Cree manufactures LED emitters, which flashlight manufacturers buy to build flashlights with. Cree doesn't manufacture flashlights.

The design concept for multimode flashlights is that LEDs are very flexible, and some folks seem to really like that. However some flashlight manufacturers seem to have realized that there's a market for simply-operated lights, and have come out with lights that can be programmed to use simple user interfaces (Hexbright, HDS), have simple UIs with programmable levels (Quark Tactical), or have UIs that can be used very simply (Maelstrom, EagleTac).

For myself, my EDC light has a reasonably complex UI (Quark Regular) but I've been really digging the twist-head mode change lights I have (Maelstrom, EagleTac).

Ditto. For everyday carry and use the multimode lights (Quark Pro) are great. It isn't complex, press the button once and the light comes on dim (moonlight mode), touch the button one two three four times and the light gets brighter until it goes back to dim -- fairly straightforward & no programming required.

The Quark Tactical UI in many cases uses the same light output levels as are available with the regular UI, but the user takes two of those modes and programs them in ahead of time. As a for instance, the Quark X123^2 Tactical (now called the (Quark Tactical QT2L-X) I have in my survival vest has the first mode programmed with the medium output of 65 lumens, and the second with the Beacon mode which is a 0-360 lumen pulse, good for 16 hrs. Press the button and the light turns on with a steady 65 lumen output. Twist the bezel and it switches to 360 lumen beacon mode.

Of the two lights above the Quark Pro (regular) is easier to use and has all the modes available, however, getting to the special modes (SOS, beacon, strobe) is not that simple when you’re cold and wet. That’s why I have the tactical version in my vest. YMMV

The Fenix L1T and L2T were similar in that you had two output levels, medium and high. Twist the bezel to switch between the two.

I find myself drooling over plenty flashlights in the $30-80 price range...
(Check out foursevens or fenix for some options in that price range)

But your observation of the price jump is probably correct. The $10-30 range is probably the mass produced "low cost" light. (You find both junk and good bargains in that category). To me it makes sense that reputable brands would have a significant price jump to distinguish themselves from the common "low cost" crowd. But there are exceptions, such as fenix or foursevens, typically starting around $30-35 and up.

Speaking of which - I find myself wanting to try this baby out:
http://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=2421
I can't really stand the cold bluish color of most LED lights, so I'm basically scooping for anything neutral or warm white colored. I really like the super simple 2-mode interface and the no nonsense construction. I've never tested this particular light, but I have good experience with fenix and I see this as a pretty good candidate for a general purpose light you could trust.

The only drawback of E21 would be the lack of a true "low light" mode: 54 lumens absurdely overkill for most close range applications. Somewhere in the 3-10 lumens range is plenty if you're not looking beyond 10 feet anyway, and you get absurdely long run times... (and yes, I know all about headlamps for close range work, but I really appreciate the versality of a multi-mode flashlight that hardly eats batteries at all on the lowest setting).

Is there any way to tell from the specs if a flashlight emits the cold blue? The Fenix LD15 emits the cold blue, but the LD10 emits the warm white, which looks more natural. I don't know which spec tells me the difference.

Saw some nice Rayovac industrial lights ( flashlights and headlamps) today - Looked like solid performers at good prices. Will do a bit of research

Within each batch of emitters some are cooler than others, so depending on the flashlight manufacturer you may get a warmer or cooler light than you expected.

Look at the color temp figures on the emitter spec sheet. Some flashlight manufacturers' "warm white" isn't all that warm. A good manufacturer like Fenix will provide a legit warm white when they say they do. When in doubt look for a review from a reputable reviewer (particularly Selfbuilt) or a retailer that has a good return policy.

The LD20 sequence is 5-30-81-SOS with head out of contact. 180 lumens & strobe in contact. 95% of my use is at 5 lumens. It is $20 higher.

That one does look better than most. Still, I don't really *** need *** three modes. Strobe probably has some tactical application but I can't imagine using it while camping. Maybe it would stand out better if you were attempting to signal with it.

Still, that looks like one to put on my short list. Thanks!

Just one quick update. The HexBright can be ANYTHING you want. The flashlight is programmable just like an Arduino. You want one mode, OK, High only fine, Low for max runtime, Sure, Or how about puch the button and twist your wrist to set the light level. I cant wait to get my lights and kick them around.



Either did I but I know I will try.

Im not sure either,but you can see other structures so........maybe?

Anyhow,that really sounds like a nice light.