Flashlight Noob Needs Help

[MK262]

Hello all,

I'm sure you guys get these noob posts all the time... and I apologize for that.

I'm a new LEO, which means I have very little time to do the research necessary to make an informed choice on my own.

I need a good light and I need some help on finding one. I was issued a Streamlight SL-20XP but the thing is huge!

I need a light that can run off rechargables.... is bright, with good run time, but will not be a huge honking light hanging off my belt weighing me down.

I also need the light to be of a size where it will not be cumbersome to handle while holding a firearm.

Again, I am a total noob when it comes to lights.... this will be the first real flashlight I have bought. I really need you guys to help me out with some reccomendations.

Thanks guys.

I appreciate it.

MK262

 

[Monocrom]

Welcome to CPF!

The first thing that came to my mind, based on your requirements, is the 2007 Inova T4 with a reflector. The older model uses a TIROS optic that doesn't produce as much sidespill as the new model.

 

[MK262]

Thank you for the welcome and the suggestion. I'll make sure to check that one out.

 

[carbine15]

Streamlight Strion rechargeable.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_strion.htm

 

[bones_708]

I'll second the strion. Streamlights are very good lights that may well be the best for a flashlight "novice" in your situation. Stingers are good but a bit large for use with a handgun (depending on method of course).

 

[dash8]

How about the new LAPD light from Pelican? I think it might meet your requirements.

http://www.brightguy.com/products/Pelican_7060_LAPD_Flashlight.php

 

[KeeperSD]

My light of choice for work is a Wolf Eyes Raider using rechargeables 18500's and a EO9 lamp assembly or even a standard 9V LA is quite adequate. Although i guess this isn't completely a novice light, but is definately my favourite and a very impressive unit

 

[FlashKat]

I agree with this choice, because you can buy different lamp assemblies for brightness and also change to a Cree LED setup easily. Plus you will get a CPF discount through Mike@PTS. http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=1-4-13-6036 with a choice of lamp assemblies http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/productList.aspx?uid=76-77-82 or http://www.pts-flashlights.com/category.aspx?uid=1-25-114

My light of choice for work is a Wolf Eyes Raider using rechargeables 18500's and a EO9 lamp assembly or even a standard 9V LA is quite adequate. Although i guess this isn't completely a novice light, but is definately my favourite and a very impressive unit

 

[MK262]

My light of choice for work is a Wolf Eyes Raider using rechargeables 18500's and a EO9 lamp assembly or even a standard 9V LA is quite adequate. Although i guess this isn't completely a novice light, but is definately my favourite and a very impressive unit

After some research... that set up sounds awesome! :twothumbs

Which Raider model did you use as the base for that set up?

According to the page below... there are several Wolf Eyes Raider Models to choose from.

http://www.pts-flashlights.com/category.aspx?uid=1-4

 

[KeeperSD]

I started with the 9A, I think the 9AX comes decked out with all the bits required for use as a rechargeable. Means you can get it all in one package. Other beauty of this light is that if you are using rechargeables and they fail you can use just drop in some primaries.

Of course if you want the LED tail cap, which i must admit i have no experience with, then you will need the 9TX. People who do use the tail cap do talk highly of it.

Once you get used to the standard lamp assembly i highly recommend you have a go at the lumens factory EO9, simply awesome LA, have a look at this thread and see the difference

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156004

 

[vic2367]

all very good choices..welcome to the forum,,

 

[MK262]

If anyone else has suggestions.... I would love to hear them.

Thanks!

 

[beavo451]

This is what I use:

Surefire 6P w/ CREE LED and rechargeable CR123 - Belt
Streamlight Stinger LED - Backpocket

I use the 6P when I am sitting down or just need a quick flash of light. Otherwise, the Stinger is my primary light and used for almost everything.

 

[leprechaun414]

Welcome to CPF :wave:

Here is my suggestions for you. You should carry a primary(Like the Streamlight issued to you) and a back up light. You could explain what your area is like and what shifts you work but remember you will always need a light even in the day when you have to go into a basement or various situation.

You should have a price range to go by. Make somewhat of your decision on that.

Back up light is easy. SureFire G2L. 12 HOURS runtime and its listed at $65. Many sites give CPF discounts. This is my backup light.

Now for your primary light.

Its all about preference and feel.

Streamlights are known for their designs for public safety.I would suggest you can try some out at a shop near you if possible. The new Stinger LED with strobe is good size but its under 100 lumens $100, and the switch can feel less then OK. Strions are supposed to be well liked $80. Dont bother with the scorpion$40.

Inova T4 is a great light. You will find the switch to feel great$120.

Pelican 7060 I will just say everything is ideal. I say this because this is my duty light. Check out the size though. Some might think it is too big for their belt$110.

SureFire has great main duty lights but are pricy. $175-300

There are many others to look at like LED logic$175, Wolf Eyes$130, and many more.

Get as many ideas from all the CPF members and again if you can try and test them out you could get a better idea on what you like.

Good luck with your choice

 

[MK262]

Welcome to CPF :wave:

Here is my suggestions for you. You should carry a primary(Like the Streamlight issued to you) and a back up light. You could explain what your area is like and what shifts you work but remember you will always need a light even in the day when you have to go into a basement or various situation.

You should have a price range to go by. Make somewhat of your decision on that.

Back up light is easy. SureFire G2L. 12 HOURS runtime and its listed at $65. Many sites give CPF discounts. This is my backup light.

Now for your primary light.

Its all about preference and feel.

Streamlights are known for their designs for public safety.I would suggest you can try some out at a shop near you if possible. The new Stinger LED with strobe is good size but its under 100 lumens $100, and the switch can feel less then OK. Strions are supposed to be well liked $80. Dont bother with the scorpion$40.

Inova T4 is a great light. You will find the switch to feel great$120.

Pelican 7060 I will just say everything is ideal. I say this because this is my duty light. Check out the size though. Some might think it is too big for their belt$110.

SureFire has great main duty lights but are pricy. $175-300

There are many others to look at like LED logic$175, Wolf Eyes$130, and many more.

Get as many ideas from all the CPF members and again if you can try and test them out you could get a better idea on what you like.

Good luck with your choice

Thank you sir.

 

[leprechaun414]

Let us know what you go with. Have fun choosing. Remember if all else fails get one of each. Then you know your a flashaholic :thumbsup:

 

[MK262]

I agree with this choice, because you can buy different lamp assemblies for brightness and also change to a Cree LED setup easily. Plus you will get a CPF discount through Mike@PTS. http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=1-4-13-6036 with a choice of lamp assemblies http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/productList.aspx?uid=76-77-82 or http://www.pts-flashlights.com/category.aspx?uid=1-25-114

How do I get a discount from Mike at PTS? How do I notify him that I am a CPF member when I place my order on PTS's website?

Thanks!

 

[leprechaun414]

You have to give Mike a call and set things up with your CPF screen name and such. He is a very nice guy to talk to. He will also be able to help you with any questions you have and help make a good choice.

Here is the thread of the participating merchants that give a CPF discount

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=56067

Sounds like a great light you are looking at :thumbsup:

 

[MK262]

You have to give Mike a call and set things up with your CPF screen name and such. He is a very nice guy to talk to. He will also be able to help you with any questions you have and help make a good choice.

Here is the thread of the participating merchants that give a CPF discount

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=56067

Sounds like a great light you are looking at :thumbsup:

Thank you sir.

I appreciate the help. :thumbsup:

 

[j3bnl]

I agree with keepersd and flashkat - go with a wolf eyes. There relatively inexpensive and you can upgrade them bit by bit as your finances allow and more importantly they are reliable!

Brian