Dean N
Newly Enlightened
I'll apologize ahead of time for the long post. This could/should have perhaps been broken into several posts, but I'm putting together a lighting package, so seeing what all the package is seemed pertinent. On with the show...
I recently completed a CERT training course, and I am in the process putting together a couple of emergency triage/medical/light search and rescue backpacks for myself, in addition to the CERT bag provided by the FD. I'm looking at lights to satisfy a few different purposes, and realize that there is no one shoe fits all, so I'll get a few different (identical) lights for each bag. I'm looking for some feedback on what to consider for the following lighting scenarios:
Area Lighting: This is the one I need the most help on. I'm thinking about lighting for a multiple casualty triage zone. It would be impractical to lug around lanterns in my bag so I was looking at "candle" feature flashlights, but seriously, I would spend a small fortune to get enough to light an open air area. Then it occurred to me that glow sticks might be just the ticket. Unfortunately I have no experience with them and wanted to see if possibly someone here did. There aren't as many glow stick options as there are flashlights, but there are enough options that research is needed. There are various lengths, diameters, and colors. Brightness ratings seem non existent, though Cyalume's product pages mention that their 12" stick provide 4x the light of there 6"" stick for the same duration. There is some "mcd/m2 rating", but it doesn't seem to equate to lumens. Also, I'm not sure which color, if any glows brighter. I kinda presume the lighter (white) the better, but I don't know. The 12" is available ONLY in green, so...
Search & Rescue Handheld: I'm pretty much set on the Quark AA2 Turbo, unless I am made aware of something better for less, or there is something I am overlooking. The S&R would be primarily suburban, though I suppose urban is possible. The things I like most about it is the efficient use of readily available AA batteries (a must, and we don't live in a severe climate area) and the programmable variable output. Also the waterproofing due to chance of immersing. What I really like about the variable output is I can use just the amount of light I need, prolonging battery life, though have at my disposal a relatively bright light with decent throw. Are there other lights that have these features (AAs, variable power, ~200 max lumens, decent throw) to rival this Quark?
S&R/Extraction Headlamp: Again, I think I have my choice narrowed down to the Zebralight H51 Series. What I like about this light is although it would be most used for extraction (and medical and triage depending on ambient lighting conditions), the various carry modes make it a good practical light as well. I want to keep both of the S&R lights on the same batteries, so AA is required, as is waterproofing. What I don't like about the H51 is the broad spacing between the medium and high settings, 28 and 95. I'm not sure 28 is enough, and 95 seems like a lot... I would like a 45-ish setting. I am aware of the Ultrafire UF-2HB with the variable power settings, but I'm not sold on the light itself. I saw the "2008 Headlamps: comprehensive list and details" thread, but honestly didn't go through it all *yet*, mainly because it was started 3 years ago. I'm working through the Flood Beam Headlamp List - 2011 to see if there are lights like the H51 series. So far, nothing. Any suggestions to shorten my research time?
Relatively Powerful Light: Seems it would be good to have one that is a decently long throw spot(ish) light. Again I think I would want to stick with the AAs for continuity, though I suppose I could change my mind on that if the AA batteries limit my choices to just one or two lights. Waterproof is again desired, but I would want multiple power levels and an SOS signal. Something like the Fenix TK41. I haven't had much time to look into this category, yet, but I have looked at a couple dozen, usually eliminating the light due to battery type or no SOS.
Thanks for reading through.
Dean
I recently completed a CERT training course, and I am in the process putting together a couple of emergency triage/medical/light search and rescue backpacks for myself, in addition to the CERT bag provided by the FD. I'm looking at lights to satisfy a few different purposes, and realize that there is no one shoe fits all, so I'll get a few different (identical) lights for each bag. I'm looking for some feedback on what to consider for the following lighting scenarios:
Area Lighting: This is the one I need the most help on. I'm thinking about lighting for a multiple casualty triage zone. It would be impractical to lug around lanterns in my bag so I was looking at "candle" feature flashlights, but seriously, I would spend a small fortune to get enough to light an open air area. Then it occurred to me that glow sticks might be just the ticket. Unfortunately I have no experience with them and wanted to see if possibly someone here did. There aren't as many glow stick options as there are flashlights, but there are enough options that research is needed. There are various lengths, diameters, and colors. Brightness ratings seem non existent, though Cyalume's product pages mention that their 12" stick provide 4x the light of there 6"" stick for the same duration. There is some "mcd/m2 rating", but it doesn't seem to equate to lumens. Also, I'm not sure which color, if any glows brighter. I kinda presume the lighter (white) the better, but I don't know. The 12" is available ONLY in green, so...
Search & Rescue Handheld: I'm pretty much set on the Quark AA2 Turbo, unless I am made aware of something better for less, or there is something I am overlooking. The S&R would be primarily suburban, though I suppose urban is possible. The things I like most about it is the efficient use of readily available AA batteries (a must, and we don't live in a severe climate area) and the programmable variable output. Also the waterproofing due to chance of immersing. What I really like about the variable output is I can use just the amount of light I need, prolonging battery life, though have at my disposal a relatively bright light with decent throw. Are there other lights that have these features (AAs, variable power, ~200 max lumens, decent throw) to rival this Quark?
S&R/Extraction Headlamp: Again, I think I have my choice narrowed down to the Zebralight H51 Series. What I like about this light is although it would be most used for extraction (and medical and triage depending on ambient lighting conditions), the various carry modes make it a good practical light as well. I want to keep both of the S&R lights on the same batteries, so AA is required, as is waterproofing. What I don't like about the H51 is the broad spacing between the medium and high settings, 28 and 95. I'm not sure 28 is enough, and 95 seems like a lot... I would like a 45-ish setting. I am aware of the Ultrafire UF-2HB with the variable power settings, but I'm not sold on the light itself. I saw the "2008 Headlamps: comprehensive list and details" thread, but honestly didn't go through it all *yet*, mainly because it was started 3 years ago. I'm working through the Flood Beam Headlamp List - 2011 to see if there are lights like the H51 series. So far, nothing. Any suggestions to shorten my research time?
Relatively Powerful Light: Seems it would be good to have one that is a decently long throw spot(ish) light. Again I think I would want to stick with the AAs for continuity, though I suppose I could change my mind on that if the AA batteries limit my choices to just one or two lights. Waterproof is again desired, but I would want multiple power levels and an SOS signal. Something like the Fenix TK41. I haven't had much time to look into this category, yet, but I have looked at a couple dozen, usually eliminating the light due to battery type or no SOS.
Thanks for reading through.
Dean