Looking for a work light

[icrashbikes]

Hi everyone. This is my first post here but I frequent other forums, mostly cars, jeeps, motorcycles, etc. I hope I read the rules right and I think this is a reasonable first post/request. I will admit I did not read through 600 pages of information here. I'm sure all the answers I'm looking for are there waiting to be found but since I feel like I have a rather specific request I kind of just want your specific input. I know what I'm doing (mostly) with cars and jeeps and motorcycles but this -rather in-depth- lighting niche is definitely out of my regular wheelhouse and I'm excited to see what you guys have to say. Also, I'm trying to keep it simple and not fall down yet another rabbit hole. Man I love falling down rabbit holes but there's just no time right now!

I work frequently in damaged buildings with no power, no lights, electric or heat. Most of them are fire or water damaged and there's usually debris, water, dust and soot and insulation in the air as I'm tromping around, etc. It's usually dirty. I carry a pencil and clipboard, measuring tape, laser measurer and a light into every building. The go-to for my grandfather who owned the business before me was a big D cell Maglite. He carried it for personal security as much as for light in some of the areas we frequent. When I started with him, I got a 3D Maglite. In the many years since, I've traded down to a 2d light as I'm not generally as worried about having a metal club with me at work. I upgraded it to an LED (probably a Maglite branded one if they made it) and it's served me well for years. Since big power LED flashlights have become more accessible (cheap), I see them a lot when I meet people at a site. They are usually VERY bright and much smaller than my Mag. I've thought for years about upgrading to something brighter or smaller or rechargeable but I have this terrible affliction that prevents me from just clicking "buy now" on the Amazon best seller. I can't just pick up something mediocre or unknown without thoroughly doing my homework. Which is why I've never upgraded.. Today my 6 year old son asked if he could bring my flashlight in for a school science project tomorrow but I need it during the day. I grabbed the old 3 cell for him but the batteries were swollen and corroded in the tube. After some attempts at disassembly, I ended up here looking for direction. Turned out I had to pull that snap ring out and pull the switch out the top so I could hammer the batteries through with a big dowel. Just reading a few threads here got me thinking about trading up but I have some criteria.

I thought about pasting in the big list from the sticky here but I think it might be simpler than that.

1. Cost isn't really a factor. If it will last me the next 10 or 20 years, I'm happy to pay through the nose.

2. I often have the clipboard and laser in one hand and a pencil in the other. I tuck the Maglite under my clipboard arm so it shines on my notes. The Maglite is a little fat and uncomfortable, but the length (2D cells) is fine. Something similar in length and maybe a little narrower would be nice. Also, the smooth metal of the Maglite tends to slide, something with a rubberized or textured finish would work better.

3. I'm concerned about overall brightness. The thing I dislike about people coming in with their sun-in-a-can flashlights is that, while whatever is in the beam is well lit, everything around it is absolutely pitch black. With my half-dim Maglite, there's not a lot of eye adjustment time when I walk from the basement back outside, etc. and I'm less worried about tripping over something in a big, black blind spot.

4. I'm open to recommendations on replaceable batteries or rechargeables. I use Eneloops for everything and being able to change them out in a minute if my laser dies is pretty important. If my light died and I had to wait for it to charge, that would suck. Still, depending on the battery life, it might be feasible to do a rechargeable.

5. I'd prefer a more focused or adjustable beam. Some of these lights will light up an entire room, but I find it's useful to be able to aim the light sometimes rather than just having a flood.

6. I'd like something quality and reputable. I don't want the Target LED flashlight special of the week.

Does that ring a bell for anyone? And maybe if that's too specific, a manufacturer or type of light I should be looking at? Even a point in the right direction would be helpful. In my very brief time here I also saw some upgrades for the Maglite I have that might be worth exploring. I will definitely do some reading but if anyone has any recommendations, advice, or even a schooling on what I don't know, it'd be much appreciated. Also no, I don't care for headlamps.

Thanks very much, especially if you've read this far. Looking forward to learning something here. Come to think of it, I could use a pen light for getting around under the jeep. And into the rabbit hole we go...

 

[peter yetman]

I think you should consider a Malkoff XM-L Hound Dog.
It's a similar length to your Maglite, but slimmer. It has a throwy beam with a large hotspot but with enough spill to be able to see a wider field. It will run on a peir of rechargeable 18650 Li Ion cells or four CR123 disposable cells. Just two output levels which are toggled by twisting the head.
If you'd like a smaller head have a look at the Malkoff MD4 body (same as HD) with an MDX head and an M91B module. Not as throwy as the HD, but a very useful allrounder.
Malkoff lights are built to last a lifetime and made in the US by a small company that honours it's Warranty. The guy that makes the lights is also the guy who answers the phone, and he and his team are very accessable and helpful.
The Hound Dog shows out of stock at the moment, at malkoffdevices.com, but they should be back soon. Give them a call, they will help.

Good luck with the search.
P

 

[matt4350]

Solid recommendation from Peter, for sure. If you check out Mr Malkoff's lights, also have a look at the M91T. I run it with an MD4 body (2 x 18650 rechargeables).

 

[icrashbikes]

These look great! That thinner body with the knurling is exactly what I was thinking and the hot spot and spill sounds like it might work really well for me.

People seem to like the neutral color over the cool. Would one of these be better inside a boarded up, burned out basement?

The high/low for the HDXML is 1100 lumens (neutral)on high and 80-120 on low. I don't know how much a lumen equates to with my feeble Maglite, would 80-120 be suitable for walking around in the dark? A quick look at a generic Maglite LED replacement bulb tells me I'm probably getting ~100 lumens so I could probably run the Hound Dog on low and get around fine. The 1.5-2 hour full power run time would be pretty short for me but I'm sure the low power run time is much longer.

I'll keep an eye on it and see when they are back in stock. Looks like a solid investment

 

[peter yetman]

Ah, forgot that one, good idea.
P

 

[lightfooted]

Well I did actually read all the way to the end, otherwise I would be recommending a head lamp.

So how about a Surefire Fury Dual Fuel Intellibeam. A little over $200 but uses common Li-Ion rechargeables or 123As as well as coming with an 18650 that can be charged via micro-USB. It adjusts the output level according to how much bounce-back light it sees. So that if you are really close to something it lowers the output so as to not blind you, but a quick double-tap bypasses that feature to kick out maximum lumens.

I would also recommend something small like maybe a Nitecore Tube or Thumb or Photon Microlight attached to you clip-board. Or maybe attach one to your Hardhat.

 

[peter yetman]

Just took my Hound Dog for a walk with the Beagles. It fits very happily under my arm and I could have used a clipboard and pen, which would have been stupid under the curcumstances.
P

 

[mckeand13]

I'll confirm the suggestion of the Malkoff Hound Dog XM-L. Great spot, great usable spill. Hi/lo ring so you can dial it down for your clipboard work.

My suggestions on specifics:
- My usual suggestion of ordering any light in the Neutral variant for better color rendering. Unless you like hideous nasty pale coloring, then order a cool white.
- Order it with an MD4 body and get yourself two 18650's and a charger. That will give you some great runtimes.
- Order it with the Tricap option. It makes the light somewhat dumbbell shaped so it won't want to slip out of your hand.

If you find yourself preferring more flood then get the Wildcat V6.

I have both and absolutely love using both of them. Two totally different animals but both are great lights.

 

[mckeand13]

What is the farthest range you think you will be lighting objects?

If it's relatively close, as in the basement of a house and no further, the Hound Dog might be more focused than you'd like. It definitely has spill so it would work, but if you looking at anything inside 50 ft. or so, I'd strongly consider the Wildcat V6.

 

[xxo]

Take a look at the Maglite 3 C ML50LX, it is about the same length as the old 2D Mags with a slimmer barrel/smaller head and the hard anodized grenade style grip pattern on the LX version has a much better grip and a finish that wears much more slowly. The beam pattern on these is a wide spill with a fairly large and very bright hot spot and you can adjust the focus.


You can run these on AA Eneloops in adapter sleeves (Eneloop sells them) so you can use the same batteries. The ML50 is much lighter than the old D cell Mags – especially when running on AA Eneloops.

 

[Dave D]

Worthy of your consideration are the Streamlight ProTac HL 4 and the ProTac HL 5-X, I have the 5-X and it has pretty much made my Hounddog redundant.

Also try staying shiny side up!! :twothumbs

 

[thermal guy]

Absolutely check out Malkoff. MD3 or MD4 with M91 or M61 even. But yes that ProTac HL 5 is an amazing light with different levels very sturdy and price wise not to bad

 

[icrashbikes]

Wow! Lots of good stuff here. I've looked at a few of these already and I will check them all out. There is an UNBELIEVABLE plethora of flashlights just from a few of the manufacturers you guys mentioned. I had no idea. I really like the Malkoff lights and I'll probably start there. I have no doubt I'll come out of this with an assortment but hey, more tools in the box can only be good. I appreciate everyone's input and I'll be sure to check in and report back with how I make out.

 

[ftumch33]

I have a few Malkoff lights and love them all but sometimes high is too high and low is too low. 2 levels of light is simple but there are numerous times where I need a level that`s in between. I have an Eagletac (Eagtac T25V) and it utilizes a 21700 battery (5000mah) and it has three levels which are accessable by rotating the head. The only drawback to my Eagletac is the knurling is not aggressive enough and the light feels slick in my hand.
The other light (I don`t have...yet lol) is the Fenix PD36R. The medium and high levels (according to Fenix) have a pretty decent runtime, takes a 21700 battery (which will give you 5000mah-good capactiy, even over what an 18650 will give you) and has USB-C charging built into the light. The only downside I see is the LED is probably around 6k which is pretty white and will wash colors out.

 

[Timothybil]

Two things. AS far as your clipboard goes, I would recommend something like the quiglite that clips to the clipboard itself.

For the general purpose light I would recommend the Nitecore P30. There are two versions, the original with used a single 18650 rechargeable cell or two CR123 non-rechargeable cells. Using the CR123 cells would be the simpler of the two if you are bothered with having to keep cells charged up, but at about $1.50 each the cost adds up quickly. That wouldn't be a problem if you can charge them off as a business expense.
The newer version of the P30 uses a larger 21700 rechargeable cell for a greater ccapacity/longer run time, but it can also use CR123 cells with an included adapter.

One of the things I really liked about the P30 is that it has a larger spill area around the main beam, so that even when you are using the brightest modes, the spill gives enough light that one can still see things close by without a problem. I carried mine in a belt holster and most of the time I never even noticed it was there. Also, you should be able to pick up either version along with a couple extra cells and a charger for under $100 USD.

 

[icrashbikes]

Hi, just bringing this one back from the dead for a little resolution. I'm now the proud owner of about a dozen flashlights, a good variety. I tried several suggestions from this thread and I gave them all a fair trial on the job. The one that's in my pocket on every job now is an Olight Warrior 3. It's small enough to be light and fit easily in my pocket, but big enough to tuck under an arm. I found that having different brightness settings available is pretty key, some of these lights are just far too bright and it's easy to blind myself while trying to look at something up close. The battery life is outstanding and I like the little magnetic charger and the ability to swap out a battery if I need to. It just works the best for my application. Actually I have a light for about every application now.. Thanks everyone for the help!

 

[fulee9999]

Hi, just bringing this one back from the dead for a little resolution. I'm now the proud owner of about a dozen flashlights, a good variety. I tried several suggestions from this thread and I gave them all a fair trial on the job. The one that's in my pocket on every job now is an Olight Warrior 3. It's small enough to be light and fit easily in my pocket, but big enough to tuck under an arm. I found that having different brightness settings available is pretty key, some of these lights are just far too bright and it's easy to blind myself while trying to look at something up close. The battery life is outstanding and I like the little magnetic charger and the ability to swap out a battery if I need to. It just works the best for my application. Actually I have a light for about every application now.. Thanks everyone for the help!

interesting choice, thanks for the update!

what would be your second choice, or what the one before you settled on the Warrior? and more importantly, why is the Warrior better?

 

[bykfixer]

Cool bump!!

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Sounds like you need your hands free lighting and setting something down might require cleaning it later. I'd say definitely get a headlight. My favorite for work was the Nitecore HC60 headlight. The newer version 2 is even better. It has an all flood beam, but it's an even broad beam and it's very bright on the higher settings. The lowest settings will be good for reading and seeing around without getting blinded indoors. The higher settings will easily light up large rooms. It's usb-c rechargeable. If you need more runtime, you can quickly change out the 18650 li-ion battery for another or use 2 123A lithium batteries instead. Brightness settings are 1, 40, 250, 450, and 1200 lumens.

 

[icrashbikes]

interesting choice, thanks for the update!

what would be your second choice, or what the one before you settled on the Warrior? and more importantly, why is the Warrior better?

I started with a Malkoff Wildcat XP-L. That was a nice size and throws a gorgeous beam of light. The problem was that it wasn't adjustable brightness and looking at anything up close or anything reflective was a bit blinding. It also had the pro/con of getting very hot with continuous use, which I guess I had never considered before since it had never been an issue with the mag lites. It was nice on freezing winter days, but probably not great. There are jobs where I'll run the light for a few hours continuously so I needed something that could run at lower power. Plus, the tail switch isn't ideal for my back-pocket use. I much prefer the mag lite switch position.

At the same time as I was fiddling with this, I started paying attention to the little light that a buddy of mine carries. He uses it frequently and I considered getting something I could toss in my pocket and keep handy. His is an Olight S2R Baton II so I picked up one of those, a Maratac AA, and a Zebralight SC64c. I also got the new style mad lite because it was inexpensive and I was on a roll. I liked all of them and I keep them around the house where they're useful, but with my phone in one pocket and a pocket knife in the other, I haven't found an acceptable EDC solution yet.

Either way, I liked the little Olight and I got caught up in one of their sales around Christmas. I figured I could try another light or two for me, and pick up a few gifts. I got a Javelot Pro 2 which seemed like a good fit for work, and it was. I still pack it in the bag with me just in case. The Warrior was actually supposed to be for someone else but I ended up switching after taking a peek at it. I brought it to work one day figuring I could get away with a smaller light and I really liked it. It's not what I expected to work best, but sometimes you learn as you go. It works best for me because:

1. Adjustable brightness
2. Side switch (though it's a little flat and can be difficult to find right away)
3. Long enough to tuck under my arm while holding the pad, pencil, and laser
4. More than enough battery life for continuous use, plus I can swap a charged battery in if I need to
5. Fits really well in my back pocket, with the added security of the clip

So it's my go-to light right now. The runner up is the Javelot, all the same features but that one has a big head and now I'm spoiled with a small light. It's been a fun journey though and I'm surprised at what a difference there is between lights. The power output, color, form factor, etc. all make a significant difference in the whole 'flashlight experience'. I test drove a lot of them back to back and switching from one light to the next can completely change the look of a dark room.

Sounds like you need your hands free lighting and setting something down might require cleaning it later. I'd say definitely get a headlight. My favorite for work was the Nitecore HC60 headlight. The newer version 2 is even better. It has an all flood beam, but it's an even broad beam and it's very bright on the higher settings. The lowest settings will be good for reading and seeing around without getting blinded indoors. The higher settings will easily light up large rooms. It's usb-c rechargeable. If you need more runtime, you can quickly change out the 18650 li-ion battery for another or use 2 123A lithium batteries instead. Brightness settings are 1, 40, 250, 450, and 1200 lumens.

I've tried a headlamp and I know a few people who use one. There are a few reasons I don't use one. Often my inspections are done jointly with others and it's hard to not accidentally blind people. I also prefer the hand held so I can aim the light where I'm not looking when I need to, I'll shine it down and behind me for people following me down a dark staircase, or I can lift a handheld up and around obstructions to see into an attic or crawlspace. I could certainly add one to my bag of tricks, but I just don't think I'd end up using it that often.