1 MILLION candlepower

[coolkev99]

So my dad made a Christmas list and on it was a request for a "1 million candlepower" light. My dad is an older gentleman, so I'm sure he's being very old school on his description and what he had in mind was one of those giant floodlights that hook up to a large battery. I know for a fact he would enjoy using something more compact and battery efficient, so I'm hoping that that the LED world has evolved to the point where I can get him something more modern with better light output for size/weight/battery life.

some points to know:

I don't know if he would want to mess with an extra charger and batteries. I'm thinking something that could use AA or CR123a may be better.
He won't be using it all the time so something with low parasitic drain is ideal.
Preferably nothing toooo GIANT, but I don't want to disappoint him on the light output either.

Anyone be willing to make a light recommendation?

 

[markr6]

I wonder if he's thinking one of those handheld spotting lights since those always seem to have the "1 million candlepower" on the package. Of course those are still available, but I saw a much smaller LED version from Rayovac at Home Depot the other day. Personally I would rather have a high output flashlight, but the spotlight may be an option.

 

[coolkev99]

He would rather have a high-power flashlight. I just don't think he knows that its possible now to get great light without having a giant incandescent flood.

I wonder if he's thinking one of those handheld spotting lights since those always seem to have the "1 million candlepower" on the package. Of course those are still available, but I saw a much smaller LED version from Rayovac at Home Depot the other day. Personally I would rather have a high output flashlight, but the spotlight may be an option.

 

[markr6]

Considering low parasitic drain and ease of AAs, something like the Nitecore EA4/EA41 or Fenix E41 or LD41 would be nice. They're small but throw a ton of light. And while I don't use the included Eneloop chargers, it would probably be fine for him considering they charge 4 AA cells in pairs.

He may want to stick with alkalines like my dad and unfortunatley be disappointed in a low runtime on high. You just need to explain to him that these suck a ton of power on high and reserve that for when you really need it.

I have the EA4, but it kills batteries fast just sitting, so there's some fuss with locking it out.

 

[Yamabushi]

1,000,000 candlepower = 981,000 candela (cd)

I doubt that you'll find anything handheld that literally achieves that intensity.

Probably the highest intensity AA powered flashlight is the Fenix TK41 which requires 8 x AA and achieves 59,000 cd. The Fenix TK61 could be run on 8 x CR123A and achieves 170,000 cd.

 

[StarHalo]

One serious issue you have to take into consideration is modes; not all older folks are compatible with mode-switching lights. But thanks to advances in tech, you can get a light that compares very favorably, if not better, at some of your local box stores for $30-40. The current Maglite PRO is putting out ~600 lumens, that's brighter than a car headlight..

 

[NoNotAgain]

1,000,000 candlepower = 981,000 candela (cd)

Probably the highest intensity AA powered flashlight is the Fenix TK41 which requires 8 x AA and achieves 59,000 cd. The Fenix TK61 could be run on 8 x CR123A and achieves 170,000 cd.

My Tk61 runs on eight 18650 cells. It balances as well as my Nitecore TM36.
I love the TK41 light (got the 860 and 900 lumen versions). It's got the right balance and diameter to fit my hand.

 

[Poppy]

Perhaps a rechargeable light?
You didn't mention how much you are looking to spend?

Supbeam has recently been renamed Acebeam and it has been reported that they built many of the Thrunite brand lights. With that being said, they are recognized as a quality builder.

I believe that they made a couple of lights that recharge the batteries inside the light. One such light is the K50