Recommendations for a one cell duty light?

[Xcel]

Ladies and Gents,

I'm looking for recommendations, here's the situation.

I'm looking for a light for work. I need something that has the flood to search rooms/hallways but I also need something that I can use to look in trenches, bushes, etc. Plus, it would be nice to have more then one level of output. For example, light for the listed search task and low for viewing people, documents, inside small spaces, etc.

I have an old Surefire L4 which is great for indoors but it eats batteries and it just doesn't work for anything else.

I would like to stick to one light that does it all but I can't afford to use something that is the Jack of all trades and Master of none. It needs to master one of the two search areas. The question becomes which one should the light be strong in. I'm leaning towards more throw but not too much throw. I can't use a spotlight inside, It is nerve racking. All you can see is a small area, yet you know someone is in the room with you. They see you but you can't see them.

If I can't get one light to do it all. I can use two, if I have to, but then we run into room on the belt. I'm running out fast.

I'm looking at the HDS Ra Clickly 170, Surefire E1B and LX2. I'm open for suggestions in either production, custom or modified lights. I would like to use only one CR123 but I think that is a lot to demand from one CR123.

Can the current technology pump out that much power/usefulness out of one CR123? I would probably use Surefire batteries ($1.79ea +tax local) unless there is something else that fills the demand better. I can use a two cell light but then we run into not just cost to power it but cost of room to carry more batteries. Rechargeable would be nice but then I have to worry about recharging and they have less runtime/power.

Keep in mind that country of manufacture is also important.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[headophile]

i was in a similar situation a couple of months back. i found that the solution for me was a 2 x AA light (i bought the fenix ld20). it has the same power as a single 1 x cr123 light but it will run for much longer and the batteries are very cheap. i don't think you'd need to carry spares but if you have to i think 1 2AA set at a time is enough. it doesn't get more balanced between practicality and power than this in my opinion.

 

[WHT_GE8]

I suggest a TK11 if you don't mind using two cells.

 

[TooManyGizmos]

.

You need to look at lights that use 18650 batteries .

An MG-PLI light w/18650 might be usefull to you for only $60.00 .

It would be a nice bargain room sweeper light with good runtime .

.

 

[mightysparrow]

Hmmm, I think the OP said that depending on rechargeable cells might be a problem. Of the lights the OP is considering, and lights he is not already considering, I'd go for the Ra 170 if affordable. A Ra Twisty would be even more dependable, I would guess. I have the Twisty and it is unsurpassed in quality and ruggedness. The Ra lights use rechargables and single-use cells, are built like a tank and can take a beating. Their beams are also of the very best quality. The warranty service from Ra is also dependable and generous.

 

[TooManyGizmos]

.
He want's a duty light with a broad room filling beam.

Just 1 18650 batt. carried as backup would get him through the whole night shift , for sure .

.

 

[hyperloop]

1 cell lights would never have the runtime of a 2 cell light and since you're not too keen on rechargables, that puts the 18650 format out of the running. IMHO, the 18650 format is a great single cell light and its not too bulky either.

I'd humbly suggest taking at look at the Jet III M, 2 modes, max and the other one is user programmable to any level you want, including strobe etc. I would also make the assumption that this particular one cell light is not going to be the primary light so you could carry a spare cell just in case.

EDIT: check out this review, the Jet III M runs for 3 hrs on max using a 18650 which is manufacturer rated at 225 lumens.

 

[berry580]

I'd suggest using 1x18650 as well. I think it'll be ideal financially in the long run.

If you're that critical about where its made. SF E1B is likely to suit your needs.

Jet-III M does run for 3 hrs with 18650, but output drops so you're not getting 225lumens.

Fenix's TK12 has almost perfect regulation for 2hrs on max, i'd suggest that if you like good regulation, otherwise the Jet-III M is also a very good choice.

 

[hyperloop]

Jet-III M does run for 3 hrs with 18650, but output drops so you're not getting 225lumens.

ah. missed that, my Jet III Pro ST runs about 1 hr 45 minutes fully regulated then it just goes off, no dimming whatsoever.

 

[glockboy]

Take a look at the NiteCore Extreme.

 

[Robert_M]

I would recommend the SF LX2 or Malkoff MD2-M60 with high/low bezel switch. The nice thing about the Malkoff is that you can use CR123 or RCR123 batteries ... one 18650 can be used with somewhat lower output. Both flashlights are very tough and reliable.

 

[MojoLight]

Jet ii IBS if you can find one. Three levels and can focus from spot to flood. Love mine.

 

[kramer5150]

How about a malkoff MD2 18650 host with an M30 and the 2-stage twist ring option? Someone else will have to fill in the specific details, but you mention the desire for good side flood, longer run times than 2xRCR123 and 2 modes. They are USA made as well.

 

[pobox1475]

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_310&products_id=1669

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=53&products_id=202

http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php/pila/bc01-ac01/?product=171829&category=#tabStart

 

[chef4850]

+1 for the nitecore extreme r2. single cell and bright as hell.

 

[Big_Ed]

I'd go for either E1B, or E1L. ( E1L if you'd like a bit more runtime on high, with a little less output).

 

[Disco-Dave]

I would also recomend the tk11 theres also the r2 version now which im guessing is a bit better/brighter The beam is great for outdoors & indoors As in a gaurd on a construcction site but started of as a gaurd on a new school and wa sgreat foor n there aswell as the construction sites, I get great runtime from the 18650 battery and its small enough to carry a spare no problem, Totally upty yourself tho.

 

[waddup]

lumapower mentor.

 

[:)>]

You picked the best options out there when you picked the Ra Clicky 170 and the LX2. You can't go wrong with either of these lights. I am sure that you already know that the Ra is a 1 cell light and that the LX2 is a 2 cell light.

If I had to pick 1, I would choose the Ra.

The beam of the Ra seems to me to better match your requirements of balanced indoor / outdoor work.

I got both of them and love 'em.

Go and pick 1 or both and tell us how you like them.

 

[texbaz]

I Have not received my Jetbeam Jet-III PRO ST BVC, but it has the capabilities of using CR123, RCR123, and 18650's with 2 18650's I will be able to use this light for a full 8 hour shift reliably 100%. As a mechanic for a aircraft manufacture. I work in the hangar, and out on the ramp.

I will use all three settings configured for 75% max, 50% max and, the lowest setting it will go. Currently I use a Wolfeyes sniper and a Inova T4.The Inova comes with a battery similar in format to an 18650 rated at 2150 mah, The Sniper uses an AW 2200 mah, the Sniper has a Wolfeyes Cree 230lm that I get about 3.5 to 4hrs use but not constant on.

The T4 ( pretty much junk) I get about 3.5 hrs of use again not constant on. I use a light for work everyday/early mornings and I don't keep it on constantly. With a light that uses multiple modes you can extend the useful time of the light by varying output.

The jetbeam Jet-III M Pretty much fits your needs and supposedly has much better run times than the Pro ST I'm getting . The Jet III-M is a Multi modes, multiple power source formats. rugged. Their are actual LEO's who use this light and like it. Could be the one. Oh yeah I have carried a LiteFlux LF5 in my front pocket as a backup, it does not get used much:twothumbs