Need help deciding

[Eagle7]

Just signed up at the forums after lurking for a while. Trying to educate myself so I can make the right choice. Im hoping somebody can narrow down the choices for me.

Long lasting battery is more important to me than extreme brightness.
I think I'd like a warm colored light as opposed to a blueish color (not sure though).
Wide spread is more important to me than a focused tactical light.

Here's the main uses where I need this light to work reliably.

Cold conditions: Leave it in the car overnight in the dead of winter and it still works. This light will most likely live in the car 24/7 and mainly used while plowing snow.

Shoveling snow: Clip it on your hat or some type of headgear, which is best? It has to be water resistant. Outside in the freezing rain it could get iced over as well.

Color of the light: What's best for walking at night/in the snow? Warm or cool?

Inside the car: Work trucks often have poor lighting (or none). I think it's important that the light can dim enough so you aren't blinded while you drive.

Pocket size: I'd like to carry it in the pocket of my jeans.

Annoying problems are bad: I think I need a memory, or any light that reduces the amount of wasted time finding the light level I need. I don't want to click it 5 times every time I use the light. One click is ideal IMO.

Cost: I will pay whatever it takes to get the right light for my use.

To recap, it seems that I need a light weight, reliable in cold weather, long run time on a medium level light, weather resistant, with a clip or some other hands free system.

It could be that I don't need to spend a lot of money and all I need is a simple light, but the tech junkie in me likes high quality stuff. Please give me some options/opinions. What should I avoid. What should I look for?

 

[NonSenCe]

i think you need more than one light.

atleast..
one headlamp and one pocket/holster light.

leaving it to car in winter.. you need lithium primary batteries. either AA lithiums or cr123.

the tint of the light.. my vote goes to warm tints.


and for some suggestions:
look at 4sevens quark series (its pocket clip is reversable so you can use it clipped to baseball cap.) available in simple 2 mode (tactical) choose 2 outputs you need out of 8. and use them via twisting the head of the light. click on/off. (problem is, these are so new no one has tru experience with them in ice and snow)

other light i know that has a clip that can be used both ways (head down or up) is jetbeam pro series.. (few of them are available with warm tints too from bugoutgear)

but i still think you should get a good dedicated headlamp. and something bigger light to carry in the car/holster/pocket. (never just one flashlight)

 

[carl8190]

Nitecore D10 For Low light levels in car and for other jobs and a TK10 for good spill and throw when plowing?

 

[jabe1]

Why do you need it while plowing? To check a route list, or look for addresses?
To check addresses, I use an aspheric Maglite, It is very focused, and won't upset a customer. For all else, my EX-10 suits me fine. Lithium primary,very low level, and bright when I am out of the cab checking equipment ( broken Meyer parts).
For shoveling, I would get a headlamp with about 40lm output max.

 

[JeffInChi]

How about the Fenix TK20?

• It's designed for outdoor activities
• It's rated around 4300k (fairly warm/white tint)
• It's rated at Waterproof to IPX-8 Standard (can be underwater)
• It uses easy to find common AA batteries, alkaline, rechargeable or lithium - you choose
• It comes with a clip for your hat (not sure how well that'll work)
• It is available with a yellow grip - something that'll stand out if you drop it in a snow drift
• It'll give about 45 lumens for 11 hours or 150 lumens for 2 hours (only 2 settings/easy user interface)
• although bordering on "pocket size" it'll still fit in a pocket (its around 6 inches)
• weighs less than 1/4 of a pound
• they are very durable

I'd imagine a warmer tint would be better - especially if it's snowing or foggy while your out there, blue doesn't illuminate an area as well as white during intermittent weather. It's around $50-$60 USC.

I'm sure there's a better option out there, this is just off the top of my head! Good luck!

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, Eagle7. As a big fan of small lights let me recommend the Maratac AAA for your needs. Even though tiny, running on 1 AAA, it will produce at least 60-70 lumens on high, run for hours on medium or low, tailstand, clip to a cap, disappear in your pocket, and cost around $30 shipped.

Geoff