[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Help choosing a flashlight (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: 6/24/2012 2:10:48 PM EDT
|
So i will begin CC soon and have pretty much picked out belt, holster, gun and all.
At first I didnt want to add a flashlight to my EDC because I figured it would just be annoying and take up space. But i realized it could be vital and just handy. Im looking to get a small light with a pocket clip, hopefully under 50 dollars. Id like it to be as small as possible while still being powerful enough to use in a defensive situation and illuminate well in the night. Thoughts? EDIT No holster or OWB or anything, just clipped in the pocket is how Ill use it. |
|
Used TL1 for 28 buckshere..
www.4sevens.com Also there is a used 2xAA Quark with XML LED on for sale threads at above link. At over 6 inches for the 2xAA you may want to get 1xAA size. I have a 4 Sevens Quark. Actually I have 3. 1xAA, 2xAA and A rare 18650 body. All are regualar Quark model with Tactical model switches. I find the regular model more usable than the tactical. Tactical requires programming two settings out of 7 available. Quark regular presses to choose regular mode. Tactical switch presses for momentary like a Surefire. Click to lock on mode selected. Regular Quark is turbo or strobe with bezel tight. Loosen bezel and it goes from a couple lumens through about 3 more levels and two signal strobe after that. 100+lumens on one AA. A Liion 14500 gives you 170-200+ on turbo depending on specific LED. Lumapower and shiningbeam both have inexpensive options. You may want to go with AA format. Liion rechargeables are an option over CR123 formats because they quickly pay for themselves if you toy with the ligh much. |
|
I am a fan of the 4 sevens tactical line of lights. They use the latest LED tech, has 8 modes programmable into 2 memory slots. Head tight, and head loosened slightly. The XM-L lights are REALLY bright and have a good wide hotspot. The XP-G lights are a little more throw-y and have a smaller hot spot. I have about 5 of their lights and they are all great. This one would be good. $59.00 single CR123 so its a very small light. XP-G so its decent thrower. 205 lumens. https://www.foursevens.com/product_info.php?products_id=2947 |
|
I've carried a Jetbeam BC-10 every day for the last year and a half.
I love it, simple two modes controlled by turning the head 180 degrees so you don't have to click through multiple modes. Very bright and inexpensive. |
|
I have carried a Preon 2 everyday for over a year. I have not found another flashlight that is brighter for the same size and weight.
You can buy a Preon 2 and a Preon 1 body (like $10) and you can decide if you want a small 1 AAA light or a small 2 AAA light. It is ridiculously bright for a 2 AAA light - 160 Lumens. |
|
Quoted:
Im not seeing Fenix PD20 with a pocket clip, does it exist? I just googled: fenix PD20 and came up with THIS |
|
Quoted:
Thanks fellas, I think I have settled on the Fenix PD 22 I hadn't seen that one before. Nice format if you don't mind changing grips to switch levels or using a reverse grip to press end with thumb and side button with small finger or ring finger. Unfortunately it will be about 30 dollars over the TL1 in the link I provided. It will use neiter Nimh rechargeables nor Liion rechargeables like the TL1 I linked to reviewed here. PD22 operating voltage is 1.5 to 3.3 so if you want to use rechargeables you will have to find LifePo4 3.0v rechargeables that hold about half of what Liion does and about 1/3 of CR123 YMMV. Make sure you get the correct charger. |
|
Sort of blows out your budget, but I really like my Surefire E1B
http://www.lapolicegear.com/sue1bbaleddu.html |
|
Incendio.
A big reason was I wanted neutral (don't like everything to look worse than walmart). If you want to see colors get neutral, or if you don't mind everything washed out and bluish get the cool which always has slightly more output. I got the XPG (370 lumens). The XML version however will hit 600 lumens (for a few minutes only or it will get too hot) with an RCR123A. Get a eagletac g25c2 (770 lumens) if you need extended output in that range but it will be $>100 and bigger (18650 battery). http://www.illuminationgear.com/241082.html The diffuser is a nice accessory. You can add a tube to the body to fit more batteries and get a bigger head. Very good battery life for the output. Digitally regulated. No strobe, but it is bright enough to do the trick anyway. Good interface for "tactical" use - the clicky will hold your brightness setting next time on. Will go down to moonlight without humming or flickering. 
|
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks fellas, I think I have settled on the Fenix PD 22 I hadn't seen that one before. Nice format if you don't mind changing grips to switch levels or using a reverse grip to press end with thumb and side button with small finger or ring finger. Unfortunately it will be about 30 dollars over the TL1 in the link I provided. It will use neiter Nimh rechargeables nor Liion rechargeables like the TL1 I linked to reviewed here. PD22 operating voltage is 1.5 to 3.3 so if you want to use rechargeables you will have to find LifePo4 3.0v rechargeables that hold about half of what Liion does and about 1/3 of CR123 YMMV. Make sure you get the correct charger. I looked at that review, the TL1 looks impressive, but like the review states it seems to big for a single battery flashlight. The guy said it seems to put out just as much light as his Fenix PD 20, and the PD22 is smaller than the TL1. I dont plan on changing grips, just having it set on Max. If i need the light in a gunfight i want it on high immediately, if i dont and just need it for a chore then i can patiently cycle through the modes. rechargeable isnt a big deal to me either. I just want skinny, small, one hand manipulation, and pocket clip. |
|
Same here. Found 'em for $30 a pop on Amazon a while back and ordered four more. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Thanks fellas, I think I have settled on the Fenix PD 22 I hadn't seen that one before. Nice format if you don't mind changing grips to switch levels or using a reverse grip to press end with thumb and side button with small finger or ring finger. Unfortunately it will be about 30 dollars over the TL1 in the link I provided. It will use neiter Nimh rechargeables nor Liion rechargeables like the TL1 I linked to reviewed here. PD22 operating voltage is 1.5 to 3.3 so if you want to use rechargeables you will have to find LifePo4 3.0v rechargeables that hold about half of what Liion does and about 1/3 of CR123 YMMV. Make sure you get the correct charger. I looked at that review, the TL1 looks impressive, but like the review states it seems to big for a single battery flashlight. The guy said it seems to put out just as much light as his Fenix PD 20, and the PD22 is smaller than the TL1. I dont plan on changing grips, just having it set on Max. If i need the light in a gunfight i want it on high immediately, if i dont and just need it for a chore then i can patiently cycle through the modes. rechargeable isnt a big deal to me either. I just want skinny, small, one hand manipulation, and pocket clip. Lights are like computers - they are hard to keep up with and some are out of date before they come out. They blew that one by not making it take rechargables - the higher voltage gives an enormous bump in output with that emitter. Hence why the same size incendio is 2x as bright. The rechargeable batteries will not last as long though. I don't like having to change positions to hit the mode switch either. You can't get to it with a standard cigar grip. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?334425-*new*-Fenix-PD22 http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?318748-Lumapower-IncenDio-V3-Uprade-review |
|
Check out the Titanium Innovations Illuminati (aluminum model), you will be impressed, I guarantee it
http://www.batteryjunction.com/titanium-innovations-ca1-al.html |
|
Quoted:
Check out the Titanium Innovations Illuminati (aluminum model), you will be impressed, I guarantee it http://www.batteryjunction.com/titanium-innovations-ca1-al.html Wow! That thing does look pretty sweet, i may have to pick one up as a keychain light. But is twisting the head easy to do one handed under stress? I feel like a back button would be a lot easier. |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Check out the Titanium Innovations Illuminati (aluminum model), you will be impressed, I guarantee it http://www.batteryjunction.com/titanium-innovations-ca1-al.html Wow! That thing does look pretty sweet, i may have to pick one up as a keychain light. But is twisting the head easy to do one handed under stress? I feel like a back button would be a lot easier. Yeah, the twisting of the head doesn't make it the best tactical light, but it's an excellent EDC light, it disappears in the pocket and it has an incredibly bright clean beam for it's size. |
|
I just came across this one this morning and its very tempting: http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-ec1-explorer.html
I've had really good luck with Nitecore lights and this one seems to be a pretty user-friendly knife. Has a pocket clip too. |
|
Quoted:
I sometimes carry my old Surefire 6-Z in a pocket. Had it for many years now... I carry the 6Z or 6P every day on a little kydex ring horizontal holster on my belt. I've had it more than 10 years and all I've had to change are batteries. Surefire will continue to get my business. |
|
Streamlight ProTac 1AA or 2AA
Streamlight ProTac 1L or 2L All should be under $50 I usually order from Amazon My post from another thread similar to this one. Streamlight ProTac 2AA $40 120 Lumens, Multi-function (High-Strobe-Low) They also have a 1AA model http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88033-Tactical-Flashlight-Batteries/dp/B003GXF9OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340825401&sr=8-1&keywords=protac+2aa I've had my Streamlight Protac 2AA for about 6 months. It has been my EDC light for that whole time. Its been through countless drops on concrete, Left turned on in my pocket (woops  ), Dunked in several mud puddles (just washed it off under running water).
The finish is all beat-up but it still turns on. The only issue is that after it's last "bath" the multi-function switch quit. So it just has the high setting. Haven't contacted Streamlight about it because I don't really care about strobe or low settings. 
Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile |
|
Quoted:
Streamlight ProTac 1AA or 2AA Streamlight ProTac 1L or 2L All should be under $50 I usually order from Amazon My post from another thread similar to this one. Streamlight ProTac 2AA $40 120 Lumens, Multi-function (High-Strobe-Low) They also have a 1AA model http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88033-Tactical-Flashlight-Batteries/dp/B003GXF9OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1340825401&sr=8-1&keywords=protac+2aa I've had my Streamlight Protac 2AA for about 6 months. It has been my EDC light for that whole time. Its been through countless drops on concrete, Left turned on in my pocket (woops ), Dunked in several mud puddles (just washed it off under running water).
The finish is all beat-up but it still turns on. The only issue is that after it's last "bath" the multi-function switch quit. So it just has the high setting. Haven't contacted Streamlight about it because I don't really care about strobe or low settings. http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx244/colejack111/Misc/2012-06-27_15-35-02_404.jpg Posted Via AR15.Com Mobile I carry this and keep a Stylus pro on me at work. They're tough lights. I was in a motorcycle wreck earlier this month and went for a 150ft slide/tumble. While in the hospital a buddy of mine retrieved all my artifacts from the side of the road and brought me my ProTac. It's beat to hell and half the switch is ground down but it still works like a champ. Streamlight is keeping my business. 
|
|
The Lumapower Incendio kicks butt.
Bright and easy to use modes. Add the rechargeable RC123 batteries and it will still be less than $80 to your door. I've carried mine as a backup every night at work for over a year. Never had a problem with it and the batteries hold a charge for a long time. |
|
Quoted:
The Lumapower Incendio kicks butt. Bright and easy to use modes. Add the rechargeable RC123 batteries and it will still be less than $80 to your door. I've carried mine as a backup every night at work for over a year. Never had a problem with it and the batteries hold a charge from a long time. Incendio also has the best deep carry clip of the bunch. Incendio is an excellent light, as is everything LumaPower makes.. |
|
Quoted:
Im reading the incendio offers higher output with rechargeable batteries. Are all flashlights like this? Higher output with rechargeables? Depends on current regulation but generally yes. Runtime however will generally be reduced as opposed to primaries.. |
|
Incendio (but I already said that on page 1 lol).
Make sure you get the most current version - it has changed a lot recently. I opted not to get the xm-l version as it is a bit much for that size light & battery. Also, get the neutral (better contrast and more enjoyable to use)! |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Im reading the incendio offers higher output with rechargeable batteries. Are all flashlights like this? Higher output with rechargeables? Depends on current regulation but generally yes. Runtime however will generally be reduced as opposed to primaries.. Agree, for this series of batteries. However, the flashlight must be able to take the extra voltage, and many aren't rated for it. Hence the drawback of the Fenix. The eagletac batteries are the most recommended. I also got a set of the ultrafires (also protected) - they can be too long if you have to stack two. I'll let you know if they fit after I charge them, but I think they are going to be fine in the 1x Incendio. Plus I don't think the Incendio can run 2x even with a longer tube due to the voltage (then an 18650 is a great option). http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-lc-16340-3-6v-1000mah-protected-cr123a-batteries-pair-3204?item=2 decent cheap charger (I still wouldn't trust it left alone overnight etc.). I would not use other cheap chargers without substantial research. Shit can go bang. http://compare.ebay.com/like/180900531149?var=lv<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y&cbt=y |
|
Quoted:
Incendio (but I already said that on page 1 lol). Make sure you get the most current version - it has changed a lot recently. I opted not to get the xm-l version as it is a bit much for that size light & battery. Also, get the neutral (better contrast and more enjoyable to use)! Sorry sywagon, lol I looked at it for some reason when you posted it but for some reason just over looked it. My apologies This is the most current version correct? http://www.batteryjunction.com/incendio.html Thank you everyone for the help! |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Incendio (but I already said that on page 1 lol). Make sure you get the most current version - it has changed a lot recently. I opted not to get the xm-l version as it is a bit much for that size light & battery. Also, get the neutral (better contrast and more enjoyable to use)! Sorry sywagon, lol I looked at it for some reason when you posted it but for some reason just over looked it. My apologies This is the most current version correct? http://www.batteryjunction.com/incendio.html Thank you everyone for the help! Yes but the link that I posted has the free diffuser and has the neutral option. Both good companies I support though. |
|
Quoted:
I've had my 6Z since 1995 and have gone through 3 or 4 bezels, so I keep a few extras as backups. It eats batteries in about 1hr but by then it's so damn hot that it needs to be shut down anyway. Convert it to LED surefire has led heads Thats what I did with my little E1e instead of 10Lumen I now have 45 Lumen plus the run time is crazy long |
|
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Check out the Titanium Innovations Illuminati (aluminum model), you will be impressed, I guarantee it http://www.batteryjunction.com/titanium-innovations-ca1-al.html Wow! That thing does look pretty sweet, i may have to pick one up as a keychain light. But is twisting the head easy to do one handed under stress? I feel like a back button would be a lot easier. Yeah, the twisting of the head doesn't make it the best tactical light, but it's an excellent EDC light, it disappears in the pocket and it has an incredibly bright clean beam for it's size. This all the way!! Very bright, not just bright for the size, and its tiny!! I hate the twist as a tac light but it does what it does and it does it very well for EDC. Good price too!! |