Looking for a better light for exploring

[bondr006]

Let me see what I can do. If it stopped raining, I'll go do a couple in the back yard.

You wouldn't happen to be able to take a few beam shots for me would you?

 

[pbs357]

Hey Mythy, thought your name looked familiar - I just came across elpeecho's site the other day. :welcome:

I use a Fenix P3D with Q5 emitter when I go exploring. It's about the size of a roll of quarters and it has multiple levels of output so it's great if you need to switch up from LOTS of light to just a little so you can see, yet not attract attention to yourself (you know what I mean). You can get it at fenix-store.com which is a VERY reputable dealer. And be sure to use coupon code CPF8 to get 8% discount!

Also, sent you a PM...

 

[bondr006]

You are in luck Mythy. It's just sprinkling a little outside. The inside shot is in my completely dark upstairs hallway at 15 feet. The outside shot is to the back corner of my fenced in back yard(about 40 ft). Both pictures look very close to what my eyes see. Enjoy!

 

[bondr006]

Oh yeah. Here's a picture of my bump in the night light :thumbsup:

 

[Sgt. LED]

I recognize that backyard!

From a U2by2 beamshot.

 

[bondr006]

I recognize that backyard!

From a U2by2 beamshot.

You mean this one??? Yeah, I have to admit....the U2by2 has the 4D Mag with the Terralux beat by a bit Like the saying goes...You get what you pay for....:thumbsup:

 

[Sgt. LED]

Yeah there ya go!
AWESOME

It prompted me to get my own actually. My CC company and I want to thank you for that.

 

[WadeF]

For $60, maybe a Fenix L2D, runs on two AA's, or you could use rechargable NiMh AA's. Fenix-store.com has them, and you can use coupon CPF8 for 8% off since you're a member of CPF.

Some of the new head lamps aren't bulky at all, check out the Zebralights I reviewed here:

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/194427

The head lamp by itself probably wouldn't have as much throw as you'd like, but it's nice for tight places and gives you a very wide and floody beam to illuminate your immediate surroundings.

 

[bondr006]

No problem. I'm happy to help out any time I can

Yeah there ya go!
AWESOME

It prompted me to get my own actually. My CC company and I want to thank you for that.

 

[Gunner12]

The 4 Cell MagLED drop-in is around 60 lumen out the front. I'd suggest swapping in a Seoul P4 U or U2 bin LED for twice or more the output for the same runtime. Soldering skill will be needed.

The Terralux drop-in is also a good idea.

White LEDs run at around 3.5-3.7v. that would make it problematic for batteries. But that is also why many LED lights have circuits in them to raise or lower the voltage to what the LED needs. Usually though the 3 cell LED lights(like 3 AAA ones) have no circuit at all, a resistor at most, to control the voltage.

:welcome:

 

[bondr006]

Although I would agree that the Fenix L2D is an excellent choice when it comes to run time and portability.....It seems that the OP likes the idea of a heavier light that he can use for self defense if needed. And, the Terralux also gets 20 even, regulated hours on high, which the L2D can't touch.

 

[Mythy]

ok guys let me just say THANKS! to every one for the very warm welcome :twothumbs I'm a bit overwhelmed with ideas at this point so I need to give all this some thought. One thing is for sure I WILL be picking up a Fenix either the E20 (mostly the looks and style have me hooked) or the L2T (152 lumens, 2.4 hours) is just amazing for a second back up light.

Between the 2 I really cant decided one has me on the looks the other on the specs and both are just beautiful. For the mag I think a simple drop in bulb will suffice it is my main light and I need to maintain run time. The distance it can spot is important for the woods I do allot of night hiking so gazing over a large open field is a plus and if this is only 50 lumens then 150 should just blow my mind!

 

[Gunner12]

The L2T V2.0 would be a better choice over the E20 because:

Two easy to use modes
Accepts multiple other bodies(it accepts the P2D, L1D, L1T V2.0, and L2D bodies)

The E20 would be a better choice over the L2T V2.0 because:

Can be focused
Is lower in price

Both have a forward clickie like the Maglite.

50 lumen to 150 lumen should only seems like a 50-70% increase by eye. Since this is probably at the LED lumen instead of out the front lumen, the actual visible difference might be around 35%. It takes 4x the lumen for out eyes to sense a 2x increase in output.

 

[darknessemitter]

nope never even considered them but I think one would be a bit bulky and not very concealable.

I just skimmed over the thead and I don't think I saw anyone mention this yet. Headlamps aren't anywhere near as bulky as they used to be, especially since high powered leds became more readily available. There are many good headlamps now that can easily fit in your pocket.

 

[TorchBoy]

And if you've ever tried to hide a 3D Maglite in your pocket...

 

[Mythy]

my 4D hides easily in my pants :wave:

 

[defloyd77]

I'd suggest the Terralux drop in shown before, but see if you can find one with the new TFFC K2, it has a great tint.

 

[freedom2000]

That's where the driver/regulation board comes in.


Adding to what Marduke said, LED dice get more efficient when they are run at low power. Thus, running four dice in parallel would be a little bit more efficient than running a single die at the same total current. Using a P7 at 2.8 amps would give you lots of power if you wanted it but would not compromise on runtime when run on low power.

.

+1 Torchboy :thumbsup:

Just my 2 cents now !

If you want very long runtime then choose a flashlight with modes.

The model that I proposed has 3 usefull modes and with a 2000 mAh pack of cells you will get :
- full power = 2.8 A --> 45 min
- medium = 700 mA --> 2 hours and 51 min (well 3 hours !)
- low = 50 mA --> 40 hours :candle:

For the visual comparison of this led with the "almost best" Cree model (I mean the XRE CREE Q5), I must say that the P7 is a bit more purple (less soft light than the Q5) BUT it is impressively more powerfull.
I would say more than twice more light with the P7 rather than with the Q5.
Furthermore the P7 being composed of 4 dies, it has a wider beam than any other led. And if I remember you were looking for a wide beam light...

So don't skip too quickly the P7 die... well driven with a good driver with modes, it is really a fantastic light

JP

 

[TorchBoy]

my 4D hides easily in my pants :wave:

Sorry Mythy, I was going to say 4C as per your first post. Is it 4D or do you have one of each?

Freedom, I'll be taking inspiration myself from what you've done when I get my hands on a Cree MC-E, but I got the impression Mythy doesn't really want to get into that for a first mod. Feel free to put me right, Mythy.

 

[Niteshift911]

This may fit the bill for what you're looking for. I love mine. Three levels (Hi, Mid, Lo) strobe and sos. Makes for a nice little hand-warmer, too.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.14212