Looking for my first and last flashlight

tostitostelli

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 29, 2015
Messages
12
Hello, welcome, and thanks for reading and possibly giving advice!
So i'm looking for my first, and only flashlight, ever. So basicly i'm looking for top notch quality.
I realize I have far less so knowledge about flashlights then most people around here, so I hope you guys(gals) can help me out:)
I've had a look at the SR96 Intimidator from Olight, and that light has everything I want, except for durability and water(IP8X) protection. Just to give an idea of what i'm looking for. I'm clumsy by nature, so durability needs to be as high as possible.
The light needs to have atleast 2500 lumens, preferably more, like it to be a beast!

Ive entered ''optional'' a few times, which means: nice if the light has it, but is not neccesary.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__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! :)

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
__x__Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
__x__I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__x__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
__x__LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

__x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
__x__HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

__x__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
__x__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
__x__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
__x__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).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__x__I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

__x__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.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
__x__Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
__x__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____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.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__x__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
__x__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).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
___x_30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
___x_90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__Optional__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__x__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

__x__Any size switch will do. As long as its not tiny.
__x__I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__x__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
__Optional__I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
__Optional__I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
__x__Other, please specify. Prefer metal over plastic for feels, also durability is important.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
__x__IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
__x__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
__x__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____


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).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
__optional__"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
__optional__Wrist/Neck Lanyard
__optional__Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 

ven

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 17, 2013
Messages
22,533
Location
Manchester UK
:welcome:

If and its a big IF i was to buy one light,it would be along the lines of the Fenixtk75vn Killer Throw. This can be used with extension tubes for extra run times if required........
Option C with around 300kcd and great flood/spill
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?374328-WTS-TK75vn-4400L

Always worth having a back up though,not only if it breaks(all be it unlikely),but could run out of juice or even lost..........just a thought
 

ven

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 17, 2013
Messages
22,533
Location
Manchester UK
Just too add in case you have not already ,have a little read up on lithium cells and charging of. Presuming of course you go that way which for your needs looks so:)

Decent brands,decent charger from a reputable shop is the way forward:thumbsup:
 

ven

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 17, 2013
Messages
22,533
Location
Manchester UK
Hi there,not sure on what you mean about working,the light? or something else.

tk75 has 2 large buttons,power and mode so easy to use with gloves etc. Cells wise,takes 4x18650 in removable carrier. Can purchase up to 3 extension kits if required ,but i am sure 1 would be enough. Good thing without having a built in battery is cost,can replace cells instead of having light on charge and cheaper too. By fitting 3400mah cells,run times will be very good,ext kit will more than double the run time.

If you mean ordering off vinh,just use email and he will advise from there,usually paypal :)

Its a great light,well made and a popular choice,hard to go wrong in standard form,modded even better due to better heat sinking,current bump and vinhs customer service is excellent.

Charger wise,along lines of xtar or nitecore do good value chargers,cells wise panasonic,keeppower,efest,eagletac,olight etc etc
 

tostitostelli

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 29, 2015
Messages
12
Hmm i see, so I mail the guy. Gonna be a bit too expensive i think, since he's in america, and import taxes would take that price through the roof.
Anything that you can recommend that is purchaseable in the EU, that follows my wishes?:) (since you're in the uk)
Also, thanks for your advice on chargers and cells, but if im honest i dont understand. Do i need another charger then what usually comes with a light?
Also i really dont like swapping cells, just a normal battery will do.:)
Hope im not being too difficult:)
 
Last edited:

ven

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 17, 2013
Messages
22,533
Location
Manchester UK
It will limit your choice to lights like the rc40 then or possibly the acebeam k60,latter still requires 6 cells and has built in charger.

Have a search on here,or look at battery university ,little read up on the chemistry (lithium) . For your 2500+ml it will be using this chemistry(or IMR/(INR) as fuel.

I have a few lights with built in chargers,sr52vn,tm15,k40vnTQ to name some,but prefer to charge out of light on my vp1 and vp2 chargers unless I am away.

I have only paid duty once as usually marked down,once the package was 2.2kg so I ended up paying around £20 off top of head.....nothing. Not sure on what tax you pay,but you may be surprised how much you may save altogether and have a far superior light(IMO) over stock.

If you want an awesome light with built in battery pack (removable)and essentially unlimited budget,then how about

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?399528-Polarion-Night-Reaper

:whistle:
 
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