JohnN....I just replaced an XM L2 module in a Solar Force L2M with the lower power option (.8 to 4.2v) XP-G module which has a low voltage shut down circuit for use with Li-ion 18650s...with a smooth reflector, this has become one of my favorites...

http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=RB&s=10&id=210

Basically it is a lot cheaper to buy that charger and switch to rechargeable batteries as opposed to messing with leaky alkalines. Even without a leak, your good rechargeables will save money in the long run. Get a charger that can handle AA and AAA and as a bonus, lith-ions, which hold a lot more energy.

i concur

i use rechargable 1.5V Eneloops AA and AAA for everyday needs

i use primary disposable lithiums in flashlights used for longterm storeage, in survival pack, jockey box, bedside draw

i only use aklalines when those others are out-of-juice and i need power now (ie: placed in tiny ziplock bags, i leave a few alkalines in each vehicle for when my Eneloops or lithiums run out)

Something similar -- I use rechargeable AA & AAA batteries for daily users, but for batteries in kits I store lithium primary batteries with the flashlight but not in the flashlight. I have seen lithium batteries fail and don't want that happening in a light that does not see regular use and will be needed when it is seen.

As for the light in question: there are enough good to great flashlights available at that price point that are known and have a rep. Unless you are buying to evaluate, why experiment. Get a light with a good rep so you can trust it.

There is no free lunch; more lumen output generally means a shorter battery life. I have not seen a need to go past 200 lumen, YMMV.

The Solaray light is priced 2 1/2 times what it should be. Similar light SAME graphics on head

If you get either of these, do NOT try to use 2 X CR123 batteries! Unlike the Fenix lights, they will not handle it. It will run very bright for a few seconds & burn out.

For about $50 per light, I would look at the Fenix E25 or the Fenix PD32.

I find the XPG to be a good option. Bright but not too power hungry which means it doesn't need a fancy driver or heat handling. Decent focus with a smooth reflector or soft focus with an orange peel reflector.

The high power LEDs need high end drivers and heat handling and you really have to shop around for someone who builds them right for it to take advantage of the LED and be reliable. And then you are going to pay a fair amount.

The high power LEDs also require better batteries.

I do have a few high power modules, but reserve them for specific applications.

-john

I would avoid buying a budget battery charger. In the case of lithium batteries it can be a safety concern.

This guy seems to do a good job reviewing how well chargers charge within battery charging specification.

http://lygte-info.dk/review/Review%20Charger%20Xtar%20VP2%20UK.html

-john

Might want to do a little research on the Titan over at Candlepower Forums. I think the concensus is that it's not the out-of-the-park homerun you'd expect from SF.

BTW, I think the CR123A is the best available cell for high powered lights. They're more energy dense and higher voltage than AA/AAAs and will typically run harder, longer. They're not really hard to find, either. Every Wal-Mart I've ever been to has them (although the price isn't great). True, you won't find them at every gas station or anything though. AA/AAA have a place but for my main light I prefer CR123A. I buy mine in bulk online for around $1/ea. If I can carry the light carrying spare cells isn't usually a problem.

I will return to my comment.

This forum is digressing into "gear obsession". This type of mindset is encouraged by many manufacturers who want to sell exotic products. Do people really need a "tactical flashlight"? Why on Earth would we need such a creature?

Believe me, I've been down the same road. I was semi-obsessed with high power flashlights many years ago. I bought a couple, to the great detriment of my bank account. But now that I look back, honestly - how many times did I ever need a flashlight with a hi-power beam? Maybe ONCE in my entire life.

Likewise, how many times did I ever need a flashlight with a case made out of super-strength metal? Honestly, I cannot ever remember SLAMMING my flashlight into the head of a charging rhino, or the forehead of a puzzled pachyderm.

On the other hand, there were a million times (or close) when I needed to find a simple flashlight in the dark .. usually because it was the middle of the night and I needed to go and pee in the bushes. I couldn't always find the stupid thing, and sometimes when I did - it wouldn't work.

My humble vote is for a simple LED flashlight with AA batteries. Not rechargeable. Just ordinary batteries.