New - need help choosing a light

Gather App
Candle Power Forums

Help Support Candle Power:

M

M.Maddox

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jun 27, 2006
Messages
4
Hello, I'm new to candlepower.com and to high quality flashlights in general, and I'm looking for some advice in choosing one.

I'm an avid rock climber, so I already own a headlamp for walking around the camp\crags at night. I'm looking for a flashlight with a powerful 'throw' (Lux?) and preferably a pretty tight beam (more for seeing\spotting things further away, as the headlamp can take care of anything in close\medium range). I'd like something durable and water resistant, and if possible sub $200 :) Size isn't a terribly important factor, but 9" or under would be nice. I've been looking at LED flashlights, and I love their run time (even though this isn't a large factor for me) but I've heard they're not good at 'throwing' their light, or for viewing things at a distance.

To summarize, a fairly durable light with a nice beam at ~50 yards under ~$200 is basically what I'm looking for. Any suggestions? Thanks!
 
I have used the Strreamlight PolyPro 4AA light for exactly this purpose. It is light, inexpensive (<$40.00), rugged and very powerful. It has survived the battering of international airtravel multiple times, and was perfect duiring a medical mission in VERY rural Rwanda this spring.

I have much famcier aluminum lights, some of them modded; but for all around usefulness and availability of batteries all over the world, this is my go to light. If it is lost, broken or stolen I won't feel such a dent in my wallet. It is a great TOOL, tho not much of an ego boost.


John
 
 
Hello M. Maddox I concurr with photonhoer. The Streamlight polypro has great throw. rugged and great burn time with AA akalines and if you loose it your not out a lot. When I go night hiking I find its a great complement to a headlamp.

E

Heading to the future at light speed
 
Welcome to here, M.M!

If the ProPoly gives adequate throw it should be a very practical choice and it's regulated. I like rugged, 4AA, plastic lights like the PP (and others) because they handle well, are usually waterproof and don't feel cold like metal.

If you need more throw, then a two or three CR123 cell light (usually aluminum bodied) may be necessary to keep size & weight down. These lights usually won't have more than 45 - 60 minutes of runtime per cell change, however.

Use the links listed by Long John, above, as they offer lots of info and details so you can zero in on what might work for you.
 
my recomendatinos are the following...(taking into consideration that you have already stated that you understand the limitations of LED and are willing to give up some runtime to gain some throwing power and some lumens).. most of the recomendations are 3 or more cell lithium powered incandecent lights... also a few li-ion powered ones... most of these can be converted to run on li-ion rechargable cells entirely plu-n-play

G&P T9 - $45 (great value)
streamlight TL-3 -$50 (great value)
G&P X9 - $50
G&P T12 - $55
G&P X12 - $60
Digilight T9 - $75
Surefire 9P - $80
G&P R500 Scorpion li-ion rechargable - $85
Digilight T12 - $100
Surefire C3 - $140
Used Surefire M3/M4 ~$200+


the multi-luxeon Electrolumens, and barbolights also come to mind- the big ones are pricey- but they have some pretty incredable output...
 
what about a surefire e2l
waterproof
tough coating
led no filiment to break or burn out
click on tailcap
small

great choice for camping hiking everything outdoors
 
benchmade_boy said:
what about a surefire e2l
waterproof
tough coating
led no filiment to break or burn out
click on tailcap
small

great choice for camping hiking everything outdoors
Click to expand...

Add to that almost two hours of runtime on a single 123 cell, although I would go with the L1 because it is essentially the same thing, but a little longer and offers a low output option.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top