Have You Found Your Perfect Light Yet

[DaFABRICATA]

If the Tri-V were waterproof, not just water resistant, I would consider it to be as close to perfect (for me) as I've been able to find.
It really does make me wonder if I need to keep all these other lights around.:thinking:

 

[manitoe]

For me the Ra Clicky 170 is as close as it gets to a perfect light. Solid, reliable, good output, very efficient, nice beam pattern, amazing UI and a very low low mode. None of my other lights come close to it...

 

[LEDninja]

As technology changes the Perfect Light is a moving target.

Incan > 5 mm LED > Luxeon > Cree > multi-die emitters > big single die emitters.
Incan > cool white > Neutral white > warm white.
Single mode > 2 mode > multi-mode > too many modes > KISS, back to 2 or 3 modes.

Size and weight requirement changes with use. I do not have a single perfect light but one for each purpose.
Keychain - lightest possible - Millermodded Arc AAA.
Goto EDC - pocketable - Quark Mini AA.
Utility light - 4AA plastic stubby with LED drop in.
Bright light - 3C P7 Mag

 

[scout24]

My problem is that I found the perfect keychain light, and needed a twin as backup. Also found the perfect EDC, and needed a twin. Then, another perfect EDC, and needed a twin. Perfect around-the-house light, and needed a twin. Perfect High CRI flood, and needed a twin.... I could go on...:sssh: It has been a fun ride, though.:D

 

[papajoe]

Of course not. That's why I read this thread !!

As a kid, I was pleased with one flashlight. As a young adult, I had three or four. Later in my life, I've always had a dozen lights (cars, garage, home, barn, work place, RV, Boat, etc.)

NOW, since I found THIS forum. . . . . . . . . .
I don't want to talk about it. :sigh:

There is no perfect flashlight. There may be a perfect combination . . . . .

 

[Foxfyre]

HDS Basic 42 XR GT clipped to a pocket, Muyshondt Aeon with a peach colored filter on the lens in a pocket, Surefire T1A Titan 123 in a pocket. Quark Ti 123 on the belt... :rolleyes:

Nope, havn't found the perfect light yet, but it's not for the lack of having a bloody fun time trying to... :laughing:

 

[Brigadier]

I guess you have not found one yet if you need a light to cover all those categories I am sure there is one out there it might not fit in your pocket though.

Nope. I am not foolish enough to think there is a one light does all flashlight out there.

Besides, what is the fun in that?

 

[kramer5150]

The thread is "your perfect" not "the perfect" :naughty:

... even so... MY perfect flashlight has not yet been found. If you haven't found design limitations in a light... you're just lot looking hard enough.

 

[Per-Sev]

I disagree with the above statement. IMO, when it comes to flashlights, a jack of all trades is a master of none. For SD and HD I would want nothing but a single mode, high output light, that is big enough to get a firm grip on. A non-SD EDC should have several easily accessible modes, and be relatively small. For power outages, camping, and roadside emergencies I would prefer lower output and long runtime.

I disagree with your disagree my light IMO covers all those requirements IMO maybe not yours but its my perfect light.

 

[RepProdigious]

After quite a long search, this is currently my perfect light!!

Its all i need for an EDC at just the right price/looks/feel and everything ;)

 

[sappyg]

the easy answer is the flashlight you happen to have when in need is the perfect flashlight :whistle:

for me....... the one light that covers all the bases is the HDS/ RA clicky EDC-120T. simple, programable, handy, rugged, powerful, and reliable.

 

[cm_mtb]

I disagree with your disagree my light IMO covers all those requirements IMO maybe not yours but its my perfect light.

I guess we'll have to agree to disagree. ;) In the end, all that matters is that you are happy with what you feel is the perfect light.

In response to the original topic: I think my E2e is close to perfect for my need/want for an easily pocketed incan. A Ra Clicky in high CRI is at the top of my to-buy list, though, as it looks like an extremely versatile light.

 

[COAST]

I'm pretty sure I've found my perfect light! (Ra Clicky 140 Executive with black SS bezel) But that isn't goin to stop me from buying a whole li=ot more of other lights. Including more Ra's :)

 

[adamjh3]

Somone already mentioned that lights, like knives, suffer from "specialization syndrome." My grandfather carried a small Case pocket knife every day for 40 years, used it for everything from field dressing deer to cutting an apple for lunch to opening his mail. He had one knife for it all, and it suited his needs perfectly, for those three tasks I'd probably use five different knives.

It seems the more you learn about something, the more you feel like your gear is inadequate. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have used their incan 3D mags successfully for "home defense" and plenty of people who use their minimags for things that many of us would gawk at claiming "you call that a flashlight? I can't believe you work with that." I know I'm that way with knives now, it's gotten so bad that I can't even order a steak at a restaurant because of how terrible their steak knives are. I don't even want to talk about helping to prepare a meal at a friends house.

Unfortunately, I'm getting that way with flashlights, too. Thanks, guys :(

-Adam :thumbsup:

 

[flashfiend]

... even so... MY perfect flashlight has not yet been found. If you haven't found design limitations in a light... you're just lot looking hard enough.

Perfect light for what? EDC? Power outages? Self defense? Home defense? Search and Rescue? Camping? Roadside emergencies?

I doubt one light can do all those.

+1 and +1 to both of the above. I can't get one light to do all the functions I'd like it to do even acceptably well. Physics, chemistry, technology prevent it from happening.

 

[Flying Turtle]

So far the one that's closest is the LF2XT. Not that it couldn't stand some improvement, but for my use it's best. Make it smaller, brighter, and smarter and it will be more perfect.

Geoff

 

[Vortus]

When its finished, I think it will be.

 

[dudemar]

First it was the SF A2, then the Pila GL3, and now the Heliotek HTE-1A. I still love (and use) the other lights, but the Heliotek is my primary EDC.

Perfect light for what? EDC? Power outages? Self defense? Home defense? Search and Rescue? Camping? Roadside emergencies?

I doubt one light can do all those.

IMO the Heliotek can do all of those things and then some. Heck, it can float in water and it's depth rated @150'!

Oh, and it can tailstand with the lanyard attached... has a pocket clip... diffuser... weighs 6 ounces with batteries... where should I stop?:grin2:


I think "self defense" with a flashlight is a misguided term, though.

 

[cm_mtb]

I think "self defense" with a flashlight is a misguided term, though.

I can't speak for Brigadier, but when I mentioned self defense, I wasn't referring to SD with just a flashlight. ;)

 

[jacktheclipper]

My perfect light has not been invented yet. The beam would be flawless , no hotspot , just a completely even beam.
The beam would be fully adjustable from a pencil of light to a wall of light and the otf lumens would be infinitely adjustabe from .01 lm to 1000 lm. I would like all this to be done with dual twisty U.I. , the front twisty for beam shape and a rear twisty for output. For the batteries I would prefer AA or a similar size and availability. This light would have an unconditional lifetime warranty on all parts and labor and cost less than $40.

Well , a fella can dream can't he ?
After all , current reality consists of the dreams of yesterday......