Need a compact, backup for Hiking/SAR (Completed Recommendation Checklist)

[francoisdotnet]

Hope you flashoholics can help me!?

I currently have a Fenix LD20 (R5) but think I can do better? And I would also prefer a single AA flashlight. I am looking for a flashlight that will be used in conjunction with my headlamp when the situation calls for it, typically when I need more brightness and throw. Also as a backup if the headlamp where to fail. As indicated below a strobe/beacon and SOS function is also required - which rules out a lot of flashlights.

One flashlight that stood out to me was one from DealExtreme but I don't know if there is better ones out there I haven't been able to find?


Flashlight Recommendation Checklist

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
X___I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter. (Preferably that ships internationally)

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)
X___I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ. (Preferably, but not limited too < )

3) Format:
X___I want a Flashlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
X___Keychain size.
X___Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
X___Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
[Any of the above]

5) Emitter/Light source:
X___LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:
X___I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.

7) What battery type do you want to use?
X___I would like to use (Lithium) AA (Preferably also allowing 14500)
[(Lithium) AAA is also welcome]

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
X___I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300+ lumens).

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.
X___120+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)
[With some flood would be a bonus]

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
X___50-90 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed; Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)

11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
X___Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).

12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
X___I prefer a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
X___I don't mind a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
X___I don't mind twisty switch preferably in combination with a tail switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
X___I prefer a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
X___I want 2 (or more) light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
X___I want SOS mode.
X___I want a beacon mode. (thought this is "Blinks to show location"?)

14)Material/Finish/Coating
X___Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
X___OR, Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).

15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.
X___Pocket/belt clip
X___Wrist/Neck Lanyard

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[joe1512]

I don't think you are going to get much better, without using a rechargable lithium 14500, which it sounds like you are willing to do.

If you are, I think the baddest mofo you can find is going to be the JetBeam PA10. Able to use a 14500 and get 650 lumens(!) out of it. However it seems to ONLY have 1 mode with a 14500 instead of 5!! No info on strobe, etc.

That fandyfire looks fine, but DX has a LOOONG lagtime for delivery. If you need it sooner, that wont work out.


If you are willing to use a 14500, any chance of getting you to upgrade to an 18650? Its literally only 25% bigger than the AA. (14mm to 18mm wide, 50mm to 65mm long)

This MASSIVELY increases your possibilities and choices since those lights are very common, and even the wimpiest can drive an XM-L into the 400+ lumen mark. If you go to goinggear and click Flashlights, 1x18650, you can see the many choices available.

 

[alohasurftoad]

klarus st10

 

[enomosiki]

Quark Turbo AA² with AA body.

It will take 14500 for full output, and can take AA in a pinch. Maximum throw is around 160 meters at full output. Expect it to be halved when using a 1.5V cell.

You can also program the light with different outputs, with two being accessible by having the head tightened or loosened.

If you really need the SOS mode, Quark X and Quark X Turbo have it, but the former doesn't throw much while the latter can only take 2xCR123A or 1x17670.

 

[francoisdotnet]

@joe1512
The Jetbeam PA10 is a contender but at that price I am just surveying my other options. I went to goinggear and could not find one 18650 with either SOS/Beacon function? My main reason for 14500/AA combination is I have consolidated to only carry one time of spare battery = AA. So I can start off with 14500 but if it runs flat, I need to replace it with an AA.

@alohasurftoad
Thanks! That is not a bad flashlight (Made it to #3 on my list)!

@enomosiki
Where will I get a AA body and how will that affect the brightness/runtimes?


Currently on the top of my list is the EagleTac D25A hopefully the Ti MX-L version but the specs seem to differ from site to site? Does anyone know what its throw is like??
Second and third place is Jetbeam PA10 and Klarus ST10

I am going to order the FandyFire anyway at that price it can't hurt right?

 

[Gregozedobe]

It might be worth looking at the Dereelight Javelin. Because it takes P60 dropins you have a large choice of outputs and modes. But if you buy a high voltage dropin to cope with 2x14500 batteries the performance on lower voltage AAs is likely to be a bit disappointing.

If absolute maximum throw is your primary criteria then a Javelin with a DBS aspheric head (and the required adaptor) with a XR-E P900 LED dropin will probably give you the most throw you will get from a currently available "factory" light running on AAs (warning - it is a pure spot beam, no spill at all, so not at all practical for closer work).

As a compact, very useful alternative also consider the Zebralight SC51 (do you really need SOS ? Most times any kind of flashing light will attract a rescuer's attention).

XM-L emitters have quite a large die, so unless they have a large reflector they tend to produce a wider, floody beam rather than a tight, throwy beam. Have a look at the Reviews sub-forum to see if there are any tests and comparisons on the lights you are interested in.

 

[aimxplode]

The Jetbeam RRT-0 would be the PERFECT light for you. It not only accepts AA and 14500, but it also accepts RCR123a and primary CR123a's. I have two XPG S2's and they both are really good. I picked up my first one about a year ago, and just got another one recently for about $80, which included the AA extender. Both going strong.

It also has the Strobe, and SOS (hidden, but easily accessible) that you were looking for.

 

[francoisdotnet]

@gregozedobe
The Zebralight seems quite popular and nice. The main reason for beacon & sos requirement is to differentiate between a "marker" vs "need help".

@aimxplode
I don't know why I failed to see the RRT-0. As far as I can tell the new XM-L version only has strobe function, no beacon/SOS? Am I correct??


Doesn't the Jetbeam range seem overpriced?

 

[aimxplode]

@gregozedobe
The Zebralight seems quite popular and nice. The main reason for beacon & sos requirement is to differentiate between a "marker" vs "need help".

@aimxplode
I don't know why I failed to see the RRT-0. As far as I can tell the new XM-L version only has strobe function, no beacon/SOS? Am I correct??


Doesn't the Jetbeam range seem overpriced?

The XPG-S2 version is $80 shipped from GoingGear(after CPF discount), and the build quality is well worth the price. All versions of the RRT-0 have strobe. The SOS mode is hidden, but extremely easy to access.

 

[francoisdotnet]

For the record the ordered and received the fandyfire from DX. Although it turned out to be a nice light with everything I had wanted (except a pocket clip) it stopped working after 48 hrs! :'(

In the end I went with a 4sevens Quark XML 2xAA; I threw out the 2xAA body for a single AA body (ordered separately) and use a 14500 (I still have a reasonable output if in an emergency I need to switch to a single AA).

I also ordered the Quark XP-G head for situations where I wanted more/only throw. Well, I hoped it would have more throw but turned out to be the same if not worse than the XML. I returned it for the Quark Turbo (XP-G) head and although I have not tested it extensively it seems to throw further. Side note: the pocket clip needs to be removed when using the Turbo head on the single AA body.

So far I am very happy with my setup. Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

 

[ikeyballz]

Awesome! If you ever tire of the setup give me a PM.. I'm always looking for another XML head since 4sevens only sells the r5 heads:(

You should try out the titanium innovations 14505 if you wanted a primary 3v battery that helps throw! The 14505 comes to about 2 bucks a pop from battery junction if you include shipping, and has about the same power as 2 AAbatteries. It should have the longest runtimes compared to the 14500/eneloop/alkaline/lithium if you're not using the unregulated setting (turbo mode)

 

[reppans]

For the record the ordered and received the fandyfire from DX. Although it turned out to be a nice light with everything I had wanted (except a pocket clip) it stopped working after 48 hrs! :'(

In the end I went with a 4sevens Quark XML 2xAA; I threw out the 2xAA body for a single AA body (ordered separately) and use a 14500 (I still have a reasonable output if in an emergency I need to switch to a single AA).

I also ordered the Quark XP-G head for situations where I wanted more/only throw. Well, I hoped it would have more throw but turned out to be the same if not worse than the XML. I returned it for the Quark Turbo (XP-G) head and although I have not tested it extensively it seems to throw further. Side note: the pocket clip needs to be removed when using the Turbo head on the single AA body.

So far I am very happy with my setup. Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

Couple of suggestions... keep the AA^2 tube as a spare battery container for your bag. When you use the turbo head, just flip the 1xAA body 180-degrees, and you'll be able to retain the clip - also useable as headlamp clipped to a baseball cap.

 

[francoisdotnet]

@ikeyballs i have the same problem regarding only selling r5 heads - would love a XML Turbo head! And, thanks, I will have a look at those 14505s!

@reppans Thanks, already done that; I use the 2xAA body as battery container on occasion. I did read about reversing the head/tailcap but I also use it in a Fenix headband so clipless, for now, suits me.