Another "help me choose light for my work" thread

[z_AVInstaller]

I am looking to purchase a nice LED flashlight for work (call it home inspector to make it easier). I frequently go into unlit basements and need a strong bright light.....a nice tight beam of light helps, because I frequently point out issues to the homeowner, and almost use the light as a pointer at times, but this factor probably does not matter all that much since the things I am pointing out are usually not any further than 20 feet or so. There are times where I need to light up some long areas in a dark crawlspace as well. I would prefer an 18650 light, but not completely necessary. I would like to carry it in my pocket, but again not completely necessary (comfortable in hand or jacket pocket also fine). I would like the ability to have a very high setting (even if I dont use maximum setting in the basement) I do love the configuration of the Sunwayman M20c by having the magnetic ring to select brightness, and the clicky to activate etc, but again, does not have to fit that mold if I find a light I like. Having a very nice finish/craftsmanship would be nice, including a cool factor if there was any, afterall these are functional gadgets for adults. My price range is $75-$250. Runtime is great, but I will always have batteries on hand when dim. It would be nice to have a regulated model that keeps brightness somewhat constant until failure, but not important.



To put things in perspective, I am currently using an LED LENSER from home depot with 3 AAA batteries, but that doesnt cut it anymore.



I have been all over the charts with what I have looked at, but these are some that have caught my eye.....



-MICROFIRE Explorer TL3 (barely any info on these in this forum) but is on the nice beefy side. I like the max brightness, and like that the deflector is same size as rest of flashlight. For some reason, I am addicted to the look and mystery behind this light.

-SUNWAYMAN M20c and M30r (love the selector rings). M30 a little large to pocket, but if great performer, I dont mind. M20c seems to be best of both worlds

-LUMAPOWER D-Mini VX ULTRA .....I am intrigued with this flashlight, that is all I can say

-JETPOWER JETIIIM, RRT0, RRT2 etc

-SUREFIRE E2D and LX2, but all models dont seem to like rechargeables...



as you can see, I am all over the charts with what I have looked at, sometimes even form over function, but that is only natural.......sorry for the long winded post, but I figured more info was better than not enough

- Thanks for all/any info help!

 

[cistallus]

Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread

Rest of the original thread as recovered from cache

Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by cistallus on 11-24-2010 01:58 AM GMT

I think any of the lights you mentioned would be fine - you have to start somewhere! I have the JetBeam (not JETPOWER) Jet-IIIM R2, it's a good thrower with some spill, and the UI is simple - tighten head for full blast, loosen for a previously-set user-programmed mode such as low (any brightness, or strobe, or beacon...). Also it's nice that it can take 18650 or 2-CR123 - I'd suggest that if you are looking at a 18650 light, to make sure it can run on primaries as well, for backup (for instance the ZebraLight SC60 is a nice light except it can't run on primaries).

However, with your budget, you could get the ultimate light according to CPF members, the HDS Clicky. You should at least consider it.



Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by glugo1969 on 11-24-2010 03:32 AM GMT

If I may sugest, a malkoff md2 with high/low ring, you won't be dissapointed


Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by AVInstaller on 11-24-2010 06:49 AM GMT

Thank you for your suggestions, I will look at these lights as well. This is an addiction that is hard to control.....I look at various lights regularly on you tube, and on the board, and I want to buy them all. The smallest, the largest, the brightest, the best thrower, the cleanest beam, the best finish etc, it is crazy. My wife thinks I am nuts when I watch 20 reviews on youtube on flashlights. She just doesnt get it, then again, I dont understand 20 pocketbooks, and 40 pairs of shoes


Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by pjandyho on 11-24-2010 07:23 AM GMT

You could always run the E2DL and LX2 with two rechargeable CR123s. It works on my units.

Another suggestion would be the 4sevens Maelstrom. If you are interested, get the R5 version because many who bought the S2 versions are complaining of very greenish tints.



Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by Chevy-SS on 11-24-2010 08:34 AM GMT

...... the things I am pointing out are usually not any further than 20 feet or so.........

Well, I think you are maybe getting into a little overkill with some of these lights. Since you are "usually" working at close range, then I would like to suggest a shirt-pocket light that simply kicks azz - the Well, I think you are maybe getting into a little overkill with some of these lights. Since you are "usually" working at close range, then I would like to suggest a shirt-pocket light that simply kicks azz - the 4Sevens Preon2. It's tiny and runs on common AAA batteries. I have given away a couple of these to auto mechanic friends and they were amazed by the output!

Here's a pic showing size comparison with some other common lights:

EDIT - LOL, after looking at the Preon2 and seeing the Ti version XP-G R5 on sale, I just ordered another one. Don't forget to use that "CPF8" discount code, whatever you buy! Plus, 4Sevens has free S&H, which saves a few more bucks.

-



Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by AaronG on 11-24-2010 09:49 AM GMT

You might want to look at something a little more pocketable. I'm an electrician so I use my light for similar purposes. I find the Fenix LD10 R4 is more than enough light for my purposes. On high you can easily light up the far side of an attic or basment and the spill is big enough that you have a reasonable view of everything with the hotspot being your pointer. The modes are well spaced and you have instant access to low and max. The 10 lumen low mode is enough working about 20' in front of you and the 130 lumen max lights up everything


Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by CarpentryHero on 11-24-2010 10:10 AM GMT

Eagletac T20c2 would do nicely, or the Fenix TK15 would definitely work.

These are both great manufacturers and both have multiple modes.

A Pelican 7060 LED would work great but it's a little large for your needs, it's built like a tank, single mode 170 lumens otf at 1m.

Eagletac t20c2 has three modes and strobe, 300 lumens otf

Fenix TK15 has 337 lumens and I like the side switch for mode select, haven't got to play with one, if the beam is anything like it's predecessores it'd be perfect for you (I used to edc a TK11)



Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by Gregozedobe on 11-26-2010 07:13 AM GMT

If you want compact (easy to fit in pocket), 18650 (for long run time) and easily selected output levels (including quite bright) then it may be worth your while having a look at the Zebralight SC60.


Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by skyfire on 11-26-2010 01:09 PM GMT

18650 is the best route for rechargeable, power, size, and runtime.

the zebralight sc60 might fit you well. extremely compact, nice beam, affordable. has some of the latest technology. 270 lumens. can only use 18650.

jetbeam jet III pro ST is also compact, will take whatever batteries you can fit in them. 2x cr123, 2x rcr123, 18650. designed more for throw. its like a slimmer, sleaker version of the jet III M.

those other lights are good lights as well. I usually look at the beam, tint, and UI, when making my purchases.



Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by GearGuy0350 on 11-26-2010 01:45 PM GMT

Thanks guys! You helped me out too!!


Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread
Written by E21 on 11-26-2010 04:26 PM GMT

I've used my E21 last few days in our basement, working on plumbing etc, and the low (48 lumens) is great for most everything and the high lights up the whole room. Simple twist of the bezel changes from 48 to 135 lumens of nice white light. Good run times on two aa batteries and Less than $35 shipped. Sounds like a good work light to me

 

[faco]

Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread

Look into the Surefire L1 latest gen 6, on low it claims 10lm and on high 65lm, it has a tight beam with enough spill. Fill it with one RCR123 and watch the claimed output double. The light looks great is excellent quality and the right size for pocket/jacket carry. If you want cool factor (as you say) it has that too. You will freak people out when they see the amount of light from the small package.

I use it every day at work for inspections in open areas or tight areas, its fantastic for my use. I have tried many lights for my work over the years and will stick to the L1 for as long as it lasts and hopefully thats many years. Runtime is great with a RCR123 I also keep a spare at work just in case. I found one at CPFMP for i think was around $85.

Happy Hunting

 

[Sparky's Magic]

Re: Another "help me choose light for my work" thread

+1 Malkoff MD2 with Hi/Low ring and either the M61 or the warmer M61W. - Smaller is the Zebralight SC60 or the SC60W. ( also warmer) a mighty fine flashlight worth a good look: The SC60/60W. has the easiest and most intuitive UI. around! The Z/L is $79.00 from Z/L.

Good Luck.