Help a Newb

[599]

Hello, I just recently discovered cpf while shopping for a new LED flashlight. While I have pretty specific needs, I am having trouble narrowing down my options for what would work best for me. There are so many options now!

I am a LEO and need the light primarily for outdoor mid range applications and less frequently for indoor use. I will use the light daily.

Here is a list of my most important criteria:

Under $200
Rechargeable (light or batteries)
Good spill but with strong mid range throw
Long run times at med/high
Durable construction
Multi-Level switch
Upgradeable/customizeable
Tactical momentary switch

I am strongly considering these lights, but am looking for other suggestions for lights that would fit my needs:

Fenix TK 40
Dereelight DBS 3SM MC-E
Malkoff MD2 with M60 MC-E


I also really like the idea of making a custom light from a Leefbody 2 or 3x18650. I own a Stinger Ultra HP and love the size and shape of it. The Leefbody would be consistant with that shape and, from what I can tell, would increase run times and output from my Stinger, but I am not sure what else would be needed to match my requirements. Can anyone help with suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

 

[BVH]

Hello and welcome to CPF. You've definitely come to the right place.

I'm not that up on leds but it would probably help the experts if you can better define your desired long run times in minutes and your mid-range throw requirement in feet/yards.

 

[BIGLOU]

Welcome! What about the Jetbeam M1X.

 

[Marduke]

Fenix TK11 or one of the new TA series (20, 21, 30)

 

[Painful Chafe]

Hello, I just recently discovered cpf while shopping for a new LED flashlight. While I have pretty specific needs, I am having trouble narrowing down my options for what would work best for me. There are so many options now!

I am a LEO and need the light primarily for outdoor mid range applications and less frequently for indoor use. I will use the light daily.

Here is a list of my most important criteria:

Under $200
Rechargeable (light or batteries)
Good spill but with strong mid range throw
Long run times at med/high
Durable construction
Multi-Level switch
Upgradeable/customizeable
Tactical momentary switch

I am strongly considering these lights, but am looking for other suggestions for lights that would fit my needs:

Fenix TK 40
Dereelight DBS 3SM MC-E
Malkoff MD2 with M60 MC-E


I also really like the idea of making a custom light from a Leefbody 2 or 3x18650. I own a Stinger Ultra HP and love the size and shape of it. The Leefbody would be consistant with that shape and, from what I can tell, would increase run times and output from my Stinger, but I am not sure what else would be needed to match my requirements. Can anyone help with suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Not to sure about to upgradablity of the TK40, but it fits you needs in the other areas. You will need a lot of recharables, Costco has a good sale on the eneloops. The other lights get very warm on high and wouldn't recommend running them more than 10-15 minutes without letting cool off. If you are looking for a light that is a little large(but not bigger than the TK40) the EagleTac M2XC4 or M2C4 might be a good choice for you.



.

 

[599]

Thanks for the responses.

You bring up a good point Chafe: I could easily have necessity to run the light longer than 15 minutes (not usually more than 30-60 min). So one that needs a cool down at 15 minutes is automatically out. This includes the Dereelight?

The Eagle looks like a great light, but I don't care for the shape. Wouldn't work for lanyards either.

The Jetbeam M1X looks really nice and I like the adjustable brightness setting. The size is fine. It sits high on the list now.

The TK11 is nice, but I like the brighter options of the TK40.

The traditionalist in me loves the look of the Leerbody customs. They would also fit in the holster I already have. Do they have the same heat issues? Are there ways to remedy this? My Stinger Ultra is easily a foot long and I don't mind carrying it. It is listed at 295 lumens. I like the amount of light it provides and would like to not go lower than that. Higher lumens, on the other hand, is not a problem. My main reason to upgrade is to increase brightness.

 

[TKC]

What about the Pelican 7060 or 8060?

 

[HKJ]

I will suggest that you check some of my beamshoots, that will give you an idea about the differences between the lights:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=232369

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=233035

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235243

 

[599]

I like that you can throw the Pelicans right on the charger but in the end I wanted something at least as bright as my Ultra. Strange that there are not more options for higher power rechargeable lights.

Thanks for the replies and beamshots links!

That Warrior...whoa! Too pricey for me. Would get if the price comes down.

I am in limbo with a back ordered TK40. Though the Jetbeam looks like it might suit my needs a little better with the custom low setting and extension option. Anyone make a more shielded tailcap that would work for the M1X? It seems like it might turn itself on if it were in a holster with the wearer sitting down.

 

[Painful Chafe]

So one that needs a cool down at 15 minutes is automatically out. This includes the Dereelight?

Yeah. Unfortunately.
Too bad, otherwise it's a great light.

Have you considered the Olight M30? I just ordered one after long deliberation. If I didn't need a 1'' diameter for a tactical mount, I probably would have gone with the M2XC4. The Olight isn't perfect, but its damn impressive. IMHO it is insanely small for its output, and still stays cool enough to run dry on high.

HKJ has the M30 in his beamshot link above.

 

[kramer5150]

Not many of the lights mentioned thus far can be easily modded.

I'm going to suggest a couple lego options:

Solarforce 1x18650 body + 6P-Z41 tailcap + 6P bezel. Alternately you could seek out a CPF member to mod a 6P for 1x18650.

Leef 1x18650 typeIII body + C2-Z41 tailcap + C2 bezel

Deerelight has some outstanding multi-mode drop ins with various output level modes. Personally I really like the DX MC-E, its a LOT of light for not much $$$ (if you dont mind having a strobe mode in between Hi and Low).

:thumbsup:

 

[599]

My Fenix TK40 came in a couple of weeks ago and I have had some time to evaluate it.

My conclusion is that I love the light. SUPER bright for searches, feels solidly built, the frame and the battery housing. I run it on the brightest setting most of the time. I have not needed to run it more than about 10 or 15 minutes straight and have had no problems with heat or battery run down. I have changed the batteries once, but only for peace of mind knowing I was at 100 percent prior to hitting the street. I have had one accidental strobe activation, but it was the first or second night with the light. I am not on regular patrol, however, so my usage is probably less than your average patrol officer.

The TK40 fits perfectly in my old Maglite D lanyard. The cooling fins of the TK are just smaller than the ring, so the light is held securely between the fins and the flared head. It can only be removed with deliberate action. Nice.

While I am still considering some of the lights suggested above, they might have to wait. For now I am going to move on to searching for a good, small backup duty light.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[hyperloop]

Small backup duty light?

Nitecore D10 springs to mind. Runs on 1xAA or 14500 cell. There are a whole host of AA lights out there, the Quark series on 4sevens.com has also got some pretty nice AA lights.

The new Jetbeam Jet I Pro IBS v3.0 sounds interesting, i own the v2.0 and its a nice light, v powerful on a 14500 but pretty darn bright on a 1.2 volt NiMH especially in dark conditions.