I need advice on a *second* light.

[alligator]

I've ordered a Surefire L4 which should arrive on Monday (today is Friday). I realize this is going to be a bright light which will be difficult to use for long periods of time, but I purchased it mainly for the brightness and durability.

What would you recommend for a lower power general use light (such as for longer run times while camping)? Any brand is okay, but the build quality must be top notch, and it must feel good to use. Cost is not an object!

Suggestions are welcome.

 

[Gunner12]

What size and what output?
What about multiple modes?(low, high, strobe etc.)
What beam pattern?

I'd recommend the Olight T15. Small size, good output, AA powered, multimode. 8% off coupon at Fenix Store is "CPF8".

 

[KeyGrip]

Size or battery type preferences? My advice is to get an Inova X5. It comes with two 3v lithiums which you should save for your L4, then once the cells in the L4 run down you can use them in the X5 as a low output/long runtime flood light.

 

[eebowler]

For camping, go with a headlamp. The Princeton Tec Apex is a very good headlamp IF it's upgraded with a reflector and seoul LED. Best 'headlamp' out there in my opinion is the Sten light BUT, it's designed for helmets and doesn't have attachments for a human head as yet. (They are apparently designing one now.)

 

[sabre7]

What size and what output?
What about multiple modes?(low, high, strobe etc.)
What beam pattern?

I'd recommend the Olight T15. Small size, good output, AA powered, multimode. 8% off coupon at Fenix Store is "CPF8".

Olight T15 is junk- there is no difference between highest 2 modes, large size, heavy, poor output, underpowered on old time AAs. Go for a CR123 powered T10 or T20 & run with the big dogs.

 

[Gunner12]

Same with the L1Ds, a single AA battery can't take the battery draw needed to power Turbo/Higher High mode correctly(2 AAs do a lot better but you'll get a longer light). The T10 with the CR123 battery will work better if you want the actual Turbo mode.

The T10 is also a bit smaller then the T15.

 

[fleegs]

I would highly recommend the two stage tailcap at the Shoppe.

http://theledguy.chainreactionweb.com/


That will give you two stages. You can pick the resistor too to create the low that you want. Or get many and change out.

For a backup light I would suggest a Fenix E0. Cost effective path.

Or one of the long run time lights from Peak. Also check out the Incendio from Lumapower.

Me personally, I would get a Zebralight headlamp and the two stage switch for the L4. That would meet 97% of my needs. The only thing missing would be extreme long range where I would use a HID flashlight, like one of the Microfire series lights. Or go incandescent and use Surefire M4 or M3T. Cost effective would be 9P with turbo head.

Good luck.


Rob

 

[andylondon]

I too have a Surefire L4 and you may want to consider the Surefire E2L Outdoorsman. The old KX2 head and a runtime of just under 6 hours with 45 lumens out of the head. Or a headlamp might suit your needs a little better. You could mod a Princetontec EOS with a smooth reflector and WC Q5 L.E.D. I have done this to my EOS and now have a small, lightweight headlamp ideal for camping. This has 3 light levels, high - medium - low and claims to be waterproof to 1m, which means it's dunkable.

I think you would be very happy with either of these choices.

 

[precisionworks]

You'll love the L4, small package, killer beam, etc.

lower power general use light (such as for longer run times while camping)

Lots of choices. The 120P, set to 10 lumens, puts out a surprising amount of light - plus the ability to instantly bump to any of three other settings.

Also the E2L that andylondon suggested. Or, for a tiny package, the E1L. Something even smaller would include the Nautilus or Titan, both of which are great for neck carry.

Every light I mentioned (and all the lights in my sig line) are powered by CR123's ... using one battery type keeps life simple.

 

[Yapo]

Any brand is okay, but the build quality must be top notch, and it must feel good to use. Cost is not an object!

Top notch build quality? Cost is not an object?

....sound to me like a Novatac 120P

the only reason i dont have 1 is the cost...:mecry:

 

[RWT1405]

2 choices come to my mind, a NovaTac &/or a SF G2 (or 6P) with a Malkoff M60LL (approx. 8 hours @ full output, what a beautiful beam!). I carry the Malkoff as my secondary light on duty (SF 6P w/ M60 primary), but always have a NovaTac nearby. I don't think you can go wrong with either, or do the CPF thing and buy BOTH! My .02 FWIW

 

[xcel730]

You have a lot of options if money is not an issue.

Novatac 120P - I'm planning on buying this in a couple of weeks. I looks like it's built like a tank. Take one CR123a or RCR123a battery and programmable brigthness from 0.3 lumens to 120 lumens. The runtime is a tad low (around 30-45 minutes) for 120 lumens, but I've already have more than enough bright lights. I'll probably set my high at around 60 lumens (I survived perfectly fine with my old 40 lumens Inova T2). I've been reading up on it on this forum ... you usually find two extremes ... those who love this light and those who would bash it. Even though it's expensive, I'm going to try it out to see how I like it. Worst case scenario I will return it or sell it on CPFM. Also, some members recommend the HDS System RA Twisty. I'm not a big twisty guy, so this is not really for me.

Lumapower Incendio - super small light that runs on one CR123a or RCR123a battery. You get 130 lumens for 130 minutes / 40 lumens for 9 hours / 7 lumens for 35 hours. I like the simplicity, but wish that the low could be lower than 7 lumens.

Nitecore Defender Infinity - small, lightweight, runs on one AA equivalent (akaline, nimh, li-ion) battery. The max is around 180 lumens and low could get pretty low. The "tactical" mode runs on max (or strobe) and the user-defined mode is the programmable by the user. I've been EDCing this light since I got it (last week). There's some minor UI issue for me, but I still like it.

Fenix L0d, L1d, L2d, P2d, P3d - they're all good. You have the option of 1 x AAA, 1 x AA, 2 x AA, 1 x CR123a, and 2 x CR123a. I have the L0d on my keychain all the time, and alternate the L1d with my NDI and Incendio. My two main nitpicks are (1) that they lack knurling, so the smaller models (L1d, P2d) can get slippery, and (2) they don't support Li-Ion batteries. I have other minor nitpicks as well, but that applies to all flashlights in general. I guess you can't have it all :shrug:

Zebralight H30 - I don't have this one, but I've been eyeing on it as well. It doesn't have much throw, but it's a great flood light. It'll probably get one for close-up work.

Anyway, good luck in your search.

 

[alligator]

I had another chance to use my L4 in a camping setting this past weekend. This light is by far the best beam and light output of any LED flashlight that I've seen. My only problem? It's too bright for use in a tent? I have a red filter I put over it which makes it usable, but a little too dim for general use in a tent.

I'm looking for something that I can use to completely light up a tent, throws a decent beam, and yet has more than a one hour run time. The other $20 flashlights from others in our group were completely put to shame by the L4. It was almost funny to watch.

Man, the L4 is a great light. One last comment, although I might consider a light with multiple light levels, I like a light with just two settings: on and off. No fuss. (By the way, I already have a head lamp and keychain light.)

Given what I've just said, would any of you change your mind?

 

[Silversurfer]

Olight T15 is junk- there is no difference between highest 2 modes, large size, heavy, poor output, underpowered on old time AAs...

Just wondering if you've tried the T15 with a lithium AA?

 

[Gunner12]

How about the 2 AA powered Fenix L2T V2.0?

Not too expensive and simple to use two modes. Can be used as a single mode light if you don't ever twist the bezel. Probably similar in output to the L4 in output. It would show the common Cree ring around the hotspot so it won't be as smooth as the L4 beam wise. If you can find a Rebel 80 version, it would give a pretty smooth beam.

8% off coupon at Fenix Store is "CPF8".

Would you like something with a different power source and price?

 

[Gatsby]

Based on your parameters I'd probably say McGizmo PD or Lunasol. You can't get much better in terms of build quality and a proven design.

The Arc6 looks pretty cool but is untested. Or stick with Surefire but go to a smaller L1.

 

[ZMZ67]

Size or battery type preferences? My advice is to get an Inova X5. It comes with two 3v lithiums which you should save for your L4, then once the cells in the L4 run down you can use them in the X5 as a low output/long runtime flood light.

+1 on the X5 it will compliment your L4 and light your tent very well.A Fenix diffuser will fit on an X5 if you cut/sand down the ridges inside the diffuser.
The diffuser turns the X5 into a "lantern" style light.

 

[HeadCSO]

As cost is no object, how about a Surefire E1B.

Low mode of 5 lumens and high of 80. I think this will compliment your L4. The L4 is a wall of light, whilst the E1B with TIR optics will give the light some throw.

 

[Zenster]

My suggestions in order of preference:

1. Novatac 120P (with a great beam and incredible features, you can't afford NOT to have one). Plus, it tail-stands for use as a tent light (something the L4 won't do).

2. With your predisposition toward Surefire, consider the E1L for good runtimes and a nice low, even for outside use. The negative is that it doesn't tail stand, but it makes a great cap light that will tightly clip to the brim of a hat.

3. Both the Nitecore D10 (AA) and the EX10 (CR123) offer great runtimes on single batteries, and are nice little tail-standers for use as tent lights.
Their UI is identical, and their performance is so close to each other that you should pick whichever you like for it's type of battery.
EXCELLENT lights, for camping or otherwise.

4. IF you like headlamps, then forget all of the above and go with the Zebralight H30 (CR123). While the H50 uses the AA size battery, the switching of the H30 is more convenient. Great runtimes on it's lower settings, and a very bright outdoor light on it's high setting.

That's my .02