Best of the CHEAP...another car thread.

[scottaw]

Ok, i loved reading the pile of replies to the "what's in your car" thread, so now i need to buy more flashlights....c'mon an excuse makes money justified. So here it is. I want a RELIABLE 1x123A light to throw in my cars, and i want it CHEAP. Im thinking like a SF3P type light, definately open to a led as well. I know DX and Kai have tons of super cheap lights, but does anyone have any experience with them?

Im thinking around $20, to throw in the gloveboxes forever, and if it doesn't ever get used...so be it. So maybe this thread should be a review of the lights nobody ever bothers reviewing b/c they're not going to be name brand, feature packed, or anything like that.

 

[atm]

These would be hard to beat for the money (the $20 sale price anyway). Good brand, well proven model, 1 x CR123, plus you get LEDs for long runtime and incan for more output. All from one of the best dealers around!

 

[Flying Turtle]

I've got some older, lesser lights in the car, but they never get used since I've always got something better in my pockets. It's tough being a well prepared flashaholic. :laughing:

Geoff

 

[scott.cr]

I picked up a used Surefire 9P from the B/S/T section... got me a cheap light ($35 shipped) and it was pre-beat up so I'm not worried about the finish, lol.

I know that's not the specific deal you want, but you might want to shop B/S/T first.

 

[Anglepoise]

I still believe that the 'car' should be the place that lights go when they have lost their interest to their owner.

Sometimes, when re discovered months later..... when a tire change or other lighting situation rears its head, interest is sometimes re kindled. If not , then I ultimately sell the 'car' light and it is replaced by another light that has lost its apeal.....and this system continues and I have found it to be infinitely practical.

 

[nerdgineer]

I'm probably cheaper than you. I don't know why you specify a 1xCR123 light since you don't need real small size for a glove compartment light. I'd pick a 2xAA or 3xAA light and use E2 or BS 1.7 volt lithiums. You can get anything from a Magled 2xAA on the high end to lights like this or this on the lower end.

 

[gunga]

It's funny. I had a big 2D maglight with mineral lense and MagLed, but decided to sell it to use one of my many other lights.

Decided to put in a minimag with SMJ module and terralux clicky. Should give me nice even flood for 25+ hours on alkaline. Also leaves more room in the glove box for batteries etc.

I also keep a nite-ize headband in there for instant headlamp.

And yes, I have better lights on me at all times, so the glove box one doesn't get much use...

 

[kelmo]

I still believe that the 'car' should be the place that lights go when they have lost their interest to their owner. {QUOTE]

I couldn't agree more.

You also should stash a headlamp in your car. Try changing a tire at night without one!

 

[scottaw]

Well, i specify the 1x123A b/c i know 123a's can sit a very long time with no worry of leaking or being dead when i need them. But this brings up an interesting question...do AA/AAA lithiums have the same qualities as the 123A or can they still leak and go dead on me like a normal AA?

Good thought on the twintasks, i have a 2L, completely forgot there is a 1 battery version. It's not my favorite light, by any means, but it does seem to fit the bill.

Anyone have any of the DX fenix knockoffs? I was thinking maybe the P1 knockoff.

Thanks for all the great suggestions so far!

 

[Gunner12]

Lithium AA and AAA batteries should share the same basic properties as a CR123 battery except for the voltage difference.

Most of the DX lights are pretty good. They are usually well made for their price.

 

[mossyoak]

dorcy super 1 Watt
$20 1x123 30 lumens for 2.5 hours
reliable and durable.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

The Twin Tasks from Streamlight are interesting in that they have a decent Xenon beam coupled with 5MM LEDs for close up/battery conserving use.

I also concur with the Dorcy 1L. It was my first 1L LUX light and was impressive at first. It was blown right away though by my Fenix P1...

 

[ringzero]

I want a RELIABLE 1x123A light to throw in my cars, and i want it CHEAP. Im thinking like a SF3P type light, definately open to a led as well.

The Gerber RX 350 Flashlight looks decent for a small incan, if incan is what your want. REI has it for 28 bucks, but you might find it cheaper elsewhere: http://www.rei.com/product/753119

The Dorcy Super 1 Watt has a decent reputation on CPF, and should be available for you locally at around 20 bucks.

The Streamlight TwinTask 1L LED/incan hybrid is a decent emergency light for it's price. Got one for the car, but wouldn't care for it as a daily use light because I hate its switch sequence that forces me to cycle the incan lamp to get to the LEDs. But, for a seldom used emergency light the switch sequence isn't an issue.

.

 

[kuksul08]

I've got little light that hooks in the glove box and keeps a constant charge all the time.

My headlights are D2S Xenon, 80W 4300k Foglights and 100W 4300k High Beams

 

[TORCH_BOY]

Fenix L1D-CE, Fenix L2D-CE, and a multi LED worklight

 

[finebead]

I got a 1w LED 1-123a by "Magellan" from Academy sports, regular $26, on sale for $15. It was a very good deal. 3 way switch, high, low, off. Then I had to wait 2 months, got another for my daughters car.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I've always thought those Magellan lights cost too much. What do you think of it? And what does it compare to?

Of course I need more lights like a few extra holes in my head!!!

 

[kwando]

you cant go wrong with a brinkmann