Bushwalking/Trekking AA/CR123 torches

[chigerama]

Hi folks

First up, just like to thank everyone (even though most won't see me saying so!) for the information and work put into the forum... Though this is my 'first post', i've been reading CPF for a number of years and it has provided much information and sleep deprivation(it is currently past 2am as i write this!).

Next up... I have a question!


It's about time that i upgraded my old C3 5 mode torch to something a little bit more mature... It did alright, but the time has come. On the table is either a CR123 or AA based torch...

I'm after the following features/abilities of my replacement:

1. Under $100
2. Max OTF lumen of ~200(more wouldn't hurt, but...)
3. Minimum burntime on high of 1:45(to 50%, be well regulated, don't mind if the drop is sudden, as spare batteries will always be carried)
4. Be able to take either(or both) AA's(will be using rechargeable NiMh or L91's) or CR123 primaries.
5. Have a moonlight/low mode, for rummaging though my backpack in my tent at night and reading books/maps/etc.
6. Have a usable medium mode of between 50-80 lumen or there-abouts (flexible on this point).
7. Be *reliably* waterproof(it isn't uncommon for me to be walking in bad weather)
8. Have a clicky switch, either tail or side-mounted. Would prefer if it was able to be used as a momentary on for signaling.
9. Have 3-4 brightness levels - moonlight, low, med, high - strobe could be useful, but won't be a deal breaker at all (with a strobe speed suitable for bicycle use).
10. Size - Smaller the better, Lighter the better, but willing to accept the size impact of going with AA's over CR123's.
11. Have a memory function or default to the least bright setting.

Now, i'm not that fussed about whether it uses AA batteries or CR123's... As mentioned, i'll either be using rechargeable or L91 AAs or CR123 primaries... no rechargeable RCR123's at all.

Obviously, with the max-lumen of ~200 or so, if it is a AA flashlight it would need to be 2 x AA - That doesn't bother me, I would also be considering a smaller 1 x CR123 as a backup(or if the decided flashlight is a 2 x CR123, get perhaps a small 1 x AAA as a backup(maybe a Preon I?).

As far as flood/spot goes... I'd probably rather err more on the side of spot for checking out noises in the bush. The Australian Drop Bear is a vicious predator, and i'd rather be able to spot one at a fair distance, rather than find out too late!

I think i've covered most of my preferences/requirements....

So far i've been considering lights such as the 4sevens, Fenix, etc, but am open to suggestions, i'm not particularly loyal to any one brand...


So uhhhh.... What do you think?

:thanks:

 

[B0wz3r]

If you want a single cell burner that really throws, a Jetbeam RRT-0 on a 14500 is what you want. Most throw of any single cell light I've ever seen. Get the AA extender tube for it and you can run either AA or 123 format cells. Its big brother the RRT-2 can run on either 2xCR123 or 1x18650 and has similar lux and beam profile characteristics.

Honestly though, if you're going to walkabout, then a floody headlamp like a Zebralight combined with a thrower flashlight would be the best combination.

 

[maxspeeds]

for under $100, get a used Ra EDC w/ high CRI Seoul emitter. Everything you need, especially good color rendition when out in the bush.

 

[Qoose]

My updated backpacking light selection is a L1 and a Zebra light H30. I feel like between these, I have all my light needs covered while keeping weight mostly down. If I wanted to count ounces even further, I'd go with the new ZL SC30. In fact it's on my wish list anyway. But I really vouch for a powerful blaster and flexible headlamp combo.

Also, if you are looking for various critters, cool white isn't all that bad in the bush. The reason is that the first thing you will see will be the reflective eyes, and a reduced neutral tint wont help you see those.

 

[chigerama]

Yeah, i currently own a Black Diamond Icon (SSC P4(i think) + 4 5mm LED combo headlamp) that is going to be replaced with a zebralight of some description when it dies(or before my next major ultralight hike(Stirling Ranges National Park).

What are peoples thoughts on these two 2 x CR123 flashlights?

Fenix PD30 R4
4Sevens 1232 Tactical, R2 Ed.


Obviously with the thought of replacing my BD Icon mentioned above, in due time...

 

[B0wz3r]

In general, you'll get a brighter light running 2xCR123 but I personally avoid them because of their expense and the ubiquity of the AA format now days. If you get a light that's capable of running off of a 14500, the CR123 advantage disappears, not only for output but capacity as well. There is very little if any difference between them anymore, even with primaries, but especially for li-ion rechargeables (the AW 16340 and 14500 are rated at exactly the same voltage and mah).

I'd say it depends on your usage; you've mentioned you'll be carrying a battery supply, so in that case by all means go with the 123's. Otherwise, I'd say sacrifice a bit of lux and go for the compatibility.

If you really must have the brightest possible handheld light, you're probably better off going with something that uses an 18650. There are plenty of beastly throwers out there that will put out nearly 1000 lumens or even more on 2 or 3 18650s.

 

[qtaco]

I'd recommend the Zebralight H51 headlamp. Based on Selfbuilts review of the SC51 (which uses the same circuit as the H51) it meets these requirements:

1. Under $100 - ~USD$65
2. Max OTF lumen of ~200(more wouldn't hurt, but...) - Rated at 200lms on high1 by manufacturer
3. Be able to take either(or both) AA's(will be using rechargeable NiMh or L91's) or CR123 primaries. - Takes AA's
4. Have a moonlight/low mode, for rummaging though my backpack in my tent at night and reading books/maps/etc. - On low1 ~3 days, on low2 ~19 days
5. Have a usable medium mode of between 50-80 lumen or there-abouts (flexible on this point). - Yes: 30lms on Med1 for 12 hours; 100 lms on High2 for 2.1 hrs.
6. Have a clicky switch, either tail or side-mounted. - Clicky, on head
7. Have 3-4 brightness levels - moonlight, low, med, high - strobe could be useful, but won't be a deal breaker at all (with a strobe speed suitable for bicycle use). - 6 well spaced brightness levels
8. Size - Smaller the better, Lighter the better, but willing to accept the size impact of going with AA's over CR123's. - One of the smallest 1xAA lights with a reflector
9. Have a memory function or default to the least bright setting. - User interface allows you to go to high or low from off with one click

With 6 output levels you can definitely get 1:45 at a relatively high output level (High 2). I don't think anyone has tested the waterproof-ness, however Zebralight states it is waterproof to IPX8 (30 minutes at 1 meter of depth).

1. Minimum burntime on high of 1:45(to 50%, be well regulated, don't mind if the drop is sudden, as spare batteries will always be carried) - High2 is ~100lms for 2.1 Hrs
2. Would prefer if it was able to be used as a momentary on for signaling.
3. Be *reliably* waterproof(it isn't uncommon for me to be walking in bad weather)

I have one and it's a very nice 1xAA headlamp, with a very efficient circuit and a unique design.

 

[chigerama]

In general, you'll get a brighter light running 2xCR123 but I personally avoid them because of their expense and the ubiquity of the AA format now days. If you get a light that's capable of running off of a 14500, the CR123 advantage disappears, not only for output but capacity as well. There is very little if any difference between them anymore, even with primaries, but especially for li-ion rechargeables (the AW 16340 and 14500 are rated at exactly the same voltage and mah).

I'd say it depends on your usage; you've mentioned you'll be carrying a battery supply, so in that case by all means go with the 123's. Otherwise, I'd say sacrifice a bit of lux and go for the compatibility.

If you really must have the brightest possible handheld light, you're probably better off going with something that uses an 18650. There are plenty of beastly throwers out there that will put out nearly 1000 lumens or even more on 2 or 3 18650s.

I was planning to avoid 18650's due to size/weight, however i was also going to avoid rechargeable lithiums altogether anyway. I should have been clearer with this.

The only rechargeable batteries that will be used in whatever light i go with, will be AA or AAAs(AA for capacity, realistically.)

Yes, i know this increases running costs, however these flashlights will realistically be used when i go camping only, which due to work sadly, is only once every few months for 3-4 days. It would cost me more in the short-medium term to use rechargeable lithiums.





As far as headlamps go(and not what this thread is actually about!), i would likely go with the H501w Neutral White... Decent runtime on a single AA, better(than average) colour, pushbutton UI. For a headlamp, i'd rather have something that will last a bit longer, and not be so worried about brightness, as i'll be using it for working up close(cooking, reading, inside a tent, etc etc), so 1.5hr runtime on a very usable 60lm would be the best combination for me, i'd say.

edit: ofcourse, if the H51 came out in a neutral/warm tint... that would change things



Thanks for your comments guys

 

[B0wz3r]

I was planning to avoid 18650's due to size/weight, however i was also going to avoid rechargeable lithiums altogether anyway. I should have been clearer with this.

Ok, didn't realize that.

As far as headlamps go(and not what this thread is actually about!), i would likely go with the H501w Neutral White... Decent runtime on a single AA, better(than average) colour, pushbutton UI. For a headlamp, i'd rather have something that will last a bit longer, and not be so worried about brightness, as i'll be using it for working up close(cooking, reading, inside a tent, etc etc), so 1.5hr runtime on a very usable 60lm would be the best combination for me, i'd say.

edit: ofcourse, if the H51 came out in a neutral/warm tint... that would change things



Thanks for your comments guys

I've been waiting for an H51w myself...

For maximum versatility, look at an RRT-0 with the AA extender. 1xCR123 or 1xAA. Good thrower, nice and bright, even on a primary. Make sure to get the OP reflector instead of the smooth one if you go this route.

Check out the Zebralight flashlights too, very nice and light, small, and very bright. Just got an SC50w+ this week and it's a fantastic little light. The SC51 is coming out too, and it's optimized for primaries. Zebras don't throw that well though.

 

[chigerama]

Yeah, the RRT-0 certainly does look like it would fit the bill... Though saying that, it is $113(with ext.), compared to about $60 for the PD30+ R4 and the Quark CR123(2) R2 Tactical....

I'm not sure if the extra $60 is going to give a significant better result than the above... or atleast, $60 worth of improvement.

 

[ZMZ67]

How about the Quark 2AA in neutral white ? I prefer to stay with neutral to warm tints for outdoor use.The 2AA won't be as bright as the 2CR123 Quark you mentioned but if you purchase the 1XCR123 body you can choose between 2AA or 1CR123.The Quark 2AA NW with the extra 1XCR123 body meets your criteria and gives you flexability in size and battery type + it stays within your budget.

 

[Squidboy]

I think the Jetbeam Jet 1 Pro V3 would be a good choice. And it is cheaper than the RRT-0 and to be honest the output looks the same.

AA or 14500, 3 programmable modes and small. Also the fenix holster for a ld10 fits it fine.


http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=234520 for loads of info beamshots etc

 

[chigerama]

In theory, i agree with you totally ZMZ67 - it makes perfect sense... But the AA2 has pretty ordinary runtimes when compared to the 123(2), which was my (nearly only) reason for leaning towards that more than the AA2. Regulation of the AA2 using 1 x CR123 is also pretty low using the 'max' output setting(improves at lower settings, granted).

The setup you suggest also allows easy addition of a 18650 tube later on for around the house/urban use, where weight and size is less of an issue.


6 of one, half a dozen of the other....

 

[ZMZ67]

I can see your point in opting for the 2CR123 Quark but I have been spoiled by the small size of the 1CR123 and the added versatality of being able to convert back to 2AAs in a pinch just seems like icing on the cake.The Fenix PD30 would be a good light as well but I think the Quark is the better of the two, especially with the neutral tint.

 

[jsr]

Since you'll have a backpack all the time, you can carry a decent sized light. Because you may need a lot of light for a good period of time, I wouldn't recommend any single cell (AA or 123) lights as those do not have long runtimes on high. When I do night hikes or treks, I prefer a light in the size class of SF 6P (and there are literally TONS of those). It's comfortable in the hand (good size diameter that doesn't feel too big or small to tire you hand out), has a reflector sized perfectly for a mix of throw and spill, and provides very good runtime on high.
My favorite amongst this size class of light is the Dereelight CL1H. Here's how it stacks up to your requirements:

Under $100
-- under $70 shipped with CPF discount

Max OTF lumen of ~200(more wouldn't hurt, but...)
-- 260 lumens OTF!

Minimum burntime on high of 1:45(to 50%, be well regulated, don't mind if the drop is sudden, as spare batteries will always be carried)
-- Over 2hrs regulated

Be able to take either(or both) AA's(will be using rechargeable NiMh or L91's) or CR123 primaries.
-- takes 2x 123s

Have a moonlight/low mode, for rummaging though my backpack in my tent at night and reading books/maps/etc.
-- Has high, medium, low

Have a usable medium mode of between 50-80 lumen or there-abouts (flexible on this point).
-- Forgot the exact output or drive current, but yes, medium is very usable

Be *reliably* waterproof(it isn't uncommon for me to be walking in bad weather)
-- fully o-ring sealed at all joints

Have a clicky switch, either tail or side-mounted. Would prefer if it was able to be used as a momentary on for signaling.
-- forward click switch at tail with momentary

Have 3-4 brightness levels - moonlight, low, med, high - strobe could be useful, but won't be a deal breaker at all (with a strobe speed suitable for bicycle use).
-- High, Medium, and Low

Size - Smaller the better, Lighter the better, but willing to accept the size impact of going with AA's over CR123's.
-- Easily pocketable and not overly large (shorter than your 2xAA light)

Have a memory function or default to the least bright setting.
-- Memorizes last used mode

Another GREAT feature of the Dereelight is that it uses P60-sized drop-ins, so as new LED technology comes out, you can easily upgrade just the pill or P60 module without having to buy a whole new light to save a lot of cost.

If you want a 2xAA light, consider the Dereelight Javelin. Also 260 OTF Lumens, about the same size as your 2xAA light now, and also uses P60-sized drop-ins. Can use 2x alkalines or NiMH or L91s. Again, easily upgradeable as new LEDs come out and well under your price range.