btdallmann
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2012
- Messages
- 1
Hello, all.
I am looking for a better light to replace my mini maglite that I carry daily now. I have included the survey answers below.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in Fargo, ND. (I would LIKE to try the light before buying, but would consider a source with a good return policy.)
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
____Less than $100.
3) Format:
____I want a flashlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
____Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
____Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
____Holster carry.
I currently carry a regular bulb mini maglite in a belt holster. A similar size would be preferred.
5) Emitter/Light source:
____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
I like LED for the efficiency, but am open to options.
6) Manufacturer:
No preference
7) What battery type do you want to use?
I would prefer rechargeable batteries, with "over the counter" as an option.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
____I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
Similar or greater than the mini maglite.
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
To be honest, this is a goal, but I don't know if its realistic, given my other choices.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
I don't know what some of these options mean, but I would prefer a tail-switch.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
Low/High as a minimum. Certainly willing to consider other modes, a momentary switch would be nice.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
Metal is good.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
A holster is a must, a (removable) pocket clip for those more "dressy" occasions would be nice. A filter would be good, but dedicated secondary LEDs would be nicer.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Barry
I am looking for a better light to replace my mini maglite that I carry daily now. I have included the survey answers below.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in Fargo, ND. (I would LIKE to try the light before buying, but would consider a source with a good return policy.)
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
____Less than $100.
3) Format:
____I want a flashlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
____Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
____Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
____Holster carry.
I currently carry a regular bulb mini maglite in a belt holster. A similar size would be preferred.
5) Emitter/Light source:
____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
I like LED for the efficiency, but am open to options.
6) Manufacturer:
No preference
7) What battery type do you want to use?
I would prefer rechargeable batteries, with "over the counter" as an option.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
____I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
Similar or greater than the mini maglite.
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
To be honest, this is a goal, but I don't know if its realistic, given my other choices.
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
I don't know what some of these options mean, but I would prefer a tail-switch.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
Low/High as a minimum. Certainly willing to consider other modes, a momentary switch would be nice.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
Metal is good.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
A holster is a must, a (removable) pocket clip for those more "dressy" occasions would be nice. A filter would be good, but dedicated secondary LEDs would be nicer.
Thanks in advance for any help!
Barry
