Hi! This is my first post here, and I'm basically a newbie in lights. I want to get a good flashlight mainly for EDC and camping. I don't currently own any 18650s or a charger, so I was thinking that starting with a rechargeable flashlight is a good idea, and later on expanding my equipment with some an Opus charger, 18650 batteries, and a headlamp. Short summary of my preferences: EDC-sized, rechargeable but should work with (and preferably charge) other 18650 cells, should have a tail switch, not be too expensive (is sub-$80 possible?), and come in neutral white. Nitecore MH12 or Klarus XT11S would fit the bill, but I'm afraid their color temperatures will be too cold? Or am I being irrational?
Best regards,
jpaul
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
Though is has to ship to Europe.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
__x__Up to $100.
3) Format:
__x__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
__x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
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).
7) What power source do you want to use?
__x__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.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
__x__I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
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).
__x__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
__x__I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
__x__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__x__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 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.
__x__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__x__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.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
__x_Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
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).
__x__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.
__x__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
__x__I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
__x__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.)
__x__I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
14)Material/Finish/Coating
__x__I don't care.
15) Water resistance
__x__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
16) Storage conditions
__x__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
Best regards,
jpaul
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
__x__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
Though is has to ship to Europe.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
__x__Up to $100.
3) Format:
__x__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
__x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
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).
7) What power source do you want to use?
__x__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.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
__x__I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
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).
__x__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
__x__I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
__x__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__x__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 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.
__x__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__x__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.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
__x_Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
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).
__x__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.
__x__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
__x__I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
__x__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.)
__x__I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
14)Material/Finish/Coating
__x__I don't care.
15) Water resistance
__x__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
16) Storage conditions
__x__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
