Hi everyone,
I picked up a few slim 18650 lights that are frequently recommended in this sub and compared their outdoor beamshots.
For context, I own close to 10 Fireflies 21700 lights, so I’m quite used to that size class. I really like 21700 lights in general, but for EDC, I personally find them a bit too bulky and heavy for comfortable daily carry, so I tend to prefer slimmer 18650 options. For me, “slim” mainly refers to lights with a relatively small head diameter and comfortable in-pocket carry.
I’m still learning, but here’s the impression I got from actually using these:
- The FC11C seems to be a commonly recommended budget-friendly option.
- The Baton Ultra is often mentioned when people want something compact with onboard charging and a well-built feel.
- The M200 V4 felt like a fairly balanced option with some usable reach.
- The EC200(S) stood out for its wide, floody beam for close-range use.
- The SC65c HI seems to be favored by people who prioritize compactness and durability over onboard charging.
Based on what I’ve read here as well, these kinds of lights are often appreciated for things like:
- having very low output modes
- generally efficient drivers
- being reasonably durable, with IPX8-rated water resistance and basic drop resistance
- offering some way to check battery level
I can see why all of these get recommended depending on the use case.
Note: English is not my first language, so I used a translation tool.
by Minamoto_Japanese