Newbie here!

[generic808]

Hey everyone, just wanted to say hi. I'm no expert when it comes to flashlights, but I do have some sort of fascination with them. I don't have any $100 pieces, just a Surefire G2, Gerber TX3.0, and Brinkmann Maxfire LX. I was wondering how/where those flashlights fair in comparison to other lights at the same price point. To me, these lights are great for the size and the price. But what do I know? I guess that's why I joined, so please help me become more knowledgeable about flashlights.

I'm interested in getting a very good, bright LED and I'm willing to spend a little more dough on my next purchase. What recommendations do you guys have for a light in say, the $60-$80 category. Also, for my TX3.0 I use Duracell AA 2650 rechargeables, but are there any other brands out there? And for the other two lights, what type of charger/battery combo would be best? CR123's are a bit pricey so I want to get rechargeables. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[gilly]

Howdy, Generic

I am by no means the most knowledgeable member of this forum, but I am a fan of Fenix and Surefire lights. I'd recommend the following lights from 60-80 bucks:

https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_85


https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=362

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=360

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=358

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_49&products_id=191


http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/24459/sesent/00

http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/24460/sesent/00

For the Fenix Store, you can use a discount code of CPF8 for an 8% discount. The owner, 4Sevens, is a member of CPF and he and his employees are great with customer service.

As far as rechargeable batteries, you should definitely try some of the Low Self Discharge (LSD) models available. Sanyo's ENELOOP were the groundbreakers in this arena. Check out this link:

http://thomasdistributing.com/shop/...41_142.html?osCsid=pltg1avj0ae3ts15d8t3v656k7


If you are not familiar with the Low Self Discharge models, they are not as highly "rated" (2000 or 2100 mAh) vice the 2650 you are using. However, they do not discharge very fast while sitting in the light. So, if you have the light sitting around for a number of weeks, months before you "use up" the charge in the batteries, then the LSD will actually last as long if not longer than the regular NiMh. (the website actually explains it too)

As far as Rechargeable 123s - I don't have any yet. But I have heard good things on this forum about AW brand cells:

http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1155


Well - that will give you something to look at for awhile! Have fun - and get ready to spend some $$!!!

Good luck...

 

[Gunner12]

I'd say, replace the Gerber with the Fenix L2D-CE Q5(and don't forget the 8% off coupon).

For the G2 and Maxfire, the rechargeable batteries will blow the bulbs. You would have to change it to a LED drop-in or a bulb that can handle the voltage.

What:

Size?
Output?
Modes?

Charger and battery combo. Most would say AW's batteries and for charger, I'm not too sure.

:welcome:

 

[generic808]

For the G2 and Maxfire, the rechargeable batteries will blow the bulbs. You would have to change it to a LED drop-in or a bulb that can handle the voltage.

Really? So I wouldn't be able to use rechargeables with them? I'm really new to this stuff and wouldn't even know where to start with an LED swap. Is it a cheap and simple process? Where would a get a conversion kit from? Sorry for all the stupid questions, I'm just new and really know nothing about this stuff :shrug:

By the way, thanks for the replies and the links, guys. I appreciate it.

 

[Marduke]

The G2 and MaxFire LX take a P60 style dropin.

You'll want to pick one that can handle at least 8.4v to run on 2xRCR123's

P60 LED list:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=173764

 

[Oddjob]

Welcome to CPF.

 

[Gunner12]

You can use rechargeable batteries with them. You just can't use the stock bulbs. You'll need bulbs that are designed to work with 2 RCR123 batteries if you plan on staying with an incan, or you can buy a LED drop-in with the right voltage range.

LED drop-in would be like replacing the Lamp module. Replace the Incan module with the LED and you should be done.

Look here for LED drop-ins.

 

[jumpstat]

Welcome to CPF. How are you going to use your lights? Its better to suit the light to its intended use....and easier to recommend to you

 

[generic808]

The G2 and MaxFire LX take a P60 style dropin.

You'll want to pick one that can handle at least 8.4v to run on 2xRCR123's

P60 LED list:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=173764

LOL...OK, I just clicked that link above and let me tell you, it's like reading another language to me I'm so lost looking at that list. You said a P60 style drop-in, but which ones on the list are P60's?

Sorry for sounding so stupid but believe me, I feel even more stupid than I sound

 

[BSCOTT1504]

:welcome: You don't sound stupid and there's no reason to feel that way!

Go to Lighthounds site and order AW brand RCR123's and a charger. While you are on their site you can also get a P60 style drop-in for 29.95. The Lighthound is a great company to deal with (I've placed several orders with them) and their service is excellent!!

Don't overload your senses right now by looking at 20 different drop-ins.

 

[Marduke]

LOL...OK, I just clicked that link above and let me tell you, it's like reading another language to me I'm so lost looking at that list. You said a P60 style drop-in, but which ones on the list are P60's?

Sorry for sounding so stupid but believe me, I feel even more stupid than I sound

They are ALL P60 style. What's different is the accepted voltage range, and therefore what type and what number of cells you intend to run it on. Also, they are various ones with different brightness, modes, emitters, etc.

 

[IKE]

Generic808: Try looking at this website www.regalight.com for the Regal WT1 model. The current price is $85.00. This light is best used for outdoor use.
If you need something for the inside try the Olight T-20 Special Edition. I think they cost around $55.00 with a coupon discount at www.Batteryjunction.com.