Flashlight: too many choices
- Thread starter snowman
- Start date
jframe
Member
I just bought a Maglite Solitaire. Takes one AAA battery and fits on my keychain. Not exactly a house light, but it seems I'm ALWAYS needing one in my pocket to look at something close. It's even pretty good at a distance at home. I've got an older Surefire light that takes one CR123 battery, but these batteries absolutely suck in my opinion. No warning whatsoever when they go dead, just a dead light. The Maglites are reasonable, the lights start to get dim when the batteries get weak, and I feel the lighting is very adequate. I may buy one of the bigger rechargeable Maglites one day, just to keep at home. I also like the new LED's they have come out with, but have not actually bought one yet.
sipowicz
Member
got the following off candlepowerforums...man these guys are into their lights!....
"The Quarks are always worth a mention in these situations.
Quark AA, regular or tactical. Or Quark Mini.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=234960
And his roundup review is another good place to start at.
1xAA Round-up Review - Part IV - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & more! - CandlePowerForums
check out his jetbeam too...
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=234520
"The Quarks are always worth a mention in these situations.
Quark AA, regular or tactical. Or Quark Mini.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=234960
And his roundup review is another good place to start at.
1xAA Round-up Review - Part IV - RUNTIMES, BEAMSHOTS, & more! - CandlePowerForums
check out his jetbeam too...
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=234520
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bobelk99
Member
You can learn a looot at candlepowerforums.
Except for size, the Surefire G2 Led, in metal or nitrolon, will do well.
Yes, it uses CR123 batteries. They are 2/4.95 at Lowes or 22$/dozen from Surefire. The cheap 123 batteries are not a bargain at any price.
The Surefire costs more, but it is a once in a lifetime investment.
A major value point on Surefire batteries is that they give a constant output for 99% of their life. The light dims only at the very end of their life.
As you know, AA etc start declining in output with the first use. With 123s you know what light to expect every time.
The only reason I no longer use a G2 is that I moved to a light with higher output.
If you do not require near absolute dependability, then most any light of 45 or so lumens will work, some longer than others.
Except for size, the Surefire G2 Led, in metal or nitrolon, will do well.
Yes, it uses CR123 batteries. They are 2/4.95 at Lowes or 22$/dozen from Surefire. The cheap 123 batteries are not a bargain at any price.
The Surefire costs more, but it is a once in a lifetime investment.
A major value point on Surefire batteries is that they give a constant output for 99% of their life. The light dims only at the very end of their life.
As you know, AA etc start declining in output with the first use. With 123s you know what light to expect every time.
The only reason I no longer use a G2 is that I moved to a light with higher output.
If you do not require near absolute dependability, then most any light of 45 or so lumens will work, some longer than others.
Snowman:
It sounds like from your original post that you're a bit like me when it comes to buying/owning things. I have several good flashlights so I'll try to inform you as to what and why I have the ones I do and not the other ones
When I first became interested in providing my family and house/cars with flashlights, I got caught up in the CR123 battery type hype and purchased several good ones. I found out that: You don't just drop down to the local gas station and get batteries for them. You don't just steal one from your tv remote or something else. You 'will' pay a high price for them if/when you buy them. You can buy them on the 'net much cheaper, but still 2-3 times what a good AA or AAA battery would cost you at Lowes. They're bright and most of them stay bright for the duration of the cell... and then they go dead! Very dead! Very quickly! ...and you're left in the dark with a flashlight that about as useful as rubbing two sticks togather.
I still have 3 or 4. Some Streamlight twin task's (incan with LED's both in them), and a G2 Surefire. I even modded one of the Streamlights for heap big LED drop-in only because they are side clickys, and I love side clickys. I keep them in the autos because... well... that's where they are
I went thru many flashlights and found that:
1. Get yourself a LRI Photon Freedom for your keychain!!! You'll never know it's there until you need it, and those things are BRIGHT in total darkness when you can't see jack shi... er.. what's in front of you! I remember growing up in the country with the old 2D incan flashlights that you had to strike a match to see if it was burning. These Photons are MUCH better than those were, and you'll have it with you all the time. They make a model that uses a tiny switch instead of squeezing the sides to turn it on (Photon ll). I would prefer those if they come with the Cree bulbs in them (I think they do). I've pulled my keys out once in a great while with my sqeeze type and found the light on. Not very often, mind you. 2 or 3 times a year maybe. The one with the micro switch never came on unless I turned it on myself. Yeah, the squeeze one has cool features on it, but I've NEVER used one of them other than to play with it.
Photon ll or Freedom Key Chain! Get one! Then get one for the lady, and the kids, and Dad & Mom... you get the ideal. (And not the cheap imatation ones either!)
2. Get yourself a couple of 2D Maglite LED's. Some make fun of them because you can't stick it in your pocket! Well, you could, but not for long without it falling out. (The ladies might think you're REAL happy to see them if you put one in your front pocket)
But for home use... you can't beat them. Turn one on and set it on the table. Come back tomorrow, and it will still be on and burning!!! Great back-up light for when the power goes off, and it makes one feel a bit safer when you're outside and don't know what's out there waiting for you... as in "club" safer!!! And the batteries? They're like Santa Clause. They're everywhere! I recommend getting the one that is sold as an incadesant, and buy the Maglite LED drop-in bulb to go in it. I've heard some say the color is sometimes better in the drop-in as opposed to the Maglite LED combo. Not sure myself. I've always bought them seperate because I had already purchased the Mag's before the LED's came out.
Get one... or two... or three! ...and they come in colors (Red is easy to see when you're looking for it.)
3. For something portable, real bright, in your pocket type flashlight, you will not beat the single AA Lifegear sold by Target for cost, brightness, durability and runtime. It's a real sleeper of a flashlight. I have about a dozen!!! 20 bucks each (including tax)! They're about 4.25 inchs long by 1 inch diameter. Rated at 80+ lumens (about the same as the Mag), I think they're the cat's meow! DON'T use lithium batteries in them, or any flashlight in my opinion. Not because they're bad batteries.... they're very good. I just do not want to put myself in situations where I really need a flashlight and it go suddenly dead. That's the way these batteries work. Real bright for 2-3 hours, then WHAM! It's dark everywhere! ...and you're in the middle of it. The Lifegear is, I think, regulated for good duracells or everreadys. I have personally tested one of mine and it will burn full brightness for 2.5-3.5 hrs before it goes out of regulation. Then it uses the remaining power in the battery to run another 5-6 hours at diminishing brightness. At 3-5 hrs, mine ran at about 50-60% brightness, 5-7 hours at about 25-35% brightness. At 7-9 hours, it was still as bright as the former mentioned Proton Freedom at full power. I like it because it doesn't just suddenly go dead, but slowly drains the batteries so you have time to do something about it.
They're hard to find now. I think Target's is discontinuing them, but I've found them shopping on Amazon via the net. It's the single AA Lifegear. Wonderful little torch. The only thing I dislike about it is it's a rear clicky. I don't like holding my flashlights like hollywood cops with it stuck up beside my head. Side clicky lights are more natural for me to hold and turn on/off with the head next to my thumb. Call me old fashioned. I just don't like holding a flashlight backwards!
Lifegear also sells an AAA flashlight with the switch on the side where I think it ought to be. Don't really like AAA flashlights, but this one is too nice to not have one. It probably takes all 3 of the AAA's to eaqual 1 AA battery in amp hours. The size reminds me of a good compact 2C flashlight, which no one makes anymore. I love mine. Wish I had a few more.
The AAA looks like a real flashlight to me also. By that, I mean the head is a bit bigger than the body. Most of these type lights look like short fat cigars (not that there's anything wrong with a good short fat cigar), and can slide out of your fingers easier. I put a rubber head off of an AA maglite on the Lifegear AA to make it a bit bigger. Won't roll that way also! With the head being a bit larger, it gives you something better to hold on to.
But maybe that's just me.
After all, we 'are' men.
...and we can change.
...if we have to.
...I guess.
Amen!
4. The last light I would recommend is found at Lowes. It's a 300 lumen Rayovac "Sportsman" lantern. Uses 3 "D" size batteries, same size as the Mag's. It's BRIGHT! It's compact! It has a great runtime and has a good beam without too many artifacts. It's 25 dollars! Less than a Mag LED! Get a couple for when the lights go out! Much better than everyone having to carry a flashlight around in the house when it's dark. I've tried several lanterns and this one is a keeper!
I am also fond of the round LED stick-up lights. Most I've saw had three .5mm LED's in them and run off of 2AA's or 3AAA's. The metal one might be better. Makes for a great area light in the house when you don't need BRIGHT! Works great stuck inside a gun cabinet also. First one I purchased was probably 2 years ago. I use it quite often, and it still has the same batteries. Don't understand that!
Well, this is a lot more info than I'm sure you wanted, but maybe it'll help out some. Took me several years to find the lights that worked for me and my family. Maybe they'll work for you too
Crowtree
It sounds like from your original post that you're a bit like me when it comes to buying/owning things. I have several good flashlights so I'll try to inform you as to what and why I have the ones I do and not the other ones
When I first became interested in providing my family and house/cars with flashlights, I got caught up in the CR123 battery type hype and purchased several good ones. I found out that: You don't just drop down to the local gas station and get batteries for them. You don't just steal one from your tv remote or something else. You 'will' pay a high price for them if/when you buy them. You can buy them on the 'net much cheaper, but still 2-3 times what a good AA or AAA battery would cost you at Lowes. They're bright and most of them stay bright for the duration of the cell... and then they go dead! Very dead! Very quickly! ...and you're left in the dark with a flashlight that about as useful as rubbing two sticks togather.
I still have 3 or 4. Some Streamlight twin task's (incan with LED's both in them), and a G2 Surefire. I even modded one of the Streamlights for heap big LED drop-in only because they are side clickys, and I love side clickys. I keep them in the autos because... well... that's where they are
I went thru many flashlights and found that:
1. Get yourself a LRI Photon Freedom for your keychain!!! You'll never know it's there until you need it, and those things are BRIGHT in total darkness when you can't see jack shi... er.. what's in front of you! I remember growing up in the country with the old 2D incan flashlights that you had to strike a match to see if it was burning. These Photons are MUCH better than those were, and you'll have it with you all the time. They make a model that uses a tiny switch instead of squeezing the sides to turn it on (Photon ll). I would prefer those if they come with the Cree bulbs in them (I think they do). I've pulled my keys out once in a great while with my sqeeze type and found the light on. Not very often, mind you. 2 or 3 times a year maybe. The one with the micro switch never came on unless I turned it on myself. Yeah, the squeeze one has cool features on it, but I've NEVER used one of them other than to play with it.
Photon ll or Freedom Key Chain! Get one! Then get one for the lady, and the kids, and Dad & Mom... you get the ideal. (And not the cheap imatation ones either!)
2. Get yourself a couple of 2D Maglite LED's. Some make fun of them because you can't stick it in your pocket! Well, you could, but not for long without it falling out. (The ladies might think you're REAL happy to see them if you put one in your front pocket)
But for home use... you can't beat them. Turn one on and set it on the table. Come back tomorrow, and it will still be on and burning!!! Great back-up light for when the power goes off, and it makes one feel a bit safer when you're outside and don't know what's out there waiting for you... as in "club" safer!!! And the batteries? They're like Santa Clause. They're everywhere! I recommend getting the one that is sold as an incadesant, and buy the Maglite LED drop-in bulb to go in it. I've heard some say the color is sometimes better in the drop-in as opposed to the Maglite LED combo. Not sure myself. I've always bought them seperate because I had already purchased the Mag's before the LED's came out.Get one... or two... or three! ...and they come in colors
(Red is easy to see when you're looking for it.)3. For something portable, real bright, in your pocket type flashlight, you will not beat the single AA Lifegear sold by Target for cost, brightness, durability and runtime. It's a real sleeper of a flashlight. I have about a dozen!!! 20 bucks each (including tax)! They're about 4.25 inchs long by 1 inch diameter. Rated at 80+ lumens (about the same as the Mag), I think they're the cat's meow! DON'T use lithium batteries in them, or any flashlight in my opinion. Not because they're bad batteries.... they're very good. I just do not want to put myself in situations where I really need a flashlight and it go suddenly dead. That's the way these batteries work. Real bright for 2-3 hours, then WHAM! It's dark everywhere! ...and you're in the middle of it. The Lifegear is, I think, regulated for good duracells or everreadys. I have personally tested one of mine and it will burn full brightness for 2.5-3.5 hrs before it goes out of regulation. Then it uses the remaining power in the battery to run another 5-6 hours at diminishing brightness. At 3-5 hrs, mine ran at about 50-60% brightness, 5-7 hours at about 25-35% brightness. At 7-9 hours, it was still as bright as the former mentioned Proton Freedom at full power. I like it because it doesn't just suddenly go dead, but slowly drains the batteries so you have time to do something about it.
They're hard to find now. I think Target's is discontinuing them, but I've found them shopping on Amazon via the net. It's the single AA Lifegear. Wonderful little torch. The only thing I dislike about it is it's a rear clicky. I don't like holding my flashlights like hollywood cops with it stuck up beside my head. Side clicky lights are more natural for me to hold and turn on/off with the head next to my thumb. Call me old fashioned. I just don't like holding a flashlight backwards!
Lifegear also sells an AAA flashlight with the switch on the side where I think it ought to be. Don't really like AAA flashlights, but this one is too nice to not have one. It probably takes all 3 of the AAA's to eaqual 1 AA battery in amp hours. The size reminds me of a good compact 2C flashlight, which no one makes anymore. I love mine. Wish I had a few more.
The AAA looks like a real flashlight to me also. By that, I mean the head is a bit bigger than the body. Most of these type lights look like short fat cigars (not that there's anything wrong with a good short fat cigar), and can slide out of your fingers easier. I put a rubber head off of an AA maglite on the Lifegear AA to make it a bit bigger. Won't roll that way also! With the head being a bit larger, it gives you something better to hold on to.
But maybe that's just me.
After all, we 'are' men.
...and we can change.
...if we have to.
...I guess.
Amen!
4. The last light I would recommend is found at Lowes. It's a 300 lumen Rayovac "Sportsman" lantern. Uses 3 "D" size batteries, same size as the Mag's. It's BRIGHT! It's compact! It has a great runtime and has a good beam without too many artifacts. It's 25 dollars! Less than a Mag LED! Get a couple for when the lights go out! Much better than everyone having to carry a flashlight around in the house when it's dark. I've tried several lanterns and this one is a keeper!
I am also fond of the round LED stick-up lights. Most I've saw had three .5mm LED's in them and run off of 2AA's or 3AAA's. The metal one might be better. Makes for a great area light in the house when you don't need BRIGHT! Works great stuck inside a gun cabinet also. First one I purchased was probably 2 years ago. I use it quite often, and it still has the same batteries. Don't understand that!
Well, this is a lot more info than I'm sure you wanted, but maybe it'll help out some. Took me several years to find the lights that worked for me and my family. Maybe they'll work for you too
Crowtree
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Krull
Member
One thing I want to point out to everybody too...
I have a several LED lights that take "regular" batteries C,D,AA,AAA and I always feed them the cheapest batteries I can lay hands on-think Rayovac bulk packs,$5 will buy you a dozen AA,and the damn lights work without fail.
This is one thing I've noticed about LED lights since they came out in the late 90's,you can stuff the most el cheapo batts in them and as long as it's not a dangerous battery the stupid things will chug right along just fine.
One reason I like the new Pelican,it should be as good as the Surefire but take batts I can pick up at the local dollar store.
If you want a good pen light I have a Coast single AAA battery model I also picked up at Dunham's and it lives on my key chain,saves the brighter one for more important things.
And if you have any brains at all go buy a few LED lanterns for when the lights go out,I just picked up a Coleman 4 D cell lantern at Wal-Mart that puts out 190 lumens on high!
I have a several LED lights that take "regular" batteries C,D,AA,AAA and I always feed them the cheapest batteries I can lay hands on-think Rayovac bulk packs,$5 will buy you a dozen AA,and the damn lights work without fail.
This is one thing I've noticed about LED lights since they came out in the late 90's,you can stuff the most el cheapo batts in them and as long as it's not a dangerous battery the stupid things will chug right along just fine.
One reason I like the new Pelican,it should be as good as the Surefire but take batts I can pick up at the local dollar store.
If you want a good pen light I have a Coast single AAA battery model I also picked up at Dunham's and it lives on my key chain,saves the brighter one for more important things.
And if you have any brains at all go buy a few LED lanterns for when the lights go out,I just picked up a Coleman 4 D cell lantern at Wal-Mart that puts out 190 lumens on high!
The SF G2L is a great choice.
2 other lights to take a look at are the SureFire A2 Aviator, I carry one with the white LED's daily, or the E2L.
If you want a smaller light to carry in a pocket take a look at the SF E1e, or the E1L.
My 2 everyday carry lights are the A2 and the E1e, both with replacement bulbs from Lumens Factory, bought from Fenix Flashlights, Cree LED, Lithium Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, Li-Ion Chargers, Leatherman Multitools, Spyderco Knives and more!.
Their 123A Battery Station batteries have given me good service as well.
2 other lights to take a look at are the SureFire A2 Aviator, I carry one with the white LED's daily, or the E2L.
If you want a smaller light to carry in a pocket take a look at the SF E1e, or the E1L.
My 2 everyday carry lights are the A2 and the E1e, both with replacement bulbs from Lumens Factory, bought from Fenix Flashlights, Cree LED, Lithium Batteries, Lithium Ion Batteries, Li-Ion Chargers, Leatherman Multitools, Spyderco Knives and more!.
Their 123A Battery Station batteries have given me good service as well.
Wayne02
Member
I own streamlight, surefire, fenix, inova, S&W and some of the others that I can't remember right now including the aforementioned Costco twin pack.
In my experience surefire has the highest quality and durability with streamlight not too far behind. Streamlight doesn't always have the latest and greatest tech in their lights, but gets the edge for well thought out practical designs.
For general around the home and shop use I like the streamlight stinger. It is 'bright enough' and rechargeable with a very well thought out charging method. The light has contacts in the body and you simply clip the light into the charger (can mount charger on wall) vs most rechargeables which require you to plug a wire into the light to recharge it. Further, the charging station holds and extra battery which remains charged so you can quickly change it out if the battery you are using goes dead. In addition as mentioned previously the kit comes with a charger that will run off the 12v in your vehicle.
The smaller general use light that I use is a handful of surefire G2, all of which have been converted to leds. I have owned a few surefire lights and all of the high end lights I had have gone down the road except for one A2 and a couple of old 6Z which I use with pistols (not mounted). I have standardized on a handful of g2's, all of which have been changed out from twisty to clicky tailcap, as I cannot stand twisty momentary switches on general use lights. I like twisty's on lights used with guns though, mounted or not mounted.
I like the size of the G2, it is big enough to hold in several different ways, big enough that I can get a decent grip on it, but not too big to stuff in your pocket during a project and not too big to take up a bunch of room in a tool box. In addition, I really like the nytrolon (plastic) material of the G2's, easy to grip, has good secure grip, very tough, doesn't get as hot as some metal body lights, and it is much friendlier than the metal lights when held in the mouth. I also like the anti-roll bezel. I will not buy anymore lights that don't have the anti-roll feature as few things are more frustrating than having the light roll off the bench when you set it down.
The number one thing I like about the G2 is its durability. The G2 is the only light that has consistently survived repeated falls from the arms of my elevated auto hoist onto the concrete floor. The same cannot be said for the streamlight, fenix, inova, and S&W lights.
The polytac's were not available when I went the G2 route, but if I were to go this route again I'd maybe take a look at the streamlight polytac lights mentioned previously in this thread. The polytac is the same size as the G2 but comes with a clicky switch and is less expensive than the G2. I'm very tempted to order on and see how it does with the drop test.
In my experience surefire has the highest quality and durability with streamlight not too far behind. Streamlight doesn't always have the latest and greatest tech in their lights, but gets the edge for well thought out practical designs.
For general around the home and shop use I like the streamlight stinger. It is 'bright enough' and rechargeable with a very well thought out charging method. The light has contacts in the body and you simply clip the light into the charger (can mount charger on wall) vs most rechargeables which require you to plug a wire into the light to recharge it. Further, the charging station holds and extra battery which remains charged so you can quickly change it out if the battery you are using goes dead. In addition as mentioned previously the kit comes with a charger that will run off the 12v in your vehicle.
The smaller general use light that I use is a handful of surefire G2, all of which have been converted to leds. I have owned a few surefire lights and all of the high end lights I had have gone down the road except for one A2 and a couple of old 6Z which I use with pistols (not mounted). I have standardized on a handful of g2's, all of which have been changed out from twisty to clicky tailcap, as I cannot stand twisty momentary switches on general use lights. I like twisty's on lights used with guns though, mounted or not mounted.
I like the size of the G2, it is big enough to hold in several different ways, big enough that I can get a decent grip on it, but not too big to stuff in your pocket during a project and not too big to take up a bunch of room in a tool box. In addition, I really like the nytrolon (plastic) material of the G2's, easy to grip, has good secure grip, very tough, doesn't get as hot as some metal body lights, and it is much friendlier than the metal lights when held in the mouth. I also like the anti-roll bezel. I will not buy anymore lights that don't have the anti-roll feature as few things are more frustrating than having the light roll off the bench when you set it down.
The number one thing I like about the G2 is its durability. The G2 is the only light that has consistently survived repeated falls from the arms of my elevated auto hoist onto the concrete floor. The same cannot be said for the streamlight, fenix, inova, and S&W lights.
The polytac's were not available when I went the G2 route, but if I were to go this route again I'd maybe take a look at the streamlight polytac lights mentioned previously in this thread. The polytac is the same size as the G2 but comes with a clicky switch and is less expensive than the G2. I'm very tempted to order on and see how it does with the drop test.
I bought this light from costco...I don't care for it...can't turn it off fast enough...the 3 clicks are not the best for home defense flashlight but that just my taste. I went out and bought a Surefire and really can tell the difference! Turns on and off fast consistent light pattern 70.00 bucks.
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5Wire
Member
Plus one on Candlepower Forums Lots of good info, tests, graphs, comparisons, tips, and lingo about what's out there.
I have a Nitecore Extreme
which I carry like a pen in a shirt pocket.
And I also have a Fenix TK11 I purchased from 4Sevens
Both are adjustable. The NiteCore from very dim to very bright has a strobe option. The Fenix offers a weapons mount and has two levels of brightness. The both use the same batteries.
Batteries (and lights) are available online. I've had terrific service from Battery Junction.
I have a Nitecore Extreme
which I carry like a pen in a shirt pocket.
And I also have a Fenix TK11 I purchased from 4Sevens
Both are adjustable. The NiteCore from very dim to very bright has a strobe option. The Fenix offers a weapons mount and has two levels of brightness. The both use the same batteries.
Batteries (and lights) are available online. I've had terrific service from Battery Junction.
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jcall
US Veteran
I second this...^^^^ I bought the ones at Costco and for the price you cant beat it. They work awesome. One is at home and one is in the truck. I just might get another set for this price.
Hate to rain on the parade, but a few years ago I got tired of the batteries going dead in the Maglights I carry in the car and truck. An LL Bean catalog had a wind-up flashlight, and I bought one. Wind for 30 seconds and you get 30 minutes of light, One windup lasts for several months. I got three more, one for the other car and one for my daughter and daughter-in-law, both of whom have to drive home at night. Haven't regretted a thing.
Did have one strange experience, though: I flew to Houston for a weekend and took one of the wind-ups with me in carry-on. Going through the X-ray, they stopped it, stared, called over several other people, and finally had me open the bag. When the light came out, all was OK. I guess the wiring, magnets, crank handle, etc, looked like a bomb. I take a Maglite in the carry-on now.
Did have one strange experience, though: I flew to Houston for a weekend and took one of the wind-ups with me in carry-on. Going through the X-ray, they stopped it, stared, called over several other people, and finally had me open the bag. When the light came out, all was OK. I guess the wiring, magnets, crank handle, etc, looked like a bomb. I take a Maglite in the carry-on now.
649 Bodyguard
Member
I love my Mag-lites. I think I`m pushing near 80 pieces. There customer service is as good as it gets, Rated as good as Smith & Wessons. So go out tomorrow, and buy yourself a 3 AA cell LED flashlight. Its the mini mag, with an extra cell. It will cost you around $21.00 and some change at walmart. I gave away three of them last week for presents. One to my 22 year old daughter, and two more of them went to two of her best friends. Bright white light, is what your going to get. Perfect for everyday use. A self defense tool, and bright light all in one package.
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