newbie needs help to choose small flashlight

[Zvi]

Hi All,
Been lurking around for couple weeks, lots of info to absorb. Obviously not very experienced with LED flashlights. Had my photon II for few years, and few months ago got 8 led Nightbuster.
Basically, I am looking for a single LED small flashlight to replace nightbuster. As far as I understand 1W luxeon should be brighter than that and more efficient in terms of battery life?
So far I found Arc LS(what's the difference between high or low dome?) and SureFire L1.
Again, based on posts looks like L1 is brighter, but needs more expensive 123 batteries, which are a hassle as usual.
Is there anything els I should look at?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Badbeams3]

I`m sure you know many of our members mod lights and sell them. It`s a great way to get some cutting edge bright lights at good prices. But...well how about a Reactor 3 for under $40 they run on AAA. Oh and welcome!

 

[notamchris]

Zvi: The arc ls does run on 123 batteries, unless you get a 2aa tail pack for it (available from just about anywere that sells the arc flashlights)

 

[B@rt]

Don't forget the drop-in mods from dat2zip, the sandwich, and others, like Inretech ...

Also check out the Blasters from Elektrolumens.

I'm sure you will find something to your liking... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Oh, Welcome to CPF! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Duh! you're looking for small flashlights... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ohgeez.gif My bad... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

 

[keithhr]

123 3volt batteries can be had at surefire for 12 for $15 or toshibas can be bought online for a $1 a piece. I can't think of a better 3 volt light than the ARC LSH bang for the buck, small, efficient, can be carried on a key chain, I have bigger 6 volt,9 volt lights, Inova X5 is a6 volt light and can't touch the ARC LSH. The Blaster VI is a killer 9 volt led light but it has to be a different application. If I were to go camping or the country side I would probably take my ARC LSH, Blaster VI and some type of regular light, surefire 9P or something else.

 

[Zvi]

Thanks guys /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Ken - I know some of the CPF members do mods, to be precise I found Inretech and Elektrolumen, and just started checking out sandwiches. More pointers will be highly welcomed /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
B@rt - /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I'm waiting for Helios, and Blaster V. For starters that should cover big flashlights.
Keith, thanks for the tip, ordered some.

 

[B@rt]

[ QUOTE ]
Zvi said:
B@rt - /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I'm waiting for Helios, and Blaster V. For starters that should cover big flashlights.


[/ QUOTE ]

LOL! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif It sure will... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Low dome is more of a flood, while high dome is more of a spot.

(Since nobody else answered that part of your question.)

 

[Zvi]

Thanks.
Do you know if anybody does mods on surefires?

 

[B@rt]

CM did some mods, KL1/KL3 mod with 5W luxeon-pictures , and McGizmo is known for his awsome work on various SureFires as well... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
Check out his site here . /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

I'm sure there are others as well, but these were the first two that came to mind... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Hope this helps,

 

[shipinretech]

We make a AA Mini-MAG adapter and sell them seperately or assembled. Many of the other models available are made with plastic bodies and I have seen some shaggy plastic LED flashlights as a result of much use. The Mini-MAG is a well proven design that has some of the best ergonomics for the price out there. There are smaller flashlights out there, but for a starter flashlight, our AA adapter is quite good.

We also use standard alkaline batteries that are available anywhere batteries are sold.

Although the HELIOS is the second brightest LED flashlight in the world (Our MEGA6 is the brightest), it is not our most practical flashlight. I always reccomend the TRILIGHT because it produces a lot of light for a long time without costing an arm and a leg for the adapter and battery. I want our products to be used a lot and I think that the TRILIGHT is used without hesitation.

Of course, if you need the authority of the HELIOS, well there is nothing like the best.

 

[Zvi]

shipinretech said:
We make a AA Mini-MAG adapter and sell them seperately or assembled.
I know /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Ordered one, and Mike was nice to give one for free.

Although the HELIOS is the second brightest LED flashlight in the world (Our MEGA6 is the brightest), it is not our most practical flashlight.
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Gotta have it. Even if it's the second.

I always reccomend the TRILIGHT
Ordered with Helios and 2AA, once I realized I had a gap in LEDs /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif