New to Flashlights - but my dad isn't

[NightBlaster]

My Dad loves flashlights and collected them, modifies them - specifically LED lights. I bought him the Pelican handheld LED (just around 130 lumens) for christmas and he was impressed with the construction and size (rugged, small) but still.... he seemed like it could have been better lol. The power went out recently in our area for 8 hours at night, so I was outside using the Pelican tactical light and I was amazed at how it was lighting up street signs, license plates, etc in the DARK.

So with that said, I am looking for a flashlight for MYSELF that I can have on hand for such dark instances and use it to impress and wow the friends.. and my dad! I would say I could spend up to $400 but if I could get away with something cheaper that would be great! More than 130 lumens please Does it have to be LED.. I read about these 1000-3000 lumens lights... where can I buy these?

Ok-

1. What's the brightest most portable handheld flashlight(s) I can buy.
2. Where can I buy them.

Thanks!!

Mike

 

[HKJ]

1. What's the brightest most portable handheld flashlight(s) I can buy.
2. Where can I buy them.

That is HDI flashlights, but the price is very high (5000 lumen is $2200)

A more normal flashlight is something like Fenix T1 or TK10, they have a bit over 200 lumens and a price around $80

Your can find both in http://www.fenix-store.com/

 

[meuge]

1. What's the brightest most portable handheld flashlight(s) I can buy.
2. Where can I buy them.

Thanks!!

Mike

I would further subdivide handheld lights into:
1. pocketable (max size 2x CR123)
2. stashable (max size 3xD)
3. large (large handheld spotlights)

As far as pocketable lights, I think the 2 choices I would recommend would be either a Fenix P2D-CE Q5 or a Fenix TK10. The former is very easily pocketable, while the latter probably requires a holster.

The P2D Q5 does about 160-175 lumens in a tiny (3.5") form factor... while the TK10 puts out a beam with a much brighter hotspot, and an overall output of >220 lumens.

For me, the P2D is the absolute perfect light for carrying all the time... but for hiking, I'll take the TK10... which is much more solidly built.

You can buy both at www.fenix-store.com

They have free shipping, very quick turnaround, and excellent customer service.

Don't forget to apply the coupon CPF8 at checkout for 8% off.

 

[GPB]

I don't know how old you are, but if you were to go and order 2 sets of parts for an ROP mag conversion, you could build it with your dad, have a few age appropriate beverages together and end up with a kickin' light when you are done. I haven't made one yet, but it seems pretty easy. You start with a mag lite, get a battery carrier to run 6AA's instead of 2 D's, a pelican bulb, glass lens and a metal reflector. Then you just assemble the parts and voila, you have something that puts out over 500 lumens, some quality father/son time, and you might just get your dad to say "wow" when its over.

 

[jzmtl]

Since you got $400 to spare, wait for surefire to release their 400 lumen UB2 invictus.

 

[germanshepherd]

welcome to the forum. Nice to see you and your dad being able to share a hobby. With $400 you have a lot to spend and many choices. I'll let the experts reply with suggestions...just wanted to say welcome.

 

[Juggernaut]

:welcome:
Your choices with that much money is near limitless. If I had that kind of doe I would probably buy this http://www.batteryjunction.com/aex25.html. Handles like a normal flashlight but kicks out some serous 1500 lumens. Also the Task Force from Lowes for $20 with white background Cree LED will put out around 150 lumens with two C cells. Good fun light to start with "trust me":twothumbs

 

[FlashKat]

Here is the link to many places. Have fun looking.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=56067

I also highly recommend this dealer.
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/

 

[PayBack]

Well a Power on Board HID is hand held and will do 3200 lumen IIRC and you'd have at least $300 left over! I'm not in the US so I don't know the stores you get them in but you can also find them on EBay.

 

[jake25]

I don't know how old you are, but if you were to go and order 2 sets of parts for an ROP mag conversion, you could build it with your dad, have a few age appropriate beverages together and end up with a kickin' light when you are done. I haven't made one yet, but it seems pretty easy. You start with a mag lite, get a battery carrier to run 6AA's instead of 2 D's, a pelican bulb, glass lens and a metal reflector. Then you just assemble the parts and voila, you have something that puts out over 500 lumens, some quality father/son time, and you might just get your dad to say "wow" when its over.

building a ROP took less than a minute, i dont see how it could take any longer lol:thumbsup:

if you want shock and awe sacrificing run time, for about 290$, you can have a 2D mag put out 4400, claimed, bulb lumens that can start fires.

 

[xcel730]

If you want something big like a 3xD maglite ... get the elektrolumens modified P7 maglite ... up to 940 lumens (http://www.elektrolumens.com/).

I just got the Jetbeam Jet-III Pro and it's output is at 225 lumens for about $70 (http://bugoutgearusa.com/jetproiiiibs.html) - bugoutgearusa has discount for CPF member ... I got mine for $68 plus $7 shipping.

You could get a Surefire 6P for $40 and spend an extra $70 for Malkoff M60 Drop in (http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/index-main_page-index-cPath-1_8.html). It has a 240+ lumens output.

If you want something smaller in size, you could get a Nitecore Defender Infinity (http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme gear/flashlights main/defender_infinity.htm). Your friends would be surprised how bright a single AA is (use NiMh or 14500 rechargable batteries for better output and runtime).

A Fenix P3D is pretty small and lightweight for over 200+ lumens.

To be very honest, unless your job requires it (i.e., LEO) for practical day to day use, you'll rarely get to use such high output. It's also quite embarrassing (at least for me) when I turn on to 120 lumens to see the back of my computer (not to mention quite blinding). You may want to consider multimode flashlights ... super high to show off and when you really need it, and lower output for practical use.

With $400 dollars you have a lot of options ... but most likely, you'll end up spending thousands on more than one flashlight ... don't ask me how I know.

By the way ... :welcome:

 

[Chrontius]

Welcome to CPF, it's 2:30 and I'm about to go to bed, but +1 vote for the Malkoff and the ROP as an awesome pair of showing-off lights.

The good news is you'll get a lot of mileage out of the Surefire host. You've got a lot of 'em to choose from, especially with that budget. You might actually consider a Z2, or one of the 'CombatLight' style lights as a host, if you like the ergonomics.

If all you want is bright, BatteryJunction has a HID spotlight on their front page on sale, last I looked... less than $150?

 

[Norm]

This'll knock his socks off BOXER -24W / 168R HID Flashlight - Model Number: BXR24W - $389.99
I love mine always gets a great reaction even from Flasaholics. (Same light as in my Avatar)
Norm

 

[Crenshaw]

Since you got $400 to spare, wait for surefire to release their 400 lumen UB2 invictus.

+1

Crenshaw

 

[MikeSalt]

$400s? That could buy Mac's 'The Torch' with change if I am not mistaken. Will brightness impress your dad, or is runtime still a factor.

Of course, there is the 'wickedly impressive output, stupidly small' arena. All are within budget, and the Raw series all have a 160 lumen high-mode.

 

[LEDninja]

The latest LED is the SSC P7.
I have listed all those commercially available here.
Links to reviews and beamshots as well.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=2449743&postcount=4

 

[Stereodude]

Maybe look at one of these?

It's even brighter than "The Torch".

 

[Matteblack]

Or you could take the other route, not go with the brightest, and take a look at the McGizmo Ti-Mule that Beach Honda is selling for $420. Something anyone who likes lights can appreciate!

 

[Brigadier]

There is also the Blackbear Borealis.
http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/

 

[Stereodude]

There is also the Blackbear Borealis.
http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/

No offense, but isn't that's just a commercialized Mag85? :thinking: