Do_the_fandango
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Feb 8, 2017
- Messages
- 36
Looking for a long throw (600ft +) small EDC light... maybe an Olight S1 mini with an aftermarket smooth reflector and dedomed LED?
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I have no preference regarding where I purchase the light (brick and mortar store, or mail-order). I assume my preferences would require a modded or built to spec light.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200 (preferably less 😂)
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity)
*possibly dedomed?
6) Manufacturer:
No preference
7) What power source do you want to use?
CR123 or RCR123 I would imagine based on the size of the light
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
If RCR123 I'd imagine a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
Minimally - I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
Ideally - I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
✅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.
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
____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)
____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).
Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
While size is important I would like for the batteries to last longer than 30 min if possible.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
Prefer: I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
Ok with: 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.
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
I'd prefer (5lumen / 60lumen / 300lumen / 600lumen+) or something along those lines.... I think?
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Aluminum/ SS / Ti / prefer the look of copper though 😄
15) Water resistance
Minimally: IPX4 (Splash resistant)
Ideally: IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)/ or more
16) Storage conditions
EDC / 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.
Thank you guys so much for any help / suggestions pointing me in the right direction!
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I have no preference regarding where I purchase the light (brick and mortar store, or mail-order). I assume my preferences would require a modded or built to spec light.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200 (preferably less 😂)
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity)
*possibly dedomed?
6) Manufacturer:
No preference
7) What power source do you want to use?
CR123 or RCR123 I would imagine based on the size of the light
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
If RCR123 I'd imagine a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
Minimally - I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
Ideally - I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
✅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.
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
____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)
____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).
Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
While size is important I would like for the batteries to last longer than 30 min if possible.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
Prefer: I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
Ok with: 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.
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
I'd prefer (5lumen / 60lumen / 300lumen / 600lumen+) or something along those lines.... I think?
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Aluminum/ SS / Ti / prefer the look of copper though 😄
15) Water resistance
Minimally: IPX4 (Splash resistant)
Ideally: IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)/ or more
16) Storage conditions
EDC / 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.
Thank you guys so much for any help / suggestions pointing me in the right direction!