Sub-$40 <=7in variable lumens (or $40+if its a big difference)

corhsin

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
5
Hello CPF! I was looking at different flashlights and stumbled upon CPF. Not sure what to think of it. More about that in a different thread.


I some work at night in dark areas and need varying levels of light, some minimal so as to avoid waking people. I would like to select a flashlight that is relatively small and maybe pocket-sized. I believe that rules out anything more than a few double A's or a single C/D. Can anyone recommend anything based on the following vague answers to the questions? :)


==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================


1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____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 $25.
____Up to $50.




3) Format:
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).




4) Size:
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
Pref 5<7in




5) Emitter/Light source:
____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____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.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____In the future, I am (It can be a sideline to good recommendations now, just please don't derail the main request)--- 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 prefer not--- to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.




7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____Any




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).
Adjustable




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




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)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)




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).
Based on adjustable beam strength




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).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.
Removed the first two because I appreciate fine craftsmanship.




12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any size switch will do.




13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
I need the above. The rest would be great if available.
____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.)




14)Material/Finish/Coating
____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).




15) Water resistance
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)




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




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)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
**Any**


Thanks in advance.


Corhsin
 
Last edited:

LeanBurn

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 3, 2010
Messages
1,355
Location
Alberta
Re: Sub-$40 <=5in variable lumens (or $40+if its a big difference)

What about the Thrunite T10.

http://www.thrunite.com/thrunite-t10-xp-l-252-lumen-flashlight/

The T10 XP-L flashlight adopts a latest CREE XP-L V6 LED to make max output up to 252 lumens.
Features and Specifications

  • Cree XP-L V6 LED with a lifespan of 20+ years of run time.
  • Uses one 1.2V AA battery (not included).
  • Max output: 252 lumens with XP-L V6.
  • Working voltage: 0.9V-4.2V.
  • Output & Runtime (Tested with 1*1.2V AA Battery):

    -Firefly (0.2 lumens /240 hours),
    -Low (13 lumens /40 hours),
    -High (252 lumens /1.5 hours).


  • Peak beam intensity: 1062cd.
  • Max beam distance: 65 meters.
  • Reverse polarity protection design to protect from improper battery installation.
  • Tail-switch and twisting head design.
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum body with premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish.
  • Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating.
  • OP reflector gives perfect flood.
  • Removable pocket clip for easy to use.
  • Stand on tail to serve as a candle, with the wand covered on the head.
  • Waterproof: IPX-8 (2M).
  • Impact resistance: 1 meter.
  • Size: 90mm (Length) x 18.6mm (Diameter).
  • Weight: only 32g (without battery).
  • Accessories: Spare O-ring x 1, Pocket Clip x 1, Diffuser x 1
 

corhsin

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
5
I was planning on the ThruNite Archer 2A V3 before deciding to seek recommendations. I should have measured it, <7in is acceptable. OP updated.
 

corhsin

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 7, 2017
Messages
5
I am unable to edit the OP. I will do so when it is available. Thank you for the recommendations. Please increase the size slightly and keep them coming.
Corhsin.
 

aginthelaw

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 28, 2007
Messages
2,655
Location
NJ, USA
Re: Sub-$40 <=5in variable lumens (or $40+if its a big difference)

Emisar d1 or d4. You're going to have to study up on li-ion safety.
 
Top