Light Recomendation for a Newbie?

[lightbulbon]

Hi, this is my first post, though I've been reading through the forums for about a month. I currently own a fenix p1 and an ultrastinger.

I'm looking for a flashlight to keep in my truck. I want to be able to use if my truck breaks down in the hills, but also as a search light/hiking light when I take the family camping.

I don't care too much about how heavy the light is and would ideally like something with a lot of throw and yet some durability on a single battery or charge.

The problem with my two lights is that they both last for less than a couple hours.

Is there something with ultrastinger throw that can last 4 or 5 hours?

 

[Casual Flashlight User]

Hmm, streamlight propolymer luxeon 3C is a bit less than half the throw of you Ultrastinger...but damn near 7 hours of regulated output.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propoly_3c.htm

3D or 3C Mag with a 3 watt LED drop in will get you two thirds of what your Ultrastinger puts out but only for the first 10-15 minutes, then your down to around the same output of the 3C Propoly mentioned above.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/diamond_magbulbs3w.htm

Streamlight Vulcan & litebox series may be worth a look...if size and bulb type isn't an issue

http://www.streamlight.com/product/class.aspx?cid=4

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=17

Others with more knowledge than me will chip in sooner or later.

Welcome to CPF.

CFU

 

[Art Vandelay]

Lightbulbon welcome to CPF. I don't know of anything that has as much throw as an ultrastinger and will last for 4 or 5 hours. If it is out there, it might be too heavy to use as a hiking light. I would get a Steamlight TL-3 Xenon, and 2 AW 17500 rechargeables from Lighthound.com. I'd also get primary batteries. The TL-3 has more throw than any other light that I would want to go hiking with.

 

[Newuser01]

Hello! and welcome.....lightbulbon.

Seriously look in to PP.(that's propolymar 4AA Lux or 3C as suggested above)

You wont belive the throw and the run time on these!!

There are reviews and testimoniels abound on this forum. (Search "PP lux" or "propoly Lux") and you shall be rewarded with all kinds of info, test, comparisons.....etc...etc..

Have fun and say goodby to the $ in ya wallet!!

hehehe

Newbie.

 

[Sharpdogs]

Check out the Streamlight Propolymer Lux. After getting one you will see why so many people recommend them.

https://edcdepot.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=27&products_id=93

 

[lightbulbon]

Thanks for the suggestions- I am looking into the Lux light, though throw still seems a little low, it's a steal for 40 bucks and seems (?) to accept rechargeable batteries.

What do you guys think of the U2 or the Aviator. According to the review, the U2 can last 1 to 40 hours depending on the level you place it at.

 

[Long John]

Hello lightbulbon and welcome at CPF:)

The SL PPLux 4AA is a great light, no question, but you asked:

" Is there something with ultrastinger throw that can last 4 or 5 hours?"

So about the throw the SL PP can't fit the bill.


If you want throw and long runtime for a decent price, that's the solution:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/dorcy_3wlantern.htm


Best regards

____
Tom

 

[TigerhawkT3]

I agree, Long John. It's currently FR's highest-throwing LED light, it has superb battery life (even on 4D instead of a lantern battery), and the OP said that he didn't care about the weight. It also has an adjustable stand, which would be useful for something like a truck breakdown.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Lightbulbon, how about the new K2-LongThrow from Electro Lumens? It is a long running LED with an amazing 13,000+ Lux. 13,000+ lux is fantastic throw. By comparison, FlashlightReviews.com lists the is the Dorcy Super 3 Watt LED Lantern at an impressive 8600 lux, and the Streamlight Propolymer Luxeon 3C at 3730 lux, The battery life is excellent. From an E.L. post "Using 6000mAh 4C cells, should run for 4 hours continuous. Using 12,000mAh 4D cells, should run 8 hours continuous. Alkalines would be an entirely different runtime, as they gradually diminish in brightness over a long time. I suppose at least 24 hours to 50% of original brightness, but I have not tested alkanlines yet." At 12 inches long (C version) it would even fit in the glove compartment of many trucks.:)

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=132743

http://elektrolumens.com/K2-LongThrow/K2-LongThrow.html

 

[lightbulbon]

Is it possible to get a rechargeable battery for it?

 

[chesterqw]

the throw of the ultra stinger is hard to beat becuase of the FREAKING huge reflector.

but the magcharger should beat it nicely :)

change the nicd batts to nimh for the better.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Is it possible to get a rechargeable battery for it?

Electro Lumens designed the K2 Long-Throw to run on 6,000mAh C cell NIMH rechargables, or 12,000mAh D cell NIMH rechargables. You can get those from him or somewhere else. It will also run on alkalines.