Junior flashaholic saying hi!

[ryaxnb]

My name is Ryan Butler (age 16) and i plan on being a regular lurker and occasional poster here at CPF.. i posted this here because almost all of my lights are budget LED lights.
I have always owned a variety of flashlights, and my first led flashlight was a 4-led 3AA cheapo brand which i still own and use occasionally. But long before that, i have been obsessed with flashlights, and have always wanted to own a maglite, which like most neophytes I regarded as the best, no comparison.
With the flood of new discount lights comes a renewed obsession and i acquired a River Rock 2C Cree light, a MiniMag Rebel 2AA, and a "1watt" Energizer flashlight with lantern function. all of these are great lights, and they have renewed my obsession with their long brightness and runtime.

I am today purchasing two new high quality budget lights too add to my collection: Akoray K-106 Cree 5-mode 1xAA off of DX and a Romisen RC-N3 R4 (2xaa/1x123) off of shiningbeam.com along with a starter pack of 2x 123 batteries from the same website.
My other hobbies include computers, internet, gaming, mystery novels, and drama/scifi series on TV.
I hope to report soon on the quality of the R4 and some comparison beamshots between the 2 lights and my Maglite Rebel... (using my moms Powershot A710)
Have Fun guys and may your flashlights be well-built and durable! lovecpf

 

[mcnair55]

Hi Ryan :welcome: Hope you have some sort of after school job because if you get hooked the money will slide out of your pocket quicker than you can fill it.

You can always try a little trading with your pals in school and make a side profit to enhance your collection.:thumbsup:

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, Ryan. Sounds like you've been a flashaholic for some time.

Geoff

 

[lightsandknives]

Welcome to CPF Ryan! I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts on the Romison. i was looking at them earlier today......

 

[boomhauer]

Hi Ryan! I second the after-school job idea... :wave:

 

[OCD]

Another welcome :welcome:and another warning on the spending!

I didn't realize that in simply trying to find something slightly better than my Streamlight Scorpion (incan), I ended up purchasing my Quark 2AA Turbo in December and by the end of April, I got 3 additional lights and the downward spiral began!

But at least I can illuminate the way down! :candle:

 

[Burgess]

Hello Ryan --


Welcome to CandlePowerForums !


:welcome:


Always glad to see young people sharing my appreciation for Flashlights.


Hey, i have that Mini-Maglite 2AA Rebel (multi-mode), and i REALLY like it.

Got it in December, when Home Depot had 'em On Sale for $ 9.88 !

It's a very nice performer. And, at that price, a True Bargain.


Good Luck to you, Ryan, in yer' quest for the Perfect Flashlight.

:candle:
_

 

[m3flies]

Yet another:welcome: Ryan. Sounds like you're well on your way to someday having an excellent collection of lights.

 

[jamesmtl514]

Hey Ryan,
welcome to the forum. As the others have said, you'll find a ton of lights that you'll "need".

My advice is to save up and buy the better lights, you'll appreciate them more and not waste your money on the budget stuff. Most of the time the better ones aren't that much more expensive.

 

[rekd0514]

Hey Ryan,
welcome to the forum. As the others have said, you'll find a ton of lights that you'll "need".

My advice is to save up and buy the better lights, you'll appreciate them more and not waste your money on the budget stuff. Most of the time the better ones aren't that much more expensive.

My advice, don't listen to guys like this. Keep your eyes on the budget lights section for the well regarded budget lights.

You already are doing well choosing the Akoray K-106 5 mode and Romisen RC-N3 from SB. I actually own both as well. They do the job they were intended for well. Most do like the 3 mode programmable K-106 from KD a bit better though.

My opinion is why pay, for example, double the price and not get anywhere near double the performance or quality. You could buy several of the cheaper lights and have them last for years. They are always coming out with new cree LEDs that you will probably want anyways. You definitely aren't wasting your money if you get the right budget lights and you have made good choices do far.

In the end it is just a flashlight!

 

[fishinfool]

Aloha and :welcome:

 

[mcnair55]

My advice, don't listen to guys like this. Keep your eyes on the budget lights section for the well regarded budget lights.

You already are doing well choosing the Akoray K-106 5 mode and Romisen RC-N3 from SB. I actually own both as well. They do the job they were intended for well. Most do like the 3 mode programmable K-106 from KD a bit better though.

My opinion is why pay, for example, double the price and not get anywhere near double the performance or quality. You could buy several of the cheaper lights and have them last for years. They are always coming out with new cree LEDs that you will probably want anyways. You definitely aren't wasting your money if you get the right budget lights and you have made good choices do far.

In the end it is just a flashlight!

Sorry I agree with James, my budget lights have all failed as they cannot take the rough and tumble of a working day like a decent quality light,my quality lights are just above budget level so I have no fancy stuff like Surefire etc.Dropping on to concrete from as low as 3 or 4 feet has mainly killed all mine,my Microstream has fallen off cars on ramps dropped in oil and still works like new,cost wise I would but that decent budget price but miles better than all that DX stuff for length of service.(3 years and still going like a good un)

 

[ninemm]

Hey Ryan! I'd been meaning to post a "Welcome to CPF!" but kept getting sidetracked. I hope you find your time here enjoyable and educational. I have no doubt you'll find lights that will amaze you and make you lol Let me know if there's anything I could do to help you out! :thumbsup:

 

[Batou00159]

:welcome:but i shal heed no warning

 

[Mathiashogevold]

I'm a junior CPF'er, at the age 16 too - from Norway. Hi Ryan!
Cpf is great, isn't it? I guess i will spend many hours here.. My first flashlight was a Varta 4D i got when i was 4, and i've always loved flashlights since then. At this time, i got Fenix, 4sevens, Nitecore, Wolf-Eyes, Surefire and old Maglites, plus a few budget lights. I just bought a Surefire Milkyspit Creemator R2 and a ZL H31, and got a Polarion PH40 i rent from a dealer. Can't wait to get it!

BTW, i love football, skiing, downhill and cycling, and i'm truly in love with Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, best music ever made!
I got a after school job, or actually, i deliver newspaper each sunday. 60-80 dollars for two hours work. That's how i earn money to get my flashlights!

 

[SARLights]

:welcome:
Hi, sounds like you're off to a good start!
I third the motion about getting an after-school job. Or maybe winning a the lottery. This hobby gets expensive.

 

[boomhauer]

I would advise the young cpf'ers to buy for themselves that which they can afford, while keeping in mind the nature of the task the light will perform. For just ordinary household tasks (or just goofing around) a budget light might be just fine. Hiking, camping or work situations generally require a higher quality, more durable and more expensive light.

As for those more expensive lights... just put them on your Christmas list! :thumbsup:

 

[^Gurthang]

Bryan,

Welcome and enjoy! Glad to read that you've been reading & learning about flashaholism.... Kudos for buying a pair of very well regarded budget lights, very decent quality for little money.

I will offer a suggestion for the day when you're ready to step up to more $$ lights: CPF marketplace.... If you're persistent and quick you can score good lights for bargain money.

Have fun and welcome aboard...

 

[rekd0514]

I would advise the young cpf'ers to buy for themselves that which they can afford, while keeping in mind the nature of the task the light will perform. For just ordinary household tasks (or just goofing around) a budget light might be just fine. Hiking, camping or work situations generally require a higher quality, more durable and more expensive light.

As for those more expensive lights... just put them on your Christmas list! :thumbsup:

I agree with this for something like caving you probably want something very reliable or several lights. The budget lights work for about 90% or people's needs though.

Bryan,

Welcome and enjoy! Glad to read that you've been reading & learning about flashaholism.... Kudos for buying a pair of very well regarded budget lights, very decent quality for little money.

I will offer a suggestion for the day when you're ready to step up to more $$ lights: CPF marketplace.... If you're persistent and quick you can score good lights for bargain money.

Have fun and welcome aboard...

That is where I would look as well. :thumbsup:

 

[Ronin28]

Hey Ryan and :welcome:

I hope you enjoy your time here! It's an awesome place with awesome people and a wealth of information!

Have fun!