It's confusing.

[Blindguy]

I did the copy & paste thing...
So here is how I answered it:

==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__X__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
_X__Up to $50.
_X__Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
_X__I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
_X__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

_X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
_X__Incandescent (known for superior color rendition) I like to tinker, so maybe I could change it out to an LED later.
____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 large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
_X__I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
_X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care


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 not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 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 search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
__X_Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X_Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__X_50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous 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 know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
_X__I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
_X__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).
____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 want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____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.
__X_I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ---...--- emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

_X__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 higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____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) Water resistance
____None needed
_X__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
_X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
_X__Other__Might be used in all ways listed.________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all 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
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

 

[Poppy]

You did a nice job filling out the form, but, while it is helpful, it doesn't give enough specific info.

A short narrative of what you intend to use the light for, how far you want to be able to see, and what you might be looking at, at that distance.

 

[Blindguy]

You did a nice job filling out the form, but, while it is helpful, it doesn't give enough specific info.

A short narrative of what you intend to use the light for, how far you want to be able to see, and what you might be looking at, at that distance.

OK, I'll give it a shot.
It's going to be my EDC, coat pocket.
I've got a few cheap ones now and although they work. They're not anywhere near Surefire quality. I tend to be careful with them for fear of dropping and 'poof', no workie.
In the car I like low power to find things w/o blowing holes through the floorboard.
Outside, mid & high beam should light things up well. I don't need to see something 300 yards away. I have something under the seat for that. 25~50 yards should be good but I wouldn't turn down extra if offered. I'm not stuck on Surefire, it's just a name I know and have handled.
After reading a bit on the batteries, it looks like I'm leaning toward the 123's & 18xxx or bigger.

Does that help some?

 

[Poppy]

Yes, your description helps a LOT

To help narrow down the size, please take a look at this...
It's a little more detailed that the portion of the form that you filled in above.

___ MICRO - smaller than a AAA battery (less than 2 inches)
___ SMALL Pocket Carry - typically slightly larger than a AAA battery 2-3 inches
___ MEDIUM Pocket Carry - typically a little fatter than a AA battery and 3-4 inches long
___ LARGE Pocket Carry - Cigar sized, Head smaller than 1.0 inch, and P60 hosts - Head smaller than 1.25 inch in diameter, and length 4.5 - 6 inches
___ HOLSTER/TOOL BOX Carry - P60 hosts and larger.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDC means EVERY DAY CARRY
Size is the greatest limiting factor for most people regarding what they will carry everyday.

Most people who do carry every day, carry a single AA light or smaller. (MEDIUM Pocket Carry, or smaller)

Those who carry a LARGE Pocket Carry as an EDC, usually do so because they use a light "on the job" or otherwise as a tool at work, (such as an electrician).

LARGE Pocket Carry lights are slightly larger than most single cell AA lights, but much more powerful. There are the cigar sized, small frame/body style 18650 lights, such as the "D (daily carry) series" eagletac D25LC2, the Convoy S2, or Fenix PD32. There are others, but the point is that the head and tube is essentially the same diameter, and less than an inch. ~ 24mm.

Somewhat larger yet, are the P60 hosts, such as the Solarforce L2 series of lights, (Surefire clones) where the head is ~ 32mm / 1.25 inch in diameter. It seems that the largest percentage of people who EDC a P60 host or larger, also carry a gun, or carry it for work.

 

[Blindguy]

Yes, your description helps a LOT

To help narrow down the size, please take a look at this...
It's a little more detailed that the portion of the form that you filled in above.

___ MICRO - smaller than a AAA battery (less than 2 inches)
___ SMALL Pocket Carry - typically slightly larger than a AAA battery 2-3 inches
___ MEDIUM Pocket Carry - typically a little fatter than a AA battery and 3-4 inches long
___ LARGE Pocket Carry - Cigar sized, Head smaller than 1.0 inch, and P60 hosts - Head smaller than 1.25 inch in diameter, and length 4.5 - 6 inches
___ HOLSTER/TOOL BOX Carry - P60 hosts and larger.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDC means EVERY DAY CARRY
Size is the greatest limiting factor for most people regarding what they will carry everyday.

Most people who do carry every day, carry a single AA light or smaller. (MEDIUM Pocket Carry, or smaller)

Those who carry a LARGE Pocket Carry as an EDC, usually do so because they use a light "on the job" or otherwise as a tool at work, (such as an electrician).

LARGE Pocket Carry lights are slightly larger than most single cell AA lights, but much more powerful. There are the cigar sized, small frame/body style 18650 lights, such as the "D (daily carry) series" eagletac D25LC2, the Convoy S2, or Fenix PD32. There are others, but the point is that the head and tube is essentially the same diameter, and less than an inch. ~ 24mm.

Somewhat larger yet, are the P60 hosts, such as the Solarforce L2 series of lights, (Surefire clones) where the head is ~ 32mm / 1.25 inch in diameter. It seems that the largest percentage of people who EDC a P60 host or larger, also carry a gun, or carry it for work.

With your description above, I'd say mine would fit into the medium large to large EDC. Good part is I don't have to carry it in my pants pocket. I seem to gravitate toward the 5" ±1" size.
That area seems to where all the best options are. i.e. bigger batteries, zoom, good grip, etc.
I'll have to check out that Convoy S2. Haven't heard of it.

 

[Blindguy]

Just got done looking over that Convoy S2. Pretty impressive. Then I find the S2+... oh boy, another good one.
If the quality matches the description, it just might wind up in my pocket. Can't beat the price, either.

This is a bad hobby. :duh2:

 

[Blindguy]

While reading some reviews on the S2, it turns out that I'll be staying away from the tube body lights. I don't like the idea of heat build up. It's neither good for the hands or the battery.

So... I keep looking.

 

[cland72]

The following are 2x123 lights (can also accept either 18650 or 17670):
Malkoff MD2 with M61 and high/low ring
Surefire 6PX Pro
Surefire G2X Pro
Surefire P2X Fury

You could also look at the FourSevens Quark Pro or Quark Tactical series which are available in CR123 and AA sizes.

 

[Poppy]

I have the S2, and REALLY like it.
I bought mine driven at 1400 ma, and it doesn't heat up too much. Those who reviewed it and complained about it heating up too much, too quickly, have it driven at 2800 ma.

IMO the XML in a small, shallow head gives a very nice beam for arm's length work, out to 100 feet or so. To reach out beyond that, without pushing the LED too much, you'll need a more focused beam. The problem being, that a more focused beam is not as comfortable for use at closer ranges.

In the same category as the S2, I'd consider getting the Convoy S4 with the T6 C3 emitter/tint. The price is still good at about $20. It'll have a little less output, but the tint should be very nice. (If you like neutral white lights with a higher true color renditioning) Again... driven at 1400 ma. That seems to be the sweet spot for that size light. You stated that you have a larger, more of a thrower in the car for when you need to reach out a bit further.

More than the cost of the light, you'll need to get batteries, and a charger.

fasttech offers panasonic 18650's for about $20 a pair

You'll have to choose a charger. I'd strongly recommend that you get one that you can also plug into your car cigar lighter so that you can recharge during a power outage.

 

[Blindguy]

The following are 2x123 lights (can also accept either 18650 or 17670):
Malkoff MD2 with M61 and high/low ring
Surefire 6PX Pro
Surefire G2X Pro
Surefire P2X Fury

You could also look at the FourSevens Quark Pro or Quark Tactical series which are available in CR123 and AA sizes.

Of the ones you listed, these are at the top of my list:
Surefire 6PX Pro
Surefire G2X Pro
Surefire P2X Fury

I just think Malkoff is way overpriced.

 

[Blindguy]

I have the S2, and REALLY like it.
I bought mine driven at 1400 ma, and it doesn't heat up too much. Those who reviewed it and complained about it heating up too much, too quickly, have it driven at 2800 ma.

IMO the XML in a small, shallow head gives a very nice beam for arm's length work, out to 100 feet or so. To reach out beyond that, without pushing the LED too much, you'll need a more focused beam. The problem being, that a more focused beam is not as comfortable for use at closer ranges.

In the same category as the S2, I'd consider getting the Convoy S4 with the T6 C3 emitter/tint. The price is still good at about $20. It'll have a little less output, but the tint should be very nice. (If you like neutral white lights with a higher true color renditioning) Again... driven at 1400 ma. That seems to be the sweet spot for that size light. You stated that you have a larger, more of a thrower in the car for when you need to reach out a bit further.

More than the cost of the light, you'll need to get batteries, and a charger.

fasttech offers panasonic 18650's for about $20 a pair

You'll have to choose a charger. I'd strongly recommend that you get one that you can also plug into your car cigar lighter so that you can recharge during a power outage.

This is why I joined Candlepower. Without information like this, I would probably: spend too much, get a POS or burn out lamps and my hand all at the same time.
The power in the batteries have increased so much in just the last couple of years that without knowing, one could easily screw things up. (like me)
I do like the Convoy and now that I've read about your recommendation on battery power, keeping it down, things are starting to make sense.
Good point about getting a car charger.

 

[cland72]

Of the ones you listed, these are at the top of my list:
Surefire 6PX Pro
Surefire G2X Pro
Surefire P2X Fury

I just think Malkoff is way overpriced.

Malkoff is every bit as good as Surefire, if not better. But, I understand your sentiment.

 

[Blindguy]

Convoy S4 with the T6 C3 emitter/tint

I like the idea of having an exposed heat sink that is still shrouded. If that makes any sense.

 

[Blindguy]

Update:
Scratch the Surefire stuff.

Got a Fenix PD32UE.
I love this thing!

I do have a Convoy S4 on order but they are out right now.

I also have a "68", "Spik" or whatever they're called coming in from fleabay, for a whole $4 'n change. Thought I'd try out the 14500 rechargeable this way.

 

[Tmack]

I just built a convoy m1 xml2 dedomed at 3a. Takes a long time to heat up, good on batteries (1x 18650) very bright, and is about 5.5" x 1.4" at the head. Durable, good looking functional. Perfect edc. I chose to set it at two mode setting 100%-15% so I'm not cycling through modes to get the one I want. To build it was about $30-40. It's in my pocket now of course