A Pocket Thrower for boating at night

[tubed]

I’m trying to find a pocket thrower for boating at night. I’d like a single 18650 or 2x cr123 (preferably can take either) –something like the Quark Turbos. I need it to spot distant objects and check things in the boat. Here are the features I value.

1. doesn’t have to be comfortable in pocket – just fit in pocket (so all the big head lights are ok
2. must have at least 2 levels and ability to come on in low so I can check things in boat and not lose vision
3. would love for it to have memory so that when using to find channel markers, moorings, lobsterpots – can turn it on/off quickly on high.
4. More focused throw- flood is not desireable on boat as it bounces off white interior and blinds me
5. SOS and beacon settings are good but not essential
6. I like simple UIs – but am coming around to the 4-7s tactical one which can be made to be simple
7. Would prefer side button (or other forward) control more than tail clicky
8. <$100

Here’s what I’m looking at so far (this is a crowded market that seems to change weekly –especially the multiple Quark Turbos that are out there)

• quark Turbo –there are XML and R 5 versions out there. Sounds like R5 would be better for throw but has significantly less lumens. Also- I’d like the option of 18650s
• 4 sevens Maelstrom MMS – as I write this I’m realizing this may be the light. Don’ like crenelated bezel.
• Sunwayman C20c – been looking at this light for while now. Seems right but concerned may be too floody
• Sunwayman V20 (same) – love the UI
• Nite-eye TS20 – just saw this, looks very good
• Olight M21 – hitting my financial limit
• One of the many Shining beam options –problem is the settings – the lows are usually too high
• I’m sure there’s a Crelant option (losing track of them lately)

I would appreciate any opinions you all have.

 

[Gunner12]

If quality isn't much of an issue, then some of the zoomie lights might work. Good amount of throw and no spill. If you don't want spill, then look for a light with a lens, or a really deep reflector.

At close to the top of our price range, the Dereelight Nightmaster might work.

 

[TEEJ]

What range does the distance lighting need to reach?

You say you want tight focus to avoid glare, but also want to "check things on boat".

The problem is that a tight focus typically sucks for close up work, as you end up with a view "Like looking through a paper towel tube", and, the hot spot tends to wipe out your night vision, so ALL you see is the hot spot, etc.

There are floody lights with a lot of range, in that "floody" is a relative term. If you think of the beam pattern as a cone of light emitted from the light's face....for example, how high would the light have to be to avoid a 10º wide cone from hitting the boat when you shine it out to look for a lobster pot?

Its easier to FIND a pot if you have a broader beam...as you see more of what's out there at a time, etc.

 

[Diablo_331]

You may want to check out the Smallsun over on onestopthrowshop. It is a zoomie light with well over 100kcd. It may fit your needs nicely besides the multiple output want.

 

[Lou Minescence]

I think the Maelstrom MMS has a screw on smooth bezel to replace the strike bezel with it. At least my Maelstrom X7 did.
The Armytek Predator is an excellent small thrower as well. Head twist to change modes. It comes out of the box ready to go. No need to program it unless you decide you want to.

 

[ico]

I think the Surefire LX2 may also fit your description. It has only 2 modes, high and low, that can be accessed anytime from the Off. Retail price is high but I know you can sometimes find one in the marketplace for less than $100

 

[tubed]

What range does the distance lighting need to reach?

You say you want tight focus to avoid glare, but also want to "check things on boat".

The problem is that a tight focus typically sucks for close up work, as you end up with a view "Like looking through a paper towel tube", and, the hot spot tends to wipe out your night vision, so ALL you see is the hot spot, etc.

There are floody lights with a lot of range, in that "floody" is a relative term. If you think of the beam pattern as a cone of light emitted from the light's face....for example, how high would the light have to be to avoid a 10º wide cone from hitting the boat when you shine it out to look for a lobster pot?

Its easier to FIND a pot if you have a broader beam...as you see more of what's out there at a time, etc.

Thanks teej, et al.,
A few responses. In the boat I just need any low setting (like 5-25 lm), flood v throw doesn't really matter. Its just for finding switches in the dark, etc. As far as finding pots go, you are correct, flood seems preferable. But what i've found is that I get so blinded with a floody light (i'm towards the back of the boat), it's no fun. I found that "scanning" the water in front of me intermittantly (like every couple minutes) with a far-reaching beam works very well. That's why I also need it to come on to high quickly. As far as distance goes, I'm realistic with a "pocket thrower" a hundred yards would be satisfactory, 200 would be great.
I bought a Sunwayman T40cs this summer (my first ever thrower) hoping to use it for this duty but that did not work at all- too much light, in all ways. One key thing is that i need to be able to pick it up and put it down/away very quickly in case i need two hands. Shoving into my pocket, I found, is faster than any holster.

This Niteye catches my eye- anyone have any experience with it? The review is pretty good

 

[CamoNinja]

Check out the Thrunite TN11s.

 

[taclightning]

Nitecore EC2, is a really really good bet. Made to be a pocket thrower with a deep smooth reflector.

The UI is easy to use, and it has a red locator beacon that can come in handy in the darkness, the locator beacon doubles as a lowlight option if you wanna retain nightvision.

I think this is a good candidate for what you seek. Check out goinggear's youtube review and test here.

 

[tubed]

If quality isn't much of an issue, then some of the zoomie lights might work. Good amount of throw and no spill. If you don't want spill, then look for a light with a lens, or a really deep reflector.

At close to the top of our price range, the Dereelight Nightmaster might work.

Funny you bring up an aspherical light. I spent the last year thinking, "who would ever want a light with such a narrow beam?" and every time i'm out on the water looking to light up markers I think, "the perfect light for this would be an aspherical". I'm just too chicken to buy a light with such (apparent) limited use. but i probably don't know what i'm talking about.

 

[BLUE LED]

I have a Sunwayman T40CS and understand about it being too much output. I would suggest a Armytek Predator smooth reflector using the new XP-G2. It has great throw without too much output of the XM-L. Plus the regulation is excellent.

 

[tubed]

I have a Sunwayman T40CS and understand about it being too much output. I would suggest a Armytek Predator smooth reflector using the new XP-G2. It has great throw without too much output of the XM-L. Plus the regulation is excellent.

thanks - i just checked that Armytek out. It's a bit expensive. THere's a long description of it on the Going Gear site but not much said about the UI. Something about it being customizable No discussion of lumens.
do you know that info?

 

[skyfire]

the armytek predator can do just about everything. it has strobe, sos, and really low low modes. and its throw is incredible for its size.
but it requires 2 hands to change modes. also, you have to go through the trouble of programming it. which is good and bad. the bad is having to program it. the good is that its custom to your preferences.

its UI works like this....
-2 lines of modes. bezel tight, and bezel loose.
switching modes in bezel tight position.... twist loose, and tighten bezel to cycle to next mode. same operation in bezel loose position, tighten, then loosen bezel.
you can also program for it to save the last mode it was used.

it might be better to holster a dedicated thrower. and pocket carry a smaller light for seeing around the boat.
for fishing, i love using hands free lights such as a headlamp. sometimes i wear the headlamp around my neck like a necklace instead.

 

[BLUE LED]

thanks - i just checked that Armytek out. It's a bit expensive. THere's a long description of it on the Going Gear site but not much said about the UI. Something about it being customizable No discussion of lumens.
do you know that info?

They do not have it at Going Gear. Try and not mistake it for the older XP-G original version. We are talking about two very different lights in terms of performance. You can buy it at Light junction for $99.95.

Real lumens is around 390. I have many throwers and this easily beats my Xeno G42 in throw. You can program the UI or leave it as standard.

 

[Gunner12]

If you don't mind cheap, there are many aspherical budget lights you can try (under $30). Look around for reviews to know about the build quality of the light first. Just make sure you have a backup, like your Sunwayman, in case the budget light breaks.

If you find that the beam works well for you, something like the Dereelight Nightmaster might work. If you want spill as well, the Dereelight DBS can accept the Nightmaster bezel and vice versa. Both would give you narrow beams though, and max output isn't as high as other lights due to the emitter used.

LEDLenser lights are also known for the zooming feature, but I'm not sure how water resistant they are or their build quality.

 

[tubed]

it might be better to holster a dedicated thrower. and pocket carry a smaller light for seeing around the boat.
for fishing, i love using hands free lights such as a headlamp. sometimes i wear the headlamp around my neck like a necklace instead.

you speak the truth. i have a small quark 123 that clips onto the brim of a baseball that almost does the job. just doesn't have quite enough throw. I also have a small Surefire that almost does the job - again, just not quite enough throw.
Perhaps I just want to get a new light!

 

[tubed]

Update:
So my search for one light will probably result in two lights being purchased. As far as the original post goes, Madecov pointed me to the Crelant V9cs. this looks like exactly what i was looking for. Definitely can fit into a pocket (for short periods of time) or holster but super far throwing on one 18650. I think it has the new(?) crelant UI that is step up from the old one (more options) and it has front switch that i like given that I usually hold lights that way. Great price too.
Others suggested the new nitecore E series -- those are very cool but i'll probably get the very small EC1 for a small pocket light and camping.
Now just have to wait 2 months for my birthday

 

[roadkill1109]

Congrats on the V9CS. That's a good light. Definitely the best in the price/performance ratio. And the quality is not shaby either! 🙂

As for your tiny EDC, may want to consider making sure first that the E series lights of nitecore no longer have the waterproof issues, especially if youre planning to use it in camping where it might rain. Better bet? The C10R from Sunwayman, or even the C20C (my recent purchase), it's a great tiny 18650 light which just works...long runtimes, bright enough light for general use. (its not a thrower as it was never meant to be such) It also has great UI.