Narrowing it down... (another "recommend me" thread!)

[Traxx]

Long time reader, first time poster here... :thumbsup:

I think I've narrowed down my findings and research to just a couple of lights. I wanted you get your guys' opinions on what sounds good.

I am a custom home theater installer. So I do alot of tight space work where I need alot of light in an easy to carry around package. We're talking attics, crawlspaces, basements, roofs, behind and inside things, etc. I like to travel as light as possible... the only two tools I need are my Leatherman Wave and my Surefire L4 usually. However, I bought my L4 second hand, and I'm noticing that it's eating through batteries like nobody's business. Not only is that irritating from a financial standpoint, it tends to give out just when I need it the most.

I bought a Pelican 7060 to replace it, and it would be perfect if it weren't so big and bulky. I love it's build quality, battery and performance.. but I tend to bang it around or lean on it more than I like, which isn't cool when you're trying to be careful :thumbsdow Plus I look like a cop with that giant thing hanging off my belt..

So these are my criteria:

* High power, ~200+ lumens, more powerful the better
* Rechargeable battery that doesn't suck (the Pelican is AMAZING for this, I can just drop it on the charger when I get home and I know it will have more than enough power for the rest of the week, so convenient!)
* Small enough length/diameter to go on a belt and not encumber me (the L4 feels almost too small, the Pelican is too long and wide)
* High build quality/heft/finish (I can be clumsy at times and it needs to hold up to indoors/outdoors/heat/cold/water, etc.. don't want cheap junk)
* Recessed cap so I can use it as a stand-up torch
* Must be clicky, no twisty... I require one-handed operation.
* Price no object, I believe in paying for extreme quality and performance

In my reading and research it seems like the JetPro III and Fenix L2D/TK10 are pretty good contenders. Are these as good as the reviews say? What others should I consider based on what I need? Thanks in advance!

 

[Marduke]

Two words for ya...

head lamp

:welcome:

 

[HKJ]

A TK11 might be better than a TK10, because it can be used with a 18650 rechargeable battery.

Also check out the Zebralight line of headlamps, they very good when your need to work with something close* to your head, due to their flood light.

*close is relative speaking, their flood pattern can reach a few meters.

 

[HeadCSO]

TK11 running 18650 rechargeable batteries is a good choice. Its long running general mode of 60 lumens is enough for most tasks, with a 225 lumen high when needed. Unfortunately, this light will not tailstand.

If you need tailstanding capability, Fenix L2D Q5. Run it with Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable batteries.

 

[cal..45]

I recommend you either a fenix L1D or a nitecore D10, along with 4 eneloop rechargeables and the fenix white diffuser cap. forget about the 200+ lumens thing, for your work you will never need that much power. you will often need ambient light more than a direct beam, thats why the diffuser cap and along with 4 eneloops you never will run out of power.


regards, holger

 

[Zenster]

I recommend you either a fenix L1D or a nitecore D10, along with 4 eneloop rechargeables and the fenix white diffuser cap. forget about the 200+ lumens thing, for your work you will never need that much power.
regards, holger

I agree with not needing that much lumens for crawlspace work, but perhaps the OP "wants" more than "needs" that much firepower.

I hate to recommend lights that aren't yet available yet, but the OP's wish list appears to be easily fulfilled by the JetBeam III Pro ST.
http://store.bugoutgearusa.com/jetiiiprost.html

And because it has selectable brightness settings, it's likely that the OP will play around with lower settings and like them just fine since they allow even longer runtimes. He'll be surprised by how bright 30 to 50 lumens can be in a confined dark space, and at those settings, the runtimes would be in hours and hours...
The 18650 battery is a perfect battery for a light like this due to it's reasonably small size, yet high capacity.
They'll be available probably this week so it might be one option to consider.

 

[Traxx]

Thanks for the insight everyone! I decided on the JetProIII with TrustFire rechargeables. Thanks for your help!

 

[shakeylegs]

My first thought for crawl space work was Zebralight. The H50 (AA battery) lives a long long time on low, floods a work space with light, can be used as a headlamp or flashlight, tailstands on flat surfaces, and can be clipped in the "V" of your shirt collar for hands free use. If you need more of a traditional flashlight, something like the fenix L2D runs a long time, uses standard AA's and in a pinch can be a quasi headlamp (hands free) using the nite ize headband.

 

[Gunner12]

I'd also suggest a headlamp but it seem like you went for the Jetbeam. I'd suggest AW's 18650s instead of Trustfires.

I hope you like the light!

:welcome:

 

[StarHalo]

Thanks for the insight everyone! I decided on the JetProIII with TrustFire rechargeables. Thanks for your help!

If you're doing indoor work, you might consider the JetBeam Jet III Pro ST. This is basically the same light as the standard Pro III, but with a more floody/general use beam. The standard Pro III is setup for maximum throw, which is fantastic in outdoor work, but not so helpful indoors.

 

[Traxx]

I'd also suggest a headlamp but it seem like you went for the Jetbeam. I'd suggest AW's 18650s instead of Trustfires.

I hope you like the light!

:welcome:

Good call! I did a bit more research and canceled the order for the cheapies. I'll be running with two AW 18650s and a Pila IBC instead thanks to you!

If you're doing indoor work, you might consider the JetBeam Jet III Pro ST. This is basically the same light as the standard Pro III, but with a more floody/general use beam. The standard Pro III is setup for maximum throw, which is fantastic in outdoor work, but not so helpful indoors.

Woops, I did actually get the Jet III Pro ST. They have so many versions, it's not confusing in the least! :shakehead

 

[StarHalo]

I did actually get the Jet III Pro ST.

Good call! :thumbsup:

 

[mdocod]

great decision, glad to hear you went with the AW/Pila combo there, much safer and reliable than the "fire" brands.