New member needs help...

[H&K]

I am a new member here and first of all, I would like to say "hello." I am pretty new to the "nicer" kind of flashlights. I've known about Surefire lights for 6 or 7 years, but i never knew there were so many other brands out there along the same lines as Surefire, maybe better, or maybe worse. The main question I have right now (i'm sure I will have a zillion more to come) is, can someone please give me a good list of quality brands of flashlights out there, and maybe how they rank? I've been looking at Fenix, Nitecore, Zebralight, 4Sevens, and a couple others, and just today I sent a money order for my first one...a Fenix TK11 R5. I don't know if I picked this for the right reasons, but here is why:

1. It seemed to made well and of quality materials
2. It had pretty high lumens at 285 and will run 2.7 hours on that mode
3. It seems like a pretty simple one to start with
4. It has a beam throw of 200 meters
5. It looked cool !!

I haven't even gotten this one, and i'm ready to buy another. I am looking for high quality, good beam throw, and alot of lumens (I may be looking for the wrong things as I don't know much at all about flashlights). I just don't know all the brands out there so I feel like if I pick one I like I may be missing out on some I like alot better, I just don't know of them. So far I am looking at a JETBeam. Can some people help me out with a good list of brands, starting out with the highest quality available and going on down the line? I would really appreciate it, and I am glad to be a part of this forum !!!! THANKS.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I'll move this thread to the LED Forum.

Bill

 

[BarryG]

:welcome:
Here's a thread that might guide you in the right direction.....
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=279454
Don't be afraid to ask questions there are lots of members here who can tell you anything you need to know.
The only limit is your wallet:poke:
Enjoy your new hobby.


Barry

 

[joe1512]

That looks like a fine light.

Is there any particular reason you need/want all these lights? If I were you, Id make a list of the light categories that you might want.

For me, I wanted one large light with high output. A 700 lumen type light. There are lots of good choices in that category.

I also wanted a keychain light.

Recently I want a bike light for myself and the Mrs.

Those were my usage categories. Not needing a light at work and having no desire to carry a flashlight around all the time (EDC), but willing to do a small keychain light. The keychain light means I don't need a car light. I don't need a high 'throw' light either.


For you, you are starting with a fairly bright light of moderate size. Its a fine general purpose light but doesnt fit any of my categories. Hence it wouldn't be very useful for me.

If it were me, I would either wait for it to arrive and then see if it is good enough to meet your desire/need. It probably is the only light you need since it is a great general purpose light. Not too big so you can carry it, plenty bright, good flood/throw mix for most reasonable purposes, decent runtime. With CR123s which you should order ONLINE (MUCH cheaper!) you don't have to worry about specialty batteries.


You can then decide if you want a small keychain one, a car light, one for higher throw if you camp a lot, or whatever.

But the key is to consider the potential uses of your lights and THEN order lights to meet those needs.

For a new person, I like the itp A6 Polestar which uses standard 6xAA batteries and is 700 lumens rated. Great for big gifts. 80 bucks. The Fenix TK40/TK45 is the upscale choice at 150 bucks and is tougher and better made.

I had bought an XTAR Outrider which is similar brightness and uses 1 or 2 18650 specialty batteries.

I then use an itp A1 keychain light (CR123) with a rechargable CR123 since I already bought the 18650s and charger.


It is nicer to avoid this if possible since these specialty batteries take extra research and care. And their special chargers are worthless otherwise, as opposed to a good AA/AAA charger which you can use around the house.

 

[LEDninja]

:welcome:

Fenix TK11 R5. I don't know if I picked this for the right reasons, but here is why:
1. It seemed to made well and of quality materials
2. It had pretty high lumens at 285 and will run 2.7 hours on that mode
3 lumens is good for close in work, 15 to 60 for indoors, bright bright bright for outdoors. For outdoors in the country a neutral tint will let you see better because it won't put a blue cast over everything especially vegatation.
3. It seems like a pretty simple one to start with
4. It has a beam throw of 200 meters
Did you buy binoculars to go with that? The high throw number indicates a bright hotspot to impress non-flashaholics but may not be that useful in real life. High throw numbers usually mean a tiny hotspot.
5. It looked cool !!
6. You are buying a light that uses lithium batteries! I do not recommend lithium battery lights for gifts or newbies. But your light is on its way so you have to learn their safe handling.
If you are using 2 cells read this:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/123burst.htm
If you are using rechargeables read this:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235164


I haven't even gotten this one, and i'm ready to buy another.
I have seen many newbies with this syndrome. Many have a dozen on the way before the first one arrives. I recommend you wait for your light to arrive, use it for a week, then make a list of what you like, or do not like, then use the list for the criteria for your next light.
Some things to look out for:
Oooh those CR123A batteries are expensive, better go with AA next time.
The light is too big for my pockets. Maybe a 1AA or 1CR123A next time.
The light is too heavy for my keychain. Maybe a 1AAA.
Your first light is a bit big to have with you all the time. I suggest something smaller for your 2nd one that you can EDC (every day carry). After that you can go back to hunting for the biggest baddest light out there.
BTW try to buy lights for different uses, not the same thing over and over again

 

[B0wz3r]

First off, :welcome:

You're already on track to get seriously addicted... :-)

Fenix makes good lights, but be aware they advertise emitter lumens on all their lights, not out the front (OTF) like 4Sevens, Jetbeam, etc. so your TK11 is probably going to do about 215 or so OTF.

For other brands, Quarks are some of the best values for the money in terms of lumens, features, and accessories. All of the regular, tactical and turbo models use interchangeable parts so you can Lego up some pretty cool set ups. Heck, it's fun to just mix and match Quark parts to see what kind of crazy stuff you can build. :-)

I've also had good experiences with Jetbeam; quality lights and very durable.

EagleTac has a good reputation and include some nice accessories though they've been slow on expanding the accessories. They're driven hard too and are supposed to be darn bright. I'm hoping to get one myself in the next hopefully not before too long.

Dereelights have a good rep; the C2H is supposed to be one of the best EDC lights around.

Zebralight has made a big splash with new flashlights and I just got one myself and it's awesome. :-)

Can't think of much else off the top of my head, but you're in the right place; you'll get plenty of good info here.

 

[pwatcher]

Your first purchase, Fenix TK11, is an excellent light. It was one of the first ones I chose as well. But going forward, you're apt to get overloaded with information and opinions, and unless you are willing to make lots of mistakes along the way of finding what you like the best, my best advice is to pace yourself. Maybe limit your purchases in quantity or $ to a certain level each month. Once you have half a dozen or so, try to get in the habit of occasionally selling one on cpf marketplace that you like the least, and make some notes in a journal what you like and don't like about each light.

In terms of quality, in production lights (vs customs), HDS/Ra is among the best, as is Surefire and PeakLedSolutions. All of these are U.S. made too! Fenix is Chinese, but I think the quality and engineering/regulation is better than most other brands from overseas, realizing the more you pay, generally the more you get in quality of materials, fit/finish, and features.

LED technology is moving very fast, so try not to load up too quickly and then be stuck or have to take 20% + losses to dispose of your least favorites. Buy mostly from other members, at 10-30% below retail new prices, as like a used car, the first owner will bear the brunt of "depreciation".

Have fun! Don't rule out incandescent lights like the Surefire M6 or A2!

Try to standardize on no more than 2 or 3 battery sizes for awhile, such as CR123a primaries at about $1.25 each online, and AA, and perhaps AAA.
Give yourself some time before getting involved in less common sizes or rechargeables.

All of the above is advice I wish I had been given when starting out!
lovecpf

 

[H&K]

I see what you mean with me moving a little too fast. I tend to do this with my hobbies, but my other 2 main ones are guns and knives, and I know more about them than I do flashlights. I'll wait until the Tk11 comes in, and i'll go from there. Man I really do like a couple Jetbeams though. Man, this flashlight thing is becoming addictive. I've only been interested in these about a week, and now i can think of at least 8 or 10 off the top of my head that I want...NOW, but I can't afford them :ohgeez:. I dunno, i'll see how it goes :sigh:. Thanks.

 

[pwatcher]

The TK11 should cover a broad range of needs for you. If I could do it over, after getting the TK11, I'd try to concentrate on something a lot different, to be used for different needs.

maybe a McGizmo "mule" for total, short range flood. you'll have to watch for a used one, or post a WTB on CPF B/S/T. McGizmo makes one for the surefire L1 body. here's a thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=195988

Then an Ra Clicky for comfortable pocket carry and to use the last bit of juice from your batteries. If you can, get one with a high CRI emitter for use outdoors.

and I hope you will at least try my favorite Surefire, an Incan/LED A2 Aviator.
:twothumbs
At some point, you'll want to get either a turnkey Malkoff MD2 or Wildcat, or at least a drop in module such as an M61W to use in a SF 6p or C2 host.

different lights for different purposes. :D

 

[BarryG]

When You oeder, don't forget to use your "CPF" discount. There is a thread over in the marketplace with LOTS of different dealers who give em'.:twothumbs
Take it slow and enjoy your lights.


Barry

 

[H&K]

Thanks alot everyone.I really appreciate all the help.

 

[TwitchALot]

Don't forget HDS lights. :welcome:

 

[LedTed]

Hey H&K,

As you have already seen, this group can be quite helpful.

I went through the same thing you did with the help of this group; upgrading to, as you wrote, "'nicer' kind of flashlights".

I discovered that until I had a FL in my hands and under use, I didn't "get it". I believe that you may discover the same thing as true.

So, come to the group for divination, but use your own judgment as you final say.

Be aware that thin means you may have to purchase several FLs before you know what you have in your hands is what you really need/want.

Best of luck.