Mid-Sized Flashlights

[xiton]

So my previous post was seeking recommendations for a smaller, keychain-based light. I think I'll probably end up with an iTP A1 SS there. As I was thinking more about things, I could really use a larger light with decent throw and runtime as well. I didn't really know the correct terminology for this type of light, so I went with mid-sized in the topic! I guess this would be a light that's larger than your palm in length, and would most likely require a couple of batteries or so to power it.

Bang for your buck is always my favorite category, so those recommendations would be great.

Thanks a lot guys, really appreciate your expertise.

 

[sol-leks]

What battery configuration are you thinking of? That will give us a better idea of the size you are looking for. Also you said you want something with decent throw, so you are looking for something that is more throw than flood?

I'm just guessing because you didn't give us much to go by, but I think something that uses p60 modules might be what you are looking for. You could also try waiting for the mew version of the MG PLI to come out.
If you want to go with the p60 option, the most popular budget p60 host seems to be solarforce. I personally just got a sky-ray sr5 which is a seraph knock off p60 host and I really like that too, you can see what you like.

 

[yatsunil]

You didn't really specify your battery requirements or usage for this light but for "bang for buck" I'd recommend checking out a Solarforce L2m that can take one OR two CR123 or (16340). Also have a look at the Romisen RC-C8 on the bay and it's smaller sibling the RC-C6. Both take CR123/16340 to be consistent with the IPT A1 that you're getting. These Romisens are zoomable lights that can go from full flood to max throw and they're pretty throwy for the price.

Cheers!

 

[sol-leks]

I'm not sure if it's what you're looking for but I love my romisen rc-c6. I'm not sure if I trust the C8 though. I'm skeptical of ebay in general, and the C8 must be pretty new since DX,KD and shiningbeam don't have them yet. It is a light I'm def keeping my eye on though.

 

[HansV]

I have a iTP A1 EOS I got from ebay for 25$, and for me that is a nearly perfect keychain flashlight.
It has good build quality, nice price, small size and useful modes. You could upgrade it to XP-G R5 emitter, and it would be perfect.

 

[joe1512]

Ya know... if I were you Id wait for your itp A1 to arrive. Be sure to get a charger and a RCR123 (the real 3.7 Volt version). Make sure you have a spacer if you get the ultrafire WF139 one. I recommend AW protected series batteries. Do not get an unprotected one since the A1 doesn't have a low voltage alert (its made for a 3.0 volt battery after all).

Besides the RCR123 should get you a bit of extra brightness.


Anyways, once you have it and have tested it out, then see if you really need another light. My A1 packs a lot of power, though it is pretty floody. I have no real application where I need hundreds of feet of throw, so I really didn't even need my bigger higher-powered light, which I had gotten before my keychain light. Now it mostly collects dust.


If you DO decide to get a stronger light, you want your charger to do double duty. You probably got a WF139 charger which charges RCR123, 18650, 14500.
Therefore, you will want the bigger light to use RCR123s or 18650s. (most lights cant use multiple 14500s).

I'd recommend the MG MX-1 as it is 18650 driven, is pretty cheap, and has a large reflector for good throw.
Seen here at...
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-126/MG-RX-dsh-1-Cree-MC-dsh-E/Detail

Alternatively, Deal Extreme has a Trustfire TR1200 that is pretty well liked, as great throw, decent spill, uses 2 or 3 18650s and is 45 bucks delivered! Seen here:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.30683


These are your cheapest options, other than an 80 dollar suspect SST-50 light from DX. I'd at least get a 300+ lumen light, as otherwise it won't significantly outperform your keychain! (except for throw ability)

 

[Flying Turtle]

I'd say just move on up to pocket sized with a Quark Mini AA or 123. Either will give equal or greater brightness along with longer runtime in an easy to carry size.

Geoff

 

[Mike_TX]

Aren't you looking for something like the WF-501B (or 502B) at DX?

They're running XR-E R2-WC emitters, run on one 18650 or 2xCR or RCR123's, and they throw like a sob.

http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_16240_1.jpg

5-1/4" long, end to end.

I have 3 or 4 and they're fantastic. I've run them on both 2xRCR123's and 18650's, both with great results.

Oh, and they're cheap. About $15, give or take, with shipping included.

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