Please recommend a flashlight

[Plumber guy]

You guys have some serious knowledge about flashlights. I have combed over several manufactures websites, but I just don't know what I'm looking at:duh2:

This forum helped me out big time when I needed a light and it was the best light I could have ever bought for my application. It was a Streamlight Propolymer 4aa Luxeon. That light has been though many conditions that should have killed it.

Now to my problem. Since I carry this light daily on my side it is constantly coming on or staying on because of the tailcap switch. If I had a dollar every time someone said "Your Flashlight is on." I would be rich. I've heard it for the last time today.

Could you guys please recommend a flashlight for me under these conditions.

Switch= Not tail cap.
Price= I don't care
Length= Around 6" or less
Battery= I really don't care but if I had a choice it would be AA due to availability. I would even due rechargeable at this point.

 

[Linger]

there's a sticky at the top of this forum, it contains a list of questions to help you narrow down your requests.

Tailcap
Most of the market uses a tailcap. Maybe Princeton Tech does some side switches. Also UK (underwater Kenetics) but I know these brands from dive lights and in truth the emitters they use are like 5 years old now (like your old streamlight) which means the performance is poor compaired to what you'd get with a leading edge flashlight maker.

You could try ITP for a new line that has a side switch to change modes but IIRC tailcap is still used to turn it on. You know what? I dont' understand your tailcap thing from your explaination.

Ignoring tailcap
Try 4sevens.com They sell Quark's, get a regular quark and it runs very easy - 1/2 press the button and each time it gets brighter. It comes with a holster. Turn the light off and put it in the holster, I assure you it won't come on by itself. 10 year guarentee on the lights.

Cheaper option is Rominsen lights from Shiningbeam.com Not as high performing, but durable enough to last you years.

--Think, how much diversity do you want out of the flashlight. For 'work' stuff I always want a constant brightness level, but for everything else I want a light that has a bright mode for short moments and majority of time I have the light at a much lower level.

Free Lumens - highest output, longest runtimes
Get rechargables. I highly recommend you do, getting 'free lumens' from recharging a cell is far cheaper (and ecologically sound) then throwing alkaline's out. Eneloops are fantastic. They last a long time, they are powerful, they do not require much education to learn to use them properly.

To go a step further (more into cpf territory) is lithuim rechargables. If you like the AA model, consider 14500 form factor. With a 4seven's Quark you could use lithium rechargables day in day out and know that if you ran out you could always put a nimh or alkaline cell in. With the Rominsen, you could use 16340 rechargables day by day and know that a 2AA battery tube could be used with common cells.
Read www.batteryuniversity.com before buying any rechargable lithium cells. Hundreds of CPF'ers use these cells safely because we know what to do BUT dozens of people blow up lithium cells because they didn't learn how to use them safely. The cells don't come with warnings, neither do the rechargers but just because you can put one into the other doesn't mean you won't blow it up. This is your warning: read battery university if you're going to recharge a lithium cell.

 

[bedazzLED]

Some of the new Zebralight torches might meet your 'no tail cap' criteria (SC30, SC50 soon to be released).

Some of the 4Sevens twisty lights.

Then there are the iTP torches. Even though the Eluma's do have a tailcap, they use a button on the side for switching modes.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Some of the new Zebralight torches might meet your 'no tail cap' criteria (SC30, SC50 soon to be released).

Some of the 4Sevens twisty lights.

Then there are the iTP torches. Even though the Eluma's do have a tailcap, they use a button on the side for switching modes.

+1

I second Zebralight new handlights.

 

[Plumber guy]

Yes I would rechargeables. :thumbsup:

I carry my flashlight in a holster on my belt. I have used various holsters but inevitably, the light gets turned on when I sit down or in the process of working.

Here is a pic of my light.

 

[vali]

Side switches are not common in premiun lights. I think the reason would probably be its easier to change a broken tailcap than fixing a switch wich its on the head of the light.

New Zebralights are the exception to the rule.

 

[John_Galt]

You could still look at many tailswitch lights, if you used a lock out. Basically, any light with anodized threads will not be able to turn on after 1/2-3/4 turns of the tailcap. There, problem solved.

I personally would suggest either the Fenix LD20, or the Quark AA^2 Tactical. I find the user interface of the Quarks frustrating, with all the extra blinking modes. The ultra-low mode is nice, but it's not worth the extra modes... IMO. The LD20 has a much easier to use UI, and, although not rated in torch lumens, like the Quarks, it's beam pattern throws the light further.

Or, get the Quark Tactical, which can be programmed to two modes of output (1 each head tight and loose), for whichever output you think will be most useful.

Both the Fenix and The Quarks are capable of tailcap lock-out, saving your batteries, and potential embarrassment.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

Side switches are not common in premiun lights. I think the reason would probably be its easier to change a broken tailcap than fixing a switch wich its on the head of the light.

New Zebralights are the exception to the rule.

Wrong. The reason for many premium lights having tailcap switches almost exclusively, it's only because most of them are compact tactical lights (or copy of real tactical lights) made to use with handguns. It's impossible to use cigar grip, Harries or the SureFire/Rogers technique with a small 2xCR123 or 3xCR123 handlight with no tailcap switch.

Zebralight is not the only exception. Mr Bulk's custom flashlights had side switches similar to Maglites. Also, the Pelican 7060 and 8060 LAPD lights have both types of switches: side switch and another one on the tailcap. Not to mention the Inova T4 and T5.

 

[vali]

I dont think ALL manufacturers desing their lights thinking on "hey, my light will be used with a gun" nor all of the lights are "tactical" (in fact probably most of them arent). There is life beyond firearms

 

[rikvee]

Plumbers in Australia charge $70 and upwards an hour,
and if I was one, I would assemble this killer useful combo,
actually I'd get two:

- a Malkoff M60LL Led Drop-in
(cheap at the moment, and this one goes for 8hrs and won't blind you )

- A yellow Surefire G2 Nitrolon

- rechargeable R123A batteries from AW on CPF

- a box of non- rechargeable Lithium batteries from Lighthound

The idea would be to run off rechargeables (I'd buy 2 pair) and have standard batts as as spares (I'd buy 24)

THis would give you a future-proof upgradable light, a shape light you can get lots of holsters for,
it's light weight and nylon exterior means it will do less damage if it's dropped,
the yellow color makes it always easy to find, and I would use the lock-out feature
on the tailswitch to prevent accidental turn on

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I dont think ALL manufacturers desing their lights thinking on "hey, my light will be used with a gun" nor all of the lights are "tactical" (in fact probably most of them arent). There is life beyond firearms

Yes, there is life beyond firearms, but that was not really my original point, was it? Using Strawman argument to evade a debate does not make your false affirmations true.

You mentioned premium lights using tailcap switches... And then you came with a very nonsensical reason trying to justify why they use it, not me.
Well, guess what? SureFire invented the concept of reliable "premium" lights using a tactical switch with momentary function with its 6P Original debut. Every other premium light in this form factor, is just a variation (or knock-off) of that concept. The tailcap switch with momentary-function was invented with the use of a handgun in combination with the flashlight in mind. And so was cigar grips and tactical rings which many manufacturers use today. This not me especutaling, it is a historical fact. That's the only reason why I brought firearms into this discussion.

"nor all of the lights are "tactical"(in fact probably most of them arent). "

Absolutely true. But are we talking about ALL lights in the market, or just the premium lights using tailcap switches, as you originally mentioned?
Are you really sure that most lights which belong in this category are not tactical, or at least not trying to fit in this niche-- failing at that or not? (oh, and many of them now are offering weapon-attachments to their lights, it must be their non-tactical aspirations showing...) Go to Fenix, Dereelight, Olight, Nitecore, Wolf-Eyes, Solarforce, Ultrafire, Microfire, Thrunite or JetBeam's website (or any other "hot" brand of the week discussed at CPF) and have a good look! I see pics or drawnings of soldiers, Law Enforcement officers and hunters holding handguns, rifles and shotguns everywhere in those websites. And in their CPF ads as well. I've never seen pics of guys in shorts walking their dogs, or checking their babies or taking a leak during the night... And where all these manufacturers and dealers go when they want to expose or advertise their products? SHOT Show and Knife&Firearms publications, not Regis & Kelly show.

You're in denial.

 

[rikvee]

had a few coffees too many, outdoors?

 

[Linger]

PlumberGuy,
OK, Tailcap worry solved. Many tailcap button's are recessed - check for any light that is listed as being able to 'tailstand.' This means the shroud from the tube extends past the button enabling the light to be rested on its end AND preventing accidental activation as the switch requires something (like a finger tip) be inserted into the protruding tail.
Check the Quark holster (and, most new light holsters) and you will not activate the light when it is holstered.
In addition to that, you could lock-out the Quark.
But most importantly the Quark holster will solve your problem, as will most 'new' holsters. Its a problem with your old holster design, not your fault per -say but just wrong tool holster for your usage style, but this worry %100 eliminated, both with recessed switches and with full holsters.

 

[CarlR]

As another option, could you get a holster that covers the tailcap switch?

 

[vali]

Yes, there is life beyond firearms, but that was not really my original point, was it? Using Strawman argument to evade a debate does not make your false affirmations true.

You mentioned premium lights using tailcap switches... And then you came with a very nonsensical reason trying to justify why they use it, not me.
Well, guess what? SureFire invented the concept of reliable "premium" lights using a tactical switch with momentary function with its 6P Original debut. Every other premium light in this form factor, is just a variation (or knock-off) of that concept. The tailcap switch with momentary-function was invented with the use of a handgun in combination with the flashlight in mind. And so was cigar grips and tactical rings which many manufacturers use today. This not me especutaling, it is a historical fact. That's the only reason why I brought firearms into this discussion.





Absolutely true. But are we talking about ALL lights in the market, or just the premium lights using tailcap switches, as you originally mentioned?
Are you really sure that most lights which belong in this category are not tactical, or at least not trying to fit in this niche-- failing at that or not? (oh, and many of them now are offering weapon-attachments to their lights, it must be their non-tactical aspirations showing...) Go to Fenix, Dereelight, Olight, Nitecore, Wolf-Eyes, Solarforce, Ultrafire, Microfire, Thrunite or JetBeam's website (or any other "hot" brand of the week discussed at CPF) and have a good look! I see pics or drawnings of soldiers, Law Enforcement officers and hunters holding handguns, rifles and shotguns everywhere in those websites. And in their CPF ads as well. I've never seen pics of guys in shorts walking their dogs, or checking their babies or taking a leak during the night... And where all these manufacturers and dealers go when they want to expose or advertise their products? SHOT Show and Knife&Firearms publications, not Regis & Kelly show.

You're in denial.

I dont want to argue, but money and being practical is not a nonsense. If you have a switch in the tailcap you can change it easily, can add an extender to put more cells, its easier to machined, etc.

Im not in a denial, but it seems noone can have a different opinion than yours. Several manufacturers read the forums and we can ask them (but it can happen they dont want to answer ).

Option 1:

The reason for many premium lights having tailcap switches almost exclusively, it's only because most of them are compact tactical lights (or copy of real tactical lights) made to use with handguns. It's impossible to use cigar grip, Harries or the SureFire/Rogers technique with a small 2xCR123 or 3xCR123 handlight with no tailcap switch.

Option 2: Economical and practical. Some of them benefit from having the switch in the tailcap (LEO), but that doesnt explain why ALMOST ALL use this kind of switch.

Now, lets stop the off-topic and try to help the op before an admin get serious.

 

[Plumber guy]

Now, lets stop the off-topic and try to help the op before an admin get serious.

Thank You!

After reading about some of the lights posted it leaves me more discouraged.

I really don't need multiple levels of brightness, strobe or numerous clicks just to turn the light on and off.

All I really need is a high quaility simple light without a tail switch. Clean, simple and quality.

 

[jabe1]

Go for a twisty... Peak or maybe Ra should do.

 

[don.gwapo]

Proton flashlight meet your criteria. Side switch, use AA, bright and under 4 inches.