Boy, do I have questions.

[cmlotito]

Hi, I’m new here and have found this forum to be very informative. I’ve started familiarizing myself with various aspects of LED flashlights discussed here and on a few of the review sights. I’m looking to purchase a few (5 or 6) LED flashlights for general around the house use. So far I have purchased a Lightwave 4000 for its ability of long run time and its use of common 2D batteries, as well as a few good reviews I have read about it. Oh, and it does light up a room quite nicely all by itself.

I think (and correct me if I’m wrong) it would be a good idea to have a collection of flashlights that use a variety of common battery types. Like ones that uses AAA, AA C, and D. That way if for some reason I cant find one type of battery for whatever reason I would still be able to find the others. I’ll get to rechargeables in a minute.

Since I don’t go camping or hiking I feel I would only need one or two lights that would be able to throw light at a long distance (100-200 feet?) A light of this type would probably not get much use by me but would be nice to have if the occasion arose.

What I need is some suggestions as to which lights I should be looking at to buy for the remaining lights I would buy. I think the following criteria would be good to follow.

1. AAA flashlight (probably will be an ARC AAA when ARC starts taking orders again.)

2. AA flashlight. Not sure which kind to get for this since there seems to be a very wide variety of these kinds of lights.

3. C flashlight. I was thinking of one of those new Infiniton C1 lights from Lightwave since it would also be nice to have a Luxeon light for the ability to throw its light a nice distance which I think it does, doesn’t it?

4. Maybe an LED lantern that would have a long run time since I would like to not have to use the Lightwave 4000 light to just light up a room by propping it up. It is a flashlight after all, not a lantern.

5. Maybe another D flashlight since I beginning to see that D type lights seem to have longer run times.

6. I would prefer all the lights to at least be water resistant. Completely waterproof would be a plus but not a requirement.

7. I’m not in a hurry to buy all these lights at once. But am looking to obtain them over the next few months.


On to rechargeable batteries.

I need some clarification as to what type/brand of rechargeable batteries I should be looking to buy. I see that different brands seem to have a different amount of power (MAH?) that they put out. I use to think all 1.5 volt batteries were the same, I guess I was wrong. Also, does it matter if I get one of those 30 minute chargers or one that takes several hours to charge batteries as related to performance of the batteries not the convenience of short charge times. I see that the Battery station lists the MAH rating for the different brand of batteries they offer. What is the MAH rating for Energizer NiMH batteries? Are some flashlights not suited to rechargeables? I see that the C1 Infiniton actually suggests using NiMH batteries. Can flashlights that don’t mention rechargeables still safely use NiMH batteries?

Even thought this is the longest post I think I have ever done on any message board I’m sure I’ve left out questions. I look forward to all feedback.

Thanks.

 

[BlindedByTheLite]

[ QUOTE ]
cmlotito said:
I think (and correct me if I’m wrong) it would be a good idea to have a collection of flashlights that use a variety of common battery types. Like ones that uses AAA, AA C, and D. That way if for some reason I cant find one type of battery for whatever reason I would still be able to find the others. I’ll get to rechargeables in a minute.[/QUOTE]
that's a GREAT idea.


[ QUOTE ]
cmlotito said:
Since I don’t go camping or hiking I feel I would only need one or two lights that would be able to throw light at a long distance (100-200 feet?) A light of this type would probably not get much use by me but would be nice to have if the occasion arose.[/QUOTE]
another great idea. you're gonna do just fine.


[ QUOTE ]
cmlotito said:
1. AAA flashlight (probably will be an ARC AAA when ARC starts taking orders again.)

2. AA flashlight. Not sure which kind to get for this since there seems to be a very wide variety of these kinds of lights.

3. C flashlight. I was thinking of one of those new Infiniton C1 lights from Lightwave since it would also be nice to have a Luxeon light for the ability to throw its light a nice distance which I think it does, doesn’t it?

4. Maybe an LED lantern that would have a long run time since I would like to not have to use the Lightwave 4000 light to just light up a room by propping it up. It is a flashlight after all, not a lantern.

5. Maybe another D flashlight since I beginning to see that D type lights seem to have longer run times.

6. I would prefer all the lights to at least be water resistant. Completely waterproof would be a plus but not a requirement.

7. I’m not in a hurry to buy all these lights at once. But am looking to obtain them over the next few months.[/QUOTE]
sounds like a pretty good lay out to me. you might wanna be a little more specific about what you'll use your lights for. around the house and around the yard use? hiking use? do you need them @ work? etc, and then better reccomendations can roll in.

 

[Pi_is_blue]

For a AA light, I have heard very good things about the UKE 4AA eLED. It is supposed to have a 10+ hour regulated runtime.
Also check out the Eternalight line of flashlights. They have many levels of brightness and seem to run forever.

 

[nerdgineer]

I got an Infiniton (off eBay - couldn't help myself). A very nicely made light but heavy with C cells so I modded it with a piece of plastic tubing (riser tube for sprinkler system) to hold 3 nimh AA's. Makes it 5 ounces lighter (12.7 oz vs 17 oz) and it's just as bright (maybe 800 cd or a little more). Don't have to get C cells this way.

The beam is a tightly focused square, maybe a foot square at 6 feet. It's pretty bright at 100 feet and can be seen against light surfaces at 200 feet. It's fun to play with but you can't take it walking at night (too bright and lit area is too small up close).

Tested run times with C is about 8 hours with good regulation. I'm guessing my 2000 mAH nimh's will be good for 2+ hours, but probably not 3 (enough for me).

I wouldn't pay the $90 + asking price for one, but if you can get a good deal, then by all means.... (always)

 

[Flying Turtle]

I'll second Pi is blue's recommendation of the UK 4AA eLED and something from Eternalight. I like the Derringer in particular, but they are all good.

Along the lines of a LED lantern, I was pleasantly surprised by the Energizer Accent Lanterns. One D batt powers a highly diffused white LED for "200 hours". They normally sold at Target in a three pack for $20, but may still be around for a $10 clearance price.

Geoff

 

[eebowler]

How about making a moded flashlight for yourself? The process isn't hard at all if you buy a combination #2(heatsink with LED epoxied to it) from hotbeam. Check this thread for more information. Using this combo with either a 3C or 3D maglite, you can get an output as great or greater than the stock maglites!

As an alternative to modding a flashlight and as an option for your second D cell flashlight, you can check out some LED replacement bulbs. The high dome LEDs ( Epieon, Diamond) will throw the light father (tighter focus) than the side emitting LED of the EverLED.

EverLED bulb>> Review one. A second review can be found at the ledmuseum under LED replacement bulbs.

Epieon LED bulb >> Review at the ledmuseum here.

Diamond replacement bulb.>> Reviewed here.

 

[greenLED]

Visit quickbeam's review site: flashlightreviews.com

 

[cmlotito]

Thanks for all the advice so far. The idead of modding is a possibility I'll need to read up more on. Can anyone out there answer my question about rechargeable batteries?

 

[Lurker]

Welcome to CPF.

Rechargeable batteries can be a bit tricky because they have a slightly lower voltage (1.2v rather than 1.5v), but can deliver higher current. This is not too much of a problem with most LED lights, but with incandescent lights, it usually makes them noticeably dimmer. And of course you have to keep them charged because they will self-discharge over time even if not used. Overall they can be great and I use them a lot. Lithium batteries are a bit riskier because they deliver higher current at a higher voltage, and could burn out some vulnerable lights.

MAH ratings vary even within the same brand and that determines the capacity of that particular battery. Higher is better, but may cost more. There are many good brands and there are review sites dedicated to that, but I just buy what is cheap.

Fast chargers can be fine, but some run pretty hot which can shorten the battery's life. Search for charger reviews on this site for some good models. There is now a 15 minute charger by Rayovac that is good and the Maha 401FS has long been highly regarded. A good cheap (slow) option is the Rayovac PS1. The basic thing to look for is a good modern "smart" charger that shuts off when it detects that the battery is full rather than just blindly pumping current as long as it's attached.

As for flashlights that take various battery sizes, one philosophy is to standardize on a particular battery size, that way the cells are interchangeable and it simplifies keeping spare cells handy. This is particularly true when using rechargeables. AA is a popular choice. However, it is also nice in an emergency to be able to use whatever cell size is available. I personally try to standardize whenever possible, but I also keep a few cheap non-using lights around in various sizes just in case. After using a AA or AAA light, the big D lights can seem pretty cumbersome.

 

[HarryN]

added - Looks like my post was in progress at the same time as the one above.

I started out with some similar ideas on buying lights based on some "common" batteries (cells as some would say). Then I started to get hooked on the 123 based lights, which is a real danger to the wallet, but in a happy way. I am even playing with a home made which will be run off of 223 type.

The obvious question is "why bother with these strange cell types?". The answer in a nut shell is, that it is very convenient to have the battery voltage higher than the Vf (forward voltage) of the LED. With white LEDs, this is nominally 3 - 4 volts, which you can easily get from 2 x 123 in series, or 3 x normal 1.5 v cells. Bright flashlights require cells that have the ability to deliver high current levels, and for small cells / batteries, that usually means Lithium based chemistry.

With some clever electronics, you can also run off of lower voltage battery stacks - even single cell 1.5 volt types. These are offered by many of the light suppliers and as components from "The Shoppe" - see the main listing.

I have had mixed results with rechargeable batteries, but they are definitely the way to go if you are using the light regularly. For a light that sits in the cabinet or car glove box waiting for an emergency, I would personally skip the recharge lights and go for a quality primary cell based setup.

Ray-o-vac makes a nice, consumer level rechargeable setup which is readily available, has reasonable performance, fast charge time, and is backed by a major manufacturer. It is also available in a variety of battery sizes, and is usually acceptable to women, which can be a factor.

Once you get REALLY serious about lights, then you should read the incan threads and R/C airplane related threads - those guys take battery performance to new levels.

If the use is going to include cold weather, Li primary cells are worth serious consideration.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

cmlotito,

Welcome.

Being able to use different sized batteries is also a great strategy for emergencies. When there's an emergency the only batteries left in a store are usually C cells. With that in mind I'd suggest a Tektite Expedition 300 for your C cell selection.

It is a rugged 3C dive light with (7) 5mm white leds. It will still be working when you need it. About $60. Good battery life. I used to use one to read in the bathtub and the batteries lasted so long that once when they went dead I thought the light was broken. I was that used to it just running on and on, using it only an hour at a time.

Check out The LED Museum review of the Expidition 300

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I have 1400Mah Quest brand rechargables in my MiniM*g with a Madmax Sandwich. They have been in it for a month or more. It hasn't been used heavily, but was played with a lot when I had a big reflector taped over the end.

It still looks good and bright (and pink tinted) to me.

I have NimH cells up to 1850MaH... and 2000+ are at Walmart from Energizer as we speak. I use a (rats, brain fade) to chrge them and like it. OH YEAH C Crane Quik Charger!!!

 

[cmlotito]

Just ordered an eternLight Elite X-ray for my AA choice. I think it would be a good light to leave in the car for emergencies (s.o.s. signal) and it has a magnet on the back which would be nice to have when changing a flat tire at night. I think I got a good deal on it too for only $50.

Got another question too which has probaly been debated here before but I'll ask again. Do people here prefer a twist on/off switch or a button switch and why? I think i'm partial to button switches, am I wrong? Or is it personal preferance?

 

[eebowler]

cmlotito, I would much prefer a button switch because it will only require one hand to operate. It can also be used in momentary mode as well.

 

[daloosh]

Welcome to CPF, cmlotito, and why dontcha stay awhile!

I have been quite happy with the Maha C401FS and their 2100 AAs, and the 2000 Everlast AAs that Wingerr got me. I don't like D cells, they are too heavy, so I guess I have standardized around 123 lithiums.

That said, the Eternalights are great. I think I like the Xray even more than the Max, both are full featured, and loaded with lithiums, are dependable and float. $50 is good!

I like twisties better, since often buttons, if not locked out, or guarded like the McE2S, can go on, and twisties seem to aggravate my carpal tunnel problems less.

I have been happily surprised by the Streamlight Junior, a nice brite AA lite at good prices.

welcome again,
daloosh