Kel-Lite???

[Squid]

I recently visited a small "mom n'pop" sporting goods store , and I came across a display case with what looked like Maglites sitting on the shelves. Upon closer inspection, I realized that they were, in fact, not Maglites, but flashlights with the name Kel-Lite (sp). The ones they hade were large - looked like 5-6 D-sized models. Can anyone shed some light on this particular brand? Are they any good? How about finding replacement parts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DavidW]

Buy as many as you can afford. If it's the real thing they're heavy-duty flashlights that are no longer in production. As far as I know.

 

[dano]

Holy Moly...I'd buy one from you...Kel-Lite's are the original aluminum police flashlight...Invented by Donald Keller in the late 60's/early 70's. Very thick aluminum body, specifically designed as a back-up impact weapon. He sold the rights to teh Kel-Lite to Legend Flashlights, who were bought out by Brinkmann.

--dan

 

[Squid]

Well, it looks like I've made quite a find!
Sounds like they were made to be quite durable, but how bright? FWIW, I'm not expecting anything on the level of a Surefire, but more like a similar-sized Maglite. Am I right in assuming that? And what about replacement parts? How do I know I can service this this when I need to?

Still contemplating...

 

[BobSnow]

My first quality flashlight was a Kel-Lite Industries 3-C cell light (serial number 4374172). It was purchased in California in 1979. Still works great, but I haven't seen any for sale in the past ten years or more.

 

[lightlover]

If there is a 3 D-cell one, I'm interested

 

[dano]

Brightness, I would equate to a similar size Mag-Lite, BUT I don't think Kel-lites used krypton or halogen bulbs, just a basic PR-based bulb...

--dan

 

[blackz28]

I just lost my 4D Kel-Lite that I had for over 20 years when our house burned down last fall

. All I can say is Bullet-Proof. I used a krypton bulb to replace the PR and it was 50-75% brighter.

 

[Clay]

I would be interested in one as well. You might be able to start a business based on this one find!

 

[Squid]

Tell you what, guys...

When I get a chance (it won't be for a week or so), I'll stop by that shop (it's 30 miles from my home),and see what they've got. I'll e-mail all of you that posted a reply and tell you what they've got. If you want one, I'll pick it up for you, and ship it to you. I won't do this to make any $$$ - you just pay cost of the flashlight and actual shipping. How does that sound?

 

[Velcro]

Seems like you've got a find of the year Squid

Does anyone know if there are pictures of Kel-Lite's online somewhere?

Greetings,
Velcro

 

[lightlover]

Yes, I'd like to see a photo. Most definetly interested in a 3D, but maybe a 4D.
Guess it would be about $15 to post to the UK ?
anyway, thanks Squid.