Help a new addict

[BamaMedic]

Greetings, all!
I'm a longtime lurker at the forums but first time poster with a growing addiction to powerful, well-built lights and I am completely overwhelmed with the myriad of lights out there now!

I'll try to make this short and not ramble too much. I would like your help in selecting a good light for around $75 - $80 as a gift this Christmas. As background info, I already have a Streamlight Scorpion (not LED) and a Fenix L1T.

Here is a list of what I'm looking for in a new light...
2x123 or 18650
momentary switch (like the L1T)
High/Low mode (anything else - strobe, sos - optional)
good throw (I can only compare to the L1T, so more throw than that!!)
around 200 lumens
pocket clip
runtime over 1.5 hours on high

The OLight M20 and EagleTac T20C2 seem to fit the bill, but are over the price limit here. Also, if a light like this can be built from readily available parts, that would definitely be an option, too.

Thanks all for your input!

 

[NonSenCe]

first to come to mind.. fenix tk12.

second.. jetbeam III pro Military.


a build as you go option.. solarforce l2 (surefire 6p clone) pick a drop-in you prefer (surefire p60 kind of dropin) you can get q5, r2 or mce.. (and jut upgrade to new one when they come available) you can choose a single mode or 3or 5 mode dropin ..you name it. then pick a s4 tailcap for momentary function. (this entails a lot more effort than just buying a complete light.)

about eagletac.. they do have the cheaper model t100c2 too.

and of the t20c2.. well many dealers do offer discounts for cpf users (5-10% even.. so it might slip under 80 dollar limit too)

 

[Nickyan]

If you can do w/o the clip, the TK11 R2 might be an option.

Or do they have clips to fit the TK11? I like the 2 mode simplicity of the TK11.

 

[Gunner12]

The Fenix Tk20 might work for you. "CPF8" for 8% off.

It's a bit big for a 2 AA light, but it throws well and has a neutral white LED.

:welcome:

 

[BamaMedic]

Thanks for the replies, guys!

NonSenCe, I like the JetBeam. It seems like it would fit the bill quite nicely. In particular, I like the smoother body without the "tactical ring" of the tk12. Do you know if the crenelated tail can be removed? And on the tk12, can the tactical ring be removed?

I'm really partial to the pocket clip for edc - I've owned some cheap lights that had them and absolutely loved that way of carry. That is one of the reasons the tk11 and eagletac t100 is ruled out.

Thanks also for the diy info. I'll look into that more soon.

What is the difference between the different tints of LED's? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to any of them?

Thanks again for the help, guys!

 

[Gunner12]

Normal white LEDs that you see are called cool white LEDs. Neutral white LEDs have a tint somewhere between incan and cool white LEDs. So they are yellower and are a bit better at color rendering. There are also tint differences between each group (cool white, neutral white, warm white) and which tints are best in each depends on the user.

 

[BamaMedic]

thanks a bunch, Gunner12. I'll let you know what I come up with.

 

[mknewman]

I'd say a Solarforce L2 and for $80 you can get 2.

 

[NonSenCe]

also.. have you checked the reviews section in cpf.. there is plenty information and impressions and comparisons between different models.

(i think it was "selfbuilt" whom did jetbeam review.. his reviews are very fair and easy to understand even for beginners most of my lights are bought partly because of his reviews.)

if i hadnt bought the tk11 last year i think i would have the jetbeam myself too. (i just cant reason myself buying so similar sized and feeling light for very specific use.. the tk11 is my beat it to hell and simple to use and long runtime smallish spotlight. and now i have other smaller lights that allow the lowlow output for close up work if needed.)

the olivedrab warm tint is very alluring still.. bugoutgear offers it for 83$ minus the cpf discount.. very nice.. (shouldnt look at them.. i start craving to buy one again.. hahah)

hmm tk12 havent read much about it.. (again my tk11 is close enough so i dont need to know much) but the grip ring is removable in tk11 so i would be suprised if it is solid in tk12. (i think i saw someon say its removable and so is the clip..)

when i carried the tk11 in my jacket pocket.. in the end i took out the tactical grip-ring out to make it "less lumpy" and easier to pull out.. but soon i realised that i actually use the light alot in that cigar grip ..the flashlight between my fore and middle finger and press the (momentary) button on with base of my thumb. so i screwed it back on. hah.

if you grip it over hand or under hand most.. then the ring might feel annoying in your palm. but then you can take it off if you dont need it. and on tk12 the clip offers the extra "grippy feeling" you might need to activate it like described above.

**my vote also goes for the warmer tints. they just produce the colors better in my mind. they look more "normal". the cool white and bluish tints make stuff look "ghostly and eerie" ..but thats just personal preference.

i carry 3 lights on me most times. and only one of them might not be a warmer tint. (and its the backup.. rarely used. this week its been my keychain itp eos)

**about pocket clip. size of tk11 i wouldnt carry it with clip in pocket. to me its too big bulky and heavy.. i would carry it in holster or in a jacket pocket (my case outside chest pocket) and then the clip is useless.

smaller lights i may carry clipped in pockets.

but lately i havent done that either.. quark is in belt holster. the lmini2/d10 are hanging from retractable keychain (on belt) and lanyard inside the trouserpocket. easy to pull out via cord when needed and cant be lost or misplaced somewhere without un clipping it from the lanyard. (i have tendency to forget a light in weird places so i need it attached on me via some rope.. hahahha)

 

[Painful Chafe]

The OLight M20 and EagleTac T20C2 seem to fit the bill, but are over the price limit here. Also, if a light like this can be built from readily available parts, that would definitely be an option, too.

Thanks all for your input!

The T20C2 can be had for about $80 delivered. Check PTS. Also, you can build a Malkoff for about that much. Go with a Solarforce host(no drop in, just the body) and Malkoff drop in. Total bill would be around $85. You could go a little cheaper and get a lower priced drop in, but Malkoff is arguably considered the best around these parts.

If you go with the EagleTac, make sure it is the new version with the improved UI that makes the strobe less annoying. Not sure if it out yet, but call PTS, Mike can let you know.

 

[pobox1475]

Quark 123(2) warm tactical from 4Sevens. Run it off an AW 17670 and your bases will be covered.

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_310&products_id=1669

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_310&products_id=1669

I have this combo and it works very well.

Also, if a light like this can be built from readily available parts, that would definitely be an option, too.

Can do that as well.