What Are The Most Rugged Flashlights?

[kaichu dento]

I think you could buy a wide range of Surefires and be very happy and most definitely; the second you hold a Ra in your hand, especially the Twisty, you get the feeling you could drive tanks across it or throw it from mountaintops and have it not only work, but laugh it off at the same time!

Ra Twisty for absolute toughness!

 

[kramer5150]

This site used to have a great video of some guys thrash testing an energizer hard case 2AA light. All the commentary is legit and they filmed the entire session.

http://www.kokeytechnology.com/gadg...-and-ir-tactical-flashlight-review-and-price/
*EDIT*
found it here:
http://www.viddler.com/explore/w00t/videos/4

There also was a similarly destructive test done on CPF with the TK40, which included freezing and boiling it in water.

These 2 lights get my vote.

 

[LUPARA]

I don't have an opinion on the toughest flashlights. However, with a buttload of flashlight mavens from which to garner the very best info in the world today (CPF'RS); I am incredulous that manufacturers are not listening.
For example: If a manufacturer is touting a "tactical" flashlight; hell, the least they could do is PROVE its toughness, since the 'tactical' label should not be an arbitrary one, it should exude macho toughness. Therefore, a 'Glock'-type toughness video should be the norm. The Fenix TK40 torture test was VERY convincing and a definite sales catalyst.
Sometimes; seemingly small things, make a helluva difference between success and failure, especially if you're making a 'tank' series of lights.

The torture test is but one seemingly small thing; there are many others.

Happy Christmas and may you receive many tough lights to brighten your way!!!!
4Sevens have some very tough lights, but you wouldn't know it

 

[Cosmo7809]

Pretty much any SF and a Malkoff.


Also the Fenix E01 is quite rugged.

 

[kts]

TK20....Try this with your light...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxy_BPzfOAA&feature=related

 

[Tempest UK]

I wonder why the SureFire 6P/9P tend to be given so much praise as highly rugged and reliable lights. I'm not disagreeing that they are rugged/reliable, but no more or less so than just about any SureFire.

What makes the tailcap of a 6P (Z41) any less reliable than that of a C2/M2/M3/M3T/M4/etc? I would, without wanting to get worms everywhere, suggest that click on/off tailcaps are generally less reliable than twisty tailcaps. But even with that assumption, in that respect the likes of the LX2/A2L/L1 are just as reliable as the 6P.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[kramer5150]

I wonder why the SureFire 6P/9P tend to be given so much praise as highly rugged and reliable lights. I'm not disagreeing that they are rugged/reliable, but no more or less so than just about any SureFire.

Regards,
Tempest

They really aren't. I have cracked and dented my share of 6P pyrex + bezels, from waist high drops onto concrete. The Lexan / Nitrolon G2 bezel is definitely more rugged than the 6P/C2.... from what I have found.

The Z41 twisty on the other hand has proven to be very reliable in my light. I have dropped my 6P hard enough on that tailcap to gouge chunks of metal from it, but yet it continues to work 100%. It can also handle a TON of current at various voltages, with very low resistance so for the IMR-P91 crowd its a worry free slam dunk.

I modded my Z41-HA to a reverse clicky and completely regret doing that.:thumbsdow

I dont intentionally abuse my lights, they just get roughed up from my own clumsy-ness. The 6P is my walk home from the bus stop late at night torch, as well as the light I use to change motor oil, and fix stuff around the house. The DX-MCE drop in has handled all the rough/tumble abuse just fine. The body was bored to 18mm by modoo and shows no signs of failure.

 

[ElectronGuru]

I modded my Z41-HA to a reverse clicky and completely regret doing that.:thumbsdow

If you still have the original boot, I'll be happy to restore your Z41 to its original twisty glory.

 

[brianch]

TK20....Try this with your light...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rxy_BPzfOAA&feature=related

Try this with YOUR light

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82JLxaRvAAQ&feature=player_embedded

JetIIIM

 

[kts]

Try this with YOUR light

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82JLxaRvAAQ&feature=player_embedded

JetIIIM

Nice..Now we just need to see if a Surefire will survive to be frozen, then brutally de-iced with an axe

I found this wolf eyes video, seems pretty tough too...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5uodD7ZQIU0&feature=channel

 

[Tempest UK]

The Lexan / Nitrolon G2 bezel is definitely more rugged than the 6P/C2.... from what I have found.

I think that's quite possible. Neither material is really likely to be seriously damaged from regular use, but nitrolon, at least visually, holds up a lot better to dings and scrapes.

The Z41 twisty on the other hand has proven to be very reliable in my light. I have dropped my 6P hard enough on that tailcap to gouge chunks of metal from it, but yet it continues to work 100%.

Likewise. I've gouged chunks of aluminium out of the Z41 of my most used 6P. Just use a metal file and smooth off the rough edge and it's good to go again.

Although, I have broken a different Z41.

I dont intentionally abuse my lights, they just get roughed up from my own clumsy-ness. The 6P is my walk home from the bus stop late at night torch, as well as the light I use to change motor oil, and fix stuff around the house.

I find it more unusual that 90% of the photos of flashlights I see posted here on the forums show a pristine (or near enough) light that looks like it has hardly been used. There's no point in spending the extra cash for a rugged flashlight if you're going to wrap it in cotton wool instead of using it like the tool it is!

I understand buying a flashlight as part of a collection and little more, but even the photos of peoples' EDC flashlights can't help but make me think said people didn't need the sturdy aluminium, Type III anodised flashlights they have purchased when they don't seem to have subjected them to anything other than pocket lint.

But I know it's not as simple as that, and that reliability is a desirable quality when making a flashlight purchase. Even if you're not kicking down doors, it's nice to know that your money has been spent on a reliable piece of equipment.

Regards,
Tempest

 

[kaichu dento]

While I'm not surprised there are lots of kudos going to Surefire, I have a hard time understanding the lack of support for the Ra Twisty, which to me feels to be the tougher light by far. I mean, you could probably use one for holding tracks on a 966 and still be able to use it at the end of the day! :naughty:

 

[fisk-king]

While I'm not surprised there are lots of kudos going to Surefire, I have a hard time understanding the lack of support for the Ra Twisty, which to me feels to be the tougher light by far. I mean, you could probably use one for holding tracks on a 966 and still be able to use it at the end of the day! :naughty:

+1

some people like Hummers...some like tanks.:laughing:

 

[Woods Walker]

While I'm not surprised there are lots of kudos going to Surefire, I have a hard time understanding the lack of support for the Ra Twisty, which to me feels to be the tougher light by far. I mean, you could probably use one for holding tracks on a 966 and still be able to use it at the end of the day! :naughty:

Lack of support? I read RA Twisty at least 4 times maybe.

 

[garilla]

Just about any flashlight can be made to increase the toughness from drops by application of shock absorbing rubber around the bezel and tail section. This could be as simple as wrapping rubber mastic tape which is used for electrical connections for moisture seal, pad and splice connections. Or any rubber cover like the mini mag anti roll bezel cover. As everyone knows when shipping an item padding is always a good thing. Just a thought.

 

[qwertyydude]

My Inova Bolt 2 AA seems very tought and rugged, except it isn't waterproof.

 

[kramer5150]

If you still have the original boot, I'll be happy to restore your Z41 to its original twisty glory.

Thanks for the offer!! Let me look and see if I have the OEM boot, I don't think that I do.:mecry:

 

[kramer5150]

Lets not forget Mardukes "will it crush" series

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WvhJWE3_Oc

:twothumbs

 

[kts]

The Fenix T1 must be one of the most rugged lights ever made, I remember that several CPF members tried to kill it

 

[lrp]

My vote is the RA Twisty!