Flashlight Bellwethers: All Categories

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def. bell·weth·er : One that serves [or served] as a leader or as a leading indicator of future trends.

IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER as follows:

Mag Instrument AA : Quickbeam's sight has several models that he has reviewed photographed next to this STILL very popular product amongst the non-flashaholic. dat2zip sells drop-in modules for this model. Certainly, for the size factor, it remains quite convenient.

Streamlight SL-Series and Mag Instrument Magcharger : On the belts and in the charging cradles mounted in the stations and cruisers of thousands of public service types is where these are most likely to be found. Certainly for the size factor, runtime, and output.

Surefire 6P/P60 : This model was the first to provide such high output in such a small package. Eclipsed in output, it still remains a viable and serious tool for many. I has also been copied extensively.

Streamlight Stinger: On the belt of many public servants not wishing for the heavier rechargeables is where these are likely found. Convenient, handy, and providing a decent runtime and output, these will remain in the marketplace for a long time.

Photon Microlight: Very convenient due to the size: almost ubiquitous.

ARC LS Series: First to mass market the Luxeon Star flashlight.

Surefire Weapon Lights: Sensible formats and good size factor.

Just a few that I can think of. Add accordingly.
 
Hello KT,

My first "improved" light to the Mini Mag was the Princeton Tech 40.

I would add that to your list.

Tom
 
CMG Infinity - I think it was the first of the single cell 5mm led lights.

2D cell - No Idea who was first but it's been around for a very long time and still apparently sells well.

3+ D cell - Maybe Kel-lite was first with this type of light?

6 volt lanterns

Eternalights - First with numerous brightness settings?

???? - First fully regulated light.
 
Streamlight's 2C halogen from the early-mid 1980's. This is the light that began my appreciation for good quality, small & bright (for the time) lights. It was shaped like a large Arc LS. The head was the same diameter as the barrel. I've inquired here before but I don't think anybody else is familiar with that model.
 
I'd have to say the MAG D-cell and such, it was out for over a decade before other quality lights were mass produced, but then there is the KEL, which was a rechargable Mag like instrument at the same time, back in 1984. Dunno if Mag or KEL was first.

Mass market implies available at local stores, Wal-Mart, Target, Shop-Ko, etc. I don't think ARC has achieved that yet. So someone else would rightfully own that title. My local sports store has Pelican, CMG, Streamlight, Surefire, Browning, etc., and I have yet to see an ARC at a regular store in my state.

Possibly Photon III as first mass market microcontroller flashlight with variable brightness (PWM dimming) settings, flashing functions, and even an electronics override button.
 
Kel came along around 1970. They were the first real police light. D or C cells. Basically a heavy housing with run-of-the-mill guts. Heads were available in different types. Mag came out with a more complete package (with much, much better switch and adjustable beam) around 1980 and took off with the market.
 
The original McLux TK: the first flashlight to combine beautiful aesthetics with excellent functionality. Perhaps the first step of flashlights into the world of exotic customs, much like the market that exists now for custom crafted blades.
 
You'd for sure have to add the Arc 4+ to this. It is the first flashlight with a microcontroller for setting different modes etc...

J
 
I'm surprised Arc AAA is not already on this list.
 
The Mag Instrument Solitaire preceeded the ARC AAA in both form factor and level of output. The ARC AAA outclasses the former in both categories, but the Mag Instrument product was introduced years before.
 
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