Brand Reliability

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You, Phry, exhibit all of the tendencies of the dreaded "troll." You seem intent on bashing other's posts and bashing American (mainly Surefire) lights - all the OP asked was:

"So which brands are considered the top tier in reliability? I've read that EagleTec is above Fenix? What would be your ranking? Also, what are the non-Chinese brands?"

I don't see where the OP requested that anyone challenge any of the recommendations. If you want to "bash" any member or manufacturer and have concrete examples of why, then maybe you should start your own "jeers" thread.

Of course, I'm sure you'll bash me, too, but that's fine. Maybe we'll both get a time out.


The quote of mine you have chosen to repeat was not in response to the OP. There have been a lot of post in between those, in case you hadn't noticed.

Also, "bash"?
 
The post started out interesting .......... I was curious to answers myself.
Now its hard to make heads or tails of this ...........
Good video BTW.
 
Yes, "Bash". MatthewSB gave his recommendation - you judged it to be "nonsense." Is that responding to the spirit of the original thread? I've enjoyed reading among your 39 posts so far. Seems to be quite a bit of consistency. Looking forward to your first started thread and your first review.

My apologies to canuck21 and everyone else in the thread and on the forum for taking us off the theme of the OP.

Enjoy yourself, Phry. I'm out.

The quote of mine you have chosen to repeat was not in response to the OP. There have been a lot of post in between those, in case you hadn't noticed.

Also, "bash"?
 
To put it back on track...I believe that continued support of a product (Warranty service/length) is also a big part of reliability even though it's not part of the physical flashlight. I've had a few minor issues with my 47's Quark (tailcap needing tightened inside) but the peace of mind of a 10 year warranty is tremendous. It's also one of the reasons I refuse to buy many of the Chinese brands. I think Eagletac also has a 10 year warranty.
 
I have to say that in defense of Surefire ......... there warranty is GREAT. Ive dropped my lights many of times with no damage.
Then one time I dropped it I cracked the lens ......told SF I wanted to buy another one ......... they ask my address and told me theres no charge and shipped me a new head. That is great customer service IMHO ........ it was my fault , they didnt care.
With as many times as Ive dropped my SF,s Ive only damaged one and it still worked. Iam impressed with them.
 
really good. SF are on top with warranty for sure.
imagine doing this with a ZL or Fenix.
hmmmmmm.


I have to say that in defense of Surefire ......... there warranty is GREAT. Ive dropped my lights many of times with no damage.
Then one time I dropped it I cracked the lens ......told SF I wanted to buy another one ......... they ask my address and told me theres no charge and shipped me a new head. That is great customer service IMHO ........ it was my fault , they didnt care.
With as many times as Ive dropped my SF,s Ive only damaged one and it still worked. Iam impressed with them.
 
So if all the lights made in the USA were junk you would but them over a quality Chinese alternative?

Gee, did an American solder snatched your lollipop when you were a kid?

If you're new to high-end flashlights, I'd recommend starting with a Fenix AA/AAA light. They have several available, so get whichever one suits your needs. Personally, I have the e11 and love it. It's also very affordable.

I did buy the Fenix E11 recently. It's not too cheap yet affordable and it's a simple light so I expect it to last for at least a couple years. My only issue is that the core of the light is not perfectly round. There's a slight deformity but oh well, as long that it works, I'm ok with it considering the price. I would have been more annoyed if I had paid more than $50.

Canuck21 (OP), you've been quiet for a couple of days. Have you anything to say/add?

I just came back from a vacation in Cuba. I brought along my newly purchased E11 as it's a small light. I used it a few times; it fulfilled its purpose well.

I rarely think in absolute. Nothing is perfect so of course even the best brand will fail one of those days. There are good brands and lesser brands so I wanted to see what the majority think. I wanted to see the big picture based on the different opinions. Regarding patriotism, I have geographical preferences based on my own experiences. That's why I also asked for non-Chinese brands. Having said that, quality tromps country (in time of peace of course). Anyway, I'm Canadian and as far as I know, there's no Canadian-made flashlight nor Canadian brands, but I do favor North American and European brands based on reputation and my own purchasing experience on other products. Again, I'm no Nazi and can be flexible. I just have preferences.

Having said that, I would have bought a US-made flashlight by now, mainly a Surefire, if not for the "uncommon" battery. For now, I only want AA/AAA flashlights. As for the other American-made flashlights, to be honest, I find them ugly. Yeah I know, I asked for reliability, but I would be much happier with a flashlight that is reliable AND good to look at too if possible LOL.
 
... I'm Canadian and as far as I know, there's no Canadian-made flashlight nor Canadian brands.,.

Armytek.. I hear good things about their Predator lights and they have a whole host of interesting products in the pipeline, which are listed on their website.

Sounds like a major Zebralight competitor, but with durability, waterproofness, warranty, and customer service.

Looking forward to their offerings.
 
If you must use the AA or AAA type lights, I certainly hope you are using eneloops or other non-alkaleak type battery.
Leakage is the problem with the idea of having "batteries that are everywhere".

Because it won't matter how reliable your light is, when your batteries leak all over the inside and ruin it.
 
Weirdly, in my experience, Surefire have been the least reliable brand, with both flashlights having multiple failures. Now a sample set of two isn't huge, so statistical error is to be expected, but even I was surprised at that. On the other hand, I've had 100% reliability from Maglite, Fenix and Lummi.
 
If you must use the AA or AAA type lights, I certainly hope you are using eneloops or other non-alkaleak type battery.
Leakage is the problem with the idea of having "batteries that are everywhere".

Because it won't matter how reliable your light is, when your batteries leak all over the inside and ruin it.

I use Eneloop and Powerex NiMH rechargeable batteries.
 
The only brands i have had an issue with are led lenser, streamlight and surefire.

the led lensers have had faulty switches, that work but flicker

the streamlight stinger XT i had had switch issues, i couldnt turn it off

And my SF L4 - i burn the LED out - it was used everyday - for a number of years,
 
There's one specific brand I think poorly of, and that's Arc. I got a red Arc AAA which sat around for quite a while before I tried it, and I found it to be intermittent. (No, the problem wasn't poor battery or other contact.) I sent it back and they replaced it with a white one, which I didn't need, because they no longer made red ones. The white one was also intermittent, right out of the box. Rather than send it back, I took it apart to see what the problem was and to replace the white LED with a red one. To my amazement, I found that the board's ground connection depends on a rolled aluminum edge contacting the copper board, basically a crimp connection. In my career as an electronic design engineer, I've had a lot of experience with contacts and connectors, and that's a disastrous combination which is bound to fail. No way will I ever buy another Arc light.

Otherwise, my experience is pretty much along the lines of the other responses.

c_c
 
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i think websites like this one has a lot to do with the build quality and performances of these led flashlights.word definitly spreads with reviews and peoples opinions certaintly has helped me to decide what flashlight brand and type to buy
 
Ranking the Brands... Question from a Noob

Pretty new to land of flashaholics and just trying to get my head around brands to look for and those to avoid. I want to purchase a few lights for various purposes, and at least knowing some of the more respected brands will get me moving in the right direction. I realize there is a lot of personal opinion in this, but your input is appreciated. I searched for previous threads and the most recent one I found was well over a year old, but forgive me if I missed one.
 
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Ranking the Brands... Question from a Noob

Pretty new to land of flashaholics and just trying to get my head around brands to look for and those to avoid. I want to purchase a few lights for various purposes, and at least knowing some of the more respected brands will get me moving in the right direction. I realize there is a lot of personal opinion in this, but your input is appreciated. I searched for previous threads and the most recent one I found was well over a year old, but forgive me if I missed one.

why cant you read this thread from the beginning?
 
The old saying "you get what you pay for" is a good rule of thumb for most things in this very competitive world. Figure out what your budget is and what you actually want or need, do some research and then spent 25% to 50% more then you planned on . You wont be disappointed. I could be wrong as I usually am, but thought you might find that helpful

Great post dude,...EPIC,...you are correct.
 
Their customers pay for that "good service" in advance with their ridiculous prices!

Of course you can dish out replacement parts easily if you over charged for them in the first place.

Many people who complain about the warranty of "Chinese lights" have never used them.

In Europe it is cheaper and easier to post to and from China for warranty repairs and many people buy from dealers who handle returns anyway.

You do know that some people exist in the world outside of the USA don't you?

Hey man Surefire lights just look and feel better than any Chinese light I have ever seen.

Surefire lights are some of the best lights on the market.
 

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