Recommend a light for a newbie

[nadroj1485]

I guess I want a general purpose light that can serve many functions. I would like to use it when I go backpacking/camping but I will also be using it around the house and in other situations that may require a flashlight. The only other flashlight that I own is a 2-D maglite (led) that I purchased last year. I would like something that is more compact and runs on AA batteries.

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__X_I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!

____Less than $25.
____Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
____Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
____I'm flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
__X_Other, please specify ___<$75__


3) Format:

__X_I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
____I want a portable spotlight.


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

____Keychain size.
____Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
__X_Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
__X_Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____N/A


5) Emitter/Light source:

__X_LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

__X_I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.


7) What battery type do you want to use?

____I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today's most powerful lights)
X-AAI intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
____I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

__X_I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
__X_I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

__X_Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__X_Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X_30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__X_90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__X_Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I don't care.
__X_I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__X_I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
__X_I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.


15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

 

[Belstaff1464]

Firstly :welcome:


Secondly, I think the Zebralight SC51 may be what you're looking for but I prefer the H51 which is the headlamp version. The H51's form factor make it more versatile. It can be carried like a flashlight if that's what you desire. Whilst the SC51 can also be worn as a headlamp (strapped to the side of the head), IMO it's not versatile because you can't direct the beam as well. It will only point directly straight ahead. The H51 is forehead mounted and, because of its angled form factor, can be twisted in its holder to direct the beam up or down. This is particular useful for some tasks, eg reading a book, preparing food during a power outage, etc. The only thing where it does not meet your criteria is that it is < 4". Some, myself included, consider this as a plus because it makes it easier to EDC. Also be aware that there are a few reports questioning the Zebralights' durability and quality, but that is to be expected with any manufactured product. There is no such thing as the perfect flashlight, although the HDS Clicky comes very close in my book. :twothumbs

p.s. Go with the H501 if you want a floodier beam.

And I'd like to qualify that my opinion is based on my research and not based on personal experience. I've done the research and that's what I base my opinion on. For the record, I chose the H31 because I prefer the CR123 battery size. I plan for the H31 to supplement my HDS Clicky, i.e. this will be my backup light. IMHO, the backup shoul use the same battery as the primary light. That way you can swap batteries if one goes flat. Lastly, I believe a good headlamp is indispensible.

 

[mcnair55]

Many will fit your needs but if you get the collecting bug let me suggest something well below your budget,something which is good and will allow you to spend some more later on.

ITP A2 (AA) 3 mode twisty.

LO 1.5 lumens 60 hours, ideal for reading in a small area such as a tent.
Med 18 lumens 7 hours
High 80 lumens 2 hours.

A cracking starting light and available from many vendors on the board plus you will get a members discount by using a code which you will find by searching or asking a member for the link thread.

I also have the smaller A3 and the dumpy little A1,big fan as are many of the ITP brand.

 

[Jash]

Judging from your answers on the questionaire, you are describing the Quark AA2 Regular. Though the Tactical version has the advantage of being user programmable so you only get the modes you want.

Either one is $59 delivered with everything you need. They also come in neutral and warm versions which some prefer for outdoor usage.

 

[nadroj1485]

Thanks a ton for the suggestions so far, I will definitely be doing more research on the mentioned models to see if one looks like it will meet my needs. I will not be carrying the flashlight on a daily basis though and that is why I did not select the small flashlight form factor in the questionnaire, so I would prefer something that can hold at least 2AA for longer run-times. Thanks again for the help so far!

 

[tre]

Quark 2xAA Neutral LED
Fenix LD25 Neutral
Fenix LD40 Neutral
Fenix TK20 neutral/warm
EagleTac P20A2 MKII Neutral
Zebrelight SC51 Neutral is still a great option for a smaller light
Dereelight Javelin - This is a cool LED but a nice light
Malkoff M31W in a solarforce host (neutral)

You will really enjoy the neutral LED if you use this outdoors. I would skip the cool LED.

 

[shark_za]

Your requirements are not out of the ordinary, for this type of use I can suggest...

Fenix LD20
Quark AA^2 (regular or tactical)
iTP SA2


What you have described in your list is the very popular 2xAA multimode.
The LD20 is the industry standard (imho), the Quark is the next step in that same evolution and the SA2 is the real budget value leader.

 

[dstrkt]

Quark AA2. I own one and it's a great light

 

[joe1512]

Many different 2xAA lights will work nicely for you. 2xAAs is 2.4 volts which is enough to put out 150ish lumens. 1xAA is kind of hard to get enough light due to the low 1.2 volts of the battery and somewhat limited amount of current draw.
The upcoming zebralight is one of the few that can squeeze lumens from a single AA.


However a potential alternative is a 3xAAA light. You can still use rechargables and it is much shorter than a 2xAA for sure, with fairly similar runtime. (about 75% of a 2xAA)
They have to use a battery holder, but I dont find this to be a big deal.

This is a great format for a flood to throw light which is excellent for using around the house due to no hotspot. You can always adjust it however you want of course.
Shiningbeam had a really nice one that used 3xAAAs or 18650 or 2xCR123s, but it seems to have disappeared.


Another option for overkill would be the itp A6 Polestar. 72 bucks shipped from goinggear. Ive given 3 of them away so far. 6xAAs and it fits nicely in your hand. Tons of runtime as you can imagine. Uses rechargables no problem.
3 brightness levels up to 700 lumens! Yeah this is an IMPRESSIVE light to say the least.
Its not a pocketable light, but its not all that heavy or unwieldy either. Bout like a 2C maglite.



I recommend you go to youtube and look up the itp A6 and see if it interests you.

Then look up 'AAA flood throw" and see if you like the looks of those lights.

 

[YIKES]

Hello all,
New to the cfp culture. :wave: I had the similar question in the beginning. What to get? Thus finding my way here. :shakehead So one newbie to another, that spend many sleepless nights looking at lights and drinking from a firehose. I recommend the following.

Jetbeam Jet I pro V3. I just ordered one. It take multiple types of batts. AA and only one is needed. It's got pretty good throw as per the forum. It's small. In your price range. I believe Bugoutgear has em. Support the peps who help the forum. Good looking light. Also, various levels of brightness, programmable to your liking. One con to this light is the switch IMO. This is a reverse clicky.

The type of cells are important to choose from. Some like Cr123 some love the rechargable lithiums. It weather you can get them is the real question.

I like the Nitecore D10 as well. Also another single AA. There are several types of the D10. So look around. Some ramp up/down in brightness, some step up/down (SP version).

Good luck!!

 

[Nero]

The Quark aa2 with neutral white is a great light. Free shipping worldwide at 4sevens.com. i am also somewhat of a newbie, so i dont have much to compare with. I just know that this is a great light! from 0,2 lumens to 200 lumens.

 

[tandem]

Since you've asked for a light small enough to carry every day, that to my mind cuts out all 2xAA lights.

The two brightest single AA mass produced lights are arguably the Fenix LD10 R4 and the soon to be shipping Zebralight SC51. Both are under 4 inches long and will easily sit in your pocket or clipped to your pocket, clip outside the pocket, light inside (which is how I carry mine).

Both are well built lights from manufacturers that will be around for years to come. Both are in the same general price ball park. They are quite different styles - one is a tail cap "clicky" the other has an electronic switch on the light body itself, similar to traditional flashlights. Fenix is probably available from more dealers which might mean a bit more price competition.

As you've indicated your preference is the AA format in rechargeable cell chemistry - both are known to run well on both alkaline (regular disposable cells from any store) and good quality NiMH rechargeable cells.

Of the two I personally like the Fenix just a little bit more for two reasons:
1. Strobe mode - I use this on my bike all the time, and occasionally for signalling people

2. Reversible clip - in three seconds you can flip the clip from the normal bezel down orientation to the reverse and turn your light into an instant headlamp if you happen to have a ball cap brim already on your head to clip it to. I don't think the SC51 can do this and for an EDC style light I'm all about versatility.

I don't think you'll go wrong with either light for a first light and strongly believe that a single AA light is a great choice for most folks for a light which has to serve a great number of purposes. There are all sorts of other styles of single AA lights you can pick up - I've just singled these two out as they are more or less the output and runtime leaders in their class at the moment.

(once you've fully been bitten by the flashlight bug then you'll know what features you want or don't want in light number 2, 3, 4, ...)

 

[somename]

I currently have the following:
Quark 123^2 Turbo Warm White
Quark AA^2 Turbo Warm White
Quark 123^2 Tactical Warm White
Quark AA^2 Tactical Neutral (XP-G R4)
EagleTac T20C2MKII (with XP-G R5, and XP-E Q4 drop-ins) -- I only use the neutral drop-in now.

Both the Quark turbos feel like like higher quality when compared to the nonturbo Quarks, but it could be that larger head on the Turbos makes the threads seem smother due to something larger to hold on to. Not sure, but both my Turbos feel better made. I noticed all of the Warm White Turbo modes appear to be no longer available from 4sevens though.

I have had switch issues with the new Quark AA^2 Tactical Neutral XP-G R4 light. But I admit the Neutral color is awesome! For some reason, the light would sometimes not turn on unless the switch was pressed all the way down (no momentary operation) and then when the switch was released the light would turn off instead of stay on. A couple of clicks on and off would some how fix the problem and the operation would then be fine for a while. This could just be a 'lemon' with the switch since its one out of 4 Quarks.

One consistent thing I have noticed is that with the throwy lights, a low lumen setting can still light up things a decent distance that a floody light can't. So my Turbo lights get more use on there low/medium setting then the other lights when out hiking.

I also have a EagleTac T20C2 MKII and it feels like the quality is better than all of my Quarks. The EagleTac has a softer switch and the Quarks require a firmer press, don't know why though. The EagleTac is heavier than all of the Quarks, so maybe that makes it feel sturdier.

My favorite thing about the EagleTac is the Low setting is as bright enough to do things around the house outside like take the trash down the alley, but the EagleTac does not have a moonlight mode. Without the moonlight mode on the EagleTac you have to cover the light with your hand (no mode programming available) and switch it to low mode and then still cover it with your hand if walking around the house at night because it is still bright enough it could wake someone up and ruin your night vision. For outdoors though, the low on the EagleTac is plenty bright for many tasks, and it has a LONG run time.

I haven't used the EagleTac P20A2 MKII Neutral, but because of my great experience with the T20C2MKII I would recommend the AA version. For outdoors the Neutral version is much better than the cool white.
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6881

If you are just wanting a trail light for watching your step and don't need as much throw for pin pointing distant objects, then a floody light has its advantages.

I have heard good things about the Zebralights, but never used one.

I noticed Fenix has incorporated the new more efficient Neutral XP-G R4 into a few of their lights. I haven't heard any news on them, but many some cpf'ers can shed some light on them.

The Fenix LD25:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=2422

The Fenix LD40:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=2419
This light uses more batteries, but on low they state 245 hours runtime.

Sorry for the long reply... hope this info helps.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Here are some of my 'smallish' lights. I carry the Quark 123*2 Tactical in my pocket all the time. It's a terrific little light.

EagleTac makes good lights too. The AA*2 EagleTac really cranks out the lumens. The Quark AA*2 is a tad smaller and easier to carry.

Happy flashlight hunting!

-

 

[Mathiashogevold]

The Fenix LD25 or LD40.
A neutral beam would be more nicer than a cool white beam for camping etc

 

[ASheep]

Welcome to CPF nadroj1485!

I'll give another recommendation for the Quark AA or AA^2, depending on whether you value smaller size, or higher max output. Neutral white is nicer for outdoor use. As has been stated, the Quark will go from 0.2 lumens to 205 lumens on 2xAA, or 0.2 to 109 lumens. Either way, that's a lot of punch in a small package!
Good luck in your search!