Flashlight Body

357 · Sep 8, 2004

What do you prefer, plastic (or polymers), metal, or some other material?

I prefer metal. It feels more solid and IMO its easier to be proud of a nice metal flashlight than a plastic/polymer flashlight.

Thus, I prefer metal.

rackness · Sep 8, 2004

i know there are some high-tec plastics out there but i have more confidence in my metal lights. even if it is all just in my head. in the right situation that confidence can make or break you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/touche.gif

haley1 · Sep 8, 2004

I don't agree. Plastics, I do not like them as much, asthetics! But they are stronger, longer lasting, and more user friendly. Especially in extreamly cold weather. Sad but true, I have both. I will not be grabing my 6Z this winter but my G2Z. I know there are others out there that will disagree, but they don't live in places with -40 deg. ambiant temps. Please forgive my spelling, I just returned home today and don't wish to look up anything!

KevinL · Sep 8, 2004

I like my metal lights. Well said, I do not live in a place with -40.. I live in a place with +40 (on rare occasion) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif (yes that's Celsius, and yes, you wonder whether you and your equipment are all going to fry together in the same pan). If I lived in the opposite climatic extreme I might have to seriously consider Nitrolon.

Nitrolon is just about the only plastic I have any real respect for, others strike me as cheap substitutes especially when $4.99 flashlights use them.

My preference goes to metal because it makes it easier to manage heat buildup inside the lights. Leave the P91 on for a few minutes and it will feel seriously toasty. Leave a Luxeon 3 on for 40 minutes and it feels like grabbing a hot mug of coffee. I daren't even think about the WA01185 or the LuxV..

jayflash · Sep 8, 2004

I voted for metal but only by a small margin - let's say 60%/40%. I prefer my plastic lights for wet and underwater use. The rubber sleeve on my Scorpion is one of my favorites, but I believe that is a minority opinion.

PlayboyJoeShmoe · Sep 8, 2004

I can't choose just one!

Nitrolon G2 is an awesome light! TEC40, SL 4AA 7LED, SL 3C XP all are good lights!

But so are SL TTs, PM6, Stinger, modded M*gs and Minis...

Jay, I think I know what's getting closer... I don't think it has much to do with November 2....

nikon · Sep 8, 2004

It really depends on the light. I suppose you could make a UK 4AA eled from metal, but would it be as good? A light is designed as a system in the hope that it will be more than the sum of its parts. Some lights are better in plastic and some are better in metal. I prefer a good light, whatever it's made of.