Brightspark1
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2014
- Messages
- 5
Hi all,
I've been looking at buying my first torch and hoping for a little help. From what I've read the Armytek Barracuda gets a good rap, but I'm not sure if it's best for me.
I'm after something super bright, with a low power function that will last for at long night bush walk. A red filter would be nice, not essential.
Don't mind what batteries, rechargeable is a plus.
around $200, less is obviously better.
not bigger than 300mm
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____Up to $200.
3) Format:
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
5) Emitter/Light source:
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
____I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
7) What power source do you want to use?
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I don't care
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
__y__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__y__I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
__y__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
Note: does this destroy battery life?
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____I don't know.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any switch will do.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____I don't know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Other, please specify___ a "nice" finish would be preferred _________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision). This would be nice but not essential
thanks guys
I've been looking at buying my first torch and hoping for a little help. From what I've read the Armytek Barracuda gets a good rap, but I'm not sure if it's best for me.
I'm after something super bright, with a low power function that will last for at long night bush walk. A red filter would be nice, not essential.
Don't mind what batteries, rechargeable is a plus.
around $200, less is obviously better.
not bigger than 300mm
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____Up to $200.
3) Format:
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
5) Emitter/Light source:
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
____I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
7) What power source do you want to use?
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I don't care
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
__y__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__y__I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
__y__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
Note: does this destroy battery life?
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____I don't know.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any switch will do.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____I don't know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Other, please specify___ a "nice" finish would be preferred _________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision). This would be nice but not essential
thanks guys
