Need Assistance Choosing a Light Please...

[drivie]

I'm a relative noob with lights but I need a decent one for work (work inside computers a lot). I currently have a pair of incan SF G2 Nitrolons. These things eat 123A batteries and sometimes the 60 lumen output washes out tiny text on IC's etc. I just purchased a pair of SF P60L drop-ins and a pair of Z59 clicky caps for both and I think I'm going to relegate them to my vehicles.

So now I need a new light for work. I love the idea of a 2AA light with variable output but I would like to have something with more than just two levels. I don't need strobe or SOS modes. I would like to have a light that remembers the last intensity setting when I turn it on again. Also, I would like for the light to be no more than 6" in length and 1.25" in diameter so it will fit in my toolkit.

I plan to use some Sanyo Eneloops in whatever I buy. As far as UI, I would like a constant on (momentary is not as important) forward clicky or front clicky. I have read about the NiteCore line but I'm not impressed by the UI and issues people have with it. Seems more complicated than I need.

So far, I've come up with the following options. I would like to get your opinions on these and any alternatives I have not found yet.

Fenix LD20 (like the idea of LEGO parts with this model)
ITP C8 (ditto above)
Olight T25
NiteCore D20 (not convinced this is for me due to the funky UI)
JetBeam Jet-I Pro EX V2 (I find the UI interesting)
Novatac Classic (not available yet)
Possibly a DX11074 for the G2 Nitrolon

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Drivie

 

[okbohn]

for that I would recommend a Peak Matterhorn.

I have used one on my keychain for a couple years and you can't imagine how handy it is for just such applications. I use mine every day.

I think it is around 35 lumens.

 

[LightWalker]

Also consider the Fenix L2T V2, it has two modes, high and low and it has a forward clickie for momentary on. I have this and the L2D Q5 and they are very easy to carry and operate.

The L2D Q5 has more modes, a lower low, and a higher bin LED.
You can compare some of these lights here: http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html

 

[Wattnot]

I'm pretty sure the Olight 25 model (T25?) will do you nicely. The feature you want (remembering last setting) is something I don't like and that keeps me away from the Olights so check that one out.

It takes two AA's and should work well on nimh with multiple outputs but it probably has strobe/sos but I don't remember hearing people complain that they ended up on those accidentally.

EagleTac has an AA model but I don't know much about it. I reviewed their 2 CR123 light and that has a high and a low with no other features. I remember reading recently where their AA model was the brightest AA available.

:welcome:

 

[drivie]

Thank you for the responses.

Okbohn: I would like something a bit larger than the Peak Matterhorn with variable outputs if possible. I don't need to carry it on my key chain as I have a toolkit with a couple of elastic straps to hold the light in place.

LightWalker: I definitely consider the L2D (or LD20) on my short list. I feel like I might like to have more than the two modes that the L2T offers.

Wattnot: thanks for the suggestion on the Olight T25. I like this light a lot but I wish it was a tad shorter.

My head is spinning with all of the choices. I'm at a point now where I've just about reached analysis paralysis. The problem I run into is that I start making myself think that I need all these cool functions when all I really need is a good, reliable light with different levels and a constant on. I would definitely prefer one AA or two AA light. I do have CR123A batteries but they are not cheap. I have some Eneloops so I'd like to make use of those.

What do you guys think of the Jet-I Pro EX - V2? The IBS UI interests me greatly.

Thanks,

Drivie

 

[okbohn]

I have a couple more thoughts....

I don't know about the Jet-pro...

BUT IMO for working on computers, you probably would do well with some sort of multi-LED 5mm LED type light (like the matterhorn, ARC (though it only has one), some of the INOVA X series (I've played with the x5).

The reason I say such a thing is that I have found the diffused type light they put out is VERY nice when working up close and personal like that. The more focused lights are a little too bright and narrow for me in those situations.

just my .02 worth

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Personally I'd look at the Jetbeam EX v2 or the D20. Both have a nice low setting so that things won't get washed out when you're in close. Which UI is better is a tough call; both UIs are decent. Unfortunately neither has a nice warmer tinted LED... if either did it would be an automatic win.

 

[drivie]

I have a couple more thoughts....

I don't know about the Jet-pro...

BUT IMO for working on computers, you probably would do well with some sort of multi-LED 5mm LED type light (like the matterhorn, ARC (though it only has one), some of the INOVA X series (I've played with the x5).

The reason I say such a thing is that I have found the diffused type light they put out is VERY nice when working up close and personal like that. The more focused lights are a little too bright and narrow for me in those situations.

just my .02 worth

Thanks for that info. I do agree that diffuse lighting would be useful when working on electronics but I haven't really seen anything that I felt was great quality and useful for other applications that meets my list of wants. This is why I feel like a decent light with variable output is probably the best bet in terms of versatility.

Please keep the recommendations and advice coming. :twothumbs

Thank you,

Drivie

 

[LightWalker]

You can use this diffuser on the L1D, L2D, or P2D.
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_38&products_id=339

Which all use the same head, just different battery tubes. I think it will fit the P3D also.

 

[drivie]

After quite a bit more research, I think I'm going to go with the ITP C8T as well as an ITP C7 body tube that way I have the flexibility of a 1xAA or 2xAA setup. Wish they offered the C9 in a tac version so I could get that body as well.

Can anybody think of a good reason not to go with this setup given my typical use a list of wants? :thinking:

Thanks,

Drivie

 

[carrot]

Maybe I'm missing something. Why has no one vouched for the Nitecore D20?

Solid and reliable, remembers the last brightness setting you were using, and allows you to ramp the brightness up and down between some very very low brightness to "turbo" in order to find the amount of output that suits you best. It's very simple in operation, and tough too.

AFAIK there have been no issues with the Nitecore SmartPD line (D20 is included) that 4sevens' excellent warranty wouldn't cover.

 

[drivie]

AFAIK there have been no issues with the Nitecore SmartPD line (D20 is included) that 4sevens' excellent warranty wouldn't cover.

Thanks Carrot but I have seen several posts now indicating that the PD system gets tough to use and that some have to open their light and lubricate the system once per month. I'm not into that. The concept sounds awesome but I get the feeling from reading some posts here that the execution isn't quite good enough.

Drivie

 

[Henk_Lu]

So far, I've come up with the following options. I would like to get your opinions on these and any alternatives I have not found yet.

...

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

Drivie

The best I can imagine for your purpose is unfortunately by far the most expensive that I own : Surefire U2

It isn't what you are looking for, as it still eats CR123As, but you would normally use it in the low range so that the batteries would last a few hours. Add a diffuser and you'll never want another flashligh again! :thumbsup:

Try to get a used one (if somebody sells such a dream)...

 

[Cheapskate]

With due respect, I think you have done yourself a disservice to label what is undoubtedly one of the best and simplest multilevel interfaces ever put into a light - 'funky'.

If you were to do a poll of best multilevel UI's, I bet that the Nitecore Defender Infinity UI would rank as one of the best ever.

 

[drivie]

With due respect, I think you have done yourself a disservice to label what is undoubtedly one of the best and simplest multilevel interfaces ever put into a light - 'funky'.

If you were to do a poll of best multilevel UI's, I bet that the Nitecore Defender Infinity UI would rank as one of the best ever.

You're right...maybe the word funky was not the correct choice. I actually like the concept of the NiteCore UI but as I mentioned previously, it seems like some are experiencing issues with the PD mechanism tightening up on them and requiring monthly lubrication. I don't want to have to provide montly maintenance to a flashlight (aside from battery replacement). Sorry if that comes off sounding snotty but really it's just a tool that I don't want to have to service regularly.

Drivie

 

[Cheapskate]

You're right...maybe the word funky was not the correct choice. I actually like the concept of the NiteCore UI but as I mentioned previously, it seems like some are experiencing issues with the PD mechanism tightening up on them and requiring monthly lubrication. I don't want to have to provide montly maintenance to a flashlight (aside from battery replacement). Sorry if that comes off sounding snotty but really it's just a tool that I don't want to have to service regularly.

Drivie

No worries. The NDI does not have the PD mechanism, it has a conventional forward clicky. If the switch ever gets flaky (mine never has), the threads on the rear cap are anodised so you could leave the switch on and operate it as a twisty. They come with a spare switch anyway I believe. You might like to look at the Jetbeam Jet I Pro ex. It takes two AA's and has the IBS interface, there is also the Jet I Pro which takes just one AA.

http://neolumen.fr/produits/jetbeam.htm

I would point you to bugoutgear but their site seems to be under mainatainance everytime I look. If you have a look at that site, have a look at the Zebra lights also.

 

[Gunner12]

From what I read, the Olight T25 might be the best choice. It remembers the l;as setting, isn't too complicated to use, and is the right size.

:welcome:

 

[drivie]

No worries. The NDI does not have the PD mechanism, it has a conventional forward clicky. If the switch ever gets flaky (mine never has), the threads on the rear cap are anodised so you could leave the switch on and operate it as a twisty. They come with a spare switch anyway I believe. You might like to look at the Jetbeam Jet I Pro ex. It takes two AA's and has the IBS interface, there is also the Jet I Pro which takes just one AA.

http://neolumen.fr/produits/jetbeam.htm

I would point you to bugoutgear but their site seems to be under mainatainance everytime I look. If you have a look at that site, have a look at the Zebra lights also.

So I pretty much took Cheapskate's advice hook, line and sinker and bought both a NiteCore Defender Infinity and a JETBeam Jet-I MK IBS. I haven't received either yet but I'm pretty excited. Hopefully both will prove to be good selections for my daily usage.

Drivie

 

[drivie]

To update my thread with a micro-review, I now have both lights in my possession. Size-wise, they are nearly identical. The Jet-I included a holster which was nice.

As far as functionality, I really like the three modes of the Jet-I but the switch is difficult to operate because it's deep in the tail and very stiff. The NiteCore however is great. The switch is easy to operate and the light is very intuitive. I think it edges out the Jet-I in almost every category. The Jet-I beam is a bit warmer than the NDI but both are fine with me. I've already made use of the NDI while at work and it was great.

I still might take the plunge and get a 2xAA light as I had originally planned because it seems to me like a longer light will allow for a bit better manipulation.

Drivie