newbie help

[bwrag]

Hi

I wanting to get some lights. I have looked and read through the forums. Its very over whelming if you have no idea about flashlights. Im wanting a tactical style one for around the house. and then one that throws a long distance. I need some direction. I have been looking at the fenix but not set on that. Help please

 

[bwrag]

anyone?

 

[tacgearguy]

Try the check list to narrow it down.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...2-Flashlight-Recommendation-Checklist-Updated!!

 

[bwrag]

Try the check list to narrow it down.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...2-Flashlight-Recommendation-Checklist-Updated!!

thanks for the help

 

[Gunner12]

The recommendation checklist above will help narrow down the selection.

I'd also suggest getting a good quality budget light so you have a point of reference. Something from Shiningbeam, Fenix's E series, and a few others could work.

:welcome:

 

[bwrag]

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

Less than $150.

3) Format:

I want a flashlight.


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
Holster carry.



5) Emitter/Light source:

LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:

I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.


7) What battery type do you want to use?

I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)

I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)

I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).

I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).

I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).

I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).

I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).



12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

I don't care.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)

14)Material/Finish/Coating

Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).

15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

none

 

[bwrag]

The recommendation checklist above will help narrow down the selection.

I'd also suggest getting a good quality budget light so you have a point of reference. Something from Shiningbeam, Fenix's E series, and a few others could work.

:welcome:

thanks for the info and welcome

I was wantin 2 to 3 lights

small one for bedroom keep in car (maybe a few of these) simple on and off. cheap

good general one somthing like fenix tk22 (not set on this model or brand). 50-75 dollars

then a large long distance light, 100-150 dollars

 

[bwrag]

meant ld22 above not tk

 

[Gunner12]

Thrunite is having a christmas sale right now, and the TN31 is a great thrower, and bundle includes a their T10, a nice small 1 AA twistie. The Ti bundle could also be good as the small lights to leave everywhere.

Do you prefer 2 AA lights for EDC? I currently switch between a Sunwayman V11R and Zebralight SC51 as my EDC, and I've got a DQG III on my keychain. I like them, but the Zebralight turns on on occasionally in my pocket, along with the DQG. I can lockout the Zebralight, and I keep the DQG because if it's small size.

The Shiningbeam Spark, I-mini, or Caveman could be decent starter lights too.

 

[bwrag]

Thrunite is having a christmas sale right now, and the TN31 is a great thrower, and bundle includes a their T10, a nice small 1 AA twistie. The Ti bundle could also be good as the small lights to leave everywhere.

Do you prefer 2 AA lights for EDC? I currently switch between a Sunwayman V11R and Zebralight SC51 as my EDC, and I've got a DQG III on my keychain. I like them, but the Zebralight turns on on occasionally in my pocket, along with the DQG. I can lockout the Zebralight, and I keep the DQG because if it's small size.

The Shiningbeam Spark, I-mini, or Caveman could be decent starter lights too.

Ill check out thrunite. I prefer 2 AA. Thanks for the info, Do you have any experience with intl outdoor?

 

[Gunner12]

Thrunite has their own store, search "Thrunite Store" and that's where they are having the deal.

I've never bought from Intl Outdoor, but they seem like a good place to buy (some feedback on the store).