Pls Help me choose

[hnq]

My trusty Black and Decker Spotlighter has died...it's now time to get a real flashlight. Here's what I'll use it for: general household, walking the dog, looking for the dog, power failures, etc... It is highly likely that this light will be dropped, get dirty, get wet, and generally - get abused. So, I'm looking to get something that has good throw (for looking for the dog) and good flood (for power failures). I also want rechargeable as I want the light to always be ready for power failures, emergencies, etc. I see that the Twin Task series are often mentioned for general use, but also see from comparison charts posted elsewhere that their throw is very limited. My wife also wants something light in weight (less than 1 pound). I'm also trying to do this as cheaply as possible. What would you get? (the prices listed in the poll are approx. from BassPro shops - www.basspro.com)

Thanks for the input!

 

[gunspease]

I've used one at work for over year it's been great. I'll get a strion soon it will be nice to have a shorter light.

 

[flashfan]

What about the Stinger HP? Pricier, but it is a nice light that (to me) has an amazing reach (throw). I haven't picked up a Strion yet, so can't compare it, but the size of the Strion probably would appeal to your wife.

 

[hnq]

[ QUOTE ]
flashfan said:
What about the Stinger HP? Pricier, but it is a nice light that (to me) has an amazing reach (throw). I haven't picked up a Strion yet, so can't compare it, but the size of the Strion probably would appeal to your wife.

[/ QUOTE ]
The stinger HP does have amazing throw - and I figure that since police depts. are using the stinger - I shouldn't need more throw looking for my dog than police need looking for crooks. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif You're right strion would appeal to my wife - but it has less throw and is pricier than the stinger, and I'm concerned about it using a lithium ion battery that is only capable of 300 cycles (vs. 1000 cycles for nicad). This flashlight will not be used heavily and it will not be used everyday - I've read that lithium ion batteries are much more sensitive to battery abuse...I am a newbie in this area, so if my concerns about the strion are unfounded, someone please correct me.

I'm shocked that out of the responses thus far, no one has voted for the polystinger - istn't it the same as the stinger (functionality, toughness, durability), but cheaper since it has a different casing?

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Hnq,

Welcome to CPF.

I don't own any of the lights on your list, but from what I have read here believe the Stinger would suite your needs. I have nothing against the Poly Stinger, but my personal preference goes to metal lights.

My personal favorite for your application is the TigerLight.

Tom

 

[daloosh]

Hey hnq, welcome to CPF and why dontcha stay awhile!

A lot of people would beg to differ, but I like the stinger/polystinger/stingerHPs a lot. The polystinger is great for weight and easy to find colors, but like SilverFox, I like metal lights too.

I like the Stinger HP more for it's bright light and nice throw, one resides on our dresser for everyday use. I also like that I got it with home and car chargers, so I can grab it and take it on the road in a sec. It's a great general use light. Now, I don't carry it daily, and you wouldn't either, but I've heard LEOs complain they don't like the larger head banging or digging into their sides.

I'm not as impressed with the TwinTasks, they are not as durable as the Stingers. I haven't seen a Strion, but you trade lumens for some weight and size. If you EDCd it, that would be more important, but lighter is often better.

welcome again,
daloosh

 

[Stanley]

I only have the TT out of the lights you have listed above, and I'd vote for it. I suppose your wife would like the TT 2L for its size and brightness... As for yourself, maybe a G2 with a rechargable kit would be nice and bright, while not overly big? Besides, the Nitrolon body would hold up to almost any abuse you can think of I'm sure...

 

[Wolfen]

I would opt for a 3-C modded mag light for dog walking. That's what I use. Hotlips heatsink and a good S or T binned luxeon. Great throw and real easy to do the mod. For working around the house buy two UK 4AA ELED; 20 bucks plus shipping from brightguy.com.

 

[hnq]

I'd like to stick with just 1 purchase if possible - fewer things to lose. The 3c modded mag light sounds great, though probably a bit heavy for my wife. Size and weight are a pretty big consideration here. If I was the only one using it, I'd get a 3 pound lead acid rechargeable lantern for $20... I'm leaning towards the strion, though the price difference between it and the stinger make me hesitate...Also, there are more upgrade for the stinger (such as the HP head) than the strion.