Top 5 lights please?

Hi name your top 5 lights with the best at number 1. Please justify why you have chosen this and a price or a link for further info. Time I went shopping!! :thanks::thanks::thanks:

Rosso;

5) HDS U60. Small, fits nice in hand and pocket. Good variety of levels.

4) SF C2. Very tough duty light. On my LEO belt and top reliability.

3) SF M3T. Great search light. Super power and throw. Battery life poor.

2) E2D. Great throw, not much flood. But excellent defence tool. Small too.

1) U2. Despite problems with tailcaps. (I had 2 before found one that worked). The light is superb in many ways. The brightness of the top level is brilliant. Flood and throw excellent. The lowest level will last you for hours and hours of serviceable time.
In effect, it does the job of lighs 2/3/4 and 5 all in one package...


http://flashlightsreview.com/reviews/surefire_u2.htm


Hope the above is of some help to you buddy..

:rock:

1) Surefire A2. The hybrid light to own (both incandescent and LED), solid construction, one of the few commercial regulated incandescent lights on the market (doesn't dim over the battery life).

2) Surefire M3. Probably the best tradeoff between size and power in the Surefire M-series. Shock-isolated bezel means your lamp is really safe from going kaput if you drop it.

3) HDS EDC U60. Versatile, customizable, and tiny. Good throw, good runtime. Need I say more?

4) Arc-AAAP. The classic keychain light. Maybe it doesn't deserve a spot here because it's outdated tech, but it's a solid piece of art.

5) Fenix L1P. Amazing light for the price. Diminutive size, runs on common batteries. 2005's flashlight of the year.

Go check out Flashlightreviews.com for more info. Every light I mentioned can be found there.

By no means is my list comprehensive -- I neglected to include custom lights (Larry's L-123 and Don's McLuxIII-PD would be in the list), and my list is certainly not balanced.

Advice: Don't add up how many times a light is mentioned, just take a look at each one we mention and try to decide which is right for you, in terms of form-factor (size), features, brightness, and cost.

If you're looking for some lights that won't break the bank, refer to this thread for some good information. https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/94229

Here's what I posted in that thread:

carrot said:

I think a few sub-$100 quality lights would be better and more satisfying in the long run than a lot of cheaper lights, so this is my own suggested list.

Surefire E2e/E2o: $80 (can always be converted to E2L)
--- add in an SC3 spares carrier, spare bulb, and a dozen batteries: $45
Fenix L1P or L2P: $50
--- I don't bother counting AA batteries here, they're so common
Arc-AAAP: $40
--- I don't bother counting AAA batteries here, they're also so common
Streamlight Propolymer 4AA Luxeon: $25
--- common batteries.
Photon Freedom Micro: $15
--- 10 extra batteries: $2.50
Throw in a Thor 30MCP from Costcos, if you want a spotlight. $30

Total: $257.50-287.50

Not bad, if you ask me. Less bang for the buck in lumens/dollars, but the quality of these lights are all excellent. You'd also have pretty much all bases covered with this selection too.

In comparison, if you were to buy all the lights and mods mentioned in the original post -- it'd cost you $309 and you still wouldn't have tasted some of the very best in lights. Nothing against PrincetonTec, but they don't come to mind as the lights I'd want if I were limited to a tight budget.

Just my own thoughts.

Click to expand...

Me personally..

1. Surefire KL4 head on a Vital Gear VG2 body. It's bright and small enough for me, comes in handy all of the time. It's my EDC light for the most part.

2. Nuwai QIII. Itty bitty little bright monster, this is the light I'd go to when I want to be carrying something a little smaller without worrying about brightness. I really won the Luxeon lotto with this one, though, and not everybody is as lucky.

3. CMG Infinity Ultra-G. My SAR light, it rides in my go-bag on a constant basis. I love it. It's so tough and hardy..

4. Surefire A2. Multi-level regulated light with a bulb for high power and 3 LEDs for low. Just a super light.

5. The Barbolight. Just because it's fun.

Thanks everyone for the quick replies. I can see a lot of research lies ahead for me now but I have had that itch to just get something so I did. I just bought the Fenix LOP from member 4sevens. Woohoo! I'm thinking about the L1P too, which would you guys buy from the 2 and why? I'm thinking buy em both??

That is the CPF motto...can't decide, buy both...

Welcome to CPF,

I do not have 5 faves in order but has a fave or 2 for every use.

KEYRING LIGHT
This stays on my keyrings so as long as I got my keys I got light.
KevinL 26K coin cell keychain, small and bright. He is using 35K leds now.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=106040
UK 2AA eLED. Dim but the 20 hour runtime means if I am in a blackout away from home I will have light till morning. The rectangular shape makes it easy to find my keys. The keychain lug is on the front of the light so the light automatically shines on the keys without having to twist the light around.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/uk_2aaa_eled.htm
http://www.pocketlights.com/uk2aaa_eled.asp

POCKET LIGHT
Small light in my pocket for when I want light without having to hold my keys at the same time.
Nuwai TM-310H
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_tm-310h_aaa.htm
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=93397

Since you have a L0P on the way it could serve as both keychain and pocket light. I recommend a 2nd light just in case your primary light has low or dead batteries. BTW it is L-zero-P.

UTILITY LIGHT
The light for fixing leaks under the sink, blackouts, going to the toilet and raiding the refridgerator in the middle of the night. Some people prefer a seperate dimmer night prowl light so as to not wake up the rest of the family.
I have a rebranded Turtlelite with a Luxeon bulb upgrade. If I am buying new I would probably get a Streamlight propolymer 4AA luxeon for brightness
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propolyluxeon.htm
http://www.pocketlights.com/propolymer4aa_luxeon.asp
or UK 4AA eLED for long runtime.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/uk_4aaeled.htm
http://www.pocketlights.com/uk4aa_eled.asp

Your chunky ebay light will do the job unless you want to upgrade.

BRIGHT FLOOD
Wide angle beam so no need to swing the flashlight around to see detail.
7x7mm
http://ledmuseum.candlepower.us/third/7mmflite.htm
http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/7-led-led-diameter8mm-v4-p-366.html

BRIGHT THROW
To see as far as possible.
I live downtown. Do not need one. Do not have one.
The numbers on the flashlightreviews chart are approximate distance in meters one can see.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/chart_throw.htm

UPDATE UPDATE: I just bought an Inova XO in titanuim finish...thats flash-light number 2. Thanks for letting me know its L0P with a zero! On the look out for number 3 now :rock::rock::rock::rock::rock:

Do you have a Surefire? A G2 would be my first bet if I were you..

Very nice! The X0 is a great light and is also one of the lights i used to enter the world of flashaholism . The output, runtime, regulation, fit & finish never ceases to amaze me when i consider the purchase price of one!


I don't actually have a L0P, but the L1p instead. Gorgeous little light. If you do buy it, i don't think you'd be dissappointed. It is slightly brighter than the L0P and has the benefit of being easily modded into a two stage (low/high) light. Actually, on fresh batt's, the output is almost the same as the X0 .

Two stage mod thread here

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1178451#post1178451

5) LED Moded Mag (2C or bigger). Why would I pick this? Solid, Bright - very bright, Can be used as a club, Batteries can be found anywhere if in a pinch.

4) ¿¿¿ . Don't know what to put in this slot yet. I'll get back to it

3) Arc AAA-P . Perfect keychain light, enough said.

2) Surefire A2 . Best Hybrid hands down. Amazing incan regulation, handy LED's that last a long time after the incan leaves the party.

Drum-roll pleas......

1) Surefire U2 . Only had this light for about 10 minutes and I feel empowered just holding it. This light is like carrying an Arc-aaa, Fenix, HDC, and L2 all in one bad *** package.

To give you an idea of looks and size comparison....


left to right,

SF M3T, SF U2, Streamlight Scorpion, SF C2, SF E2D, HDS U60, Orb Raw.

Hi Safety1st I'm about to buy the ORB RAW, which package to you recommend? I'm thinking the following:

Purchase Raw 3 Watt, Charger & 1 RCR2 ??

Can you link me?? Thanks

The Fenix L0P is a neat light. I just received one yesterday and am really amazed at its size/output. It is incredibly small but can really light up a room.


cfb

rosso, you got it BAD! :naughty:

You can get a 3 watt Orb here.

I'm more impressed with a good inexpensive light than a good expensive one because - design wise - I think hitting a low cost point with a good product is harder. So:

#5: Streamlight Propolymer 4AA Luxeon. Don't have one but it looks like a good low cost thrower and is well received. $24.

#4: Elektrolumens XM-3: One of several good, rugged 2AA 1W-3W Luxeon/clone lights available. It happens to be the one I have and I like it's momentary switch. Bulletproof so far. Emilion's 3 watter looks good too. Fenix L2P looks pretty good for those with more expensive tastes.

#3: Fenix L1P. Sets a new standard for performance and value. Nothing else is close, yet.

#2: CMG Infinity Ultra (old style front twisty). Elegant design, tough, reliable, long runtime, enough light. I miss this one. Used to be $15.

#1: This one's slightly a cheat since it requires modification. Old style Dorcy 1AAA with LED upgraded with new Nichia or siimilar high brightness LED. $6 + new LED cost. Can have same LED and brightness (and useful WIDE flood beam pattern) as new Arc AAA (I know, less runtime...but not bad...) for $7. Internal design makes it VERY easy to change out LEDs so it has an unlimited upgrade life...better LEDs, more colors, UV, whatever. Tough circuit which can be driven at 3.7V if you want. No regrets if fate takes it from you. I stretch a piece of clear plastic tubing over the tail to prevent it from twisting accidentally in my pocket, and it (and it's twins in storage) are a companion for life. No clickie to break. Proven tough by use and one cycle through my washer/dryer..

Unfornately, you'll notice that the lights I like the most keep getting discontinued...

I don't see why all you older members prefer the CMG-style Infinity Ultra over the Gerber-style -- I think the Gerber-style looks a little more modern, still seems sturdy, doesn't rattle, and is easier to mod.

McLux III T $380 MY prefered, Titanium and nice 2 stage flood beam
HDS U60GT $230, Versatile, small and programable
Lighoon3 No public price not available, very inhabitual knurling, bright
Larry CR2, don't remember the price small and very bright
Fenix L1P with CR2 Body from NEkomane, $50, small, nice finish and cheap

My choice

Carrot, my thoughts on the Infinity are that while all of those things are true, there's something to be said for a light that you can drop a lithium battery in, leave for a reasonable amount of time and come back knowing that it's going to work. For a light like this, the style isn't important, the mod-ability isn't anything at all. Heck, I don't care if it rattles or not if it'll light up under any circumstance that I can throw at it. That's why I like the CMG design better - it's tough. And that's why I like the HAIII Ultra-G even more..

From the smallest to the largest

Keychain
Peak Pacific AAA Luxeon $50, HA-III, pocket clip, various bodies, lens kits, flat regulation and 3 hours alkaline/5 hours lithium AAA runtime.

Single AA light
MillerMods Fenix L1P $75, 500mA (1.7 watt) output, great throw, large side spill, two-stage switch (used as bicycle helmet light) 75 minute/6 hour? runtime Out throws my BB500 R2H minimag and Mediterranean!

2AA Work EDC light
Peak Mediterranean 2AA $110 "1.5 watt" Luxeon III, HA-III, different switch options (twistie/clickie) aluminum/brass/stainless steel optional construction, removable lug to mount on line-loc magnet/clamp and cool running with great runtime (2+ hours) on 2AA rechargables.

Variable output work light
nFlex 8 output levels with current regulation 8AA to 2D WX1S LuxeonV Mag mod. Great throw with a large hotspot. Remove head for amazing ultra-wide angle flood light. Runtime of 2.5 hours (high) to 80 hours (low) Will run on eight NiMH, alkaline or lithium AA cells.

That is only 4 lights, I am leaving room for my fifth one! A BAM! 8AA to 2D Mag with four Luxeon K2 emitters punching through four 20mm reflectors. 400 lumens of Luxeon love! My bored HA-III 2D Mag is on order and the BAM! has three output levels by twisting the Mag head. Throw in UCL glass and I will have my monster light in a 2D package. The BAM! should be available in May 2006 in 2/3/4 LED constuction for a drop-in mod.