When I got into flashlights, my very first purchase was a SureFire. It was the first time I spent more than a $100 on a flashlight. In fact, it was the first time I spent more than $20 on a flashlight. My family and friends thought I was crazy. That is until they saw what the little light could do. There was just something magical about having a palm sized device that could turn night into day on demand.

There is no question that the SureFire band is the top of the line when it comes to flashlights. They are built like tanks using the highest grade materials. There is a reason why they are the first choice for military and law enforcement.

One of the most popular models for everyday use is the EDC 500 and closely related E1B Backup. These are single cell lights that use the ubiquitous CR123A lithium battery. These batteries last for years and don't have the leakage problems of alkaline batteries.

But most people recoil when they see the price. Averaging about $150, it is a lot to pay for what is still just a flashlight. Plus, while SureFire is built to last, this also makes them heavy. Not always the best quality for everyday carry. And with the constant advances in LED emitter technology, it is very likely that the SureFire you buy today will be outclassed by new tech within a year. It's hard to be happy when you are carrying around old technology in your pocket.

There are many cheap Chinese made LED flashlights available and I've bought most of them! The reality is that the vast majority are junk, and you'll experience reliability issues. Plus, the advertised brightness is usually significantly overrated, and you can't rely on it to make a fair comparison.

However, there are some Chinese brands that have proven over the years to produce solid, reliable, and mostly accurate in terms of reported lumes flashlights. Even if they are not built as solidly as a SureFire, they are typically lighter, which is actually better if you want to carry one every day. Plus, with the constant advances in LED emitter technology, it is nice to be able to upgrade often to take advantage of these improvements.

The following flashlights are all quality single cell CR123A lights that provide similar specs to the SureFire but at a fraction of the price.

Olight S1R II Baton

Olight has a history of producing quality lights using the latest technology. The Olight S1R II is rated at 1,000 lumen and weighs in at an ultralight 1.8 ounces. The flashlight can use either a rechargeable 16340 battery and comes with a magnetic charger or regular non-rechargeable CR123A batteries.

Other features include a two-way deep pocket clip. The clip allows the light to be secured in your pocket bezel down as well as reversed and attached to the brim of a hat for use as a makeshift headlamp. There is also a magnetic tail-cap which allows you to stick the light on any metal surface. If you ever work under a sink or in a cramped area, I can guarantee that you'll find this feature indispensable.

The light is powered by the CREE XM-L2 U4 emitter which is capable of producing 1,000 lumens. However, due to its size, the overheat protection will activate after about 1.5 minutes and will automatically dim the light to 300 lumens. Even when using the 600 lumen high mode, the light will automatically ramp down to 300 lumens after a minute and a half. There is also a 60 lumen medium and 12 lumen low and strobe light mode. Simply pressing the side mounted switch will toggle through the modes and a quick double press will instantly call up the turbo mode.

With a street price of $65, the Olight S1R II Baton is not cheap. However, it is still half the price of the SureFire. It's a high quality light that will impress everyone with its diminutive size and ability to turn night into day.

Fenix PD25

Every flashlight owner should have at least one Fenix. They were some of the first quality Chinese light makers that really changed the game by offering premium lights at an affordable price. The PD25 is no exception. This is a small pocket flashlight that is more powerful than most full-sized flashlights. I'd take this over a MAGLITE any day, unless for some reason I needed a club!

The body is constructed with an aerospace grade aluminum with HAIII anodizing and slip-resistant knurling. There is a tactical tail cap switch which gives you immediate access to momentary on/off. The PD25 is powered by a CREE XP-L (V5) LED which puts out 550 lumens. Using the side switch, you can cycle between the 4 brightness levels, and if you hold it down for a second, you will get the strobe.

The PD25 can use either a CR123A or rechargeable 16340 battery. Run time on Turbo (550 lumens) is 35 minutes and on High (150 lumens) about 2.25 hours. There is no need for thermo-protection so you get the full 550 lumens if you need it for as long as your battery will last.

With a street price of $57, the Fenix is truly a high quality value with both tactical and well as practical everyday features.

Nitecore Explorer EC11

Nitecore is another high quality manufacturer of tactical and outdoor LED lights. The Explorer EC11 is their ultra compact version that features a powerful CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED which can output 900 lumens. The light can use either a rechargeable 16340 or 18350 battery or regular CR123A. The Explorer EC11 is designed to be both an outdoor as well as a tactical flashlight. Using a side body dual switch design lets you access multiple lighting modes, including a powerful strobe designed for self defense.

The Explorer EC11 includes a second low power red LED that is offset in the reflector. This gives you the option to use a simple red light to read a map or navigate to the bathroom without destroying your night vision.

The Explorer EC11 can deliver 900 lumens on turbo for 30 minutes and 300 lumens on high for 45 minutes. You always have direct access to the turbo mode by pressing and holding the mode switch. If you press the mode switch twice, you get the high power strobe. If the light is off and you press the mode button quickly, you will toggle the red LED.

The Explorer EC11 body is constructed from aircraft grade aluminum that has been hard anodized for additional protection. The flashlight comes with a nylon holster and removable pocket clip. At a street price of $55, this is an amazing value that gives you a tremendous amount of versatility.

Nitecore MT10C

If the Explorer EC11 is primarily an all around light, the MT10C is pure tactical. With a slightly longer body, it features the same powerful CREE XM-L2 (U2) LED which can output 920 lumens. The light can use either a rechargeable 18350 battery or regular CR123A. Recessed into the tail cap is a tactical switch that gives you instant one-touch momentary access to the light. A side mounted switch allows you to adjust from the separate red light as well as the 5 additional levels of brightness.

Like the Explorer, the MT10C includes a second low power red LED that is offset within the reflector. This gives you the option to use a simple red light to read a map or navigate inside a dark tent without destroying your night vision.

The Nitecore MT10C is constructed from a durable aluminum alloy and finished with military grade anodizing. It has an antiroll design so that you can place the light on a flat surface and not worry about it rolling away. A two-way pocket clip allows for it to ride deep in your pocket or on the brim of your cap.

The MT10C can deliver 920 lumens on turbo for 30 minutes and 500 lumens on high for 45 minutes. At a street price of $40, this is one of the best values for a true tactical flashlight.

Jetbeam JET-II MK

The Jetbeam is a budget friendly hand cannon of a flashlight. It is remarkably small at about 2.5 inches long and .86 inches in diameter at the bezel. It's made with hard anodized aircraft-grade aluminum with diamond knurling. But don't let its small size fool you. The Jet-II MK can deliver 510 lumens of brightness from its CREE XP-L LED. It can take either a CR123A or rechargeable 16340 battery.

The light's tailcap is designed with a number of features including several lanyard holes (this makes a great light to wear around the neck) as well as a tail-stand capability for hands-free candle lighting. It also comes with a removable deep pocket clip.

The Jetbeam JET-II MK uses a twist interface. Tightening the head of the light activates it and can be used to increase the brightness. Loosening the head lowers the brightness and turns it off. It's a very simple system that works well for daily use. However, it is not tactical. So if you want an instant on capability, you will not get it with the JET-II MK.

At a street price of $27, this is an amazing value. It would be a great light to keep in a glove box, purse, or tool chest. Also, at this price you might as well get two since with its diminutive size there is high chance of losing at least one!

Conclusion

While I love my SureFires, I use and trust all of the above flashlights. In fact, their size and weight make them easier to carry in an EDC role. Plus, I don't ever fear lending them out or losing them. As they say, the best flashlight is the one you carry and any of these fantastic alternatives will mean you are never without a powerful flashlight.

What do you think? Have you used any of these flashlights? Do you have some suggestions for a better alternative? Leave your comments below.