Long Throw, Small, Light, 123 powered?

[signals]

I'm looking for a light that can throw a LONG way. I use the distance from my girlfriend's balcony to the trees across the lawn, about 120 yards (just a guess), as a litmus test. None of my current lights (P61, PT Surge, etc.) stand a chance. It also has to run on 123 batteries because most of my other lights run on 123s, and I want interchangeable batteries. It also has to be somewhat light weight and smaller than a 2D Mag.

This limits my choices quite a bit. I've been looking at the turbo head SFs for a while and the KT2, M3T, M4, and M6 all seem to fit the bill.

Given the price of the KT2, I'm wondering if I should even be considering it. An M3T or M4 isn't THAT much more expensive than a C3/KT2 combo. (I don't have a 9V Surefire to put the KT2 on yet.)

The M4 is 225 lumens in a turbo head, and the M6 is 250 lumens. The M4 will run for an hour on only 4 123s and the M6 takes 6. So it would cost me less in batteries to run the M4. Is there a MAJOR difference in light output/throw between the two?

Anyway, what I'm trying to figure out is:

A) Are there non-Surefire choices that I've missed?

B) Are there Surefire options I've missed?

C) Which light will give me the best throw/dollar?

What do I do? What would you guys buy for ultimate throw in a small manageable package?

-Kevin

 

[FC.]

Get SF M6.

 

[freewheelin']

Get a SpaceNeedle II, it'll easily give those woods a daylight look at 120 yards /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[signals]

[ QUOTE ]
freewheelin' said:
Get a SpaceNeedle II, it'll easily give those woods a daylight look at 120 yards /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

I would if I could... But I don't know where to get one now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif I've considered trying to make my own, but it'd be crappy and poorly built instead of nice and polished like Mr. Bulk's. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon23.gif

-Kevin

 

[FalconFX]

The CR123 requirement restricts you a bit... Otherwise, I would've said, grab a Tigerlight...

But on the choices you stated, I'd go for the M6...

 

[dano]

Two 2-cell choices:
1. TACM
2. ASP TACLITE

--dan

 

[Size15's]

The TACM being the more light-weight of the two options.

Al

 

[shrap]

How about a Maglight mod?

They have smooth reflectors, so they can be adjusted to give narrow beams with throw.

If you want it smaller than a 2D mag, you can put 4 123s in a 2C mag. Just get an appropriate lamp.

See the threads in the "Flashlight Mods" forum.

I'm planning to make a Maglite 2C -> 3 123 light as my first step towards modded lights.

 

[Floating Spots]

SNII.
Its the longest throw light I own.
Mr Bulk can probably set you up, if you throw enough money his way... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[chamenos]

you could try the pelican M6 as well. i've handled one, and its very sturdy with a good grippy knurling. i haven't tested the beam, but apparently its one of the longer-throwing 2x123 lights around. its cheap as well, so you can buy two and use one in each hand if you find its not bright enough on its own /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[FalconFX]

Unless you go to the Turbo head models of the SureFires, the PM6 will equal or outthrow any other unmodded light that uses 2x CR123s (E2e, C/M/Z/G, LX, Scorpion, etc)...

 

[Size15's]

But the PM6 isn't as light-weight nor as small as the TACMIII or even ASP TacLite.

Al

 

[FalconFX]

It isn't really fatiguing to carry the PM6, per se, but it is definately beefy; lots of aluminum...

The big problem is 120 yards, as at that distance, something like a super-light E2e will not have enough power to throw out its more dispersed beam...

I sort'a wished the E2e would've come with a smooth reflector. Even if it was ringy, it would throw a much farther beam and lose less photons to dispersion...

I don't own a TACM or TacLite, so I can't compare the beams firsthand...

 

[Francois1]

I would suggest an old 6pt or 9pt: very long throw for their size.


François.

 

[signals]

Thanks for the responses...

Well, I think I will check out the following, as I don't really want to spend $300 on this. (Well, I do WANT to spend $300, but I shouldn't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

PM6
TACM
ASP TACLITE

I'm not sure where I would go to see any of these in action. Does anybody know where I can find one of these to see in person? (I'm in Western Michigan) Or at the very least some long distance beamshots? If I can't check these out beforehand, I might end up biting the bullet and buying an M6, because I'm sure I'll be disappointed with anything less and end up getting an M6 anyway. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-Kevin

 

[brightnorm]

[ QUOTE ]
signals said:
Thanks for the responses...

Well, I think I will check out the following, as I don't really want to spend $300 on this. (Well, I do WANT to spend $300, but I shouldn't /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif )

PM6
TACM
ASP TACLITE

I'm not sure where I would go to see any of these in action. Does anybody know where I can find one of these to see in person? (I'm in Western Michigan) Or at the very least some long distance beamshots? If I can't check these out beforehand, I might end up biting the bullet and buying an M6, because I'm sure I'll be disappointed with anything less and end up getting an M6 anyway. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

-Kevin

[/ QUOTE ]

Kevin,

Those three lights are in fact the longest throwing 2x123 lights currently available and have been extensively discussed in CPF. Please be aware that 120 yards (360 ft) is greater than the length of a football field and is simply too great a distance for the practical use of any 2x123 light. The single possible exception might be the 6P or any other two lithium Surefire with a 3" turbo or SRTH using the N1 bulb. If you want serious illumination at that range you will have to step up to a bigger, heavier light.

The MAGCHARGER with the newer bright bulb has turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. Tests have verified that it will it will out-throw the Tigerlight and the UltraStinger. I have not yet tested it directly against the SFM6 but I will eventually. The Mag will give you well over 1 hour of pretty steady superbright light and can be made even more powerful quite easily. You can use 1/2 D PowerStream NiCADS for greatly enhanced runtime, and there are mod threads describing custom bulbs that will practically double lumen output, (as well as previously mentioned threads for lithium 123 mods for the Mag 2C.)

The only downside to the MagCharger is its size and weight (think regular 3D MagLight), though some people feel comfortable with its defensive potential.

The M6 with 500 lumen HOLA (which you'd want in your quest for distance/power)is a unique light but will only maintain its brightness for short periods.

Unfortunately I can't tell you where to get free test samples of any lights, but here is an in depth review comparing the three long-throw 2x123 lights.

Brightnorm

PELICAN M6 JOINS TACLITE & TACM III AS LONGEST THROW 2x123 LIGHTS