The XT12S is a mid-size duty/utility type flashlight with magnetic charging and dual tail switches using a single 18650 battery. It offers shortcuts from off to high and low (or strobe). Its output falls well short of the advertised 1600 lumens, some modes have visible flickering and audible noise, and my sample was not waterproof. The concept isn't bad, but the execution could use some work.

Acebeam says the L30 is "like a side-arm that takes shotgun shells". That's been done and isn't a great idea, but the L30 is. The high-only tailswitch with all other functions on the side switch is what I would consider an optimal UI for a duty type light. Output is around 4000 lumens until heat limits it to 2000.

The MT07S is a moderately throwy, 4x18650 high-output light to compete with the likes of the Nitecore TM16, Fenix TK75 and Acebeam K60, but at a much lower price. This is a light to bring to situations where a lot of light is required, or where light may be needed for a long period of time.

The Klarus XT2CR is a pocket friendly 18650 light with USB charging and dual tailswitches offering shortcuts to useful modes or strobe. It is hampered by output falling well short of advertised, visible flickering, poor thermal regulation and cool white tint.

The Acebeam L16 is a long-throwing tactical light. I usually avoid the T word, but this thing fits. It's intended to be a police duty light, or to be mounted on a rifle, and it fits that role well. What I found most compelling for the use case is that pressing the tailswitch always results in max output, with all other functions controled by the side switch. I strongly recommend looking for the 5000K neutral white version, as the cool white model reviewed here is very harsh.

The Armytek Wizard Pro is a multipurpose right-angle flashlight/headlamp/worklight with magnetic charging and an 18650 Li-ion battery. Nearly two years after the original publication of this review, a modified (high-CRI) version remains my favorite and most-used all-around flashlight.

The Haikelite MT-01 is a 3x18650 general-purpose light the size of a Red Bull can. Its large battery capacity and stable output make it a good choice for extended use. It also provides the option of using fewer 18650s if necessary.

The TK25 R&B is an unconventional design with a rotating head to switch between two white, and one each red and blue emitters. It offers very high red and blue output, but no low-output modes to preserve dark adaptation. It's intended for hunting animals that don't react to red light, and following blood trails with blue. It should work well for that application, though better color quality for the white emitters would be most welcome.

The Armytek Prime C2 Pro XHP35 is an 18650-powered EDC light with 8 brightness levels, shortcuts to low, medium, high, and last-used from off, a removable magnet in the tailcap and a choice of color temperature. It only has one major issue: the optic it comes with was not designed for the LED it uses, resulting in terrible output and efficiency. A third-party optic fixes this.

The Klarus G30 is a light for extended use. Its 900 lumen mode lasts 3.5 hours with no change in brightness over time. It's predictable, reliable, and better for getting work done than showing off. I don't care for the user interface with long-press for off and a high chance of accidental strobe, but this is a light meant to be turned on and left on for a long time, making the UI less of a concern than on an EDC light.