Long throw and up-close work??

Gonehuntn79

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Aug 9, 2013
Messages
11
Location
South Texas
In the market for another light. Please let me know if I should give more info. Thanks.


==================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.
____Up to $50.
____Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
__X__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).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
__X__I don't know/I don't care.




5) Emitter/Light source:


____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
__X__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.
___X_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.
____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).
___X_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)
___X_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).
____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).
___X_I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).


___X_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.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____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.
___X_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.
___X_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)
___X_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)
__ _50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
___X_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).
___X_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).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____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).
__X__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.)
__X__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


____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____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.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.


15) Water resistance
__X__None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
____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_will be left in truck, but used daily________________________________________ ____




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)
___X_Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 
Last edited:
Re: Rechargeable for truck

After browsing around the site, I still can't make a decision. I guess I'll just buy them all..

Anyways. I'm looking for a light to carry everyday. Size is not a huge issue because I will not be carrying it all day. I will clip it on my pocket and walk around my location to inspect/adjust oil field equipment. A total of about 3 hours out of a 12 hour shift. I will need to stand about 25-30 feet away from holding tanks and shine sight glasses to take readings without being blinded. I also want to be able to shine the fields around my location to check out the wildlife. So I need something with very long throw with the ability to be turned down to a lower setting for fairly up close reading.

I have a SF E2D Ultra and an Olight M3X Triton that I've been using. The E2D is perfect for inspecting the equipment and taking readings but fails at long distance throw. The Olight is opposite.

Durability is a factor as I have been known to drop (from a distance of about 3 feet onto a linoleum floor) my Olight (just a few hours ago) and break some sort of doo-hickey on the inside. That'll be another story for another thread.

I realize my thread is titled "Rechargeable for truck", but after further study I'm not so sure I want a rechargeable light. I may just want to stick with the rechargeable 123's and 18650's. Whatever you guys recommend.

I hope this is enough info for you more experienced guys to point me in the right direction for my next light. If not, please let me know. Eager to get the right torch for the job.
 
Re: Rechargeable for truck

I'm new on the site and new to forums so hopefully I don't step out of line here.
About 4 months ago I was looking for about the same thing. I wound up making my first light purchase of over $50. I chose the streamlight stinger HP DS. The reason I came to this conclusion was based on a couple things. 1 it's rechargeable, comes with a charger, and has 2 charger options. I wanted a light comparable to a pistol grip style spotlight. I also wanted a light that I could charge and leave in my truck on the charger when not in use. Also, this light has three intensities which was necessary for me, or at least I thought it to be necessary, because I don't always need a super bright light with tons of throw. The low setting is still plenty bright but when I shine it on close objects it doesn't reflect so bad that I can't see. Possibly just a personal preference, but another thing that I really like is the ability to turn the light on and off on two places one towards the light and the other on the tail cap. I realize the light might be slightly out of your price range, however you might be able to find a deal on one. The one I got was about $120 and I couldn't believe that I paid that much for a flashlight, but I couldn't be happier and I'm very glad that I made the purchase.
Your requirements reminded me a lot of my own situation and I really wish that I would've come to the conclusion of the light that I did buy sooner. There are tons of people on this site with a whole lot more information than me and I do admit that I used this site a lot when trying to decide on a light for this application, but everybody has their own opinions and needs and purposes for lights so this was just the light that I found to suit my needs the best. Good luck hunting for a light!!!
 
Re: Rechargeable for truck

I'm new on the site and new to forums so hopefully I don't step out of line here.
About 4 months ago I was looking for about the same thing. I wound up making my first light purchase of over $50. I chose the streamlight stinger HP DS. The reason I came to this conclusion was based on a couple things. 1 it's rechargeable, comes with a charger, and has 2 charger options. I wanted a light comparable to a pistol grip style spotlight. I also wanted a light that I could charge and leave in my truck on the charger when not in use. Also, this light has three intensities which was necessary for me, or at least I thought it to be necessary, because I don't always need a super bright light with tons of throw. The low setting is still plenty bright but when I shine it on close objects it doesn't reflect so bad that I can't see. Possibly just a personal preference, but another thing that I really like is the ability to turn the light on and off on two places one towards the light and the other on the tail cap. I realize the light might be slightly out of your price range, however you might be able to find a deal on one. The one I got was about $120 and I couldn't believe that I paid that much for a flashlight, but I couldn't be happier and I'm very glad that I made the purchase.
Your requirements reminded me a lot of my own situation and I really wish that I would've come to the conclusion of the light that I did buy sooner. There are tons of people on this site with a whole lot more information than me and I do admit that I used this site a lot when trying to decide on a light for this application, but everybody has their own opinions and needs and purposes for lights so this was just the light that I found to suit my needs the best. Good luck hunting for a light!!!

First off, welcome to the site. I'm very new as well but am becoming "addicted" to the torches...

My buddy has the Stinger so I'm a little familiar with it. It's a decent light but I'm looking for more throw. I actually love my Olight M3X (it's broken at the moment, I dropped it) but it just doesn't have a low enough setting for up close work.

I have looked at soooo many lights in the past couple of days. I want them all...LoL! I'm even thinking about going custom with this one. Thanks for your input man.
 
Re: Rechargeable for truck

check out flashlights "tweaked" by vihnnguyen54, many of us on here have several of his lights, he is a very honest guy and does very good work. You will not want to buy a stock light ever again:twothumbs
 
Re: Rechargeable for truck

check out flashlights "tweaked" by vihnnguyen54, many of us on here have several of his lights, he is a very honest guy and does very good work. You will not want to buy a stock light ever again:twothumbs

I've actually read a lot about him already. I think I want to give him a shot if he's interested. I'll be contacting him shortly.

I'm sure it depends on the build, but what is an average turn around time for one of his lights? And thanks for the input.
 
Re: Rechargeable for truck

if you pick something he has already finished, he will send it priority mail. I've had every light within 3 days.
 
Re: Rechargeable for truck

check out flashlights "tweaked" by vihnnguyen54, many of us on here have several of his lights, he is a very honest guy and does very good work. You will not want to buy a stock light ever again:twothumbs

+1

My first decent flashlight ( first time i spent more than £20 on a flashlight ) Was a supbeam k40 which was modified by vinh. It cost me around £120 gbp and another £60 for batteries and charger making it £180 which is $299.52 meaning its just in your budget ( with batteries and charger include ).

It puts out over 1100 lumens and can shine just far enough for me to make out houses at 1 killometer when set on high! On low mode its just bright enough for reading maps and doing any other close up work in which you dont want to ruin night vision. And since the beam is so well focussed it still shines a good 20 feet on low mode. The run time is also insanely long on low mode. Admitedly on high after a while it can get a bit hot, although its never really a problem when im using it outside here in Scotland since its so cold. But since it has 6 brightness settings you almost always can have just the right amount of light you need for the task.

It also came in a nice little foam padded flight case and comes with a decent quality holster so you can fit it on your belt.

I highly reccomend the supbeam k40vn ( the vn being for vinh, since he mods them ). Although, if you dont want to spend all of your budget you could buy the non moddified version for a good bit less which should still accomplish everything you require in terms of brightness, throw, run time and portability ( since it has a holster and carry case )

Rex
 
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