BB 500 vs SL 4aa (run time)

[Raven]

After months of reading cpf, I've been able to put together a flashlight collection that totally fills my needs. Now I'm simply tweaking the collection.

To me a 1 cell sure fire, or an ultra, or an arc, or a photon is a pocket light. Something very small.

The next step up is what I call a belt light, something a bit too large for a pocket, but that can be carried on the waist without much attention.

I know that most cpf regulars prefer the 2 cell KL1 for their belt size led, but I already have an old model sure fire 9p, and never use it, due to the cost of lithiums. That's why I'd prefer my belt size led to use aa batteries instead.

Now the two most popular alk led flashlights besides surefire (in this size range) seem to be either the streamlight 4aa led or the bad boy 500, and after reading several threads about these lights, it seems the bad boy is just as bright (if not brighter), and only uses 2 batteries instead of the 4 needed for the streamlight.

Does the decision on which to buy simply come down to run time? Any other factors?

Any opinions would be apreciated.

Raven

 

[Nerd]

"Does the decision on which to buy simply come down to run time? Any other factors?"

Only you yourself can answer that. Did you buy the light to keep or to use, if for use, how long would you use it? Do you need run time? Survival situations?

 

[Entropy]

Doesn't the SL 4AA have only 7 LEDs? Then the BadBoy will be brighter - MUCH brighter.

One Luxeon is the equivalent of between 10 and 20 5mm LEDs at rated current (350 mA)

 

[BuddTX]

When I think of belt light, I think of two things:

1. a 2AA light, in a pouch, or a 2, 123a light, in a pouch or on a clip, worn at all times, not just when you need a light

and

2. a BIGGER light, but still relatively small and lightweight, that can clip onto a belt. Not something that you would want to carry all the time, but for when you know you may need light, but for later.

For #1, I would suggest any 2 cell 123a light, or any 2AA light or mod.

For 2, consider the Streamlight 3C.

 

[KDC]

Put a Bad Boy in an otherwise unused Mini-Mag, and you have
an EXCELLENT light of the right size to carry on the belt!

If you want more run time, I suggest an Opalec Newbeam in that
or another unused Mini-Mag. Not as bright, but very reliable,
solid stable light, and easy to carry.

The Streamlight 4AA is a very good light, but a little too large
to stay on the belt at all times. But get it anyway, it is a
very good light to have nearby, and very well made.

 

[Raven]

My uk4aa came with a nice belt pouch that I bet would work perfectly with a streamlight 4aa led. That's probably the flash light I should get (correction, will get this month), but the Bad Boy appeals to me since I have three unused aa mags. Heck I give up. I'll probably get both, unless someone can suggest a viable 3rd option for a belt sized led (that isn't lithium).

Raven

 

[Eric S]

Originally posted by Entropy:
Doesn't the SL 4AA have only 7 LEDs? Then the BadBoy will be brighter - MUCH brighter.

One Luxeon is the equivalent of between 10 and 20 5mm LEDs at rated current (350 mA)

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Yes the SL is only 7 leds.
The BB is only a little brighter and the SL puts out way more light.

Eric

 

[James S]

Yes, but you can put rechargeables into a BB500. That is dangerous with direct drive led lights. For me there is no question. I love my 2AA brinkman with BB500. It will be lighter than the 4AA light too.

 

[Eric S]

I actuly run rech. alks. in my SL lights an any others that are direct drive (Clipmate, LGI). Nimh are used in my BB 500/Brinkman and MM/Minimag among others. Haven`t had any problems with any of my lights.

As far as weight goes, the thoes couple of ounces only come in to play if you backpack!

If you do hike/backpack or runtime is important then the SL is the better light, especialy the 3C 10 LED

Don`t get me wrong! I really like my BB 500. I use it and the MM the most cause of the nimh and regulation, but my LGI beats them handsdown all the way around and the SL 7LED is right there with them in brightness, puts out way more light in a flood pattern, and has way more run time (all on alks).

Eric

 

[Eric S]

ttt