flashlight recommendation for bugout?

[eydaimon]

Requirements:

1. takes CR123A batteries
2. takes AA batteries
3. long runtime on lowbeam
4. efficient highbeam
5. strobe capability (rapid flashing/SOS)
6. reliable

+++ glow in the dark tail cap is a plus :)

I've had flashlights that do these, but not one that takes both types of batteries.
Long runtime I'm talking low lumens but with many hours runtime (the more the better).

Anyone know of such a light? Feel free to list pricing/links. Answers appreciated.

 

[gcbryan]

I have a Romisen light that takes both 3 AAA and 2 CR123. I'm sure they probably have some models with high and low. Low on any light will have a long runtime. Romisen lights don't tend to have strobe I don't think but since every other light coming out of China has strobe maybe they do by now.

 

[eydaimon]

I too have a Romisen. As they have a lot of different models, and mine doesn't fit the requirements, could you please specify the model?

 

[Xacto]

Try a Surefire 9P with a Multimode Dropin. Or a Surefire 6P/Z2 Solarforce L2 with an appropriate extender (3xCR123 equals 2xAA, so a CR123 extender is needed)

If you take a Solarforce L2m, you can even go down to 1xCR123, but maybe need more dropins cover the voltage ranges.

Cheers
Thorsten

 

[eydaimon]

I erred. I meant AA not AAA. The solarforce looks interesting. Doesn't look like the first surefire there would give more than an hour battery life.

Thanks for your input :)

 

[Xacto]

[...]Doesn't look like the first surefire there would give more than an hour battery life.

Thanks for your input :)

Only if you stick with the incan dropin. With LED dropins, it depends on the output of the dropin.

Cheers
Thorsten

 

[Launch Mini]

This is exactly why I am holding onto a couple of my SPY007s Seoul versions as they fit this bill very well.
I actually use the strobe relatively often to.
No GIT cap, but I do have trits on them and when I have time, I will try to install some in the small ridge in the tail cap. I think they should fit in there.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Hey that rrt o with variable control ring can go low and has an adapter to run on AA as well as 123's.
It's an idea anyway

 

[sawlight]

I have one of these in our storm shelter with all the accessories. Not the brightest or best, but one of the most flexible I know of.
You could also go here and build a Four Sevens Quark to suit your needs easily enough.

 

[CSSA]

2nd the idea of a Jetbeam RRT-0. It takes either 1 CR123, or 1 RCR123, or an AA with an adapter. If you keep the power ring turned down, it has a long run time. http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/rrt0.html

 

[eydaimon]

the RRT looks nice. Thanks for everyone's recommendations :)

 

[Monocrom]

Have to agree JetBeam RRT-0 is a great choice for a BOB.

 

[RonReagan]

the RRT looks nice. Thanks for everyone's recommendations :)

I run 14500 in mine. My favorite edc as if now.

 

[eydaimon]

When you say you run 14500, what do you mean? And what is edc?

update: nm, looks like 14500 is the battery type. :)

 

[eydaimon]

adding this for convenience to anyone else joining the video.

It looks like the CR123A will not fit with the extender which is a bummer. I have a flashlight (sacredfire) which happily accepts both battery types due to a big spring inside.

 

[RonReagan]

When you say you run 14500, what do you mean? And what is edc?

update: nm, looks like 14500 is the battery type. :)

That's right. It allows more output (brighter) than regular enloops and go longer than recharge rcr123's. I do have extra cr123's in the truck just in case.

EDC means every day carry.

 

[RonReagan]

adding this for convenience to anyone else joining the video.

It looks like the CR123A will not fit with the extender which is a bummer. I have a flashlight (sacredfire) which happily accepts both battery types due to a big spring inside.

You just quickly unscrew it to remove it.

 

[eydaimon]

So I want the RRT-0 now. Is bugoutgear the store to get it from? Or are there other advisable shops?

 

[Monocrom]

It looks like the CR123A will not fit with the extender which is a bummer. I have a flashlight (sacredfire) which happily accepts both battery types due to a big spring inside.

Not much of a bummer. Just leave it on the light most of the time. Keep a lithium AA in it. If you use that up, and have a spare CR123 cell; just unscew the extension and use that battery. If things really get bad and all you can scrounge up is an alkaline AA cell, just put the extender back on; and there you go.

The gear you put in your BOB doesn't have to be expensive. However, and no offense, I'd rather have something with a bit more quality than a sacredfire, spiderfire, I'm-on-fire, etc.

 

[eydaimon]

The sacred fire was just an example. Obviously I wasn't content with it since I asked for advice of what else to buy...