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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:08:10 PM EDT
[#1]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I added a protac 2.0 to my list due to that video Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: For those who haven't run across this yet, TTC also tests lights:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uoU3jbPcADMHere's the link to the playlist of all his flashlight tests: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYka5JBKPLHEfG1w1WC_bbN4vQglwyp5n I added a protac 2.0 to my list due to that video I watched a few more of his videos, and all the Streamlights he tested did very well. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:09:00 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted: $60 on ebay https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/yYEAAOSwMP1lJEJR/s-l1600.jpg Here's a similar sized multifunction CR123A tailcap button Nitecore for $40 new (I use one as a WML) ebay link https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/pzAAAOSwPipj3Ykt/s-l960.jpg I have one of these... somewhere. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:09:14 PM EDT
[#3]
Quote HistoryQuoted: LEPs are something else. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/84273/Screenshot_20231118-210717_png-3032652.JPG Where's the link to this??!! |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:10:54 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Remember the old generator powered headlights for bicycles back in the day? I would have killed for a modern LED.  https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/559744/bicycle_headlight_generator_jpg-3032627.JPG It was amazing how much drag that generator added when engaged with the tire. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:10:59 PM EDT
[#5]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I just ordered another anemic 45 lumen Microstream... This one's for an experiment, though.  I found out that you can get 200+ lumens out of them by using a 10440 instead of AAA, which makes sense because that's basically what's in the 250 lumen USB version. Now I just need to find a reputable brand of battery. Everything on Amazon looks rather suspect.  Orbtronic. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:16:11 PM EDT
[#6]
My 8 aa battery tk40 felt antiquated a month later.
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:16:13 PM EDT
[#7]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We're going to stumble on anti-gravity. Trying to build a better flashlight.   Attached File |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:17:43 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Orbtronic. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I just ordered another anemic 45 lumen Microstream... This one's for an experiment, though. I found out that you can get 200+ lumens out of them by using a 10440 instead of AAA, which makes sense because that's basically what's in the 250 lumen USB version. Now I just need to find a reputable brand of battery. Everything on Amazon looks rather suspect. Orbtronic. I could buy a replacement battery directly from Streamlight, but it costs more than the flashlight did.
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:24:31 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It's almost like you need different tools for different jobs. I don't need 87,000 lumens for general EDC use. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:29:02 PM EDT
[#10]
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:36:16 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: LEPs are something else. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/84273/Screenshot_20231118-210717_png-3032652.JPG Damn. I just bought this light, lol. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:37:19 PM EDT
[#12]
Quote HistoryQuoted: For those that may have missed it: https://www.ar15.com/forums/general/Deal-Alet-Streamlight-Microstream/5-2687315/? It's not 1k+ lumens, but it's absolutely perfect for EDC and almost any mundane task. yeah, I bought 3 of those and another Streamlight that was posted in that thread.
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Posted: 11/19/2023 8:45:17 PM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That seems like neat tech. I wonder what the battery life is on one of those devices. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: LEPs are something else. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/84273/Screenshot_20231118-210717_png-3032652.JPG That seems like neat tech. I wonder what the battery life is on one of those devices. I just bought one and realized that I forgot to order the damn battery for it. How do I charge the battery? |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 9:02:08 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What do you guys know about "laser" flashlights? They are amazing if you have a need for them. LEP technology has the most throw available now.  Attached FileI’m an avid flashlight geek, but most people don’t need all of the programming and features that many modern lights provide. It can get a bit overwhelming.  Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 9:07:42 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The usb micro streams are 250 lumens, I believe, and the macrostream is 500 lumens. Pretty respectable. You’re right about the standard AAA one, though. I think there’s even a thread currently running here, where you can get them for like $12 on Amazon. I’ll pass on the 45 lumens. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: And yet with all the great advancements in flashlight technology...The Streamlight Microstreams and its anemic 40 lumens is still raved and recommended here...  The usb micro streams are 250 lumens, I believe, and the macrostream is 500 lumens. Pretty respectable. You’re right about the standard AAA one, though. I think there’s even a thread currently running here, where you can get them for like $12 on Amazon. I’ll pass on the 45 lumens. For 12 bucks I'd rather lose the light than my phone if I drop it somewhere where it's not retrievable. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 9:09:20 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I’m sticking with my ancient HID flashlights. I prefer the lightning in a bottle created by tens of thousands of volts, arcing across platinum electrodes, creating a glorious, shimmering plasma. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_4479_jpeg-3033017.JPG 6000K: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_4474_jpeg-3033019.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_4475_jpeg-3033022.JPG 4300K: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_0764_jpeg-3033051.JPG WTF?! What is that? WHAT IS THAT??!! |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 9:13:26 PM EDT
[#17]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What do you guys know about "laser" flashlights? I don't know shit about them, but I just bought the one that was posted in this thread.
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Posted: 11/19/2023 9:18:26 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I saw one of the old 6-D Maglites the other day, look how far we have come. Still using a 3D as my truck light, albeit with an LED conversion and AA adapters to use rechargeable AAs. Wanted to go with 18650s but couldn't figures out a simple way to do it without rigging up some ghetto contraption. This works well, can still swap out for D batteries, and still makes a sufficient tool to make the forbidden noises with. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 10:51:33 PM EDT
[#19]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Glad others thought of 4sevens as a great light company a few years ago. I had bought a number of there units and all still work but have definitely been surpassed. Thought I was imagining them as a tier 1 edc brand. Lol Last I remember them saying they were doing was Bluetooth Controllable/ programmable lights. Then the next year at shot show nothing just same ole stuff. The following year the same thing. After that I wrote them off as a dead brand. I need a new edc light. Got a new Olight IE3eos from the IV8888 shoot. Hate the color but so far been impressed with it for the size. It’s somewhat satisfied my search but not what I was looking for. If you like 4sevens, you'll love the EagTac D25LC2. It is the classic 4sevens Quark form factor and UI (Head tight = max brightness only; head loose 1/4 turn = multi mode) and slim size, while being able to take modern 18650 rechargeable batteries. https://www.eagtac.com/product/d25lc2-clicky-mkii/ |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 11:02:31 PM EDT
[#20]
Life Pro Tip - if you clip the light through the belt loop on your hip, it works pretty well as a hands free light for times when you don't have a headlamp.
 You can do the same with your cellphone flashlight. Turn on the light, stick behind your belt AIWB at the 11. The wide flood beam of the phone works superbly in that configuration as a walking light. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 11:33:24 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They are amazing if you have a need for them. LEP technology has the most throw available now. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/432675/IMG_3849_jpeg-3033473.JPG I'm an avid flashlight geek, but most people don't need all of the programming and features that many modern lights provide. It can get a bit overwhelming. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/432675/IMG_4185_jpeg-3033477.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/432675/IMG_0464_jpeg-3033479.JPG |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 11:38:37 PM EDT
[#22]
What’s a good light that only does off/on? I hate all that multi mode garbage.
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Posted: 11/19/2023 11:40:55 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What’s a good light that only does off/on? I hate all that multi mode garbage. Streamlight It is programmable but you don't have to mess with any of that. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 11:48:31 PM EDT
[#24]
Does anyone remember like 15 years ago on Candlepowerforum or whatever it was when people were buying Maglites on Black Friday just to gut them and use them for hot rod builds?
I remember putting like 9 AAs into one, with a “1000 candlepower” floodlight bulb. Could only run it for a few seconds or else the heat would melt the plastic maglite lens. |
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Posted: 11/19/2023 11:50:50 PM EDT
[#25]
Quote HistoryQuoted: What’s a good light that only does off/on? I hate all that multi mode garbage. The problem is the extreme power of most lights + marketing needs of the 'lumens race' means its hard to find a single mode light that's not a tactical light. Yet most flashlight utility tasks are best handled with 50-200lm paired with a good runtime. I bought a Malkoff M61LL (100lm x 10hrs) for this reason. https://malkoffdevices.com/products/m61-mod-to-fit-surefire-and-malkoff |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 12:10:55 AM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I saw one of the old 6-D Maglites the other day, look how far we have come. I have the one of the 3D aluminum one in the truck it has another "purpose" |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 12:30:07 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Does anyone remember like 15 years ago on Candlepowerforum or whatever it was when people were buying Maglites on Black Friday just to gut them and use them for hot rod builds? I remember putting like 9 AAs into one, with a “1000 candlepower” floodlight bulb. Could only run it for a few seconds or else the heat would melt the plastic maglite lens. I still have one I put together with 4 big (can't remember offhand the size) lithium cells and a 100 watt halogen bulb. It was a fun "wow' light, but not too practical. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 5:35:58 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Turbo modes are the biggest load of bullshit ever fed to an American consumer. And American consumers are stupid enough to buy it. That light is only above 1,200 lumens for about 30 seconds. It drops from 4,600 lumens to 2,000 lumens in less than 10 seconds. Always look at "high" vs turbo ratings. It is more telling to a lights true capabilities, which I don't even see published for this light. I'll give them credit for making it a 21700 light though. This. Turbo is useless. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 6:31:52 PM EDT
[#29]
Ordered a microstream usb in fde today. 250 lumens initial, with 50 on low. I’ll prefer having a regular clicky tail cap over the twist on my surefire titan.
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Posted: 11/20/2023 10:27:45 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This. Turbo is useless. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Turbo modes are the biggest load of bullshit ever fed to an American consumer. And American consumers are stupid enough to buy it. That light is only above 1,200 lumens for about 30 seconds. It drops from 4,600 lumens to 2,000 lumens in less than 10 seconds. Always look at "high" vs turbo ratings. It is more telling to a lights true capabilities, which I don't even see published for this light. I'll give them credit for making it a 21700 light though. This. Turbo is useless. Turbo is very useful; at least for my own uses I only use very high brightnesses for a few seconds of scanning an area / blinding some shitbird. |
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Posted: 11/20/2023 10:53:18 PM EDT
[#31]
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Posted: 11/20/2023 11:33:44 PM EDT
[#32]
This might be a good thread for some guidance.
A 300BO pistol (10.5") needs a light. What is a decent rifle light right now. I want to keep this thing light. I want enough light with lots of throw; but I do not need to light the world at the cost of extra weight. I want this one to be simple and light (weight). |
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Posted: 11/21/2023 12:18:52 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I can remember my old Surefire tactical light putting out 60 lumens, and it was the shiznit. My rechargeable Maglight with the halogen bulb was freakin' awesome on patrol. Now, those are weak. I bought a Maglight Magcharger in 1989, it was the brightest light around. I paid about $80.00 for it. Replacement batteries are now about $20.00. I keep it in the van for emergencies. I should upgrade it to more modern bulbs, but the last time I looked, the upgrades were running about $60. Not sure that makes sense when better lights are going for less. I carry a small Cree light I got on Amazon for $2.00 about 10 years ago. It is so much better than Maglight for 99% of my needs. Whiter light than my Maglight, but it doesn't light up distant objects as well. |
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Posted: 11/21/2023 8:58:36 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Turbo is very useful; at least for my own uses I only use very high brightnesses for a few seconds of scanning an area / blinding some shitbird. You're certainly the exception. Most people use flashlights for more than 5 seconds at a time. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 1:36:49 AM EDT
[#36]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Wonderful historical collection. It’s easy when you have been buying and setting up the stuff since the 80s. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 1:56:47 AM EDT
[#37]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Bummer. Had no idea. Never bought their stuff but I remember watching videos about them back in the day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucrqc1MQXjAQuote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: RIP 4Sevens. I was sad when I head david sold the business. rightly so. its basically dead now. they used to innovate and push the industry. they were the next lego light after surefire gave up being cool. I was on their site earlier today. just depressing. I still have 1 or two of their lights. Bummer. Had no idea. Never bought their stuff but I remember watching videos about them back in the day. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucrqc1MQXjAI still EDC a 4/7s Quark. The most flexible flashlight driver around. Can work on 1xAA, 2xAA (with the longer tube), 1x14500, 1xAAA (using a roll of aluminum foil and a dollar bill), 1xAAAA (there are 6 inside a 9v). |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 1:59:35 AM EDT
[#38]
Sure the tech has gotten better, but the ability to lie in marketing is where all the advancements are as far as lumen counts go.
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:04:05 AM EDT
[#39]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sure the tech has gotten better, but the ability to lie in marketing is where all the advancements are as far as lumen counts go. YMMV. Caveat Emptor. More than a few companies listing ANSI tested lumens and candela, and numerous forums with folks who have the equipment to test and measure them, who've confirmed the measurements of the lights I ended up buying. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:07:55 AM EDT
[#40]
 JOHNSON IS NOW LEGALLY BLIND |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:08:39 AM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Sure the tech has gotten better, but the ability to lie in marketing is where all the advancements are as far as lumen counts go. That's where those TTC testing videos come in handy. Based on his results, the reputable companies are either accurate or under-report their ratings, while random Amazon suppliers come in at 1.5 - 2% of their advertised rating.  How Amazon is Allowing Flashlights to Get Out of Hand |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:17:09 AM EDT
[#42]
On topic;
I bought Surefire's first ever LED module; the KL1 for the E2E/E1E. Can't even recall the price anymore. Somewhere in the $160 range? For 16 lumens  Then there's this thing on my Keychain. Tiny 2" light that puts out 450 lumens and 23,000 candela, and makes my old 6 D-cell Maglite look like a Zippo.  
The advancement in 20 years is crazy, which really makes me laugh at futuristic movies, like Oblivion and Prometheus, where they used state-of-the-art flashlights (at the time of filming), that, for top-of-the-line equipment a century and a half or so from now, would be the equivalent of a no-expense spared top scientific team nowadays equipping themselves with candles in glass lanterns, for lighting. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:44:45 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Remember the old generator powered headlights for bicycles back in the day? I would have killed for a modern LED. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/559744/bicycle_headlight_generator_jpg-3032627.JPG Yeah. You see something potentially dangerous ahead and you slow down...slowing dims the light. 
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:47:53 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: A bunch of older 350 lumen TLR-1HLs and 300 lumen black diamond headlamps. Not great, not awesome. I just feel like every time l upgrade a year later the lumens on the new stuff is doubled. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Buy new lights. It's not that much money and whatever you are using sounds like junk A bunch of older 350 lumen TLR-1HLs and 300 lumen black diamond headlamps. Not great, not awesome. I just feel like every time l upgrade a year later the lumens on the new stuff is doubled. I actually kept a 300 lumen on my HD gun. It puts out plenty of light without washing out everything else. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:52:21 AM EDT
[#45]
My first decent light was an eagletac t20c2 I got ages ago. Been meaning to find a replacement after it got lost.
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Posted: 11/22/2023 2:58:37 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: No doubt, it sure is. I laugh at the then-expensive state of the art from 10 to 15 years ago we have in the drawers, compared to what I can find in the "camping" section at Wally world today. And that's not even dreaming of chasing new top tier branded stuff. It is freaking amazing. My EDC pocket flashlight is a 6 year old Thrunite Archer. That thing has been though hell and back, is scarred up, but it comes one every time i need it to. My mind travels back to coon hunting with my uncle. My flashlight was a blinky D cell chunks that did good to let you just see the ground ahead. I could not bitch. My dad carried a hurricane lamp as a kid. His dad had a carbide lamp. Uncle had one of those badass coon hunter lights with a belt battery packs.. I think this little Archer throws more light than his coon light did and it uses 2 AAs. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 3:18:24 AM EDT
[#47]
And you can thank Y2K preppers for all these cool flashlight advancements. Wish i could recall the article, but the jist went like this:
Some were afraid of worldwide disruptions with the Y2K bug approaching. One really inexpensive way to efficiently light up your Y2K survival outpost on a car battery was to string together cheap LEDs. Before that time, LEDs were mainly used as low power equipment indicators. At the time, colored ones were all there were, but you didn't care of the light string to the latrine shack was blue or red if you had a bad dose of the skidders. Using them for general illumination was spurred because you can get a lot of light for the power used. The main problem was getting white light LEDs. Not long after, some Japanese fellow figured out how to shift blue ones to white. Once that singularity point was reached, it's been a race for more power ever since. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 5:24:08 AM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: WTF?! What is that? WHAT IS THAT??!! Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I'm sticking with my ancient HID flashlights. I prefer the lightning in a bottle created by tens of thousands of volts, arcing across platinum electrodes, creating a glorious, shimmering plasma. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_4479_jpeg-3033017.JPG 6000K: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_4474_jpeg-3033019.JPGhttps://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_4475_jpeg-3033022.JPG 4300K: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/154626/IMG_0764_jpeg-3033051.JPG WTF?! What is that? WHAT IS THAT??!! |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 6:05:08 AM EDT
[#49]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They're actually dangerous now, it's enough to seriously fuck up your eyes I was driving down the interstate and started to smell smoke. I thought my pickup was over heating or was catching fire. No. My awesome beer can shaped light in my jacket pocket had turned itself on and was burning a hole in my pocket. Yes, you can burn your house down with a $50 light. |
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Posted: 11/22/2023 7:43:30 AM EDT
[#50]
Quote HistoryQuoted: You're certainly the exception. Most people use flashlights for more than 5 seconds at a time. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Turbo is very useful; at least for my own uses I only use very high brightnesses for a few seconds of scanning an area / blinding some shitbird. You're certainly the exception. Most people use flashlights for more than 5 seconds at a time. Turbo is used for blinding muggers / quick scans of a large area / showing off the light to friends. For actual sustained lighting a lower regulated mode is used with a runtime / lumens ratio appropriate for the situation. Max brightness, whether it be Turbo or just High, is very rarely the right lighting level. Reading / looking at a map? 10lm x 150hr Blackout and need to light up a room? 65lm x 24hr mode. Searching for a pet lost in a field at night? 500lm x 2hr mode etc |
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