Another boring flashlight reccomendation request.

[dirtypants]

I have two sons, aged 6 and 11. So everything I own is lost within hours if it is cool. I kind of liked my huge 4xD incandescent MagLite for that reason (harder to lose), but it has since been lost. I normally resort to having to use one of my biking lights to scour the basement or attic, etc.

I have dozens of IMEDION batteries, sized C, D, and tons of AAA and AA. I have a few different MAHA chargers. I'm set in the NiMH world.

So here is your survey. I'll do whatever you tell me! I'll actually probably buy a couple.

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_X___I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

_XX___Less than $25.
__X__Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
____Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
____I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____Other, please specify ________


3) Format:

_X___I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
____I want a portable spotlight.


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

____Keychain size.
____Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
__X__Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
____Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____N/A


5) Emitter/Light source:

__X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

__X__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.


7) What battery type do you want to use?

____I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)
__X__I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
____I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

__X__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
__X__I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
__X__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__X__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
__X__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
__X__30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__X__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
__X__Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__X_Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.


12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
__X__I don't care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
__X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
__X__I don’t care.
____I don’t know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
__X__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
__X_I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________.


15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments


Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

 

[yoyoman]

I have some L3 Illumination L10s (XP-G2 and Nichia 219 emitters) from SBFlashlights. Very good value - fit and finish are fine and I like the emitters they use. I run my on 14500 Li-ions, but they will run fine on AA NiMH cells. The twisty is very dependable and you can get 3 or 4 modes. Not the most expensive or best AA lights out there, but they may be the ticket you need.

 

[dirtypants]

I have some L3 Illumination L10s (XP-G2 and Nichia 219 emitters) from SBFlashlights. Very good value - fit and finish are fine and I like the emitters they use. I run my on 14500 Li-ions, but they will run fine on AA NiMH cells. The twisty is very dependable and you can get 3 or 4 modes. Not the most expensive or best AA lights out there, but they may be the ticket you need.

That looks like a great option. Are they only available from one website? I like that they are colors so that I can have one that NO ONE CAN TOUCH.

Thanks. Other suggestions will still be accepted (and probably purchased).

 

[dirtypants]

I have some L3 Illumination L10s (XP-G2 and Nichia 219 emitters) from SBFlashlights.

I went to buy a few, but I wondered about the difference between the XPG2 and the 219s. Any difference that matters?

Very good value - fit and finish are fine and I like the emitters they use. I run my on 14500 Li-ions, but they will run fine on AA NiMH cells. The twisty is very dependable and you can get 3 or 4 modes. Not the most expensive or best AA lights out there, but they may be the ticket you need.

 

[DTF]

Why not Costco? They have packages with 3 perfectly fine flashlights for about $20.

 

[yoyoman]

The XP-G2 is bright and efficient. Tint is pretty good. Nichia 219 is not quite as bright and has a beautiful tint and color rendition. Only 1 internet store that I know of sells these, but they are good.

You can do a search on L3 Illuminiation L10, XP-G2 and Nichia 219 to learn more. You can search on "what is the best AA light" and find more options.

It all depends on what you want the lights for and what your personal preferences are. Some people hate blue / green tints on some cooler emitters. Some people hate PWM. Some people love floody lights and some people on like throw. I like L>M>H UI and some people only want the light to start on H. Some people want strobe. It all depends on what you like and what you want to spend.

 

[Poppy]

Lost in a matter of hours? yes, I can relate :eek:

The rayovac 3x AAA indestructible is a pretty OK light, with two light settings. They will take a beating that two kids can put them through.

If you get a better light, you might want to get one of those "clap your hands" to find your lost keys, gadgets, and attach it. I'm thinking that if they managed to lose a 4D maglight, one of those little AA lights will be gone by lunch-time. Better keep that baby in your pocket.

 

[dirtypants]

Why not Costco? They have packages with 3 perfectly fine flashlights for about $20.

Well, I bought these today, but haven't opened them. I could take them back.

They are only one setting, right? They are 250 or off, eh?

I don't like that they are 3x AAA.

 

[dirtypants]

The XP-G2 is bright and efficient. Tint is pretty good. Nichia 219 is not quite as bright and has a beautiful tint and color rendition. Only 1 internet store that I know of sells these, but they are good.

You can do a search on L3 Illuminiation L10, XP-G2 and Nichia 219 to learn more. You can search on "what is the best AA light" and find more options.

This forum is serving me much better than my three weeks of Google!

From your description, I would choose the Nichia 219. I'd go for the warm light.

It all depends on what you want the lights for and what your personal preferences are. Some people hate blue / green tints on some cooler emitters. Some people hate PWM. Some people love floody lights and some people on like throw. I like L>M>H UI and some people only want the light to start on H. Some people want strobe. It all depends on what you like and what you want to spend.

I LOVE the idea of the candle to blinding light option (4-step). If I buy some, it will be because of the variance of luminescence (4-steps) and various colors of the flashlight cases (so that some are OFF-LIMITS).

I'm not that troubled by the PWM issue. I do like the ability of focus. Do these have variable focus / flooding?

I can't tell from description if these have lanyards / clips.

I don't have any need for strobe.

I look forward to your response.

Cheers,

Scott

 

[dirtypants]

Lost in a matter of hours? yes, I can relate :eek:

The rayovac 3x AAA indestructible is a pretty OK light, with two light settings. They will take a beating that two kids can put them through.

If you get a better light, you might want to get one of those "clap your hands" to find your lost keys, gadgets, and attach it. I'm thinking that if they managed to lose a 4D maglight, one of those little AA lights will be gone by lunch-time. Better keep that baby in your pocket.

Yeah. I'm hoping color rules can change that.

The Rayovac seems okay, but the 3xAAA just means 50% more price to me. And they get some poor ratings. Although they seem engineered quite well.

Where can you still get the keychain things? Don't those lose battery over time? I only search for flashlights in emergencies, which tend to be a few times a year!

Thanks all!

Scott

 

[yoyoman]

No, they don't have variable focus.

There is a nub thing on the tail and you can put a split ring through it and then clip a lanyard to the split ring.

These are not the greatest lights, but they are good value. They run on Eneloops or Li-ions. Hope you enjoy.

 

[Poppy]

Yeah. I'm hoping color rules can change that.

The Rayovac seems okay, but the 3xAAA just means 50% more price to me. And they get some poor ratings. Although they seem engineered quite well.

Scott

I'm not pushing for the rayovacs. They don't cost more if you use rechargeables. Poor ratings? Yeah... they are big, and heavy for the amount of light that they put out. BUT on the other hand... they are larger than a key-chain light and harder to loose. They have spring loaded battery carriers on both ends, so they can be dropped and not have the battery come smashing forward and destroying the emitter, and they have big rubber bushings at each end of the lights so that they can get dropped off of a three story building (30 feet), bounce when they hit the ground, and keep on running. I find it incredible that most of the higher end lights only pass a 6 foot drop test.

If you like colors, you can paint them, or engrave your kid's names into them.

At the other end of the spectrum, walmart carries Rayovac 2D led flashlights for $2.50 batteries included. They put out about 30 lumins, and have a terrible beam, but come in different colors, and will run all night, probably for a couple of nights. The advantage is that you can buy enough of them, that some of them, will still be found when you need a light.

Frankly, I'm a little lost regarding what you are looking for:
1. a $50 light for yourself? multiple $50 lights for each, you and your kids? OR multiple lights for a total of up to $50?
2. You are looking at a single AA light, but requested a 4-7 inch light. Do you want a little pocket carry light? or a 2D 7in light that is harder to loose?

Where can you still get the keychain things? Don't those lose battery over time?

Keychain things???

 

[dirtypants]

Frankly, I'm a little lost regarding what you are looking for:
1. a $50 light for yourself? multiple $50 lights for each, you and your kids? OR multiple lights for a total of up to $50?
2. You are looking at a single AA light, but requested a 4-7 inch light. Do you want a little pocket carry light? or a 2D 7in light that is harder to loose?

I've got three Costco ones now (they focus, but don't dim). They'll be good, cheap, general purpose lamps.

I would like to have two more. One that is hard to lose, and would be only for emergencies, and maybe has a few light settings and focus (less important RE: the latter). So maybe bigger is better. I'm going insane with the options, and spending a bunch of money I probably shouldn't!

And one that would be MINE, and I would hide for my office. Probably the Nichia 219 from SBFlashlights would fit that bill. And I could have it in a neat color.

Keychain things???

Oh; someone mentioned a thing that would make a noise if you lost the thing attached to it. I haven't seen them mentioned in ages. So I wondered if there were "good ones" out there.

 

[TEEJ]

I've got three Costco ones now (they focus, but don't dim). They'll be good, cheap, general purpose lamps.

I would like to have two more. One that is hard to lose, and would be only for emergencies, and maybe has a few light settings and focus (less important RE: the latter). So maybe bigger is better. I'm going insane with the options, and spending a bunch of money I probably shouldn't!

And one that would be MINE, and I would hide for my office. Probably the Nichia 219 from SBFlashlights would fit that bill. And I could have it in a neat color.



Oh; someone mentioned a thing that would make a noise if you lost the thing attached to it. I haven't seen them mentioned in ages. So I wondered if there were "good ones" out there.

Yeah, they make fobs you can attach to stuff you don't want to lose, and activate them to either make noise or flash or whatever, to help you find them.

The better ones work well from what I understand, albeit I don't have any myself.

I use glow in the dark O-Rings and/or GITD lanyards on most of my lights, as that is very cheap, and, makes them both easy to find/harder to lose.

If I order from MD-Lightsource, they give me the GITD Lanyards for free with most of the lights, which is quite nice really. If the light is attached to a wrist with a lanyard, it also makes it harder to lose.

:D


For some lights, I add tritium fobs, which glow w/o needing to be charged...even if they are in the dark for 20 YEARS, they still glow, etc.

So, if they are "Lost" where they can be "Found", and not lost because they are in another state/someone else's house/yard, etc....the glowing stuff helps a LOT in finding things, because they essentially have beacons.


Those beeping/flashing fob things need you to be within a certain range to activate them...along the lines of the keys that make your car honk when you hit the panic button, etc.

So, if in range, you have a shot at finding them.


They make another type with a GPS tracker on it...so even if the kid hops a freight train and is heading out of state with your light, you can log into a website, and track its progress.

:D

 

[Poppy]

You can google... key finder
and you'll be presented with a variety of options at different costs.

 

[dirtypants]

I've got three Costco ones now (they focus, but don't dim). They'll be good, cheap, general purpose lamps.

I would like to have two more. One that is hard to lose, and would be only for emergencies, and maybe has a few light settings and focus (less important RE: the latter). So maybe bigger is better. I'm going insane with the options, and spending a bunch of money I probably shouldn't!

And one that would be MINE, and I would hide for my office. Probably the Nichia 219 from SBFlashlights would fit that bill. And I could have it in a neat color.

I have one last question:

Now I've poked around the forum and Internet forever:

I love the durability of the Rayovac, but I'm not sure that I need that durability.

I love the multiple settings on the first recommended flashlight (L3 Illumination L10s with Nichias), but I also really love a focus option. I'd also like them to get a little brighter than 200, and maybe a little bigger.

I bought a number of flashlights on the cheap in the last month (the 3pack at Costco and a generic on Amazon called a 200 Lumen Mini Bonfire, Compact UltraBright Cree that has a nice "EZ-pull zoom" or whatever that I really like). They are all clearly a little hinky (the Costcos flicker), but they have options I like.

So, if I could get one with multiple settings (I really love the 4 settings on the L3), regular AA NiMH batteries (preferably 2), highest setting > 400 or so lumens, a focus option, and preferably a rear clicky (and a pony and a unicorn), I'd be the happiest dude ever.

Thanks for all of your help!

Scott