Gift buying: recommend me a flashlight for scouts

[jeowf]

I have a 8 friend in scouts which I'd like to buy a good torch for (i have a very large budget). I'd really like to only use AA's or AAA's as i don't want to factor in uncommon rechargeable into the price (my friends can pay for that :D). This torch will be used for ganeral camping/night hiking and the every now and then overnight hike.

I've been looking around and have only found that AA batteries which most of my friends have are not regulated (led lenser) or only use one battery (jetbeam/nitecore).

Also this is an end of year thing so i have heaps of time.




1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter. (but i'd prefer to buy from led Australia which i know as a good store and am a common customer)

2) Budget:
-Less than $150.

3) Format:
-I want a handheld flashlight. (not headlamp etc.)

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
-Holster carry (unless you can find a small one that still has a good runtime)

5) Emitter/Light source:
-LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:
-I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.

7) What battery type do you want to use?
-I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D)
OR
-I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
-no cr123 or any sort of non-common batteries please

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
-I want more than 150 lumens.

9) Throw vs. Flood:
-A good combination for trail walking (so not all flood and not all throw)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims
-90-120 minutes at MAX BRIGHTNESS (my friends will have lots of AA's or AAA's on the side)

11 ) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
-Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Hiking).

12) Switch Type and location:
-I don't care.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
- I'd prefer 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.) but i would not mind A simple on-off with only one output level if its the only option i got.


14)Material/Finish/Coating
-Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized)
-Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
-Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).

15) Special Needs/extras
-needs to have a regulated output
-splashproof
-lanyard attatchment
-preferably impact resistant

Potential torches
fenix tk40 - $155

thanks to "was.lost.but.now.found" for the checklist

 

[mrlysle]

Look at the Fenix LD10 or Quark AA models. The tacticals have 2 programmable modes you can program any output you like. For instance Turbo output, and a very low output for extreme runtimes. Tough lights and look cool, so the scouts would like them! The LD10 has several output levels plus strobe and beacon mode which they might find useful for signaling etc, or just for fun!

 

[CarpentryHero]

I suggest Either the Eagletac 2aa light or the Thrunite Nuetron 2AA light. Well made, good useable modes.

Or for a larger light the Fenix TK41, takes 8AA batteries. Uses an XML, 800 lumens on high. Nice UserInterface.
For something a little floodier the TK45

 

[skyfire]

do you have 8 friends? or 1 eight year old friend?

if you have until the end of the year, you might want to continue researching until then.
LED technology has been improving fast, and newer lights are always coming out.
especially with the more recent release of Cree'e XM-L emitter.

but what i would suggest is a neutral tint light. youll take a hit in lumens, but the difference for outdoor enviornments would more than make up for it.

 

[ToNIX]

Quark AA would be perfect, either "regular" or "tactical".

 

[glockboy]

Zebralight SC51.

 

[TwitchALot]

Keep in mind that with alkaline batteries, there's no way you'll be able to sustain that kind of output over the length of time you specified. The internal resistance and ability of alkalines to deliver that kind of current is going to seriously undercut the maximum brightness that can be sustained, particularly as the battery drains down...

 

[Outdoorsman5]

I've been a flashaholic for many years now, and love to give out flashlights as gifts. My favorite lights to give are the Quark AA2 "Regular" UI for those I think will like to cycle through several levels or the Quark AA "Tactical" UI for those that like things more simple. The tactical UI has 2 settings that you program (head tight & head loose) nice & simple and probably what you are looking for. I have also given away just as many Fenix LD20 lights (cycle through all output levels with this light though.) These lights are 2xAA, and are very nice. I believe the 2xAA lights are the best for general use & camping because they offer plenty of brightness, have a good balance of throw & flood, have great runtimes, and are small enough to disappear in your pocket.

For more output, more lumens, better throw, and better runtimes you may want to consider the Fenix LD40 (4xAA batteries.) I don't own one, but I do own lots of fenix lights. This one looks great.

Check out the Fenix lights - Here
Check out the Quarks - Here

 

[DaveTheDude]

The Fenix LD25 is a 2xAA, neutral tint (Cree R4, about 5000K), two-stage handheld light. Low is 45 lumens; high is 180 lumens at the emitter; about 150 lumens OTF. (There's a third, hidden SOS mode, but I've never tried to access it, and therefore can't speak to its utility.) On-off clicky tailcap; twist the head to change output from low to high. Mode memory (obviously). Rubberized plastic body armour over an aluminum body tube (it's actually better made than my description sounds). Waterproof; reasonably long runtimes on both low and high modes. Nice feel in the hand. Virtually "scoutproof." I'm not afraid to loan this light to civilians, or to kids, for that matter. Intuitive operation. Everybody who I loan it to likes it.

The Fenix LD40 is the LD25's big brother. It's a 4xAA light; neutral tint; four light levels; low is about 4 lumens, max output is about 240 lumens. Lots of CPF reviews on this light; caveat emptor.

The Quark Mini 2xAA presents a small, slim, short 2xAA form, with a really useful pocket clip that allows the user to clip the light into a shirt pocket, like a pen. Three modes (L-M-H), plus four hidden modes (strobe - SOS - Bright beacon - dim beacon). Max brightness is about 160 OTF lumens. Twist switch. I find this one really useful. Neutral tints may be harder to come by in this light. The "regular" tint in mine is about 5700K, as classified by my Mark One Mod One Eyeball.

The Fenix TK20 is more of a thrower. 2xAA form; 400K beam tint; tight hotspot, with adequate spill. Two stage light; 45 lumens on low, about 150 lumens on high. Produces hgher lux in the hotspot that most of the other lights in this category.

Finally, the EagleTac P20A2 Mark II is a 2xAA, 2-mode light with Cree XP-G R5 emitter. Output is about 230 lumens (high) and 60 lumens (low). The light can accept ET21 drop-ins, which allows you to swap reflectors and/or emitters. EagleTac offers a relatively wide choice of emitters, including neutral white (XP-E Q4). The usual range of flashing modes are hidden.

You're spoiled for choice in this category. Let us know what you decide upon.

 

[blah9]

I would also recommend the Fenix TK41 or TK45 depending on whether you want more throw or more flood. I really enjoy them, but they may be larger than what you're looking for.

 

[afdk]

I would get a flashlight that does not cost too much and can take a drop! Polymer lights are the way to go. They can take a good drop without being affected! Polymer lights are ment for industry, and tested for that Environment, and would be great for that purpose.

 

[AaronG]

I would stick with 1, 2 or 4 AA at the most. 8 is just too big and heavy to be useful day to day (IMO). I really like the 1 AA models. For ease of use I'd stay away fom lights that have a bettery holder. If you only want 2 stage then DaveTheDude's recommendations seem good. The Jetbeam BA20 might also be a contender

 

[greenlight]

Don't spoil them, buy a bunch of Gerber firecracker flashlights for about 10$ each. Solid, good throw, AA batteries. Simple twisty action.

 

[LEDninja]

- I'd really like to only use AA's or AAA's.
- This torch will be used for ganeral camping/night hiking and the every now and then overnight hike.

A NEUTRAL tinted light is best for camping/hiking.
Such as:
Fenix LD40 Cree XP-G R4, NW LED 4xAA Model.. $61.95
Fenix LD25-R4 Cree XP-G R4, NW LED 2xAA Model.. $49.95
Fenix E21 Cree XP-E Neutral White LED 2xAA.... $34.95
Prices are at EliteLED. 4sevens/Fenix store have a higher price but shipping is included.
Don't forget your CPF discount!
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The cool whites like TK40, TK41, TK45 are best for in-city use. Not in the country.