FlashLightMk2
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2016
- Messages
- 8
Hi there,
I currently have an LED Lenser P7.2 and really like it (WHEN it's at max brightness); the problem is it's only ever at max brightness for the first few minutes after having new batteries - and that just won't do!
I've read a few threads on CPF with a view to trying to use rechargeable AAA batteries in it, and came across the Panasonic Eneloop batteries.
Threads (and LL recommendations) suggest rechargeables are not suitable for the P7, and though I can't find anything specifically relating to the P7.2 I'd guess the answer is the same.
HOWEVER - some posts suggest people use rechargeables all the time and have no issues!
Can I use Eneloops?
If so - What mAh should I get per battery?
Ideally I'd like to be able to use some kind of rechargeables in my P7.2, that are going to have a high light output for the duration of their charge, instead of dimming throughout the depletion, BUT, if that is a 100% no-go, I need a new torch recommendation. My "recommendation" questionnaire is below:
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!
____I don't know yet
____Up to £25.
X Up to £50.
X Up to £100.
____Up to £200.
____Up to £300.
____Essentially unlimited.
3) Format:
____I am not sure, please help me decide.
XI want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____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.
X TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
XSMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.
*Will be kept on a tac-vest or belt, so can be short and fat (like the P7.2), or slightly longer and thinner (like perhaps a Thrunite TN12).*
5) Emitter/Light source:
XLED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
XI want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____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).
X I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
X I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
XI 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)
X I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____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)
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 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).
*Area searching* - P7.2 is "okay" for what I "need" (but again, only at "full charge") More light than the P7.2 is fine, but less isn't.
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.
____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.
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.
X 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.
X 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.
*I like the "zoom" type option on the P7.2. It's rare I use the "wide flood" type option, but regularly use the "throw" option for searching*
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)
X Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
X 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
X 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)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
*I can always use a smaller torch for close-up "room" searching, it's the outdoors use I'm after*
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)
____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)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
*I can carry a spare set of batteries (currently carry 4x AAA spares), but not a lot as it'll have to be "on me".*
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.
*The P7.2 is VERY reliable in my opinion - if not for the batteries/brightness issue, I'd be very happy keeping it*
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
X I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
X 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).
X I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
X 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____________________.
*P7.2 has a tail button - this is perfect for me, but I'm open to something else within the above selection at a push*
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.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____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.
X I don't know.
*P7.2 has 2 modes plus "hold" turbo mode. This is enough for me but I'm open to a couple of extra levels if the torch itself is right*
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
X Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
X Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
X Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
X IPX4 (Splash resistant)
X IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
*Only really has to withstand heavy rain, I don't intend to take it swimming!*
16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
X Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____
*As aforementioned - kept in a tac-vest or belt*
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.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
X Pocket/belt clip
X Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
Thanks in advance!
I currently have an LED Lenser P7.2 and really like it (WHEN it's at max brightness); the problem is it's only ever at max brightness for the first few minutes after having new batteries - and that just won't do!
I've read a few threads on CPF with a view to trying to use rechargeable AAA batteries in it, and came across the Panasonic Eneloop batteries.
Threads (and LL recommendations) suggest rechargeables are not suitable for the P7, and though I can't find anything specifically relating to the P7.2 I'd guess the answer is the same.
HOWEVER - some posts suggest people use rechargeables all the time and have no issues!
Can I use Eneloops?
If so - What mAh should I get per battery?
Ideally I'd like to be able to use some kind of rechargeables in my P7.2, that are going to have a high light output for the duration of their charge, instead of dimming throughout the depletion, BUT, if that is a 100% no-go, I need a new torch recommendation. My "recommendation" questionnaire is below:
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!
____I don't know yet
____Up to £25.
X Up to £50.
X Up to £100.
____Up to £200.
____Up to £300.
____Essentially unlimited.
3) Format:
____I am not sure, please help me decide.
XI want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____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.
X TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
XSMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.
*Will be kept on a tac-vest or belt, so can be short and fat (like the P7.2), or slightly longer and thinner (like perhaps a Thrunite TN12).*
5) Emitter/Light source:
XLED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
XI want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____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).
X I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
X I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
XI 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)
X I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____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)
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 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).
*Area searching* - P7.2 is "okay" for what I "need" (but again, only at "full charge") More light than the P7.2 is fine, but less isn't.
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.
____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.
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.
X 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.
X 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.
*I like the "zoom" type option on the P7.2. It's rare I use the "wide flood" type option, but regularly use the "throw" option for searching*
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)
X Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
X 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
X 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)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
*I can always use a smaller torch for close-up "room" searching, it's the outdoors use I'm after*
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)
____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)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
*I can carry a spare set of batteries (currently carry 4x AAA spares), but not a lot as it'll have to be "on me".*
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.
*The P7.2 is VERY reliable in my opinion - if not for the batteries/brightness issue, I'd be very happy keeping it*
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
X I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
X 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).
X I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
X 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____________________.
*P7.2 has a tail button - this is perfect for me, but I'm open to something else within the above selection at a push*
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.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____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.
X I don't know.
*P7.2 has 2 modes plus "hold" turbo mode. This is enough for me but I'm open to a couple of extra levels if the torch itself is right*
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
X Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
X Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
X Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
X IPX4 (Splash resistant)
X IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
*Only really has to withstand heavy rain, I don't intend to take it swimming!*
16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
X Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____
*As aforementioned - kept in a tac-vest or belt*
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.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
X Pocket/belt clip
X Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
Thanks in advance!
