Balog
Newly Enlightened
I'll be using the handy-dandy form I found over at EDCforums that I believe originated here.
1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
General EDC. I want to be able to clip it to a pocket and forget about it until needed. Doesn't need to be able to blind and dazzle a bad guy, although the brighter the better all else being equal. My requirements are a bit loose so I'll probably mark multiple boxes.
2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[x] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
[ ] I am in _______(country) and __________(state/providence).
3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
[ ] $1-15
[ ] $15-30
[x] $40-60
[x] $80-$120
[ ] I have no limit!
4) Format:
PART A
[x] I want a flashlight.
[ ] I want a headlamp.
[ ] I want a lantern.
[ ] I want a portable spotlight.
PART B
Length:
[x] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
[x] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
[ ] 4-9 inches. (Holster carry)
PART C
Width:
[ ] I prefer a long narrow light.
[ ] I prefer a short wide light.
[x] Doesn't matter.
PART D
Weight:
Lights of a similar size can be very different in weight and may turn the perfect sized light into a paper weight. In general a lights of the same size will stack up like this; plastic and aluminum will be your lighter choices brass, stainless steel, bronze will be heavier. I won't put numbers here because everyone has a different weight sensitivity. For the purposes of EDC specifically I'll limit the choices here to the more easily carried sizes pick 2 sizes to represent a range of weight.
[x] Very light, can't tell it's there.
[x] Light, no heavier than a few keys or a small car remote.
[x] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
[x] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag
[ ] Heavy Medium, can of Coke
[ ] Heavy, PDA or small digital camera
5) What kind of "bulb".
[x] LED - more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)
[ ] Incandescent - can be very bright, more accurate color rendition, burn out or can be damaged more easily, shorter runtimes, very noticeable dimming as batteries deplete
[ ] HID - like new car headlights in color, very, very bright, can be had in lights as small as a Mag 2 D cell but generally larger spotlight sized lights, no dimming turns off when battery depletes
[ ] Don't care, just want the best fit for my needs.
6) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
[x] I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
[x] I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
[x] I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)
A rechargeable system would be nice, but failing that I want to stick to AA or AAA batteries. If I could use rechargeables in those sizes that'd be great too. Nothing against CR123's or other less common sizes, I just prefer the easy availability of the standards.
7) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
[x] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
[x] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
[x] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
[x] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
[x] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)
Ideally, I'd like a single light with 2-3 different output levels. However, I'm also a fan of simplicity in UI so one output level would not be an issue if that's the only way to get a simple UI. I don't want to learn Morse Code to turn my light on, nor do I want to click out a precisely timed marimba rhythm to achieve the level I want.
8) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won't have to "sweep" the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.
Throw (distance)----------------------|-x---------------------Flood/close-up
I'm ambivalent on this. Rather depends on the output, as well. I think the weaker the output, the more focused the beam would need to be.
9) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries. Understand that runtime is a function of brightness and capacity of your batteries. If you want 6 hours you'll either have big batteries or dimmer light, they haven't made a setup yet that lights up like the sun, runs all night, and fits in your watch pocket.
[ ] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
[x] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
[ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
[ ] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours)
10) Durability: 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.)
[ ] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)
11) Switch Type:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] sliding switch (Stays on until slid back.)
[x] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
[ ] momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
[ ] rotating switch
In my usage I've generally preferred the clickie, but I'm open to other options that are quickly and easily usable one handed, and resist accidental activation in a pocket.
12) Switch Location:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
[x] I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
[ ] I want a rotating head switch.
[ ] I want a rotating end-cap switch.
[ ] I want a remote control.
Again, my current preferrence but I'm open to ideas.
13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[ ] A simple on-off 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 strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
[ ] I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
[ ] I want S.O.S. flashing
I hate strobes and fancy modes that complicate the interface. I'd actually consider that a negative, although if it was "hidden" or otherwise out of the way I might consider it.
14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite? In this case "plastic" and it's variants does not mean "cheap" or poorly made. In many applications a plastic bodied light is preferable, hard use and water resistance comes to mind; think caving or lights that get dropped or abused.
[x] I don't care.
[ ] I want a metal-bodied light.
[ ] I want a plastic/composite light.
15) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
[ ] Red (night vision preserving) filter
[ ] Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
[ ] Waterproof – how deep: _____________
[ ] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
[ ] Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
[ ] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[ ] "Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
[ ] Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
[ ] Belt/Jacket clip
[ ] Holster
[ ] Wrist/Neck Lanyard
[ ] Kuboton/self defense features
[ ] Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
[x] Tail standable
Non rolling would be nice too, but not essential.
I realize the exact light I'm looking for may not be out there, but if you know of one that meets a lot of the criteria above I'm happy to hear about that as well.
1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
General EDC. I want to be able to clip it to a pocket and forget about it until needed. Doesn't need to be able to blind and dazzle a bad guy, although the brighter the better all else being equal. My requirements are a bit loose so I'll probably mark multiple boxes.
2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[x] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
[ ] I am in _______(country) and __________(state/providence).
3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
[ ] $1-15
[ ] $15-30
[x] $40-60
[x] $80-$120
[ ] I have no limit!
4) Format:
PART A
[x] I want a flashlight.
[ ] I want a headlamp.
[ ] I want a lantern.
[ ] I want a portable spotlight.
PART B
Length:
[x] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
[x] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
[ ] 4-9 inches. (Holster carry)
PART C
Width:
[ ] I prefer a long narrow light.
[ ] I prefer a short wide light.
[x] Doesn't matter.
PART D
Weight:
Lights of a similar size can be very different in weight and may turn the perfect sized light into a paper weight. In general a lights of the same size will stack up like this; plastic and aluminum will be your lighter choices brass, stainless steel, bronze will be heavier. I won't put numbers here because everyone has a different weight sensitivity. For the purposes of EDC specifically I'll limit the choices here to the more easily carried sizes pick 2 sizes to represent a range of weight.
[x] Very light, can't tell it's there.
[x] Light, no heavier than a few keys or a small car remote.
[x] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
[x] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag
[ ] Heavy Medium, can of Coke
[ ] Heavy, PDA or small digital camera
5) What kind of "bulb".
[x] LED - more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)
[ ] Incandescent - can be very bright, more accurate color rendition, burn out or can be damaged more easily, shorter runtimes, very noticeable dimming as batteries deplete
[ ] HID - like new car headlights in color, very, very bright, can be had in lights as small as a Mag 2 D cell but generally larger spotlight sized lights, no dimming turns off when battery depletes
[ ] Don't care, just want the best fit for my needs.
6) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
[x] I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
[x] I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
[x] I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)
A rechargeable system would be nice, but failing that I want to stick to AA or AAA batteries. If I could use rechargeables in those sizes that'd be great too. Nothing against CR123's or other less common sizes, I just prefer the easy availability of the standards.
7) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
[x] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
[x] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
[x] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
[x] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
[x] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)
Ideally, I'd like a single light with 2-3 different output levels. However, I'm also a fan of simplicity in UI so one output level would not be an issue if that's the only way to get a simple UI. I don't want to learn Morse Code to turn my light on, nor do I want to click out a precisely timed marimba rhythm to achieve the level I want.
8) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won't have to "sweep" the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.
Throw (distance)----------------------|-x---------------------Flood/close-up
I'm ambivalent on this. Rather depends on the output, as well. I think the weaker the output, the more focused the beam would need to be.
9) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries. Understand that runtime is a function of brightness and capacity of your batteries. If you want 6 hours you'll either have big batteries or dimmer light, they haven't made a setup yet that lights up like the sun, runs all night, and fits in your watch pocket.
[ ] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
[x] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
[ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
[ ] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours)
10) Durability: 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.)
[ ] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)
11) Switch Type:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] sliding switch (Stays on until slid back.)
[x] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
[ ] momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
[ ] rotating switch
In my usage I've generally preferred the clickie, but I'm open to other options that are quickly and easily usable one handed, and resist accidental activation in a pocket.
12) Switch Location:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
[x] I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
[ ] I want a rotating head switch.
[ ] I want a rotating end-cap switch.
[ ] I want a remote control.
Again, my current preferrence but I'm open to ideas.
13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[ ] A simple on-off 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 strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
[ ] I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
[ ] I want S.O.S. flashing
I hate strobes and fancy modes that complicate the interface. I'd actually consider that a negative, although if it was "hidden" or otherwise out of the way I might consider it.
14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite? In this case "plastic" and it's variants does not mean "cheap" or poorly made. In many applications a plastic bodied light is preferable, hard use and water resistance comes to mind; think caving or lights that get dropped or abused.
[x] I don't care.
[ ] I want a metal-bodied light.
[ ] I want a plastic/composite light.
15) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
[ ] Red (night vision preserving) filter
[ ] Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
[ ] Waterproof – how deep: _____________
[ ] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
[ ] Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
[ ] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[ ] "Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
[ ] Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
[ ] Belt/Jacket clip
[ ] Holster
[ ] Wrist/Neck Lanyard
[ ] Kuboton/self defense features
[ ] Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
[x] Tail standable
Non rolling would be nice too, but not essential.
I realize the exact light I'm looking for may not be out there, but if you know of one that meets a lot of the criteria above I'm happy to hear about that as well.
