Advice on a flashlight

[Madhatter_jc]

I am new to the CPF forums and am just realising how many options there are for a light source!

Anyway I really only have 3 requirements, whether they can be filled in one flashlight or if I need 2 or 3 I'm not sure. So...

#1: I need a very powerful pencil thin spotter mostly for spotting at night. Throw is king, mobility 2nd and runtime @ max around 1.5-2hrs. Probably be carrying it in a backpack or in a holster, so it will be jostled and knocked around and can't be crazy heavy. I'll be running around with it at some point.

#2: A light weight flood that will be used for close up work like fishing at night, used when camping etc. Nothing bigger than 250mm and maybe 2-3 modes

#3: A light weight beam that can spot about 150m-200m. Nothing over 250mm

I don't know whether I want a LED or HID xenon... there are just so many options. I figure I'll need 2 flashlights.

My budget is flexible.
I will try and source locally first, but if I can't find them here I'll buy online.

Please give me some ideas on what to look into... there are so many options. As soon as I think one is good I see something else and change my mind :confused:

Thanks.

 

[Dude Dudeson]

Since you're new to the scene I'll offer a "strategy recommendation" here.

You are probably looking at 2 lights minimum, and maybe 3.

Your requirements #1 and #3 MAY be best served by one light if you're willing to compromise a bit on your #3 weight requirement.

Alternatively you could look into one light for #2 and #3, using some kind of diffuser to achieve the flood, but this would probably be too bright for close up work.

Best would be 3 dedicated lights, and if you go that route I'd say focus on acquiring something for #3 first, use it a bit, and base your future research for #1 and #2 on this experience.

 

[Madhatter_jc]

Thanks for your thought. I can see what your saying.

Recently I was thinking I should get a headlight for #2. As if I'm doing close up work... I'll probably want/need both hands.

So for #1 I have been looking at the Fenix TK70, but is there anything similar in a HID xenon? What companies have good HID's?

For #3 and a bit of #2 I've been thinking of the Sunwayman t40cs. I saw some photos in another thread and it looks pretty good.

Do you think these would be ok choices?