Need a good flashlight for night snowboarding. Suggestions please.

[Fuzzy]

As the title implies, I'm looking for a flashlight to take on snowboarding trips. The mountains I go to are semi-lit at night, so naturally, all the good runs are completely dark. I spent a good 3 hours looking for a flashlight on "FlashlightReviews.com" and as I understand it, I'm looking for something with a high overall output, and a fairly wide beam. I think the JetBeam MK II (MKIIx ?) would do the trick, since its small, durable, and has a high light output, especially if I use a 3.6v Li-Ion AA battery.
But I'd like to hear the opinions of a few pros first (you guys) before I go spending $100 on a flashlight that'll wind up being completely useless.
The only requirements are that it be small, about 7 inches (18cm) or less, reveal objects at 50 meters, and run off of rechargeable batteries, preferably a single 3.6v Li-Ion AA.
Is that asking too much from an LED?

 

[benighted]

Hi Fuzzy,
Welcome to CPF.
It sounds like you need a headlamp.

 

[CLHC]

Greetings and Welcome!

I'm with what benighted suggested above regarding a headlamp. Maybe even trying out Elektrolumens' products, say for example the Anglelux which you may affix to yourself. Check it out!

http://elektrolumens.com

Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!

 

[yellow]

You surely need a headlamp,

most powerful are the Silva high power models, but too large for You.
Probably You are looking for a Cree or SSC headlamp which is not yet in production, A way might be to get a 2 CR123 lamp (Streamlight Argo HP, f.e.) and mod it with a cree and for an 18650 Li-Ion.
--> unfortunately that is not beginner's stage modding

 

[Fuzzy]

Hi Fuzzy,
Welcome to CPF.
It sounds like you need a headlamp.

Thanks, but I find that being able to move your head and the light independently is more convenient. I also wear a helmet, and any more weight on my head would be uncomfortable.

I just figured there may be a flashlight out there that could light up a tree line from half a football field away. Nothing major, just enough so I can avoid the trees.

 

[Raptor#]

I agree, sound like a headlamp might fit your needs better.

How about runtime, about how much do you need?

Oh and.. if you consider Rechargeable 123's too, you've got more options than with the AA sized Li-Ion's , i think.

This one might be a good choice:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_hlx-712l.htm
It has 3 brightness settings, is watertight, and works with rechargeable 123s (see this thread ).

It also is current regulated wich is always a advantage, but even more so for sport activitys that involve fast movements.

Why? Well, most flashlights have either current regulation, or PWM regulation.
PWM is basically a super-fast strobe, strobing faster than the eye can see. Thus, the eye usually percieves the light as dimmer, not as strobing, and the led uses less energy (f.e. if its only on for 500 of the 1000 milisecounds that make up a secound, of course the led only needs half of the energy. ) However, there are asfaik 2 drawbacks to this. 1.) Leds get more energy efficent when driven at lower currents. PWM usually drives them at full current.
2.) Apparently some people DO see the strobe, especially when moving the light fast. Now that you will use this light while snowboarding... im pretty sure you'll see the strobing effect. Sure, the light doesn't move fast in your hand... but you do.

 

[Raptor#]

Arf, so no headlamps... mmkay. I'd still suggest also taking a look at other battery sizes.

Well, maybe then a 18650 running Cree or Seoul Led using flashlight might fit the bill. There are a few of those offered at DealExtreme, QualityChinaGoods and Kaidomain.
I've been ordering the "U2-Style 3W CREE" and the "JYE 3W SSE-P4 Seoul Z-Power 18650 Wide Projection Flashlight" from dealextreme 3 days ago and will post my opinion on them when they arrive (in about 1-2 weeks i guess, 3 weeks at most), i also plan on dropping them in the freezer and trying to use em afterwards, to see how good they work in cold environments. Just saying, cause that specific test might be of interrest for you.

 

[JasonC]

I also agree that a headlamp would be more useful and I can highly recomend this one that I use - Princeton tec Apex

I do agree with the comment you made about the weight on your head, especially because you will be jumping and bobbing up and down a lot but I think if the light is well balanced like this one is it should be fine. The Apex has the Batts at the back which does counter balance the light at the front to a certain extent and the headstrap you get with it is very good and will fit over a helmet if needed.
I think trying to hold a light while snowboarding is a no no and also fixing a light to your person is not ideal unless you can fix it really really well, what if it slips from position and only lights 2' of the floor up in front of you while you are going at high speed!

Hope this helps.

 

[Long John]

Hello Fuzzy and welcome to CPF

The requests you are looking for, you'll not find in a tiny 1xAA light nevertheless if it's driven a LiIon.
You will need a lager reflector (50 meters) and higher batt.-capacity.

My advice for your requests and budget:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/lumapower_m1.htm

Still lightweight, bright (easy 50m), well build, long runtimes and free Lumens with one LiIon18650 cell (the most effective cell-size)

Best regards

_____
Tom

 

[luchs]

what about using a headlamp AND a Surfire G3.
it's made of nitrolon - against cold fingers - and has a nice wide beam.
you can also use a beamshaper on it to diffuse the light. otherwise the light can blind you by reflexing from the white snow.

 

[l1s125]

Requirements:

Small (about 7inches)
Can spot from 50m
Can use rechargables (preference, single 3.6V Li Ion AA)
Not a headlamp

Well, I'm gonna recommend the Streamlight ProPoly. Usually the Propoly gets recommended numerous times whenever someone asks for a rec, regardless of the requirements. But I think the recent Cree/Seoul craziness has overshadowed it. Anyways, the light fits what you need, except for the Li Ion aspect. It uses four AA batteries, you can you conventional rechargeables if you want. It's a bout 7 inches and has AMAZING throw for spotting.

Granted, it is "old" technology," but that doesn't take away from its quality.

also...

I LOVE Amon Tobin!!!!

I'm gonna go see him when he comes down to NYC in April, can't wait.

 

[flashy bazook]

I agree with Long John, the Lumapower M1 (use the links he provides - also numerous links here in the Review and Manufacturer forums) fits the bill.

Uses 2xCR123A batteries, constructed for outdoors use, the lithium batteries will withstand the cold of the outdoors, can use the rechargeables, has longer run-time than you need in fact using the rechargeable. Throw is rated at a bit longer than 50m (smooth reflector has longer throw than the OP reflector, but I think both would work - the OP gives a bit of a smoother, wider beam).

good luck!

 

[Fuzzy]

I guess I need to figure out what sort of runtime I'd need. We're usually on the slopes as soon as they open at 8am, and worn out by 8pm, but it only gets dark after about 4. I timed the runs, at full blast I get down in well under 5 minutes, but I enjoy taking the unlit, uncharted side/short cuts off of the main run. The long route takes about 10 min and is unlit about 1/3rd of the way. I also spend a good 10 min on the lifts. If you do the math, that's 5 minutes of use every 20 min, 15 minutes / hr, by 4 after dark hours, comes to about 1 Hr of runtime. I'll obviously keep a spare batt on me, but not having to change it during the day would be a plus.

@Headlamps. Besides the fact that I won't have it powered on for more than 5 min at a time, they just look dorky. Especially on a helmet while I'm standing in line for the lifts.

@ Raptor: That may just fit the bill, but maybe something with higher craftsmanship would take the extreme conditions / handling a little better? I never thought about the effects of sub zero temps, though I doubt the flashlight will be affected, as it seems that getting rid of the heat is a bigger issue, which isn't hard in a -5 deg environment. I'm guessing it's the batteries that will be more affected by the cold.

@ JasonC: Holding the light, with a wrist strap, is how I was intending to use it, thus it may see a bit of, how you'd say "wear and tear". I've learned to shift my weight/balance without the aid of both my arms by now, though it's a lot harder when you're stuck in an outcrop and need to do a quick u-turn.

@ Long John: That looks just about perfect, should I be able to find one. There's just one thing I don't get. Looking at the review, it seems that with 2x123As (6.0v) overall output is 8300, but with a mere 18650 (3.7v) it still gets 7600 overall. That's 90% of the output at 60% of the voltage, relative to the 2x123As. Am I missing something? BTW, I like the looks of the beam with the textured reflector.

@ luchs: Besides looking like a Christmas tree, I think that may be an little over kill. But will be something I'll need to do for totally unlit runs.

@ l1s125: That would be suitable, if only the beam were a little wider. I'm sure modding the reflector would do the trick.

BTW, His last album "Foley Room", pushed the boundaries a little further than I had hoped. However, the more I listen to it, the better it gets. Its Tobin though, so go figure.

EDIT: Where can I find a review of the Surfire G3?

 

[Long John]

@ Long John: That looks just about perfect, should I be able to find one. There's just one thing I don't get. Looking at the review, it seems that with 2x123As (6.0v) overall output is 8300, but with a mere 18650 (3.7v) it still gets 7600 overall. That's 90% of the output at 60% of the voltage, relative to the 2x123As. Am I missing something? BTW, I like the looks of the beam with the textured reflector.

Fuzzy, the driver which is build in is responsible for this miracle

Best regards

____
Tom

 

[tibim]

The ultimate light for snowboarding would be the Surefire L4
Not rechargable, though. A little spendy both for the light and keeping
it running...

But as far as beam profile and size this would be the winner.

It's clicky too so it would be easy to use with gloves.

I snowboard alot and this is the light I take with me.

-tibim

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I would also go with the Streamlight ProPoly 4AA as it will last the whole day on one set of batteries

 

[Raptor#]

@ Raptor: That may just fit the bill, but maybe something with higher craftsmanship would take the extreme conditions / handling a little better? I never thought about the effects of sub zero temps, though I doubt the flashlight will be affected, as it seems that getting rid of the heat is a bigger issue, which isn't hard in a -5 deg environment. I'm guessing it's the batteries that will be more affected by the cold.

I thought so too, untill i read this thread:
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=150713
Although the -5 °C your flashlight will be exposed to is way less than the -25 °C in the situation in this thread.

I agree, you may want something of a little bit better quality that can take the extreme conditions better. The Lumapower M1 posted by Long John sounds good to me.
Also take a look at the Huntlight XR-E. Comparing it to the Lumapower M1 its beam isn't as well focused, but it has more modes.
Read the review here: http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=150533&highlight=Huntlight+XR-E
/EDIT: Just read that Quickbeam (the owner of flashlightreviews.com) will ALSO review the Huntlight XR-E soon.

Huntlight and Lumapower are both good companys, imho being a class above the chinese no-name brand flashlights.


Oh and on a side note.. i don't think the Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon is the right flashlight for this purpose.

Pros: Has a Plastic body.
Contras: Not nearly as bright as a cree-using flashlight, uses regular AA's instead of Li-Ions.
Neutral: Long runtime. Doesn't matter cuz you'll only need it for about 1 hour and use rechargeables.

Use a shrinkwrap on any of the other flashlights bodys, and they'll share this advantage.