Hello Everyone, I've been learning alot by reading here but there's just so much info available that I thought I would ask the Experts....I need a small high-powered flashlight for outdoor use. It'll be used for Mountainbike riding on singletrack trails as well as some Security patrols and as such it needs to be small and be able to throw a beam out past 200 yards. I have a Fenix TK11 (a little too large but doable) but the beam is too focused. I also have a Fenix P2D Premium 100 (180 lumens) but its a little too small and doesn't put out enough power. I like the flood on this light however as its not as focused as the TK11. I like the size of the P3D but still need a little more power. I have some good charging equipment (from the R/C industry) and some 18650 protected cells as well as some CR123 rechargables already. Weight should be under 200 grams (roughly 7 oz.) and I'd like to keep it under $500. Suggestions anyone?
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george9c1
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Having a truly small light that will throw a useful beam 200 yards is a tough request. The farther you want to put a focused beam, the larger the flashlight reflector (and head) has to be.The brightest 2x cr123 light that I know of is the EagleTac T10C2, rated around 290 lumens.This light should throw better than your other two, but the head is going to be larger as well.
I'm also not sure about your problem with one light being too focused, that light should throw light further than the other. In order to get a long range throwing light you will also have to sacrifice on the flood, it's kind of an either one or the other proposition. Even an expensive custom modded light probably won't have what you need for flood and throw combined.
You might want to consider getting two separate lights, one for riding with a real floody type beam so you have a wide field of view, and one real long range thrower you can keep in a holster or pack.
I'd recommend spending some time in the reviews section where you can see a lot of beamshots and side by side comparisons of various lights so you can get a feel for the compromise you'll need to make if you have to have a single light.
I'm also not sure about your problem with one light being too focused, that light should throw light further than the other. In order to get a long range throwing light you will also have to sacrifice on the flood, it's kind of an either one or the other proposition. Even an expensive custom modded light probably won't have what you need for flood and throw combined.
You might want to consider getting two separate lights, one for riding with a real floody type beam so you have a wide field of view, and one real long range thrower you can keep in a holster or pack.
I'd recommend spending some time in the reviews section where you can see a lot of beamshots and side by side comparisons of various lights so you can get a feel for the compromise you'll need to make if you have to have a single light.
Yup, I knew it was going to be a tall request and thats why I posed the question. Thank You for answering so quickly. My TK11 at 225 lumens will throw a narrow spot out to 200 yards but its just too narrow. I like your idea of using two lights on the bike and I am already equipped to do this with the more open beam pattern of the P2D mounted on the handlebar and the TK11 mounted on my helmet. I was hoping that there might be one light that could do it all and I know there is but just not within size I am looking for. Only a matter of time though......Thanks again!
First off, :welcome:
Now to trying my best to help you out
but your wallet may hurt in time to come.
If you can accept a slightly larger head on the light, then go check out the DBS V2 MC-E, you can see a sample beamshot from their website here.
But for something compact that can throw 200 yards(meters) is going to be mighty difficult as (rightly) pointed out, the reflector has to be wider and deeper for it to throw that distance.
If you have a $500 budget, then you could get 2 lights, one for your MTB and the other for the security patrols. I'd go for the DBS V2 MC-E for the security patrols and check out the bike light sub-forum for a good biking light. Alternatively, get 2 Fenixes, some twofish lockblocks and a bar extender from Topeak and and you're all set.
Price breakdown:-
(a) DBS V2 MC-E $145 (add $12 for an extension tube for 2x18650), free shipping
(b) Twofish lockblock $15.99 for a 3 pack, free shipping too and a CPF discount as well
(c) 2xFenix P3D @ $61.50 each ($123.00), free shipping and a CPF discount.
(d) Topeak Bar extender, not too sure where to get this as i had no means of knowing whereabouts on this globe you live, but i have seen it on amazon for $15.90 (just google 'topeak bar extender'), if in CONUS, i think you can look for a dealer near you using the 'where to buy' function on their website.
Add it all up and it comes to about $300.00 way within your budget and with some spare cash to get, what else, MORE LIGHTS!!!
Hope this helps.
Now to trying my best to help you out
but your wallet may hurt in time to come.If you can accept a slightly larger head on the light, then go check out the DBS V2 MC-E, you can see a sample beamshot from their website here.
But for something compact that can throw 200 yards(meters) is going to be mighty difficult as (rightly) pointed out, the reflector has to be wider and deeper for it to throw that distance.
If you have a $500 budget, then you could get 2 lights, one for your MTB and the other for the security patrols. I'd go for the DBS V2 MC-E for the security patrols and check out the bike light sub-forum for a good biking light. Alternatively, get 2 Fenixes, some twofish lockblocks and a bar extender from Topeak and and you're all set.
Price breakdown:-
(a) DBS V2 MC-E $145 (add $12 for an extension tube for 2x18650), free shipping
(b) Twofish lockblock $15.99 for a 3 pack, free shipping too and a CPF discount as well
(c) 2xFenix P3D @ $61.50 each ($123.00), free shipping and a CPF discount.
(d) Topeak Bar extender, not too sure where to get this as i had no means of knowing whereabouts on this globe you live, but i have seen it on amazon for $15.90 (just google 'topeak bar extender'), if in CONUS, i think you can look for a dealer near you using the 'where to buy' function on their website.
Add it all up and it comes to about $300.00 way within your budget and with some spare cash to get, what else, MORE LIGHTS!!!
Hope this helps.
200 yards is a long way for a small light to throw. You might check out the Tiablo A9 or A10 but it probably weighs a bit more than what you want. If you ride pretty rough on a mountain bike that is going to be hard on a big headed flashlight. Surefires are one of the toughest lights out there and they have a life time warranty I just have never bought any of their big lights because of the cost. With your budget thought that won't be a problem.
