New to flashlights, looking for some advice

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llmercll

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Dec 27, 2009
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I believe this is a more appropriate forum for my thread =)

I've been wanting to get a couple cheap LED flashlights to replace my huge old maglights for some time now. I'm ready to take the plunge, and just looking for some advice.

I've been browsing dealextreme and meritline and found some lights that can be very powerful with the proper lithium batteries. here are the ones I'm looking at.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/hugsby-p2-cree-q5-wc-190-lumen-led-flashlight-1-aa-1-14500-32876

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-c3-cree-1xaa-1x14500-flashlight-with-holster-1993#open full view

http://www.meritline.com/focus-zoom-lens-flashlight-light---p-44806.aspx

Now I know the hugsby doesn't have a very long runtime, but is very powerful. I wanted that one mostly for fun or situations where I need a lot of light (and fun factor =p). For the more practical, not quite so powerful but longer lasting light, I was considering the other ones.

What do you guys think of these lights? Are these solid all around lights? The price is great and I'm not looking to spend too much. I was also looking at the fenix eo1 as an emergency light for its super long run time, but the 10lumens kind of discouraged me (what can you expect for that runtime though?)

thanks to anyone who read this lengthy post and I'd appreciate some feedback on my choices =)

thanks!
 
I can't say about the DX lights. (although there are plenty of posts along the lines of buyer beware!)

If you want a back-up light the E01 is well regarded. I personally would pick the E05 over the E01. It's brighter, smaller, and has a much better tint to it.:thumbsup:
 
I second the above sentiments. Take a look at iTP at the very least. If you send me a PM I can tell you about some places with CPF discounts around 10% to help you afford them as well.
 
Thanks for the input guys!

Unless I'm mistaken the better lights come at around $40-50. At this point my interest in LED flashlights is "experimental", and would prefer to get a couple different cheap lights to see what I like before investing in higher quality, more reliable and expensive lights. I'm definitely not expecting to get surefire quality or even very reliable lights from DX, but I believe it's a good starting point for me. I won't rely on them for emergency situations, but am seriously considering a few E01's for that. After reading your inputs I will most likely hang on to my maglights, even if the DX ones turn out to be much brighter/smaller =)

If there are any recommended lights at around $15-20, I'd be very eager to check them out =)

thanks again!
 
Check out the Task Force 2C at Lowes for a starter light. 165 lumens from a TIR lens. Bright little sucker that throws some serious light. Better than anything from DX. One of the most talked about "cheapies" in a while. Plus, if you're not satisfied, you can return it with out waiting four months.

Oh, and welcome to CPF!
 
Get a Solarforce Light
L2 (18650)
L2r (2xAA)
L2i (3xAAA)

I have several of these. Great quality and better than those in DX. way better. in my opinion.
 
Thanks! I've read great things about the L2i, I'll take a look at those on ebay. Possibly the fenix e20, task force, or ITP as well.

I have a question now about batteries. I see there are 18650 and 14500 rechargable li-on batteries. I'm wondering, can these be used in any cree light that accepts AA? or will some be unable to handle it and burn out? or be unable to handle the heat?

Also, whats the difference between 18650's and 14500's? From what I can tell the 18650's have a higher capacity, but same voltage.

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-3-7v-900mah-14500-lithium-battery-2-pack-3435
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/trustfire-protected-18650-lithium-battery-2500mah-2-pack-blue-5790
 
Those lithium cells you were referring to; 18650's and 14500's refer to the size of the battery. For example, 18650 = 18mm diameter and 650 mm height. So the 14500 cells would be around the same size as your standard AA battery. There are some fluctuations in size with those lithium cells though, some are slightly wider or longer than the suggested "18650 or 14500"

Size should be the only difference between the two. Some li-ion cells can have a voltage up to 4.2V from the charger, and that may affect the lights you put them in. Run a search about these lithium cells (hopefully the've been recovered). Lots of knowledgeable people roam these parts that have a lot to say about these things! 😉
 
IImercII, since your "new" to this, I'll offer a couple suggestions. For your "first" LED's, stay away from the rechargeable Li-ion chemistry, at least until you've had some time to educate yourself to not only the advantages these cells offer, but the very important "drawbacks" as well. Lots to learn and lots to do "properly" for you to fully enjoy the rechargeable cells and the lights they feed. Secondly, get yourself one of the less expensive "well known" AA or 2 AA models. Spend that extra 10 bucks or so and get something that won't leave a bad taste in your mouth. Using and enjoying that one decent quality light will reap dividends in your further education and subsequent enjoyment this hobby offers. If you get the "cheapos" from DX, there's a good chance you'll end up getting frustrated and might "walk away" from what would have otherwise been a very pleasant experience and introduction into the "flashaholic" world! Good luck with your decision, and
:welcome:
 
I agree with mrlysle!!

It took me 5 years b/4 I started using Li-on cells. I'm not the one to stop you tho..... But READ, READ, and READ. Understand your risk before hand.

I would suggest you start with well known 1xAA 2xAA or 4xAA lights and than invest in eneloop/LSD cells and good charger next.

Check Target 1 AA energizer and 2 AA energizer lights. 1 AA looks like
MLT1WAAE-LG.jpg
some info about it : http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...W-1AA-Target&p=2765920&viewfull=1#post2765920
and here:http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...W-1AA-Target&p=2805335&viewfull=1#post2805335
or read thru the thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...-OP-reflector-version-Energizer-1W-1AA-Target

Either way, good luck hunting.
 
I would second staying away from 18650 and 14500. They have a big performance advantage but if your on a tight budget stay with AA or AAA. There is also a budget sub forum under LED flashlights if you want to check in there.

I have no personal experience with them but names that seem to come up a lot are Romisen, rayovac sportsman extreme, solarforce, ITP, and Maratac
 
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Thanks for the additional input!

I will do that then. I didn't know there were any dangers or drawbacks to using the Li-on cells (besides not all lights being compatible and risks involving non protected cells).

I actually have some eneloop batteries and use them all the time for things like controllers mice etc. Will they work well in flashlights? I always though eneloops were a bit weaker than regular alkalines and would effect the lumen output. Don't know though that's why I'm here =)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Solarforce-L2i-...Flashlights&hash=item3efa7ac6f0#ht_2660wt_905

How does this look? I'd need to get a bulb (and a driver?) but have no idea how to go about that.
 
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llmercll said:
I actually have some eneloop batteries and use them all the time for things like controllers mice etc. Will they work well in flashlights? I always though eneloops were a bit weaker than regular alkalines and would effect the lumen output. Don't know though that's why I'm here =)
Click to expand...
eneloops are THE choice for flashlights! You´ll get much longer runtimes than with alkalines, they won´t leak if left in the light for a long period....

As for the flashlights, i would suggest you get a:
-ITP EOS A3 (either the XR-E Q5 edition or the newer XP-G R5 edition) from a local seller (shinningbeam has fast delivery and you can get a 10% "cpfuser" 😉 discount)
-A light of the Solarforce L2-series that works with AA batteries, the L2r. Great light itself, and you can use many parts like the dropin, head, bezel etc on LiIon lights of the L2-series when you´re going for LiIon.
http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=31&id=114

You can set the lights to one of 3 brightness levels so have both great runtimes and high brightness if you need it. 🙂


Both lights are known to be great lights, especially for thier price they can barely be beaten imho.
 
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What kind of batteries do you want to use? AAA, AA, CR123 or 18650?
L2/L2P fits 1x 18650 or 2x Cr123 ( LiIon)
L2r fits 2x AA
L2i fits 3x AAA

-Be sure to get a genuine SF ( if you´re unsure post the name not link) of the seller)
-The dropins you listed might do the trick on the L2/L2P or the L2i, but do yourself a favour and get
one of the low voltage dropins from the solarforce sales site.

The price range from getting outdated, bad quality products and getting pretty decent products is quite small on the budget sector....

EDIT:
My first "real" flashlight was this one:
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/ultrafire-cree-c3-flashlight-with-2xaa-extension-tube-bundle-4452
I had to clean to make it function, but it remained unreliable...
And i haven´t even looked at it once since i got my first Solarforce...
 
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Be careful of buying on eBay. Unless you are getting a Solarforce from ITC Shop on eBay, if you are only paying $8, it could easily be fake. ITC also runs solarforce-sales and they are legit. It will take you 2-4 weeks to get a light from them though.

I'm surprised this thread hasn't been moved to budget lights yet. You'll get nothing but abuse talking about inexpensive lights in the main LED forum.
 
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