bstrickler
Enlightened
My brother sent me on a mission to search for flashlights that will work in Alaska. He is figuring about $500 for 4 flashlights, and batteries (minimum 12 sets of batteries per flashlight)
I've been thinking of 2 XM-L L2/6P/9P's driven at 350mA (potted drivers, of course), or 2 U2's modded to XM-L (to increase effective lumen-hours) for one pair of lights, and then 2 other lights possibly like a 2D-4D Mag modded to accept CR123's (because Mag's are easier to hold in cold temps than something smaller, like a 6P/L2), and a buck driver, to run one XM-L, or something similar (I figure combo between throw and flood. No need to see 500' away) at multiple levels (3.5A max, for short periods).
CR123 lights are preferred, as temps there do hit extremely low (He'll be living in Anchorage). If there's another type of chemistry that works well in sub zero weather, feel free to suggest it! If there were super caps that took place of regular batteries, I'd be up for doing some testing, to see what kind of capacity they have.
Is there any reason I shouldn't use an L2 instead of a 6P, since the guts will be LED, rather than incan? I can always buy him 2 Z41 tailcaps, to make it easier to turn the lights on.
Any leftover $ goes to me, btw (which I'll end up using on lights or my Fiero), but I'd rather he get a reliable cold weather light than get more cash for myself.
No fancy mode changing, either (he's not a huge fan of the Quark interface. Wants it simple like a regular clicky, or the selector ring like the U2).
Forgot to add:
If anyone knows of any battery vampires besides the common E01/P60 with a 5mm LED, let me know! I figure he'd probably love a few of those to use for the "dead" CR123's, for house navigation or looking for things inside his car.
Thanks,
Brian
I've been thinking of 2 XM-L L2/6P/9P's driven at 350mA (potted drivers, of course), or 2 U2's modded to XM-L (to increase effective lumen-hours) for one pair of lights, and then 2 other lights possibly like a 2D-4D Mag modded to accept CR123's (because Mag's are easier to hold in cold temps than something smaller, like a 6P/L2), and a buck driver, to run one XM-L, or something similar (I figure combo between throw and flood. No need to see 500' away) at multiple levels (3.5A max, for short periods).
CR123 lights are preferred, as temps there do hit extremely low (He'll be living in Anchorage). If there's another type of chemistry that works well in sub zero weather, feel free to suggest it! If there were super caps that took place of regular batteries, I'd be up for doing some testing, to see what kind of capacity they have.
Is there any reason I shouldn't use an L2 instead of a 6P, since the guts will be LED, rather than incan? I can always buy him 2 Z41 tailcaps, to make it easier to turn the lights on.
Any leftover $ goes to me, btw (which I'll end up using on lights or my Fiero), but I'd rather he get a reliable cold weather light than get more cash for myself.
No fancy mode changing, either (he's not a huge fan of the Quark interface. Wants it simple like a regular clicky, or the selector ring like the U2).
Forgot to add:
If anyone knows of any battery vampires besides the common E01/P60 with a 5mm LED, let me know! I figure he'd probably love a few of those to use for the "dead" CR123's, for house navigation or looking for things inside his car.
Thanks,
Brian
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