Recommend me a flash light...newbie

[poena]

So I'm looking to pick up a flashlight or 2. Currently I only have a maglite that holds 3D batteries. But I'd like to have something else to use for camping or walks. Also for finding things around the house.

I copied the questionnaire to help aid in this process. I hope to get some recommendations


thanks


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.
_X___Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
____Less than $150.
____Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
____I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____Other, please specify ________


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).
____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. or a simple swap of parts
____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? don't really know the difference here. I already own eneloops but not sure what kind of batteries those are. would just like batteries that are easily attainable and not going to break the bank.

____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)
____I 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).

____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.

____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
_X___5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____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)
_X___30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____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).
_X___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.
_X___I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____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.
_X___I don’t know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
_X___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).
____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

 

[C4ReeN]

hmm.. with your budget i think i'll go for ITP SA1 eluma.

 

[entoptics]

A 2xAA format light would be a very good option, but maybe a tiny bit too long for "Every Day Carry". Doable, but it might get annoying in your pocket if you really do intend to have it with you at all times. A 1xAA light would be better if that's the case.

2xAA lights that suit your needs very nicely are listed below. Prices take into account the CPF member discount codes you can find in the CPF marketplace, and will be pretty close to OTD since you can find places with free shipping.

Quark AA2 ~$55 - most modes, floody beam, smallest
EagleTac P20A2 MKII ~$60 - Brightest, biggest, toughest
EagleTac P100A2 ~$35 - outstanding value, dimmest, 2 modes only, throwy beam.

I'm not as familiar with 1xAA lights in your price range, but I've handled the Quark AA (~$55) and it is very good. Many people also like the ZebraLight SC50 (~$55).

Good luck with the hunt. There's many choices, so shop around and ask questions.

 

[joe1512]

I am going to assume you are not carrying it around with you at all times. Hence, you do not want an EDC (every day carry).

You have eneloops so buying custom batteries and chargers is a loser and will boost your price too much.

My choices:

1) A 2xAA light will have decent runtime and pretty good brightness. You want one with an XP-G emitter for maximum brightness and efficiency.

http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_43&products_id=1648
This one is 56 bucks, less coupon and free shipping. latest emitter, good brand. 5 brightness levels, strobe, all kinds of stuff.


http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-213/Romisen-RC-dsh-N3-II-CREE/Detail
A cheaper light at 25 bucks! Uses latest emitter. 2 modes, less frills. But its cheap and gets the job done. Glow in the dark tailcap.

You also have the option to buy a CR123 battery, pull off the extension tube and make the light a LOT shorter with the same power! This is good when you want to carry the light with you.
I think this would be my choice.



2) For 70 bucks (-10%, free shipping) you can get an itp A6 Polestar. 6xAAs for great runtime. Up to 700 lumens! 3 brightness levels. I love this light. It is super impressive, can run medium mode for a long long time and it is still pretty compact, surprisingly. Might be more than you are really wanting though.

 

[ateallthepies]

I have been into lithium powered lights for a while but have recently been getting into standard AA size lights.

My most recent purchase was a Quark AA2 R5 turbo and I am impressed!

As with the standard Quark AA2 R5 at $59 from 47's it has two programmable modes and I have mine set on max and low and just needs a twist of the head to change modes.

I think this light will be ideal and would suit your needs as per your questionnaire except the price which is $9 over budget.

You say you have eneloop's so these will be perfect for a AA flashlight.

Steve.

 

[alpg88]

from personal experience i recommend leatherman s3.
i just got one few days ago. i like it, small (1xa123), bright, 100lm, 3 modes, and strong reversible clip.
it also fits your description. it is around $50 i paid 45 for mine.

 

[mcnair55]

The new Fenix LD15 would suit your needs.

The new Fenix LD15 is a compact pocket torch suitable for every day carry and small enough to fit onto a key ring or lanyard with the provided accessories.

Powered by a single AA battery, the LD15 has two power levels:

High: 117 lumens - 1.5 hour runtime
Low: 8 Lumens - 39 hour runtime

Simple twist head to operate the light and change brightness levels.

Waterproof to IPX-8 standards, the LD 15 is made from aircraft grade aluminium and has a shatter proof, anti reflective lens plus high quality reflector to produce a perfect beam pattern from the Cree R4 LED

You would have a very nice light to start your hobby off,nice and bright for outside use and a nice low for indoors/tent/car use with good runtimes.

 

[poena]

thanks for the feedback!

that XP-G tidbit I did not know. I will definitely keep an eye out for that.

the romisen flashlights are definitely very enticing for me because of the price. theres just so much variation on the shiningbeam website. It seems the RC N3 Q5 is something I'd be interested in. What is the difference in the R4? And CREE? Also, which color would be best? I notice Neutral White but the others don't list a color.

i don't need something to carry every day. just to stash somewhere or take on hikes/bike rides/camping.

what type of difference does the battery make on the flash light? Lithium is CR123A right? I presume that it provides a brighter light? and longer usage time? The price is relatively cheap if bought online?


Thanks!

 

[samgab]

I believe the Fenix E21 would perfectly suit your needs:
http://bit.ly/d0YkNw

• It runs on 2 AA batteries, Eneloops would be perfect.
• It has two modes.
• Brighter mode is 150 lumens
• It is light and waterproof, so excellent for EDC.
• It costs less than USD $50 (around $38).
• It'll run for 11 hours on low (48 lumens) and 2-1/4 hours on high (150 Lumens).
• Runs at a steady brightness the whole time too.
• Very good quality, should last a lifetime.

I can't see any area where it doesn't fit your listed requirements!

 

[samgab]

Oh, and if you do end up getting a 4Sevens light from their website http://www.4sevens.com/index.php?cPath=297 put in coupon code CPF8 at the checkout for an 8% discount. That, along with the free shipping puts a flashlight such as the Quark AA2 tactical within about $4 of your target price.
And that has the latest CREE XP-G R5 LED.

(CREE is just a company that makes respected, bright and reliable LED emitters.
XP-G is one of their latest versions.
R4 or R5 relates to their efficacy (the "bin" they are from), so in layman's terms the amount of light they put out for a given amount of electricity put in.
Also the light they put out falls within various parts of the light spectrum, it's largely a matter of personal preference, and for your needs you don't really need to get into that, I shouldn't think. Stick with a trusted brand.)

 

[Jash]

Yep, Quark AA2 Tactical with the XP-G emitter is a really nice light. Floods like nothing else and puts out a wall of light on max. Rather impressive for a AA2 size light.

You could also look at the Fusion 36 drop-in for your maglite. It's only one mode but it's a minimum of 400 lumens and will run for hours on 3 D's. I get at least 6 hours runtime at full output of 4 D's.

 

[CarpentryHero]

Quark AA2 is nice, though I payed 74 dollars for mine. For under 50 dollars the Rayovac Roughneck. 200 lumens, great thrower for only 34 dollars. It has a high low and strobe. Have to go through all three settings to turn it off again. It's no Fenix, but I like it

 

[JDest]

I'll second the ITP SA1 since most of the recommendations will be from the Quark line.

 

[skyfire]

ill say stick to the eneloops.
Quark AA-2 tactical is 2-mode programmable. you have your tint options from warm, neutral, and cool, i personally perfer warm, but its less lumens. all models have a very nice beam, it doesnt reach far out, but 5-20 yards shouldnt be a problem, it will however light up everything in front of you nicely.

if you plan on carrying the light in your pocket, single AA lights would be better. and we now have many to chose from. check out the:
zebralight- sc50, h51, h501
jetbeam - jet I pro, bk135A, RRT-0, E3S
4sevens - quark AA, quark AA mini
nitecore - D10, NDI, EZ AA
fenix - LD10, LD15

there are many more, some are twisties, some have tail switches, some dont, such as the zebralight. some can use 14500 li-ion for more brightness.

it really depends on what you want, as for me, i like the zebralights, jetbeams, and quarks, and of course the nitecore d10.

 

[DCP117]

Sounds to me like you should go for a Solarforce. You can get one in HA III, multi mode led emitter, and you can choose lithium or AA batteries. Plus, it's well within your budget. They have a simple interface and if you get one from a reputable dealer like sbflashlights or lighthound, you won't be disapointed. It nothing fancy, I know, but it doesn't sound like you are looking for a high end light. A solarforce will be cost effective and will last you a long time.