Any inexpensive spots that aren't junky?

[milkyspit]

Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

I've got a couple bright rechargeable spotlights, or as I like to call them, headlights-on-a-stick /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif , but both are, er, economically constructed, so to speak. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif The cases are el cheapo plastic (some plastic, such as Nitrolon on the SF G2, is good, but not the plastic in these puppies!), hanging hooks fall out easily, the fold-out legs are made of little more than tinfoil and bend WAY too easily, the lens over the secondary light in one fell permanently into the housing, etc.

I'd like a spotlight, but only if it's better quality than what I've seen! But I'm not interested in spending $100+ for this type of item; actually, I'd say $50 is more realistic. Is there anything in the marketplace for me, good quality and decent design yet affordable? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif

 

[LukeK]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

Milkybeam -- head down to your nearest Sears or CostCo and purchase a 2MCP Vector sport spot. It's a fabulous light. Throws an incredible distance and the build quality is great.

 

[milkyspit]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

Actually, I already own one of those 2MCP Vector sport spots. The beam itself is very nice, but the housing is only fair. That's the one for which the built-in hanger fell out, and if I wasn't there to CATCH the light, it would surely have broken on my basement's concrete floor. Also, the fold-out legs are really flimsy. And a friend accidentally poked the plastic lens on the little map light with his finger, pushing it into the housing, from which it so far has been unretrievable. Not sure if they've improved these issues since I bought mine, but all in all I'm not that happy with the quality level of mine.

Any alternatives? I know there's at least one model with an aluminum housing, right? Is it any good? Or maybe some other model?

 

[LukeK]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

From what I can tell some of those issues must have been improved upon because mine seems very sturdy (even in the areas you mentioned). I know that the new Vector 1.5MCP aluminum spot turned out to be very lacking in sturdiness. The aluminum is no doubt solid but the plastic pieces were apparently weak spots in construction quality.

 

[Reno]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

A good suction cup oughta retrieve that lens for ya

 

[BlindedByTheLite]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

well.. first.. i'd like to start out by saying i dunno what i'm talking about.. but.

http://www.buytruckstuff.com/product.asp?selcategory=50&p_gpID=89
check the aluminum light they have.. i don't own one, but i've used one and they're not bad for $25..
all of those spotlights are pretty rugged tho..

http://www.ccrane.com/spotlight.asp
that must be a pretty tough light, that first one there, if it's as tough as their flashlights..

http://www.lindequipment.net/heavy-du.htm
these are some sweet spotlights, but they're only 100,000 - 110,000 candlepower..

 

[milkyspit]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

BlindedByTheLite, thanks! I'm still looking, so I appreciate the suggestions. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[WHODYATHINK]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

Just got a new Vector 1.5mcp (aluminum one) and it seems alright build wise, but I try to be pretty careful with my stuff /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif We will see how well it holds up.

 

[richpalm]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

Added my thoughts between the lines. (*)

Rich

Actually, I already own one of those 2MCP Vector sport spots. The beam itself is very nice, but the housing is only fair.

*Housing on mine seems OK-not Nitrolon but not fragile hard plastic either. I'd probably have to go some to wreck it, but I treat my stuff with kid gloves anyway...

That's the one for which the built-in hanger fell out, and if I wasn't there to CATCH the light, it would surely have broken on my basement's concrete floor.

*Yup-I don't think I'd hang it either. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Also, the fold-out legs are really flimsy.

* I agree completely! They do what they're supposed to do but poor quality. They need to stiffen 'em up.

And a friend accidentally poked the plastic lens on the little map light with his finger, pushing it into the housing, from which it so far has been unretrievable.

*That's why no one touches my toys and lives. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif That map light thingie, I'd like to put an LED in there instead.

Not sure if they've improved these issues since I bought mine, but all in all I'm not that happy with the quality level of mine.

*I am *really* happy with the beam and the light *looks* good. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Yellow's my favorite color anyway-not beam color, mind you!

Any alternatives? I know there's at least one model with an aluminum housing, right? Is it any good? Or maybe some other model?

 

[asdalton]

Re: Any inexpensive spots that aren\'t junky?

I have a 500,000 cp Vector Rescue Spot that cost me only $8 at Meijer. It has many useful features--70 min. runtime, ability to run directly from 12V, swiveling handle, shoulder strap, and smaller secondary lamp. The main drawback is that it uses a sliding switch on the back, which isn't as convenient as a trigger switch.