Can O' Worms: Help me choose a new light!

[Bografan]

Hey there folks! Been lurking for a bit, finally decided to jump in. Hopefully my questions won't be considered `too newb' but I thought that here in the LED section would be a good place to start. I apologize ahead of time if my syntax or terminology leaves something to be desired.

Backstory: I'm an avid hunter, fisherman and camper. I also find myself out in the woods at night a lot while geocaching. I've got the standard 4D Maglite, a couple of smaller Mags (one drop-in converted to LED that I'm none too impressed with) along with roughly 6-8 smaller LED lights that I cycle through- Coleman, Brinkman, etc.( <-- I hear the chuckles already...) Long distance is usually handled by an ancient spotlight, and map reading is usually by my x4 LED hat light (some little knockoff, don't ask me the make/model).

I'd like a few suggestions on a new, bigger light. I'd like to list some criteria that matters (to me) and maybe I can get pointed in the right direction.

Criteria #1: I REALLY would like to run AA batteries because they are so prolific and interchangable with the rest of my gear. I have AA's in my Eotech red dot scope, as well as my digital camera, my handheld GPS and flashlight. If the need arises (and it has) I can swap out batteries and get on with my trek. FYI- Currently I'm using alkalines but forsee a purchase of some quality rechargeables- I just go through too many not to.

Criteria #2: Size/weight. I'd like to keep the pounds off my pack as much as the next guy. My Coleman MAX x2 AA is currently my `go-to' light because of what I consider it's small size/weight (6" long, 1" barrel, roughly 6oz. w/ batteries) and decent light. It keeps the trails visible while not being too heavy, and its 1" barrel can be clamped into a mount on my rifle. As a side note, I also use the heck out of the wrist lanyard while crossing obstacles so that would be something else I would want. So something in the neighborhood of those specs would be nice, but I understand smaller size/weight and higher lumens aren't always mutually exclusive. I'll have to take what I can get, right?:sigh: Which brings me to the next bit---

Criteria #3: Lumens! I want to see further down these trails, bayous and washes where I'm climbing around and still have the capability of `spotlighting' critters at up to 100 yards. So an adjustable beam would probably be what I'd need, with as many lumens I can shove in the smallest package possible that runs off AAs. Easy, right?

Criteria #4: "Bells and Whistles" is the only thing I can think of to call this section. As previously mentioned, an adjustable beam needs to be available, and at a secondary press of the button I would like to have another low-lumen setting for map reading, log signing, etc. that doesn't burn through the batteries as fast.

Criteria #5: Price. I'm looking at options within a $80-130 budget.

I don't know what else to add, but I'll sum it up by amending a statement of mine from earlier:

"So I need an adjustable beam light with a high/low option, wrist lanyard and as many lumens I can shove in the smallest package possible that runs off AAs for a decent price."

Any help and suggestions are appreciated!

Bografan

 

[abarth_1200]

Wlecome, you will be blown away by the time you get your hands on your first real torch, there is such a thing as more lumens for a smaller package

Zebralight H501 as a headlamp

And while we are here why not a Zebralight SC50, a bit more handheld than the H501 but still with the abilty of being used with the included headband. Multi level light with a nice low.

26 days on low or something like that for both of these and plenty of accesories to clip, hang, strap to your gear how you want.

Ive had the CR123 headlamp since it came out a few years ago and its never let me down

ZL make some very high quality lights for great prices, you can get both within budget.

Link to ZL website

http://www.zebralight.com/

Have a read on that website and come back with any questions

 

[Henk_Lu]

I don't know what else to add, but I'll sum it up by amending a statement of mine from earlier:

"So I need an adjustable beam light with a high/low option, wrist lanyard and as many lumens I can shove in the smallest package possible that runs off AAs for a decent price."

Any help and suggestions are appreciated!

Bografan

Unfortunately, your first criteria reduces the choice to not very much : LedLenser. I guess you don't want a Maglite, do you?

So, ask yourself why only one company makes lights with adjustable beams? OK, you'll surely find some other lights which I don't know, but all manufacturers inclusing custom makers don't built adjustable beams. The adjustement just doesn't work, that's the reason.

Some time ago there was a thread on CPFMP of a company which presented a new technology to adjust the beam. They had a video where they showed how the actual lights adjust and of course their new technology, which looked interesting, but I have no idea if any company showed interest.

So, give up the idea of an adjustable beam and have a look at decent lights with a more or less universal beam. Some are throwier, some are floodier. Have a look at the 4Sevens Quark series, they have a few different AA models available. Zebralights have been mentionned, are on teh floody side and a must for geocaching! Either take a real flooder and a handheld throwier light or have a look at the new H31 or H31w (soon availabe in AA as well, H51...), probably best for caching purposes. I preffer a H60w in combination with a Quark Turbo or even a Dereelight DBS...

 

[think2x]

I will have to second the Quark, it is my GO TO LIGHT (IMHO the "perfect" beam)

 

[Dances with Flashlight]

:welcome:

You sacrifice a great deal for the option of an adjustable beam - too much in the opinion of many of us. The adjustable beam requirement also rules out many fine lights that would probably suit you very well.

Browse through CPF and the sub-forums, and good luck.

 

[Jash]

$80-$130

TK40!

Size of a 2D mag, runs on AA's, has the most perfect beam profile so you won't need adjustable focus, 13 to 630 lumens so you can read maps up close and then see not only what that critter is 100 yards away, but blind it in the process.

Or there is it's little brother the TK20. 2AA, 45 lumen low, 150 lumen high, great CRI and has a very nice holster to put it in.

Whatever light you choose, get some eneloops and a good charger and you're set.

 

[tre]

I second a Fenix TK40 but that may be way too big for you (8 AA batteries). If you want to stick with the 2AA format, you have 3 good choices:

1) EagleTac P20A2 MKII
2) Fenix LD20
3) Quark Turbo AA (Turbo has better throw then regular Quark AA)

All of the above have at least 4 levels of brightness but none of these have an adjustable beam. They are all very bright (all over 200 OTF lumens). You will get good light to 150ft but the light is going to be somewhat dim at 100 yards. AA lights just don't have that much throw (also due to reflector size, XP-G LED).

If you loose the AA requirement, you will find a whole new world open up to you with brighter lights and more throw without increasing size .

 

[frisco]

I like the Nitecore Defender Infinity. Great UI, You can have a real low setting for map reading and turn it to FULL very fast.

You can run it on re-chargable LiIon's or Eneloop's than when in need you can pop in standard Alkaline AA's

frisco

 

[hyperloop]

Fenix TK20 from 4sevens, think its just under $50 after using the "CPF8" discount code. Tough as nails, 2 light levels and a neutral/warm tint that is much better for outdoor use IMHO.

One light cannot do it all, i'd also suggest a headlamp, perhaps a Zebralight H501 or H501W (white vs warm tint) for hands free use, runs off 1xAA or similar sized cell and is so light you will forget you even have it on your head. I'd advise getting the zebralight directly from their website

 

[joe1512]

I agree that adjustable is probably too much of a stretch.

There ARE flood to throw lights, but they seem to lag behind, technologically speaking. As such, I'd avoid them until someone makes a good one.

Battery-wise, I recommend getting some energizer eneloop AAs and charger. This is very cost effective, they wont leak like alkalines, they are better for high discharge applications, you can 'top off' your light before a trip, and they don't lose their charge over time like most rechargables.

On amazon, you can get 8xAA, 2xAAA and a charger for around 32 bucks delivered.


For actual lights, you need to pick between a 2xAA and a 6x or 8x AA.

For 2xAA, there are quite a few choices. For maximum brightness and efficiency, I'd recommend one that uses an "XP-G' emitter which is the latest generation.
I will let others advice you on which light to get.


If I were you, I'd go with the Fenix TK40. it uses 8xAAs which means fantastic runtime and 4 levels of output including a super bright Turbo mode. It has a great throw/flood balance. Even with 8xAAs, it fits in your hand and is about the size and weight of a 2D maglite.
It is on the upper range of your budget, but I'd really recommend stretching it a bit as this is your ideal solution.

There IS a budget version called the itp A1 Polestar. It uses 6xAAs and I like it. 3 modes. However, it is meant to light up an area and thus has more 'flood' than throw. You can still see 100 feet off easily, but the beam is not as tightly focused. You can decide if this is what you want or not. At 80 bucks, this is a viable option. It is also more traditional side-switch and I gave one to my dad and in-law for early fathers day.
I recommend goinggear.com for this route as you can get a 10% discount and free shipping.

 

[trav54]

4Sevens Quark AA2 or Turbo AA2.

 

[Bografan]

This is great! I appreciate the input everyone!

So, ask yourself why only one company makes lights with adjustable beams?

Like Maglite and Coast? Putting it that way, it does seem a little questionable. I guess what I'm worried about is the ability for reach-out-and-touch-someone distances without seeming overly "washed out" up close. Forgive my ignorance, but is this even an issue or am I just spinning my wheels?

So an amendment: It does NOT need an adjustable beam.

2x AA's is just the format/size I'm used to, but I'm good with mutiplying the amount as long as it's still AA. I would have to classify the AA requirement as a dealbreaker, though I still appreciate your advice Tre. Even with extra cells in my pack- between needing that GPS running to get me there and a light to see by, I've had to swap from here-to-there to get me through the woods. That may also be from the quality/endurance of the lights I have now but I am not sure. Some times I can leave the house around 9PM and be `out in the woods' till 3AM or later.

All in all, y'all have given me quite a bit of fat to chew on. I'm glad to have a forum available that has a community that know what they are talking about instead of the `I saw it on Amazon so it has to be good' suggestions I've gotten elsewhere.

Any more ideas, please throw them my way. I'll go back to lurking until I can get the patois down. Thanks again!

 

[joe1512]

That is an excellent question! I am surprised the flood-to-throw lights are kinda disregarded.

Your question is perfectly valid. This is why most lights have varying brightness levels. If you need light close up, you won't put it on 1000 searing lumens brightness where the hotspot will catch paper on fire and blind you.
The LED lights are a pretty good compromise having a nice hotspot with a good sized corona. A maglite has almost ALL hotspot with almost no corona; except when you adjust it some. It is still not a satisfying flood light.


I will toss in a few easy links for you to consider:
These are adjustables. While underpowered by CPF standards, they can still put out a decent amount of light and put it exactly where you want it. They are also cheap!

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-180/Romisen-RC-dsh-29-II-Q5/Detail

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26798
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.29095
These are 1xAA or 3xAAA. They even have little videos and screenshots.

-----------------
http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_19&products_id=375
This is a nice bright 2xAA light. Reasonable price AND ability to digitally set brightness to exactly what you what it!



Others here can help you better if you are looking to spend more money on higher priced lights.

 

[SFG2Lman]

i'd also like to suggest the quark AAx2 for your purposes, the beam profile is about near perfect for flood and throw, i use the regular 123 version myself, and have for about 11 months (including some iraq time) Its small, clips to the pocket, tailstands, and really a great light.

 

[fixitman]

From personal experience, I definitely prefer a neutral tint outdoors. My choices would be

Eagletac P20A2 markII in neutral tint. Uses an xp-e instead of the more efficient xp-g of the standard P20A2 markII, but will give better color rendition outdoors, and tighter beam.

Fenix TK20. Pretty much the toughest 2AA light out there, tight beam, neutral tint. Not as bright as the Eagletac, but a really nice light all the same.

Eagletac P100A2 neutral. Not as many features as the P20A2, but alot less expensive and a bright, tight beam.

Quark AA2 warm. A warmer tint than the Eagletac and Fenix lights, but you can program which light levels you want in the 2 brightness positions. I have the cool tint version, and its really a great light.

I would definatly recomend getting a headlamp. The Zebralight H501w is very nice for up close work. It has a really nice neutral tint, and an all flood beam.

Why do I stress the neutral/warm tints? because in my experience browns show up much better with neutral and warm tints than with cool tints. Cool tints have alot of blue in them, and since mother nature doesnt have as much blue, alot of the light is wasted, or turns light browns to more of a gray.
I had 2 versions of the same light, a cool tint and a neutral tint. Spotlighting a rabbit in half dead grass. With the cool tint, rabbit appeared grey, against greyish dead grass. With the neutral tint, rabbit appeard brown against gold/beige dead grass. It was MUCH easier to spot the rabbit with the neutral tint.
Looking into trees with the cool tint, I could barely see into the dense foliage, barely making out branches and trunks. With the neutral tint, I could see much deeper into the trees, and the branches and trunks were significantly easier to see.
Thats just my experience, and everyone's eyes are different.

 

[Casper507]

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-180/Romisen-RC-dsh-29-II-Q5/Detail

I have the warm version great color rendition. No glare back from hot spot. Better for searching for something in dark. Can spot stuff against the shed at 125 yards when focused down to smallest beam. Light intensity is comparable to 300 lumen R2 LED in z2 host at 125 yards but it will be a much smaller and square beam focused this tightly. When set to flood it is more of a circle beam. It lights up the whole path in front of me for 30 to 50 yards quite effectively.

Run time is a little low. I also had a 2xAA extension on the cr123 version but gave that to my nephew.

I also have a 2xAA quark and 1xAA quark in warm neutral versions. The 2xAA gives around 170 lumens the 1xAA is a little less than 100 but it has great runtime because of that. Both are set up with tactical switches and the accessibility to all modes is great. You can even set them up to both run on forearm rail mounts at the same time.

http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_19&products_id=375

 

[Flint&Steel]

I agree with the above posters, since you'll be using the light mainly in an outdoor setting, go with something in a neutral or warm white. Maybe the new Quark AA-2 Tactical WW? You can go from reading a map (in moonlight or low mode) to lighting up a critter down the trail (in maximum mode) with a quick twist of the head.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up choosing.

Flint

 

[PerttiK]

I have a led lenser M5.
While being overprized, gives good throw and wide flood.
Two modes plus strobe, runs 1hr on high with 1 AA nimh before falling out of regulaton.
The low is stated as 15%, don't know about the runtime.

 

[crockett]

I use my lights for very similar reasons as you and much the same criteria. I would suggest the following for these reasons:

1. My GPS uses AA.
2. I like to travel light.

Zebralight 501w

This is your perfect searching light while your at ground zero during geocaching. Gives you use of both hands, the perfect beam and great tint for making things appear their natural colors at night.

AK106. The 3 mode programmable.

When I owned I kept it loaded with a 14500 and had it programmed for the 3 perfect levels for outdoor walking. Very low, a all-purpose medium and very bright. In the rare situation where the 14500 would lose it's charge, it will take a AA. I would always carry just 3 AA's. Two for the GPS and one for either of my two lights. The 501w takes AA also. Unfortunately, I lost the AK106.

Replaced with Quark mini AA warm, just got it today.

Same deal. Takes a 14500. Has perfect levels and is an incredible tint for outdoor use (the AK106 did not have a good tint). Still works on a AA if the 14500 dies and weighs next to nothing. Ships with an incredible lanyard so the light hangs around your neck, just like my AK106 did. Also, has all the fancy flash modes hidden away if you were ever to need those in a dire situation.