Hello folks,
First post, so apologies in advance for whatever I end up gaffing. I'm an EDC technical person who doesn't go anywhere without my Leatherman and my 2xAA Mini MagLite. I'd like to retire the trusty MagLite that has been at my side for something like 10 years now. I'm growing weary of replacing bulbs and not being able to get much light out of its anorexic design. It's fine for use in equipment racks, cabinets, under desks and raised floors. But when I have to throw light a distance, up into ceilings or to trace wires, it fails to perform.
I've been reading through the forums here and the choices of lights are boggling me. So would you give me a hand with a recommendation or two? I've got some specific things I can throw out to narrow down the choices.
1. I'm looking for something the same size as the 2xAA Mini MagLite but preferably smaller (shorter, that is). The MagLite has poked me in the side dozens of times when I get into a vehicle, the light hits the seatbelt clip and rides up in the holster. I can deal with something that has a larger diameter, as long as it is shorter than the MagLite.
2. I need a snug holster with a captive belt loop. No clips, can't take them on the production floor. (I looked at the JetBeam RRT-01 for an example but can't find a holster for it. The Sunwayman V11R is similar and includes a holster, but I don't believe it to be captive though)
3. Intrinsically safe would be a plus, but if not, I can remove it before going into 2G areas.
4. I'd prefer something that takes an 18650 battery. This seems like one of the most popular batteries out there, more so than the 16340 that the JetBeam and Sunwayman use. I like the better availability and charger options.
5. Tough one... I would really like a unit that has something like the MagLite's "focus" ring, for lighting a wide area, or focusing down to a spot farther away.
6. A shatter-proof lens would be preferred. Or plastic like the MagLight. No common glass allowed on the production floor unless it's safety/tempered.
With that, what have I missed? The forum questionnaire is included below with more information. And thanks in advance for any recommendations!!!
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_x__I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
____Less than $25.
____Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
_x__Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
____I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____Other, please specify ________
3) Format:
_x__I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
____I want a portable spotlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
____Keychain size.
____Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
_x__Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
** Smaller than a Mini Maglite 2xAA
_x__Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____N/A
5) Emitter/Light source:
_x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
_x__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
____I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)
____I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
_x__I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
_x__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
_x__I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
_x_I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
_x__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_x__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_x__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
_x__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_x__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
_x__I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
_x__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
_x__I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
_x__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
_x__Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
_x__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
_x__Holster
** must be captive belt loop, no clip.
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
_*__Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
** a plus, but not an absolute.
First post, so apologies in advance for whatever I end up gaffing. I'm an EDC technical person who doesn't go anywhere without my Leatherman and my 2xAA Mini MagLite. I'd like to retire the trusty MagLite that has been at my side for something like 10 years now. I'm growing weary of replacing bulbs and not being able to get much light out of its anorexic design. It's fine for use in equipment racks, cabinets, under desks and raised floors. But when I have to throw light a distance, up into ceilings or to trace wires, it fails to perform.
I've been reading through the forums here and the choices of lights are boggling me. So would you give me a hand with a recommendation or two? I've got some specific things I can throw out to narrow down the choices.
1. I'm looking for something the same size as the 2xAA Mini MagLite but preferably smaller (shorter, that is). The MagLite has poked me in the side dozens of times when I get into a vehicle, the light hits the seatbelt clip and rides up in the holster. I can deal with something that has a larger diameter, as long as it is shorter than the MagLite.
2. I need a snug holster with a captive belt loop. No clips, can't take them on the production floor. (I looked at the JetBeam RRT-01 for an example but can't find a holster for it. The Sunwayman V11R is similar and includes a holster, but I don't believe it to be captive though)
3. Intrinsically safe would be a plus, but if not, I can remove it before going into 2G areas.
4. I'd prefer something that takes an 18650 battery. This seems like one of the most popular batteries out there, more so than the 16340 that the JetBeam and Sunwayman use. I like the better availability and charger options.
5. Tough one... I would really like a unit that has something like the MagLite's "focus" ring, for lighting a wide area, or focusing down to a spot farther away.
6. A shatter-proof lens would be preferred. Or plastic like the MagLight. No common glass allowed on the production floor unless it's safety/tempered.
With that, what have I missed? The forum questionnaire is included below with more information. And thanks in advance for any recommendations!!!
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_x__I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
____Less than $25.
____Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
_x__Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
____I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____Other, please specify ________
3) Format:
_x__I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
____I want a portable spotlight.
4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
____Keychain size.
____Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
_x__Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
** Smaller than a Mini Maglite 2xAA
_x__Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____N/A
5) Emitter/Light source:
_x__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
_x__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a “host” or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a “drop-in” emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.
7) What battery type do you want to use?
____I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)
____I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
_x__I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
_x__I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
_x__I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
_x_I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).
9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
_x__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_x__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_x__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
_x__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A “night-stand” light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_x__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.
12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
_x__I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
_x__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
_x__I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
_x__Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
_x__Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
_x__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
_x__Holster
** must be captive belt loop, no clip.
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
_*__Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
** a plus, but not an absolute.
