Recommend 15cm or smaller 2 stage torch

[bourza]

Probably been a million similar requests for advice, so apologies. Googled a lot but practical advice is sooo much better.

Work in law enforcement, and want a 15cm or smaller low-high torch to strap onto my holster straps. Not fussy on that much, other than it must be tough, good enough to search cars and people on the side of the road, as well as being bright enough for walking through the bush searching as well. No need for 1000 lumen or anything similar, reliability is essential as well as toughness as the torch will suffer some hard work.

Budget needs to be lowish, dont ask me why but dealextreme hasnt been value with their reviews. I know they are knock off torches but they are cheap, but as I said, I need reliability.

Thoughts/recommendations please?

EDIT

If possible - links to sites or dealers are welcome to pm me

 

[Wiggle]

Quark 123^2 or Quark AA^2 or the Turbo models of those may be a good choice (though the AA2 is right at your length limit). There is also the Fenix Tank series lights which have a low that is a bit too high for my liking but have a good reputation here.

What is "lowish" for budget? If you can swing just over $50, you can get the Quark non-turbo.

Do you get CR123 batteries at work? Do you prefer AA?

 

[bourza]

I will have to supply my own batteries, no biggie as I will buy rechargables and claim them on tax anyway.

$50 is fine as a budget, just not wanting to spend $100-$200 on a torch that is perhaps 5% different to one that may cost $50-$60 for example.

I can probably stretch to 17cm but after that size does really matter lol.

 

[John_Galt]

Check out some of the Fenix TK series. 2-modes, with the head tight and loose. No strobes to accidentally activate, tough,well built, and reliable.

I believe the TK11 and 12 can use 18650 Li-ions, which will provide longer run times than 2xCR123, or 2x RCR123/16340Li-ion.

Check out AW's sales thread in the Marketplace. Yes, his cells are expensive, but they are quality, and well worth the price. Li-ion batteries can be dangerous if mis-handled or poorly manufactured, so stay away from cheap/knock-off Li-ion cells. Mis-handled/poor quality cells can turn a flashlight into a flash-bang. Not fun...


----------
A more expensive, but better option would be a Ra Clicky. Yes, they are expensive. But they are definitely more than "5% different from a light that costs$50-$60." They are some of the best built lights on the market, up there with Surefire and Peak. Yes, it's more than two modes... But you can program it so that it basically has two modes. They are amazingly efficient, and have very, very good customer service... Again, up their with Peak and Surefire.

The 140narrow has good throw, equal to that of my older Fenix LD20 Q5 light (which claims 180 lumens, at the emitter) but overall a nicely balance beam that allows for up-close work as well.

 

[mcnair55]

Have a look at the Fenix LD10 R as well,had a good review and one of the brightest on AA cell.Another contender would be the Jetbeam Jet 1 Pro IBS V3,many members are rating this highly.

 

[bourza]

Would you gents be able to provide links to your products? Rather than trawling google I would really like to be able to be linked to precisely what you would like me to read.

Damn me being on nightshift, makes me more brain fired than usual lol.

Do any of these torches come with a holster that would be appropriate to strap to a 2 strap holster system?

EDIT - I have a mess of rechargable 16340 batteries in my drawer and a charger. Are any of the torches you have listed candidates to use these batteries? Will buy other batteries of course, just wondering.....

 

[adnj]

Quark 123x2 Tactical. Get the R2 version for longer throw and to save save cash.

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_365&products_id=2077

Or get the R5 version for better brightness, smoother beam and longer run time. (This is really worth the extra bucks)

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_306&products_id=1654

They both come with a holster, handgrip and batteries

http://www.4sevens.com/index.php?cPath=297_304

Get a discount code from here

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=181841

and free shipping on all orders, worldwide.

 

[roadie]

a tk20 might work for u .... but its jus slightly longer than 15cm .....

while its a warm tint, it will shines better in smoke and dust ....

uses normal 2 x AA

built like a tank ... abuse to it = no issues ....

Happy shopping

 

[bourza]

I have checked the quark lights, look mighty fine but they appear a little short in length - juts looking at the pictures anyway. They also arent low/high torches, I dont need/want strobe/sos etc.

 

[PerttiK]

You can program quark tactical to any 2 levels you desire.
The mode is selected based on the position of the head, loose gives you one mode and tightened gives you the other mode.
The mode stays no matter how you click the button, and you have forward switch that you can use momentarily.
So it's a 2 mode light once you program your levels.

 

[Wiggle]

Quark 123x2 Tactical. Get the R2 version for longer throw and to save save cash.

Or get the R5 version for better brightness, smoother beam and longer run time. (This is really worth the extra bucks)

Why would the R5 version have longer runtime?

 

[PerttiK]

Also +1 on Fenix TK20, really robust and 2 modes with simple interface.
And when E21 comes to market, you can get 2 for your budget, same interface as TK20 and neutral and cool white to choose from.
Even cool white fenixes normally have a good tint that is close to sunlight.

E21 should hit shelves here in Finland next week, but it doesn't have a holster included, price is 35.95 EUR so it should be less than that in USD.

 

[Jash]

You state you want a light no longer than 15cm, so I assume you want a small light. The TK20 is not a small AA2 light. In fact it's huge, there's no way you would put it in your pocket for EDC purposes.

The Quark AA2 Turbo is slightly smaller, far brighter and has more options for output. Still big for a AA2 light though.

The Quark AA2 Tactical is smaller still with the same great UI as the Turbo. I often put it in my pocket and don't notice it's there, even when I sit down. The XP-G version has a lovely, smooth beam.

Fenix is on the way to releasing the E21 which has two modes, 45/135 lumens and comes in a neutral version as well. It's said to be around $35 and if it's anything like the E20, it will be a great value, quality light. This is going to be a popular light once it's available.

 

[John_Galt]

Here's my suggestion: http://www.ralights.com/?id=ClickyTactical

And: http://www.4sevens.com/product_info...d=497&osCsid=f1173a4c58a53f2df8aaeb92fed0633e


The Ra is ok to go with 16340's. It has automatic Li-ion over-discharge protection. The Fenix, AFAIR, needs a different battery tube to use 18650's.

 

[bourza]

had a look at all the suggestions ( thanks for the links too guys, really appreciate it ), none of them really hit my sweet spot. The quarks with their exposed clickie is a no-no for me, I really prefer the recessed option, if its in a holster on a holster (sic) I really need a recessed clickie.

I also need some more power on low and high modes, 60/300 would be what I would say is preferable, 60 as a low should be fine, but 300 or more on high with good run time.

God I hate being so newbie with torches - bear with me guys and help me please?

lovecpflovecpf

EDIT:

The torch is specifically NOT going into my pocket, hence a holster is to be the holder.

 

[Jash]

Well seeing as how you didn't specify what battery type, I'm going to suggest looking at something that will run off either CR123 or rechargable 18650 li-ion.

This will give you the required output (300+ lumens) and keep it to six inches or so.

Unless you get primary CR123's given to you, I'd go for the 18650 option as you can get two or three batteries and have a couple of spares on hand at all times. AW's are the best and I don't think you'll find anyone here on CPF recommend another brand over them.

As far as lights go, there's a huge range to choose from. Though finding a two mode only light is going to be hard in that format.

Have a look at this light as a possible contender.

 

[bourza]

I just fell in love with that torch but probably too much dollars for the purpose. Damn but that seems to be a nice torch.

Any ideas of something similar and cheaper?

 

[bondr006]

Well, I am pretty partial to the JETBeam JET-lll M. It would be one of the first lights I would grab in an emergency. It's built like a tank, takes primary 123's, RCR123's, and 18650's for an extended run time of 3 hours on high. It has a stainless bezel and a recessed forward clicky that is also protected with a stainless ring. It has a high of 250 lumen, and a user definable low of 2 up to 250 lumen. It's only about 14cm long and costs just $65.00 before CPF discount coupon code. Below is a link to a youtube video of the light and a few pictures. I would give this one very serious consideration.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EJkVNXsqNE

EDIT: Here is a link to an older review from one of CPF's best reviewers.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=211631

 

[bourza]

Sensational light and pretty much what I am after - now all I have to do is find someone who will supply it to Australia!!

MANY thanks for that, that torch looks great.

 

[bondr006]

Sensational light and pretty much what I am after - now all I have to do is find someone who will supply it to Australia!!

MANY thanks for that, that torch looks great.

You are welcome sir. I sent you a PM with all the details. Take care and let me know how you like the torch if you decide to get it.