I know nothing about flashlights and need help chosing one.

[desert gator]

Hey guys Im sorry if this topic has been beat over and over, I tried to research but didnt feel confident from it in making a choice. I am looking for a flashlight for work. I got a job at one of the largest haunted attractions in the western united states. I will be doing security and maintnance. I need a good flashlight for this job and it will get allot of use. The haunted attraction covers 11 acres and has many unlit trails for employes to use. I will also be doing perimeter checks for people trying to sneak in, checking people for stamped hands if Im suspicouse of them, working on hydrolics, speakers, fog machines, lights, and gassing up the chainsaws, allong with dealing with the swift removal of out of control drunks. Basicly all these things have to be performed in the dark.

Here are the things Im looking for
Bright- many of the areas ill be working in and trails and shortcuts ill be taking have zero visablity.

Rechargable? The flashlight will be turned on probably 1-1.5 hours a night so I assume I would need one that recharges?

Fits in my pocket with a clip so that if I have to run or scuffle with a drunk, or im crawling behind an attraction the light is not going to get lost. Also a clip would be nice to keep it from falling down into my pocket so that I can access it faster.

As far as lumens or type of light im clueless to what those are so ill need your help. Finaly I would preffer to stay in the 80-120 dollar range. Any help or advice is appreciated.

 

[AnAppleSnail]

I'll get the necessary questions in. You may need to read a bit to answer these. In summary:

How far will you need to see?
How long? 1-1.5 hours (easy, 2xAA lights can give acceptable output for that long)
How bright is it out there (what light sources are you fighting)?
Can you put up with li-ion batteries, or do you need to stick with AAs? It doesn't sound to me like you need a charger.

Here's the full checklist that'll help us figure out what you're after.

 

[Kraid]

Hows about a Fenix TK30 or TK40? Powerful enough to impress in a large setting like your workplace, but also featuring a lumen saving low mode to make sure you have the battery life to run the light for as you as you need a night. You could use Eneloops in the TK40 and run two chargers at night (unless you're on top of things enough to change out the batteries every night). Or you could use 2x 18650s in theTK30, but it usually takes folks a little while to make the leap to Lithium Ion when they first get into lights.

I'm sure you'll get alot of other great suggestions. These are just two lights that I've put my money towards, and been pleased. :thumbsup:

EDIT: I missed the part about "pocketable". The 2x AA Quark or its Fenix equivalent would be awesome based on what you're asking for!

 

[desert gator]

I will need to see 5-50 ft
It will get used 1-1.5 hours a night 6 days a week
There is no lights ill be against, it is very dark off of the trail that is lit up just enough for customers to walk.
Li IOn or double A's if they have the same runtime probably double aa



0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?

I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!


____I am willing to spend $80-$120.

2) Format:

____I want a flashlight.

3) Length:


____2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)

4) Width:

____I don't care so long as it fits in my pocket


5) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.

____I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)


6) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).


____I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
____I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
____I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)

7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below.
I will be using it for repairs 2-3 ft, and perimiter checks 30-40 yards
Throw (distance)----------------------x----------------------Flood/close-up

8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.

1-1.5 hours per night

9) Durability: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.


____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)


8) Switch Type:


____I want a "clickie" switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)

9) Switch Location:

_
____I want a push switch on the back end of the body.


10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.

____A simple on-off is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)


11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?

____I don't care.

12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).

_ none

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

is this thing working?

 

[Vapor]

I think the TK40 might be a little large to be carrying around for hours on end.

I also think that a 2XAA light would be the best bet since AA batteries are also more likely to be available around this haunted attraction than lithium ones. I know that I bought my TK20 for outdoor situations and its throw is a plus.

 

[Texas gun person]

I really like 4Seven's Quark AA² Tactical... Always ends up with me out in the great outdoors for night activities.


http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_306&products_id=1656

 

[skyfire]

check out the quark AA-2 and quark AA Turbo. itll be beter to holster carry these. and they come with good holsters. you will also have different tint options, warm/neutral/cool tint, and your choice of tactical or regular user interface.

i would also suggest a headlamp. zebralight H51, H501. Princeton Tec makes good affordable headlamps.

then get some eneloop cells.

 

[John_Galt]

It's slightly more expensive than what you had in mind, but I would suggest the HDS Ra Clicky High CRI.

Get it with the 17670 battery tube, and you have a light that will run for 2hours easy on a Single 17670. The High CRI is "only" 100 lumens, but will offer much better color rendering and depth perception than a regular cold or neutral-white LED.

Ra's are some of the best built lights available, up there with Surefire and Peak. They are extremely efficient, rugged, and are fully programmable (sounds daunting, believe me, it isn't, it's very easy to do), so you can change the light as your needs change. You won't have to worry about dropping your light, or dropping it in water, etc.

Ra's offer 4 individually programmable modes, offering 22/23 output settings, as well as three strobes (SOS, tactical strobe, and a beacon mode), and can be programmed to allow momentary activation, turn on at a certain output, etc.

Also get the bezel down clip. Yes, it's extra, but it is definitely worth it over the current bezel up offering...

( http://www.ralights.com/?id=Clicky )

 

[Brigadier]

JetBeam Jet-IIIM warm tint.

Get 3-4 18650's and a charger.

 

[desert gator]

Those quarks look like the perfect size. I am not sure if they are a twist or a click button to turn them on though. They do fit the bill pretty well though. That Jet iiim looks good also. How does it compare to the quarks? It looks that the jet is lithium battery? IS the quark aslo lithium?

 

[Jash]

The Quark Tactical and Turbo UI uses a twist of the head to change modes and a forward clicky to turn it on. Being a forward clicky it also has a momentary function that simply allows you to half press the switch and light will come out the front without having to make the switch go 'click' and keep the light on. Some find this essential (like myself), others don't.

I've got both the AA2 Tactical and Turbo Quarks, and to be honest, I'd hate to have to choose between them. The Tactical has a nice floody beam that lights up a large area, the Turbo throws a lot of light a long way, but the beam is less pleasing to the eye. It's a bright hotspot surrounded by a reasonable spill, the Tactical on the other hand is just so smooth and creamy.

If I could have only one, it would probably be the Tactical as it's a more useful light for a wider variety of tasks.

The Quarks also can run on lithium batteries, but not li-ion unless you use the single AA body, otherwise you will cook it.

Best bet is to get some eneloops and a smart charger and you're good to go.

 

[skyfire]

Those quarks look like the perfect size. I am not sure if they are a twist or a click button to turn them on though. They do fit the bill pretty well though. That Jet iiim looks good also. How does it compare to the quarks? It looks that the jet is lithium battery? IS the quark aslo lithium?

the quarks are clickies, the quark minis are twisties. parts from the quark line, and mini line are not compatible. but all the quark line of lights which include the Turbo models are compatible, meaning you could mix and match parts. you just have to be aware of the voltage input of the heads. quark 123-2 and quark 123 Turbo are high voltage, while all other heads will if voltage is over 4.2v

cr123a lithium primary( non-rechargeable) = 3v
rcr123a li-ion (rechargeable) =3.7v
enegizer lithium AA = 1.5v
14500 li-ion (same as AA size) = 3.7v
eneloop nimh = 1.3v

you should decide whether you want to use lithiums or AA size cells. (alkalines not recommended for high output torches). i feel lithiums have all the performance advantages, but comes at higher costs, and more careful handling on the users part.

the best li-ion choice would be 18650. which is about the size of 2xCR123a, but about 2mm wider. yields the best output/runtimes. if your willing to go that route, the zebralight SC60 is 4 inch long, very pocketable, with a clip.

your options will widen if you do decide to go lithiums.
also, if you go for the li-ions, get the protected ones.
​

 

[desert gator]

Ok I think that the Quark AA2 tactical is the light for me. It says that it comes with 2 aa batteries, are these lithium? If so thats not just a standard aa that would be used in tv remotes and such those are alkaliane right?

 

[Jash]

Ok I think that the Quark AA2 tactical is the light for me. It says that it comes with 2 aa batteries, are these lithium? If so thats not just a standard aa that would be used in tv remotes and such those are alkaliane right?

Yes it comes with alkalines, so don't forget to get some eneloops and a smart charger. It will save you lots of cash in the long run.

I charge anywhere between 8-24 eneloops each week, so imagine what that would cost if they were primaries.

 

[desert gator]

I will get a charger and some of those eneloops also. Are eneloops different from regular rechargable batteries?

 

[Chevy-SS]

Here's a pic of all my small lights. You can get a good idea of size comparisons here.

I was actually gonna suggest the Quark AA*2 Tactical. I think you have made a very appropriate choice, and you will definitely be happy with your new Quark! It has a nice floody hotspot, which is great for close-up work as you describe.

-

 

[jseklund]

I have not read all of the above responses yet, and saw a few Fenix recommendations - and I would also look at these lights. I am a real estate broker and I go through a lot of dark buildings, vacant bank owned homes (which may have squatters), etc. A couple years ago I bought a Fenix P3D and I never realized how handy a light could be. I have also used an L2D, which is almost as powerful and uses AA's instead of the 123's.

Both these lights have multiple outputs, can be easily carried in a pocket, will light a trail on low and blind an opponent on high. If you don't plan on using these as weapons themselves - these are the thing to have IMHO. They're just so versatile.

Fenix has newer lights out now than the P3D and L2D. I think the "upgraded" P3D is the PD30. I would, personally, look at this and the TK12. Both are under your budget and would be a great starter light with flexibility. You can get rechargeable CR123's if you like, and regular cr123's can be had for around $1 each or less. If you go regular, just buy in bulk and you will have more than you need. I bought 20 about a year ago and I'm on my third pack.

The $10-50 you save on one of these lights over your $80-120 budget can be put towards your next light (which will come sooner than you may think I bet).

 

[Lighthouse one]

I would suggest three lights.
1. 2aa light with high/low modes. there are many to choose from. I have an Icon and it's great.

2. A small headlamp since you may need both hands free. Many simple single cr123 lights or any other preferred.

3. A single AA light to carry as a backup. Prefer 2 modes--more ok. Then you can carry 1 or 2 AA batteries and be able to support both lights.

Many lights have a wrist strap..good to use this.

 

[cistallus]

I agree that a headlamp would make sense for many of the tasks you describe (in addition to a flashlight). A ZebraLight H501w, H51, H31, H50, etc. would be an excellent choice - you can use these small but bright right-angle lights on the included headband, or just clip them to a shirt pocket, and illuminate whatever is in front of you, hands-free.

 

[vali]

I will get a charger and some of those eneloops also. Are eneloops different from regular rechargable batteries?

Yes & No.

They are the same if you take in account chemistry and what that means: same voltage, pretty much the same performance and so on...

But they have addressed the big drawback of the regular NiMH: self discharge. Plus they have been found to be very reliable, consistent and dont wear almost anything with use. The drawback (compared with normal NiMH) is the capacity: 2000 (tested) mAh vs 2500 (at best) mAh.

I would not trade the reliability/charge persistence for a few more mAh.