Please recommend me a flashlight!

[nleahcim]

Howdy gents - I've decided it's time for me to finally get a *real* flashlight. It will mainly be for when I'm out exploring at 4AM (I'm a bit of a night owl...) and also for just general flashlighty use. I've had one of those anglehead military flashlights for quite a while - but they're big, bulky, and not particularly bright. I love that you can easily put in different filters - mostly I just use either no filter or a red gel.

What I'm looking for is something small - maybe C sized batteries at most - that has adjustable brightness (maybe first click turns it on dim, second click medium, third click bright, fourth off?). As for batteries - are there rechargeables that work well in flashlights? Ideally I wouldn't have to buy some weird single use batteries - that would make me always feel guilty about using the light. Adjustable focus would be cool - and the ability to add in a red gel would be great. Water-resistance is an absolute must, and I'd like it to be pretty hardy.

Any suggestions? Budget is fairly open, I think.

 

[HKJ]

Any suggestions? Budget is fairly open, I think.

Check out the Fenix L2D, it has 4 levels and your can get a red filter, a red diffuser and a white diffuser for it. It run on two AA batter and is best with rechargables.

The light also exist in a smaller version called L1D (1 AA).

The lights has a pushbutton in the end, to select level your use the pushbutton and the head of the light:
With lose head: Push to turn on in low, a light push will step up a level, pushing again will get your high and then sos, then back to low.

With tight head: Push to turn on in turbo, a light push will change to strobe, next push goes back to turbo.

 

[Bigsy]

Well my vote would be a dereelight CL1H, its very versatile, very well built, has more punch than any AA, and when buying you have a choice of modules and reflectors to suit your taste. And it taking p-60 drop-ins means its very upgradeable in the future when new led bins etc come to market.

Down side would be you need to buy some 18650 batteries and charger, but these can be had for $20 all in from dealextreme....but will give you load of light and good runtimes.

 

[I came to the light...]

First off, don't worry about size. 90% of all LED flashlights discussed here are far smaller than a 2-C light.

Second, what kind of beam pattern do you want? Would you prefer a really bright hotspot that will light things up 200+ yards away, a floody light that's just as bright but will only throw out to 30 yards but illuminating a far larger area, or something inbetween? I'll warn you beforehand - throwers will require a wider head to accomodate a larger reflector.

Well my vote would be a dereelight CL1H...

Have you seen the new JET-III review? The CL1H is outperformed in every way, but there isn't a runtime test yet...

 

[maxa beam]

Surefire UA2 Optimus coming this month.
It's a Surefire, which is always good. Surefire durability and reliability.
But it's pretty much gonna be Surefire's flagship flashlight. It will have 11 modes, a 200 lumen max output(A mag is about ten), 100 hour battery life at its' lowest power, and FOCUSES. That means it can go from spot beam (Throws a long beam downrange) to a flood beam (Wall of light) and all points in between. 289$, includes 20 batteries, enough to refill it 10 times. It's small enough to EDC. (Every day carry.) Also has a strobe and S.O.S function.
If you need the maximum 200 lumens you press the tailcap down. Otherwise, you turn the tailcap.

There will also be another one which is the same size, has a reflector, but doesn't have the focusing ability, but has an incredible 400 LUMEN OUTPUT.
If it was me, I'd go for the Optimus. Focusing has never been done like they're doing it, and a focusable beam with no imperfections is invaluable. Go outside, investigate funny noise from afar with maximum setting on. Go closer and shift to flood beam, to find it was a giraffe or something. Go inside and read newspaper with low setting.

 

[Bigsy]

First off, don't worry about size. 90% of all LED flashlights discussed here are far smaller than a 2-C light.

Second, what kind of beam pattern do you want? Would you prefer a really bright hotspot that will light things up 200+ yards away, a floody light that's just as bright but will only throw out to 30 yards but illuminating a far larger area, or something inbetween? I'll warn you beforehand - throwers will require a wider head to accomodate a larger reflector.



Have you seen the new JET-III review? The CL1H is outperformed in every way, but there isn't a runtime test yet...

Where's a comparative review of it?

 

[I came to the light...]

Surefire UA2 Optimus coming this month.
It's a Surefire, which is always good. Surefire durability and reliability.
But it's pretty much gonna be Surefire's flagship flashlight. It will have 11 modes, a 200 lumen max output(A mag is about ten), 100 hour battery life at its' lowest power, and FOCUSES. That means it can go from spot beam (Throws a long beam downrange) to a flood beam (Wall of light) and all points in between. 289$, includes 20 batteries, enough to refill it 10 times. It's small enough to EDC. (Every day carry.) Also has a strobe and S.O.S function.
If you need the maximum 200 lumens you press the tailcap down. Otherwise, you turn the tailcap.

There will also be another one which is the same size, has a reflector, but doesn't have the focusing ability, but has an incredible 400 LUMEN OUTPUT.
If it was me, I'd go for the Optimus. Focusing has never been done like they're doing it, and a focusable beam with no imperfections is invaluable. Go outside, investigate funny noise from afar with maximum setting on. Go closer and shift to flood beam, to find it was a giraffe or something. Go inside and read newspaper with low setting.

+ on that one. I normally don't recommend it b/c it is giant for the batteries it takes, but if you're used to C-celled lights it will seem compact.

PS - this shows just how much confidence we have in SureFire. This hasn't even been released, let alone reviewed by a reputable source.

btw, the UB2 is .4" longer and .3" wider. Just a side note.

 

[Bigsy]

And the link to the jetbeam review?

 

[I came to the light...]

Where's a comparative review of it?

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=196280, by Wattnot.

It's not clear as day, but I'd say it outperforms it noticeably, and has a better size and UI.

 

[I came to the light...]

And the link to the jetbeam review?

sorry for the wait, it had drifted a few pages back.

 

[Bigsy]

Yeah, i've read that, it says there's nothing in it and the CL1H doesn't even have dereelight's highest output pill.

Anyway, forget that, the point I made was about versatility of picking the module and reflector to suit and ease of upgradablitly for the dropin. Both points the jetbeam can't match. So.....

'The CL1H is outperformed in every way' just does not ring true imo.

 

[I came to the light...]

Yeah, i've read that, it says there's nothing in it and the CL1H doesn't even have dereelight's highest output pill.

Anyway, forget that, the point I made was about versatility of picking the module and reflector to suit and ease of upgradablitly for the dropin. Both points the jetbeam can't match. So.....

'The CL1H is outperformed in every way' just does not ring true imo.

Don't get me wrong, I actually really like both Dereelights, especially the DBS. But in the respects that matter to me, I think it was finally beaten. The JET-III is about as bright, with a bit of an edge. The Dereelight UI isn't even close. And I personally care a lot about the size - others may not.

In upgradeability, of course the CL1H is better. I personally don't put much weight on that aspect, which is why I didn't mention it. For reflectors, I'd prefer a light that has a balance to start. After all, it's quite a hastle to change reflectors - if I bought both I would pick the one I liked more and leave it that way.

And the pill used is Dereelight's brightest pill. Wattnot says it is a 1S pill. Before Dereelight's pill naming system changed there was no 1S pill, just 1SD and 1SM. Now the former was shortened to simply "1S". The point is, since the naming system changed Dereelight has used only Q5 emitters (with a short and now ended run of R2s), so the pill used had a Q5 CREE. Another result of the above logic is that we know it is a digital pill, which is their brightest (hardest driven) series. If you were expecting a R2 pill, consider first that it was a very limited run and now not generally available, and second that the R2s used not only had a poor tint bin, but in some cases showed less output than Dereelight's equivalent Q5s.

ps - sorry for the long response time. It's easy to get caught up in these forums

 

[Gunner12]

For you use, I'd recommend the Fenix L2D-CE Q5 or the L2T V2.0. Both 2 AA powered and pretty bright.

The L2T V2.0 will be simpler to use and have a "normal clickie"(has momentary)

The L2D-CE Q5 will be brighter and have more modes(pretty simple to use).

The Olight T25 is also another good choice.

8% off coupon at Fenix Store is "CPF8" and 5% off coupon at Battery Junction is "CPF2006".

:welcome:

 

[2xTrinity]

What I'm looking for is something small - maybe C sized batteries at most - that has adjustable brightness (maybe first click turns it on dim, second click medium, third click bright, fourth off?). As for batteries - are there rechargeables that work well in flashlights? Ideally I wouldn't have to buy some weird single use batteries - that would make me always feel guilty about using the light.

There are plenty. In fact it's getting to the point where it's harder to find lights that work well on NON rechargeable batteries.

I would actually recommend getting Sanyo Eneloop AA and AAA cells. They are low-self-discharge, which means unlike standard NiMH cells, they maintain their charge when sitting on a shelf for months, so you can load them up in things like cameras, or flashlights that are onl used intermittently, and that require more power than cheap alkalines can deliver. Previously your only options are to use standard NiMH and often find your devices dead when you need them, or burn through $2.50 disposable lithium AAs.

Another nice advantage of rechargeables, aside from the fact they are "guilt free" and save a lot of money, is that you can always top them off. With disposables you have to run them all the way down before swapping them out with a fresh one.

Based on your other desired features, I would recommend the Fenix L1D, with Sanyo Eneloops.

Adjustable focus would be cool - and the ability to add in a red gel would be great. Water-resistance is an absolute must, and I'd like it to be pretty hardy.

IMO adjustable focus is overrated. Modern LED lights like the L1D have a good ratio between hotspot intsenity, and spill intensity, so they can be used either up close or at a distance. Much better IMO than the old stock maglites which had a tiny "pencil beam" and very little spill, but couldbe defocused to a not-very-useful "donut hole"

Depending on how much money you're willing to spend, and whether your'e comfortable with building things, I would actually recommend you go to the incan forum and inquire about making a hotwire for really high output and long throw. One good incan, and one good LED should satisfy most of your flashlight needs.

 

[lumenal]

As for batteries - are there rechargeables that work well in flashlights? Ideally I wouldn't have to buy some weird single use batteries - that would make me always feel guilty about using the light.

Agree with the posters who recommend the Fenix line of AA lights...

Fenix AA lights are made for rechargeable cells, particularly Ni-MH.

That way you can get your feet wet using chargers and Ni-MH cells, which, following simple precautions, are very safe to use.

I'm not sure recommending potentially volatile Li-Ion rechargeables to a novice would be a wise option...

 

[maxa beam]

Li-ions aren't as dangerous as they're cracked up to be.

 

[Buffalohump]

Another vote for the L2D. I've had mine for a few months now and it is a superb light for general use. I haven't gone over to rechargeables yet as I am still on my original two Energisers.

Granted I rotate several different lights but this is still excellent runtime IMO.

You didn't mention a specific budget. You have to give a budget around here or you'll get many suggestions for lights that most 'normal' people would consider waaaay to pricey.

The Fenix range is within the reach of most folks and are very good value for money.

As far as the 'waterproof' factor goes, not many lights qualify as waterproof. For that you would have to spend quite a bit more. But if you're running around in the rain or whatever, the light will be fine. If you drop it in the duckpond, however, that will probably be the end of it.

Oh, and welcome to CPF!

 

[Stainz]

From the advice here of some great folks, I bought a Fenix '4 in 1' kit - <$68 delivered from the Fenix Store, inc 'CPF8' discount. I was indecisive as to batteries - and it makes up a P2D Q5 Premium with 180 Lumens output on 'Turbo' from a single CR123 as well as an L1D, which can put out 120 Lumens from a single AA cell. It comes with one LED head, two battery holders/switches, a holster, a diffuser, a battery holder cap, as well as lanyards, o-rings, and switch boots - a bargain. The greatest attribute is the ability to try AAs and CR123s.

I put a Ray-o-vac alkaline AA and Surefire CR123 in the respective bodies when it arrived here in February... and they still work. I also bought a SF 6PLED and a regular 6P & P60L head and, eventually, three dozen CR123s from Surefire (<$70 shipped 2-day!). I am still on the original cells in the 6Ps, too - and I use one or more of the trio every day. I like the dependability of primary cells - and they can be responsibly disposed of. I enjoy the frugal nature of NiMH AAs - and have watched them go from twice (1100 mA-Hr) to nearly five times (2650 mA-Hr) the capacity of their cantankerous predecessors (NiCd). The NiMHs should be 'topped up' prior to use, as they do self-discharge. I may have the time before I take my digital camera & bag out on vacation, holiday visits, etc, but when I hear a 'bump' in the middle of the night... I'll stick with good primary cells - like that CR123.

Stainz

PS My camera bag has four Energizer Lithium AAs - for emergency use - I have 9+ yr left to use them!

 

[Cheapskate]

Well if you need red and white light, how about a Proton Pro. It has both a white and red led, both of which have variable output:

http://www.cpfreviews.com/LRI-Proton-Pro.php

 

[HKJ]

As far as the 'waterproof' factor goes, not many lights qualify as waterproof. For that you would have to spend quite a bit more. But if you're running around in the rain or whatever, the light will be fine. If you drop it in the duckpond, however, that will probably be the end of it.

If the light is lubricated and the O-rings are ok, a trip into the duckpond is no problem, a washing machine is also ok (But the light might get scratched).

Here is my L0D after a trip in the washing machines, when I took it out, it worked and was clean but was scratched :

Most quality lights can easily take a short trip under water.