Hunting Flashlight (gift)

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Tiresius

Enlightened
Joined
Sep 19, 2009
Messages
965
Location
Fresno, CA
I have a brother who's a big hunting guy. He does this to chill out and at the same time, get game. His birthday is coming up and I want to get him a flashlight made for hunting to replace his bulky, heavy maglite.

I'm sure it's asked around quite a bit.

These guys are Maglite 2D users with led bulbs. Reason why I've decided to get him something better is to make sure he doesn't fall into another hole and twist his ankle again. His flashlight failed to spot a soft spot on the ground and he fell when it collapsed, plunging him 4 feet down the edge with the heavy equipment on his back. Good thing he didn't go further. I was there when he fell while looking off the edge for game.

My spending limit is under $100 USD since I'm out of a job now. I'm looking for something that can throw at least 50yds. It's gotta be bright enough to blind the deer's, bear's and boar's sight long enough so they can pop it. But it's gotta have at least 2hr burn time.

We dont leave our light on constantly due to battery drain. Flashlights are used as an SOS type.

Anyone know of any good flashlights or customizable flashlights?
 
Hmmm...I'm thinking one of Surefire's Fire/Rescue models would be good. I'm sure others will have other recomendations, but seeing as how he will probably man-handle this thing, SF's have the best (IMHO) warranty, and when he does "break it", he has the best chance of getting it fixed/replaced if he goes with one of these. And he can adjust the light from throw/flood using the diffuser kit. The bright yellow body would be easy to find if he dropped it. Or a Malkoff MD-2 with an M60 for a real thrower. Oh, and :welcome:
 
If I had to use one light when I hunt it would be a headlight. My vote is for a ZebraLight that uses AA batteries.
This year I plan to use just the zebralight but carry my maratac aaa as backup or for a little more throw. You can get both of those for less than 100 bucks.
 
I'd say an EagleTac P20 or T20 with a Neutral Emitter. The neutral emitter tends to be better in a hunting type situation.
 
I would also suggest the TK20.


A little off topic, but who else reckons we should get paid commissions for recommending certain lights to people??
That is the second TK20 suggestion in as many days!
:nana:

:D
 
agreed, something with a warmer tint would be ideal, that red part of the spectrum is really good for blood trails, honestly a surefire 6P with a malkoff M60W would be great, the lumen rating is 170 but thats because its the warmer version and you lose lumens in compromise for the color rendition, a surefire G2L is the exact same light but in plastic with a metal head and about half the price. As a fellow hunter i would recommend this setup because of the quality of both products and the fact that he will undoubtedly recognize the "surefire" name and appreciate the extra money and effort you put into it for him. Its not the cheap route, but it very well may be the last flashlight he ever needs.

I know that sounds bad for all the non-surefire junkies, but as i recently came to CPF (only a few months ago) surefire was the only "high end" light i knew existed. If i was a layman, thats what would impress me. And we all want to know our gifts are understood and appreciated right?
 
The TK20 looks to be the winner hands down... 4000K tint LED would help with colour rendition during hunting excursions too :thumbsup:

Full specifications HERE :D



BTW you could check out any one of the numerous Maglite modification threads around CPF and overhaul your brothers 2D version while you're at it ;)
 
i will concede that that is a great looking and performing flashlight! i haven't actually even seen the tk20 yet, i have looked at the 10,11,12,and 40, i would only complain about the batteries, (mostly cuz i don't have any rechargeables i could put in it on hand) but yes that is a good option at 1/3 the cost of a new 6P+M60W....the performance appears similar, so battery choice, price, and name brand are really it, i am defeated ***sfg2lman sneaks away to buy one***:devil:
 
I would think that which ever light you chose would at least somewhat depend on what you're hunting. Up until now, I have used a Fenix L2D with a red filter for going in to and out of deer stands in the early morning. I plan on going to a Quark AA2 with a Fenix Red filter this year. My Quarks are all cool white, but I'm planning on purchasing the warm head in time for deer season. The low and moon modes with the red filter should be exactly what I need, while still having enough bright light should I need it, and the warm tint should be perfect for lighting up the woods. Can't wait! :hitit:
 
:(:(:(:(:(:(:( i'm going to miss deer season this year as i am deploying on or around season openers back home....i'm really getting the itch too, my freezer is empty!!!
 
seeing as how you need something that can throw about 50 yards, the headlamp would not be the ideal light for you.

+100 for the TK20, just get it.
 
althought the TK20 is quite a bit larger than what i first thought, still looks like a great light, but prolly won't slide in my pocket like a 6P will
 
mon90ey said:
...My Quarks are all cool white, but I'm planning on purchasing the warm head...
Click to expand...

Can you elaborate on this? I don't see any warm options of 4Sevens website and I've recently thought about getting some AA lights, the Quark is at the top of my list.

Warm is pretty much a requirement for me on any LED lights so that was the factor holding me back.

Thanks!
 
I am a Hunter.

My favorite hand held light is the SureFire A2 Aviator, with White LED's.

Trust me, he would love it....

Better get 2 of them as you will like it too.:grin2:

I have used mine all over the Lower 48, in Alaska, Canada, and 3 trips to Zimbabwe.
 
Sure, go to this link:

http://www.4sevens.com/index.php?cPath=297_304

The .9~4.2v head with the neutral white emitter is listed here, both in regular UI and tactical. They (4Sevens) don't actually call it warm, just neutral white, but if you follow this link,

http://www.4sevens.com/index.php?cPath=297_310

you'll find most people will agree it is quite a bit warmer than the cool white head. You used to be able to buy the whole light here, and I think a few are still available, but you can get the heads here also.

The reviews of these lights are covered here:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=240410

Good luck! :thumbsup:
 
Last edited:
Sorry to hear you'll miss the season, SFG2Lman, but thank you for your service! Trust me they will be there next year, and most of them will be bigger and better! Be safe out there! :thumbsup:
 
I went ahead and ordered the tk20 for two reasons.

1.) It's a smooth reflector so it'll give more throw and brightness at the long range
2.) After seeing Marduke's messy light, I'm convinced that when it does drop or fall in the murky water, I don't have to worry about it failing on him.

Since he's not a big flashlight fanatic, the 2xAA's will make things more convenient for him. The only brand he knows of is maglite and the other crap brands you see in walmart and local sports store. This will keep him and his buddies pondering about where to get one.

Last of all, when he goes, it's constant walking through the woods and bushes. Weight, durability, visibility and throw are a must.

Thanks for the input. Greatly appreciated it.

PS> sorry surefire fans. They're excellent lights but to get one specifically for hunting would fall out of my budget :(
 
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