MarkIAlbert
Newly Enlightened
Here are my thoughts. I've added a few categories...
EDC Formal:
- Milky E2L and Milky L4 can be easily carried in any suit and deliver up to about 200 lumens (with the Acorn modules set at 1 amp)
EDC Casual:
- This is a tough one. Three are vying for top position: A Dereelight CL1H V3 - 3-stage Q5, a Milky SF E2L with 1-amp Acorn drop in, TIR lens and Cree Q5, and a Milky SF L4 with an acorn drop in and an SSC emitter. For general purpose, I go with the Dereelight. For flood, I go with the L4. For throw, I go with the E2L
EDC Travel:
- Olight T20 Q5 - This is a beautiful little light that fits anywhere, has multiple output settings, and can really light something up. It's also reasonably priced so if it gets lost by baggage handlers, I won't be too upset.
Water Use:
- UK HID-100. Fabulous dive light. I've used it since it first came out. I've been diving since 1972 and this is the best dive light I've ever used.
Bedside:
- Streamlight Ultrastinger - I keep it in its charger and it's always ready. It's bright, reliable and I like the way the charger discretly mounts on the wall next to my bed. I do not use it for reading. I wish it used Li Ion though...
Automobile:
- Streamlight HID Lightbox and Eagle LightHawk - I'm a firefighter so these are really good to have handy. I take the Light Hawk when I need a long-life lantern - The LightBox when I need to light up the side of a building.
ANSII jacket backup light:
- When the pager goes off at 3:00 in the morning, I don't always remember to bring everything I need, so having a backup set of tools where I might need them can in can come in handy. In my jacket, I keep a Leatherman, a Milky SF M2 with Acorn drop in, and a traffic wand (attachment).
Backyard Spotting:
- Warrior 3500. In addition to being a beatiful HID for the occasional need to 'light things up', it makes a pretty good sun lamp.
Nightime Walking:
- Peak LED First Responder - I love this light, but would love it even more if they would finally release a 2 x 18500 or 2 x 18650 option along with a forward clicky of higher quality.
Household Use:
- The Lumapower MRV is a great household light. Its bright, has good throw, and is durable enough to survive typical outdoor / around the house abuse by children, pets and non-flashaholic spouses.
Garage:
- I use a wired transportable fluorescent, since my garage has electricity.
Show-off-to flashaholic friends:
- Milky Gotham. This is a work of art. Hats off to Leaf and Milky on this one.
Bug-Out Bag (BOB):
- Petzl Myo XP, Mag 2D with LED drop in + extra batteries for both. Here you need enough light, long-lasting light and batteries you can find just about anywhere.
There can be only one! (custom):
- This one is just too tough. So many clever and beautiful mods out there. Based on my purchase behavior, I'd probably give the nod to Milky Spit's work. Keep up the good work, Scott.
There can be only one! (stock):
- SF makes a fabulous suite of lights and if I were picking the best all around manufacturer, they would without doubt take top honors. That being said, if I could only have one stock light to use for all of my lighting needs, it would have to be my Dereelight CL1H V3. It's really bright (230-250 Lumens), has three settings (including a long lasting low setting), is built like a tank, is compact enough (smallest 18650 light with P60 drop-in), is easily upgradeable and is (relatively) inexpensive. Hats off, Alan.
Most recommended to non-flashaholics:
- The Fenix 2AA is a great light for those who might thing that RCR 123s and Seoul SSC P4s are part numbers in a Sears lawn-mower repair catalog.
Most lumens for the buck:
- Kai Domain's 600 Lumen 3-emitter SSC light comes in under $50. I got one for my 12-year old who has used this light to become 'Manhunt' champion of our town.
