Single Mode with a Momentary Switch?

Itsriker

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 4, 2017
Messages
6
Hey all!

Completely new to the forums, but after an afternoon of lurking and trying to find an answer I decided to throw this out to all of you.

I am looking for an EDC light, preferably 18650, although I'm not opposed to an internal lipo, with round abouts 800-1000 lumens, that is a single mode and utilizes a momentary, non clicking switch. So when I depression the button I complete the circut and get light, but as soon as I remove my finger, the circut opens and the light goes off.

Checklist below.

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

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.
__x__Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
__x__I 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.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
_x___SMALL - 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.


5) Emitter/Light source:

__x_LED (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:

_x___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).
____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.
__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.
____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)
____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).
__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).

_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)
_x___5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__x__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)
____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)
____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).
_x___Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


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).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
_x___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).
_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____________________.


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

_x___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.
____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).
_x___I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
_x___IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____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)
____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.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
__x__Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 

peter yetman

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 23, 2014
Messages
5,100
Location
North Norfolk UK
Surefire 6P with a drop in of your choice.
The SF Tailcap will fit on quite a few other lights such as Solarforce, Malkoff and Elzetta.
The 6p itself is discontinued , but they come up on Ebay and CPF.
You can just buy the tailcap, Z41, and fit it to a host of your choice.
Check out Solarforce as they probably make a similar tail and they're more affordable.
P
 

Itsriker

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Nov 4, 2017
Messages
6
Surefire 6P with a drop in of your choice.
The SF Tailcap will fit on quite a few other lights such as Solarforce, Malkoff and Elzetta.
The 6p itself is discontinued , but they come up on Ebay and CPF.
You can just buy the tailcap, Z41, and fit it to a host of your choice.
Check out Solarforce as they probably make a similar tail and they're more affordable.
P

So if I understand correctly, you're saying that there isn't anything on the market as is, and that I'll have to make some small modifications?

So the 6p has the button l'm looking for, and your recommendation is to drop in an LED?

As far as replacing the button on a light that is already LED, how would I figured out if the tail cap would fit another light?

Thank you for your help!
 

Bicycleflyer

Enlightened
Joined
Mar 21, 2008
Messages
470
Location
Cincinnati, OH, USA
Basically, what has been suggested is what we call a P60 host. The P60 is a popular " drop-in" module that was used in many SureFire lights. The 6P is a good host, but it can only accept CR123 primary batteries. To use an 18650, you will need to bore it. There are other Hosts out there. For example I was going to recommend to you a Solarforce host which can use 18650 with no modification. The host will include the body, tail-cap, head, and lens. Then you can choose any module you want. Single mode modules are available. P60 modules come in a wide variety of choices. Multi mode or single mode. Cool, neutral, or warm tints. 75 to over 1000 lms. There are a lot to choose from. Just google Solarforce and go to their web site. You can also find a wide variety of modules on Amazon.

Going the host direction is not a bad choice. You get a light exactly the way you want it and there is a sense of personal accomplishment building your own light. I personally have 3 hosts. Two 6Ps and one Solarforce. One of the 6Ps uses a single mode module with only 75 Lumens output. That is the light I keep in my auto and is one of my favorite lights.

Just be sure to watch what voltage you get. 18650s are 3.7 volts and two CR123s will be 6volts. While many P60 modules can handle a wide range ( 3 to 9v for example) others cannot.

Good luck to you..
 

bykfixer

Flashaholic
Joined
Aug 9, 2015
Messages
20,351
Location
Dust in the Wind
Welcome to CPF its-riker.

What you seek in large part isn't made anymore thanks to the market screaming for multi-settings.

I'd reccomend the Streamlight ProTac HL-X. It runs about $80 or less at Amazon, and can use an 18650. Their ten tap program is as simple as 9 times half press the button and hold #10 to change it to high only. Then you'll get momentary and high. If you decide you want lo/hi just do the ten tap thing again. 1000 lumens. It arrives hi/lo/strobe. I program all mine to low/me/hi or high only depending on its intended use.

Or their 850 lumen Protac HL USB that charges via USB cord and has the same ability for high only. They run just over $100 like $105 or so.

Streamlight makes great lights used by police and military galore.

Best regards.
 
Last edited:

Boris74

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Sep 23, 2017
Messages
192
Welcome to CPF its-riker.

What you seek in large part isn't made anymore thanks to the market screaming for multi-settings.

I'd reccomend the Streamlight ProTac HL-X. It runs about $80 or less at Amazon, and can use an 18650. Their ten tap program is as simple as 9 times half press the button and hold #10 to change it to high only. Then you'll get momentary and high. If you decide you want lo/hi just do the ten tap thing again. 1000 lumens. It arrives hi/lo/strobe. I program all mine to low/me/hi or high only depending on its intended use.

Or their 850 lumen Protac HL USB that charges via USB cord and has the same ability for high only. They run just over $100 like $105 or so.

Streamlight makes great lights used by police and military galore.

Best regards.

I second this. I mostly keep my HL-X on hi only and will go to lo mid hi if I feel like I need to. But I find I'll use the edc if I need lower lumens. I like keeping it on blast.

For anyone considering the HL-X I highly reccomend the streamlight brand 18650. I don't care what higher mah battery you run, the 2600mah streamlight 18650 runs it on full brightness longer. The higher mah batteries my budddies have will in fact run longer but they dim down quicker.

I would find a local dealer if possible to avoid a fake. I get my streamlight gear at a local cop shop who is an authorized dealer and their prices are slightly lower than any online store as they deal direct with them.

Good luck, I hope you find something that works out for you!
 

Keitho

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Jun 7, 2017
Messages
781
Location
CO, USA
Emisar D4: 4 clicks to make it momentary (max output turbo only when side button is pressed). 4 clicks again, back to the best UI I've ever used. $40, but no internal charger (charge batteries in a separate charger). The Emisar D1 is a larger, more throwy version, same price.
 

Itsriker

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Joined
Nov 4, 2017
Messages
6
Thanks everyone!

I'll definitely take a look on SolarForce to see what a drop in build would look like and price at.

I very much like the Pro Tac HL-X. That's quickly jumped to my number 1. I plan to hold out just a little bit, maybe even till Cyber Monday, but that looks like the most likely direction.
 

Itsriker

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Nov 4, 2017
Messages
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Would you recommend only going the P60 module route, or are there other modules you would recommend as well?
 

peter yetman

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North Norfolk UK
The Streamlight sounds a good idea.

As for the P60 it's a sort of universal drop in. There are other sizes used in other lights, but not as ubiquitous.
P
 

Bicycleflyer

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Mar 21, 2008
Messages
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Location
Cincinnati, OH, USA
Would you recommend only going the P60 module route, or are there other modules you would recommend as well?

There are other modules out there, but none as ubiquitous as the P60. Solarforce is not the only manufacturer of P60s, there are many others to choose from. Just google P60, or "drop-in". Amazon has a lot too.

Since you are new I would just stick to the P60.

Bykfxer makes a good recommendation with streamlight. They make good flashlights.
 

Itsriker

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Joined
Nov 4, 2017
Messages
6
One final question, if I may. And again, thanks to all of you for your help. I'm setting a ton of switches that are momentary and then if pressed further click, do any of you know of switches that do not have that click at all? I'm hoping to find one that is only momentary.
 

peter yetman

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That's what you're getting with that Surefire or Surefiresque tailcap.
It has a button which doesn't click. It's hold on / let go off. The only way to gat the light to stay on is to tighten tha tailcap. Loosen it and the momentary action works.
Does that make sense?
P
 

xxo

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Apr 30, 2015
Messages
2,993
Some of the older Surefires had switches like that, but most of the newer ones seem be clickies. The Maglite Mag Tac has a true momentary switch (press for on as hard as you like it won't stay on after you release it), but does have constant on with a rapid double tap.
 

Itsriker

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Joined
Nov 4, 2017
Messages
6
That's what you're getting with that Surefire or Surefiresque tailcap.
It has a button which doesn't click. It's hold on / let go off. The only way to gat the light to stay on is to tighten tha tailcap. Loosen it and the momentary action works.
Does that make sense?
P

Sure does! Thanks a ton! You've been incredibly helpful.
 

arKmm

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Feb 28, 2014
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340
Location
UK
It's out of your budget, but an Elzetta Bravo would do the the job and is available with a momentary only tailcap, that if you want to stay on you can twist instead. Model B131. Runs off CR123 but can take a 18650 or 16650 I believe?

Go to the Elzetta website and use their configurator to build the ideal one for you. They're some of the finest made and most reliable production flashlights.
 
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peter yetman

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Forgot about Elzetta, the Bravo doesn't take 18650 natively, but you can have them bored. although 16650 have better capacity than they used to.
The Elzetta Bones is more affordable and takes 18650 but has a clicky tailcap. You can buy the momentary Rotary Tailcap separately, but I haven't costed it.
P
 

bykfixer

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Bones runs about $150. It can take primaries or an 18650.

The tailcap is about as close to a twisty at momentary as I've seen. The click is near silent as well.
Basically the majority of travel between off and click provides momentary, then at about 80% clicks to on. So using a broad tip of a finger/thumb you get momentary and a slight adjustment of said philange to add pressure presses it enough to provide contant. In other words you have to want to stay on to make it stay on, and if not momentary only is the function. It's a pretty cool setup.
 
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