Recommendation for Military Use

embeddedmatt

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 20, 2010
Messages
2
I'm currently using a Princeton Tec Amp flashlight for my work in state defense force. The light is fine and it runs on AA batteries but it has an annoying habit of turning itself on and running down its batteries. Also it doesn't have a red filter. I'm looking for a new primary light so I can move the Princeton Tec to backup.

I have filled out the form (see below) but I'll briefly say that I need something that is relatively small and light because the amount of gear I already have to carry is outrageous. Use will be night map reading, search and rescue, bag searches, night traffic control, and basic camping use. If the stuff really hits the fan (say, a riot), it could also see defensive use but this is not a primary consideration. Primarily black or OD color preferred.

Finally, it needs to be good for a 3 day mission without access to anything except one set of spare AA batteries. In order to limit weight and bulk, all my electronics (radios, GPS, lights) need to be AA compatible. And nothing fancy either, in a disaster I can't rely on being able to get any think other than regular alkaline batteries.

Thanks for your help. This is a great forum.

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online.

2) Budget:
Less than $100. (not a hard limit)

3) Format:
I want a flashlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).

5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:
I would prefer to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box, but I would consider getting a light that is pieced together.

7) What battery type do you want to use?
Strong preference for AA alkaline compatibility.

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens). - AND -
I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
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)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
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.
Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).

12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
I don't know.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.
At least two levels would be nice. Strobe would be nice but not required.

14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don't know.

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).
 
You might like the Photon Proton Pro. It uses one AA cell and is infinitely variable in intensity. At its brightest it has somewhere around 100 lumens. Its lowest level is around a quarter lumen. It also has a built-in red LED which is likewise variable in brightness. It has several strobe modes, too.

You would be well advised to use Energizer Lithium AA cells rather than alkalines. They hold more energy, last longer, work better in cold weather and are less likely to leak.
See:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=182920

Peri
 
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
I will be mail-ordering or buying online.

2) Budget:
Less than $100. (not a hard limit)

3) Format:
I want a flashlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:
Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).

5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)

6) Manufacturer:
I would prefer to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box, but I would consider getting a light that is pieced together.

7) What battery type do you want to use?
Strong preference for AA alkaline compatibility.

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens). - AND -
I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
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)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).
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.
Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).

12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):
I don't know.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.
At least two levels would be nice. Strobe would be nice but not required.

14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don't know.

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).

I've got the perfect light for you...
The quark AA^2 , with an AA battery tube if you need something smaller. Available in neutral, cool, or warm white (neutral reccomended) and a variety of configurations.

1.4Sevens.com
2.Cents over $52 for the 2AA
3.Obviously
4.Perfect! 2AA form factor is just under 6 inches, 1AA is just under 4 inches.
5.Yep.
6.4Sevens is great.
7.This light can take both 1AA and 2AA (along with many others)
8.For really dark stuff, this light can do .2 lumens. Perfect for pitch-black map reading.
9.Sounds good.
10.We are currently testing runtime for this light. On two lithium AAs, we are currently approaching 1000 hours of runtime on moon mode (.2 lumens)(we are less than 24 hours away from hitting 1000.) The runtime could be even longer on alkalines. I don't know about 3+ hours on max mode, but that's unreasonable to ask for with only AA batteries.
11.I trust these lights. There are plenty of testimonials to their durability. Possibly not surefire or HDS tough, but neither surefire nor HDS makes a light ideal for your other needs. The quark series of lights can take a real beating.
12.There are a multitude of switch types for you to choose from.
13.The tactical can be set to use any two levels at once with a twist of the head, and in about 10-15 seconds you can re-program these levels. The regular version has a standard on/off and tight/loose UI to get to all modes. Strobe, SOS, and Beacon are available.
14.Available in black aluminum and titanium (Ti is hard to get)
15.Filters are available.
 
+1 for Quark AA^2 or similar light with Quark AA^2, Fenix LD20. It also offer various filter color red,blue,green.


You might consider Quark AA^2 Turbo it does not have filters but it will throw further than lights i mentioned above. If you want your AA light 100% function when you need it don't forget to feed this sucker with Energizer Lithium AA cell (also prevent leakage ) dont forget also to use coupon code CPF8 to get 8% discount.



Good Luck!
 
Last edited:
Are there any filter kits available for the AA turbo? I couldn't find any.
 
The Surefire E2L AA seems to fit your choice. Accepts a red filter, uses AA, EXTREMELY durable, two brightness levels and right size.

Its out of your price range unfortunately. It can be had from some sites for around $140.
 
I recommend two flashlights based on your descriptions:

1. The Fenix TK20 or E21
-Both have a medium and a high power setting. Both feature a KISS UI. Both run on AA batteries. The TK20 can be fitted with a red filter - I don't know if Fenix makes one for the E21 or not.

2. A Gerber Infinity in AA or Fenix E01 or E05 in AAA.
-Simple twisty UI. Low output, perfect for navigating in dark bays or checking out a latrine prior to conducting business.

The combination of a light selection from group 1 and 2 won't make a huge impact on your current load and the functionality more than makes up for the trade off.

-Trevor
 
If You don't need a huge amount of light, You should consider the Streamlight Sidewinder. It has 4 modes with a maximum of 45 lumens, which is far more than enough to read a map or work inside a vehicle. It features secondary coloured LEDs and in some versions also an IR-LED, which is only useful for signalling.
The so called "tactical" lights are sometimes to bright for normal work at night.
 
The Surefire E2L AA seems to fit your choice. Accepts a red filter, uses AA, EXTREMELY durable, two brightness levels and right size.

Its out of your price range unfortunately. It can be had from some sites for around $140.

I'm with nick-nack,

For CRITICAL use and alkalines, it is the Surefire E2L AA. I have a 4sevens Turbo 2AA and although I like the light, if the use was CRITICAL--I would take the E2L AA. The Turbo kicks butt and puts out more light than the E2L but at a much higher current draw. Alkalines will get burned alive with the amount of power pulled off them. The EagleTac P20A2 (2AA light) has the same issue, you crank it up and it will eat well over an amp of juice coming off the batteries. For this reason, I run the rechargable Eneloop AA batteries so I have no problem with either the Turbo or P20A2 (Mark II XP-G R5)

The Surefire is much more friendly to alkalines since it does not pull massive power off the cells. You'll get a much better runtime on max output (80 to 100 lumens I think) and as far as the ability to throw it around and beat the thing, I know Surefire is a higher level of build quality.

The other option is to get a Peak 2AA light. It will have only one mode but you can spec the output, runtime and what type optic is used to meet your needs. Very well built lights, I have a few in red/UV that I've used in the desert--never a problem. Call Peak and tell them that you want to use alkalines and what would be the best power level to use--they will build it for you and it can take a beating and costs less than Surefire.

Good luck!
 
I tried to post a reply earlier, but apparently I did something wrong.

Anyway, thanks for the recommendations. Those are some great options and I think I'm going to now carry lithium AA batteries for all my gear and I'll still be able to use alkaline in a pinch.
 

Latest posts

Top