max runtime min $

[eydaimon]

hi, I'm looking for an emergency/survival flashligh, i.e. I want a long "useful" runtime. By useful, I mean, light I can actually operate with whether that mean read, or do some kind of activity (some light repair on something in the dark).

I've been looking at the surefire G2 LED, which is at the top of the price range I'm looking at.

Are there lights better suited for my requirements? Cheaper too, perhaps?

I've got a few of this model: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1995 howeve,r I found the on/off has become very unreliable and none of them work well anymore. Maybe something about the o-rings which I don't know how to solve (??).

Advise is appriciated.

 

[deranged_coder]

There are a lot of lights out there with longer runtime than the G2 LED.

The first light that comes to my mind for max runtime @ affordable price is a Paklite. The Paklite SUPER is rated for 1200+ hours on low using a 9V lithium battery and costs ~$25.

 

[rmteo]

How long is long? How bright does it need to be? The Paklite has great run time, but on low is it bright enough for your needs?

I assume that you are looking at some kind of survival/emergency situation. If that is the case, consider something like the MegaBrite lights that can be found at Target, Kohls, etc. Infinite runtime, decent light output. Here is a deal from Kohl's, 2 lights for $8.99:
http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/clearance/homestore1/gadgets/PRD~232859/MegaBRITE+Flashlight+Set++Red.jsp?prtID=pfx&src=k41970&prtID=pfx&src=k2164&cm_mmc=Performics-_-Affiliate-_-DealCatcher.com-_-120x30%20Kohl%27s%20w%2Fborder

No batteries, no bulbs! These revolutionary flashlights make light available at the twist of your wrist! Featuring three, ultra-bright LED lights. And two levels of brightness that you can change with the touch of a button. One minute of winding provides up to one hour of light. With a compact, comfortable rubber grip design that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Plus, you never need to replace batteries or bulbs! Great for emergencies, power outages, camping and more! In red/silver.

• 2-piece set
• Includes 1 red flashlight & 1 silver flashlight
• 5 1/2" x 2"
• Model no. 10-220

 

[FlashlightsNgear.com]

The PrincetonTec Apex is the light you need, Ive had one for a few years now and its my favorite headlamp hands down. Batteries last for days on the lowest setting and has plenty of light. The big plus is you have both hands free and its fairly comfortable if not on high setting, gets warm in warm weather. Mine has survived a few hard rain and snows.http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/sh...-Princeton-Tec-Apex-Headlamp&ad_id=GoogleBase

 

[StarHalo]

There are quite a few options going with just your price criteria, one would be a Mag host with a very efficient drop-in: CPFer BigWaffles recently put a Nite Ize 10mm LED "bulb" through a runtime test and got 90+ hours before it even began to dim, and that was on only 3 alkaline D cells (the drop-in can accept up to 6, which would give you roughly double the runtime!) If you already have a Mag host, this option is only $13 (http://www.batteryjunction.com/lrb-07-pr1w.html), a new host plus the drop-in is still only ~$30.

Another would be the EDC route - since you were looking at the G2 you might only be considering pocketable lights, and here the Nitecore D20 fits the bill nicely, with dimensions on par with a MiniMag, and a 14+ day runtime on low. It's roughly the same price as the LED G2 (https://www.4sevens.com/product_inf...d=550&osCsid=0c79351bf43df9f1800b59d11a5d3784)

If size isn't an issue, the new Rayovac Sportsman Extreme Cree LED lantern accepts 3 D cells for a total runtime of 140 hours. It has three output modes (high is 300 lumens) and a tiny green blinking LED so you can even find it in total darkness. This design is good enough that BatteryJunction's rep actually made a post about it just to announce its features and availability. And it's only $29 (http://www.batteryjunction.com/se3dln.html)

 

[eydaimon]

hi, thank you for all the responses I've gotten so far. I'll be doing some research on the responses so far.

 

[Gunner12]

How much runtime at what output do you want?
Multimode?(low output, high output, strobe, etc.)
Price range?

The Surefire G2L has 3 hours of regulated runtime, and the rest of the 11 or 12 hour runtime is dimishing to 1 lumen output.

There are many other lights that will fit what you want. Some of the lights will run for days regulated on low mode.

The tailcap retaining ring of the MTE(if they have one) might be loose. It's the round washer type thing in the tailcap with the two opposite holes. See if it is loose.

:welcome:

 

[scout24]

I'm suprised nobody mentioned the eo1 from fenix. claimed 21 hours, 11 of that at full output. AAA batts, light costs $12.50 plus shipping if you look around. Plenty bright for reading or close in work. +1 for the paklite, they are pretty cool.

 

[kramer5150]

I'm more of a recharge-fan than a primary fan, so my recommendation is geared accordingly

M60LLF... a GREAT all around module. Bigchellis loaned me his and I didn't want to give it back:o. I think its around 80 floody lumens. Nice thing about the M60LLF is that it runs off 1x18650/17670, 1x16340, 2xCR123, 2xRCR123, 2x18650. Off a single cell it will drop out of regulation and run direct drive below ~3.5V. IMHO thats better than cutting output completely. Of course it will run great off primary cells too.

Solarforce 18650 L2
http://www.lighthound.com/Solarforc...-Switch-all-Black-Type-2-Anodized_p_2629.html

Solarforce 1x18650 extension.
http://www.lighthound.com/Solarforc...on-Tube-for-18650-Battery--L2-E18_p_2808.html

$55+$25+$7 = equal brightness and yet longer running than a 6PL. FWIW, the 6PL sells for ~$85 in my area.

 

[saildude]

I like the Streamight ProPolly 2AA LED - 16 hrs run time from 2 AA batteries, I use mine daily and have several, I have given them to several friends and it is now their favorite light - under $ 20-- @ Brightguy - rugged - nice amount of light - link to a review I did last year


http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176741

Streamlight product page
http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=131

 

[Big_Ed]

There are a lot of lights out there with longer runtime than the G2 LED.

The first light that comes to my mind for max runtime @ affordable price is a Paklite. The Paklite SUPER is rated for 1200+ hours on low using a 9V lithium battery and costs ~$25.

+1 on the Pak-Lite Super.

Another good choice would be a 3D or 4D Mag with a Nite-Ize LED conversion bulb in it. Not terribly bright, but good for general use, and should provide a very long runtime.

 

[eydaimon]

I picked up a "hybridlight" from costco http://www.hybridlite.com/ for $21. It came in a box of two. I figured I'd try it out to see. I've not checked to see how long it stays lit on a charge yet, but I will. It claims to be able to put out 10 hours of light on a full charge on solar power. Seems pretty handy as an emergency light to me. Just need to do some testing now.