HELP: Im seeking custom/modified flashlights

[EvilPaul2112]

Ive been at CPF for only about a year. Im a cop and a flashlight geek seeking some ideas for duty lights. Currently, I carry on my belt a Wolf Eyes 13v Rattlesnake with a lumens factory 400 lumen lamp and Im VERY happy with its performance. Also on my belt is a 6P with the 170 lumen cree drop-in thats used for back-up. In my uniform shirt pocket is my 3rd light, a Fenix P3D. These lights work very well for me.

In my riot bag is my SL-20 with the SL-35 lamp. Although its ok, Im looking to upgrade to a custom throw-monster flashlight primarily to be used as a search light. As a relatively new CPF'er, I have a hard time keeping track of 'who-makes-what' and how to buy them. Ive seen some awesome pics on the site and Im interested in learning more. At this time I would be interested in purchasing a custom light thats already built and ready to rock. Right now I dont have the time to build anything myself.

What I seek:
Id prefer an incandescent light at this time, unless there is a LED light that throws long and doesnt cost $500. (using a custom light for Police work is risky because the threat of losing it or having it stolen is ALWAYS present. I have lost lights in the past while searching urban neighborhoods only to get in a foot chase, drop the light, and not be able to go back and look for it for a long time. By that time its usually gone) I do realize I have to spend several hundred though.

My 13v rattlesnake throws 300-400 lumens, so I would prefer a light that throws around 600+ or so.

Runtime is VERY important. 2 hours would be AWESOME, 1 hour at minimum. depending on output, Id sacrifice alittle cp for runtime. (Often, I can be searching neighborhoods/yards for 1 - 2 hours looking for felons. This is why I carry and have access to alot of flashlights while on duty.)

Alot of the custom lights Ive read about are rechargeable and thats fine, but Id prefer a light that can be recharged without removing the batteries. Im open to suggestions though.

Size does matter. A light in the 3-4 D cell maglight size would be perfect. Also worth noting is color....BLACK.

All of the above preferences are only that. Im willing to listen and learn to any and all ideas. I apologize for the long post but didnt know where to start my search.

Again...Thanks much in advance !

PAUL

 

[litho123]

Hi Paul -

Runtime vs. lumens are at opposing ends of the spectrum. You have to give up one to gain in the other. The key to long runtime is less amp draw by the bulb. But that tends to limit the brightness potential of the bulb.

So, here is a relatively inexpensive way to test your lighting needs without breaking the bank to help you decide which direction you want to go.

Pete_Broccolo has been using the following and seems to be pleased with it. Why not contact him for his opinion.

NON-rechargable:
(1) Carley 809 PR based bulb, drops right into a stock Mag.
(1) lithium AA battery
(4) CR123A batteries
(1) piece of PVC tubing to slip into a 3D light.

Estimated Runtime: 50 - 55 minutes continuous use
Estimated Lumens: 382-ish bulb lumens

The bulb is rated at 10.5v with a 1.20amp draw.

So, for under $20.00, you can try out this out in your stock 3D M@glite.

Eventually you'll have to replace the stock plastic reflector for a metal one.

The above can be run off rechargable cells and will give you over 2 hours of runtime, depending on battery format.

There are brighter bulbs available, but the runtime will vary depending on what batteries/holders you use. Since there exists the real possibility of losing this light, I'd be inclined to see if the above will work for you. If not, then you can throw more money at it.

 

[Aepoc]

Have you considered a Mag ROP mod? Mine is running around 800 lumens. If you don't want to get too far into it you could get by nicely with some new batteries, a metal reflector, a borofloat lens, and of course the ROP high bulb.

 

[FILIPPO]

mag85 in mag 3D host with SMO reflector for max throw...
about 1200 lumens with AA and 1300 with li-ion:thumbsup:

 

[mudman cj]

You could have someone make you a 4D Mag11 that would put out about 678 lumens for as much as 1 hour and 20 minutes using Elite 4500 Nimh cells. These could be safely charged while still in the light. You don't want to use Li-ion rechargeables if you need to charge them in series like that. Price would be around $150 for parts, but could be more depending on options like bi-pin bulb capability and adjustable focus reflector.

 

[Trashman]

Check out the various Fivemega Li-ion mods/customs, especially the 2.5D 6 Li-ion Mag. You might even email him as to which of his current and past lights give you the most runtime with the most lumens.

 

[FILIPPO]

may help you becouse this light seems satisfy your requests:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=88604
unfortunately out of stock but you can contact him for the battery older and ask around in cpf or somewere for a mag 2-1/2D tri bored:candle:

 

[Lighthouse one]

Would you consider the new small HID flashlights? Amazing throw!

 

[Northern Lights]

Do a key word search on "5761". You should find a multitude of returns about that bulb. In many mods it is acceptable for patrol. I use it and have posted a bunch on it. @ 900 torch lumens (834 T-l), 1336 bulb lumens. I have it in a mag charger that runs an hour and in a 2C usining lithium runs about 20-30 minutes. Here is an example of one post,
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=147344
It is brighter than the 1185 (776 T-l) and runs on 7.2 volts which means you have more tube space for more Ah, more runtime, in a mod. A wa1160 bulb in a magcharger will put out about 376 torch lumens on the original battery and socket with a little mica shield on the socket. Upgrade the battery pack to 7.2 volts and you can run the wa1111 for just over 500 torch lumens or put in the Phillips 5761 and you have just under 900 T-lumens. To mod the light you need to open the reflector hole a little bit with a round stone and put on that mica shield. A battery pack of AA Nimh 4x3, 12 cells, 6S2P will give you the 7.2 volts and on Sanyos or PowerX you can have 5400mAh packs. These two brands require a small amount of channelling or 4 boring as it is refered to. I know other cops using the 5761 too.

 

[EvilPaul2112]

Thanks much for all the help !!!!!!!!