features you look for when choosing a new light.

Make sure you check out our review of the Brightest LED Flashlights Of 2016

Finally, thanks for stopping by our website and have an awesome day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

What is the Best 18650 Battery for your Flashlight

We mentioned above some key points for the 18650 batteries for your flashlight so let’s now expand a bit on this. The Li-Ion batteries are rechargeable and with the right setup, you can easily recharge them on the go.

Now without knowing your circumstances we can’t comment on whether this is a requirement but better safe than sorry is the best approach for most things in this world.

You may be just out on a planned camping trip and have everything you need to hand – or – you may be hiding out due to some sort of disaster where you have nothing with you only your survival pack.

Being able to recharge you flashlight now is potentially a life saver. Because your flashlight is equipped with 18650 batteries you are giving yourself the best chance.

3 times more on time than conventional AA batteries.

More power to feed the hungry LED bulb, and a brighter torch to keep you safe. A single 18650 battery will give you the same amount of juice as three AA’s so why not go for this setup.
[vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”0px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_heading title=”Some common flashlight questions”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”15px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]What is the flashlight made of?

Plastic, aluminium or even titanium. Chances are its going to get knocked about a bit in your pack so spend the extra few dollars to get a quality product.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]How bright is your flashlight?

Is it an LED flashlight or do it just use conventional bulbs. This will have a significant impact on the battery life of your torch so make sure to factor it in as part of your buying decision.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]Where are you going to use it?

Is it a camping flashlight or will it be for more tactical, bug-out scenarios. This will also dictate the style you go for – think about the weight and room in your pack before you buy.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]