Favorite Multi Stage Light

[Illumination]

I'm looking to buy a new multi stage light for general outdoor use. I think single stage lights just aren't nearly as practical. In the age of LEDs, shouldn't all lights be multi stage?

I'm looking for a super bright high stage and an efficient / long runtime low stage. Probably don't need strobe, SOS, etc. but its ok if they have them.

Been thinking about:

Lithium Based

• Amilite T5
• Fenix P1D/P2D/P3D
• Novatac EDC
• Surefire L1 (Cree)

AA

• Fenix L1DCE/L2DCE
• Jet Light MkII (if available - seems to be out of stock)
• Rexlight

Anything else I should be considering? I recognize the Novatac isn't out yet and the Surefire is in only small quantities, but just wanted to start getting people's thoughts.

How much of a difference will I see between the AAs and Lithium lights in terms of brightness and lifespan? In the good old days I could count on Quickbeam for comparable stats, but we no longer have that resource for many of the newer lights. (sob sob sob)

Also, do I need to be concerned with how the light gets the multiple levels of brightness? I understand that some lights use a simple resistor, which wastes energy through heat dissipation? I understand the L1 is electronically controlled (and thus more efficient; is that true for the others?)

 

[o0o]

I'd recommend saving for a Surefire U2.

In my opinion, it has the best user interface of all the multi-setting lights, and it doesn't waste settings with lame modes such as SOS, strobe, etc.

Output is excellent, with a good combo of throw to flood.

 

[qip]

the irony is that the surfire SHOULD have sos considering its a tactical light and the people who use tactical ,police, military etc. could use sos in there situations if they were to be in need of help

 

[aceo07]

HDS. It'll last very long time assuming you don't have it at the brightest levels.

Only 1 CR123A and it's small. You won't have to think about weight or size. I usually carry 2-3 extra batteries during a 4-5 day camping trip and I still don't use them up. Being able to set ultra low output is good for inside the tent.

 

[Illumination]

Thanks for your comments.

Love the U2, but I should have mentioned I was looking for something on the smaller side - probably a single cell light.

The HDS is great, so maybe I should wait for a Novatac (not sure how long it will take for Henry to release his own lights again).

Really curious how the quoted 120 lumens from the Novatac compares to the quoted 65 from the L1, 90 from the Fenix P1D and 140 from the Amilight T5.

 

[shakeylegs]

I liked my P3d enough to order a P3D with Q2 emitter. It came today and I was just outside comparing it to my other flashights. It's very bright, brighter than all other lights I own but one.

Which brings me to my favorite multi stage flashlight. My CPF Special Multi-level 4 watt from Wit's End (simple cree mod added) still is the brightest flashlight I own, and has my favorite multi stage user interface - button up for higher, button down for lower. No SOS and no Beacon. Takes multiple battery types and fits great in the hand.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=112127

As I was writing, you posted your preference for a smaller light. My favorite single cell multi stage is four7's P2D Q2 edition with OP reflector. Small, very bright, and well made.

 

[TorchEnvy]

HDS. It'll last very long time assuming you don't have it at the brightest levels.

Only 1 CR123A and it's small. You won't have to think about weight or size. I usually carry 2-3 extra batteries during a 4-5 day camping trip and I still don't use them up. Being able to set ultra low output is good for inside the tent.

My favorite use for my HDS' ultra low mode is looking in on my daughter in her crib. I can shine it just below her face without fear of startling & waking her. The wall nightlight doesn't put much on her, just the floor, so a torch helps. Of course, my wife rolls her eyes when I do this.

The lowest mode on my in-transit P2D, for example, looks to be about 30 times brighter than that in terms of total output, judging by flashlightreviews' charts. That's a big difference. But the bright end sure sounds nice!

 

[aceo07]

Really curious how the quoted 120 lumens from the Novatac compares to the quoted 65 from the L1, 90 from the Fenix P1D and 140 from the Amilight T5.

Mee too. I'm curious to see if Novatac keeps the HDS standard of measuring and setting outputs to it's stated levels.

 

[Flying Turtle]

A few days ago I would have answered JetBeam CL-E, or maybe Rexlight, but today I have to give my vote to the Photon Proton. Not as bright as the other ones, but the variable level plus red LED plus side clickie is very slick.

Geoff

 

[Robban]

My HDS EDC is my fav by far. I've come to the conclusion that I will not buy any more lights that cycles through modes, I hate them.

 

[slaps]

Well, I have a Jetbeam MKIIx that I run with primary 3 volt AA scavenged from Duracell CRV3 photo packs. It's my absolute favorite Cree light. I normally use it for short bursts(gets hot quick on max power) but lower light levels are available if the PWM doesn't bother you too much. I get a chuckle everytime I light up a movie theater with a single AA flashlight. I turn on my Jetbeam when the lights dim and just before the movie starts. Those seated around me look at the small light, the huge volume of light illuminating the movie screen, and say simply what the f _ _ _ !!!!

 

[Illumination]

From what I have read, I love the JetBeam II...unfortunately its no longer available.

I've got the C-LE but don't like the twist.

I'll probably buy the next generation Jetbeam with a clickie.

 

[carrot]

McLux PD-S Mizer. Enough output on high to be useful, enough runtime on high to be practical. The runtime on low is ridiculously long, and I only change the batteries in the thing maybe once every two months. Use it every day, too.

I don't think Surefires should ever have SOS. I'm sure most tactical operators know how to do SOS manually.

 

[kelmo]

Don't forget the SF L2. Flood is good!

Do you have a good headlamp?

 

[Hans]

The HDS. It's my most flexible light by far, and the only one that allows me to choose low settings that really work for me. Virtually all the other multistage lights don't have a low that's low enough. It can also be used with such nice accessories as the Surefire beamshaper and the filters, a definite advantage on outdoor trips.

Hans

 

[cbxer55]

I'd recommend saving for a Surefire U2.

In my opinion, it has the best user interface of all the multi-setting lights, and it doesn't waste settings with lame modes such as SOS, strobe, etc.

Output is excellent, with a good combo of throw to flood.

And I would agree. I have had mine 2 years, carry it and use it everyday.
It has not let me down yet. I have found a drop of oil strategically placed
in the tailcap clickie prevents problems. Mine still has the original clickie after 2 years.
Also a note, I did not like the chrome clip. I got some 1/8 I.D. heat shrink tubing, finagled it on there and shrunk it up. Looks good and has lasted for quite awhile now.

I also EDC a Fenix P1D-CE and like it, except for the stupid strobe and SOS modes.
Mine is black and is scratchless so far. Keep it in left front pocket with money clip,
U2 clipped to left front pocket.

 

[Art Vandelay]

My favorite multi stage light is the Fenix P1D CE. I also like the HDS EDC U60GT, the Fenix P2D, and the Surefire L4 with McGizmo two stage tail cap. Some of those other lights have advantages over the P1D CE, but when I consider size and performance the Fenix P1D CE is my favorite.

 

[FASTCAR]

T5

 

[paulr]

Far and away the Spy 005. It's the only light with more than 2 levels that I've tried and can stand. It just feels perfect in your hand and in operation. Every time I use it, I'm reminded that life is good.

 

[Buffalohump]

I've just done this exercise, so I'll tell you what my thoughts were:

The Fenix range seems the best bang for the buck, but I was nervous about the UI - I don't like it complicated.

The Novatac range isn't out yet, and I already own an HDS 42 XR.

Sooo.... I was browsing here one day and came across an interesting 'mod'.

The P1D CE with a Leef body. That way, you get the Cree lamp, multi-stages, but with a straightforward UI, in a small package.

And at a reasonable price....