Flashlight for an engineer

[silentlurker]

My brother in law is an engineer and works on HVAC systems. He is in need of a reliable AA flashlight to shine down dark HVAC shafts in the course of his daily work, so I want to get him one for his birthday. His wish list:

AA batteries*
Tailstand
Belt holster
Easy to operate
Looks professional


When I heard that, I thought of the Fenix LD 22, LD15, and E21. The LD 22 is excellent, but it does not tailstand. The LD 15 tailstands, but its UI isn't as simple as pressing a button. The E21 is a nice wildcard -- no extras, slightly more complicated UI, but solid overall.

Are there any other flashlights out there that fit this description that any of you guys could recommend? Does Eagle Tac have some good tailstanding models? Thanks for any ideas!


* He will likely use AA alkaline batteries, as he's not an enthusiast and'll just get whatever he's used to getting at CVS.

 

[KQL]

For a non-flashlight person, I'd go with a sunwayman v11r with an AA extender. You can buy it as a kit on Amazon, dead simple operation: click on, use intuitive dial to control brightness, click off. You start getting head-tight for mode 1, head-loose for group 2, people's eyes just glaze over. And he doesn't sound like be needs strobe or any of that nonsense.

 

[mcnair55]

Straight down to a trade store is my choice plenty of good kit in there,many of the better trade lights have either fluorescent bodies or a fluorescent band for quick identification in a tool box or if mislaid.Brands for engineers to look for are Wolf-Uni-Lite-Defender and Streamlight.

 

[ganymede]

I use a ZL SC51w for my site inspections.

 

[StorminMatt]

For someone who uses alkaline batteries, I would NOT recommend a 1xAA. 1xAA lights by their very nature draw LOTS of current, which depletes alkaline batteries very fast due to capacity loss. 1xAA lights just don't work too well without the high current capability of NiMH - particularly on higher settings. 2xAA, 3xAA, or 4xAA is a MUCH smarter idea for an alkaline battery user.

 

[ven]

Few lights here to look into, the sunwayman d40a and nitecore ea4 ,both use 4x AAcells and compact.

If a larger light is ok then check the nitecore ea8 out,this uses 8xAA cells .

 

[dss_777]

Take a look at the FourSevens Quark Pro 2xAA models.

 

[mcnair55]

For someone who uses alkaline batteries, I would NOT recommend a 1xAA. 1xAA lights by their very nature draw LOTS of current, which depletes alkaline batteries very fast due to capacity loss. 1xAA lights just don't work too well without the high current capability of NiMH - particularly on higher settings. 2xAA, 3xAA, or 4xAA is a MUCH smarter idea for an alkaline battery user.

Many companies supply key staff with free batteries so a single AA such as Fenix LD10 would be ideal,multi cell work lights can be a right pain in the butt when you are trying to hold and write at the same time,a single cell AA can be worn around the neck with a lanyard for long periods without discomfort.

 

[Scourie]

Olight S15. The magnet in the tailcap is perfect for working on vent units. Only downside is no pouch, but these are easy to obtain elsewhere.

Rob

 

[Mr. Tone]

The Eagletac D25A Clicky and D25A2 Clicky both fit your description. They are available with XM-L2, XP-G2, and Nichia 219. The Cree LEDs are available in cool and neutral white options and the hi CRI 4500K version is a Nichia 219. IlluminationGear has all of these options available.

 

[PCC]

JetBeam PA-10. Leave the head on tight for high all the time. Loosen the head for modes. Forward tail clicky and it tail stands, if I recall correctly. No pouch, though it comes with a pocket clip.

 

[TheCleanerSD]

FourSevens Quark Tactical QT2A (2xAA) and add a Pro Tailcap (for tail stand). I like being able to have Max brightness, and a secondary set brightness level of my choice just by twisting the head. Decent holster and accessory set included.

 

[BillSWPA]

Easy attachment of a lanyard should also be an important factor here. It would be difficult to retrieve a light from a vertical shaft if that happens to be what needs his attention. Even if the light was retrieved, even the toughest lights would not survive that fall.

With that in mind, another vote for an AA FourSevens Quark. Although I am a big fan of the tactical interface, I think the pro interface would be better for this application. That way, he gets as much or as little light as he needs.

 

[Wiggle]

FourSevens Quark Tactical QT2A (2xAA) and add a Pro Tailcap (for tail stand). I like being able to have Max brightness, and a secondary set brightness level of my choice just by twisting the head. Decent holster and accessory set included.

Yep that's what I was thinking as well. I think the Tactical model would treat him much better than the standard for this task especially. I too am in engineer (electrical though) and when I am out on site a quick burst of light is often all that's needed and you don't want to be cycling between modes all the time.

 

[Wiggle]

Also the Quark Turbo for a little more throw could be considered as well. I think that tailcap is tailstandable.

 

[Labrador72]

JetBeam PA-10. Leave the head on tight for high all the time. Loosen the head for modes. Forward tail clicky and it tail stands, if I recall correctly. No pouch, though it comes with a pocket clip.

Have JetBeam fixed the faulty UI?

 

[Low_Speed]

A 4Sevens Preon 0 wouldn't work. Great small little light.

 

[weekend warrior]

* He will likely use AA alkaline batteries, as he's not an enthusiast and'll just get whatever he's used to getting at CVS.

How can anybody who calls themselves an engineer still use alkaliness in this day and age? What ever light you decide on you should get him a package of Eneloops and a decent charger, maybe an intellicharger.

There are a lot of good choices of 1xAA lights, a Eagletac D25A, or a Sunwayman V10A, but I wonder if a Zebralight H52AA would make sense because he'll be able to set it down and use it hands-free in necessary.

 

[mcnair55]

How can anybody who calls themselves an engineer still use alkaliness in this day and age? What ever light you decide on you should get him a package of Eneloops and a decent charger, maybe an intellicharger.

There are a lot of good choices of 1xAA lights, a Eagletac D25A, or a Sunwayman V10A, but I wonder if a Zebralight H52AA would make sense because he'll be able to set it down and use it hands-free in necessary.

The Eneloop type is still in its infancy due to very poor marketing and alkies are still the way to go for the majority.Many companies supply there staff with Alkies free of charge.The battery makers are not stupid and will push Alkies all day long.

 

[ven]

How can anybody who calls themselves an engineer still use alkaliness in this day and age?

Easy as I am an alki engineer :laughing:
for a start work supplies free cells,secondly charging cells is not an easy option depending on your work criteria ...
Agree eneloops are a better choice in most situations,just down to the work environment and convenience.

Then there are regulations on chargers to use depending on environment ,could be a dusty and potentially explosive one.Sockets for chargers maybe a 10 minute walk away and keeping an eye on them along with remembering they are on charge is not always easy if busy.

so for me it's what suits or convenient for the job,having a pocket full of eneloops incase they run down is also not practical if climbing under machinery .

For me it's ease using alki cells.Had years if issue /leak free usage with my t7 which has never let me down .
If I am on along job then I chuck some fresh cells in...
Just my personal experience :thumbsup: