Relative Newbie: Need Suggestion

[tau-neutrino]

Hi Everyone,

I lurk a bit here and wanted to first say that this is such a fantastic site! There is so much information it's like trying to take a sip from a firehose. Anyway, on to my question.

I'm looking for a light to fill a more powerful, longer run-time role than what I have already. At the moment, I have a Fenix L1D (AA) and a NDI (AA) that I alternate as my everyday carry lights. I'd like to get something a little more powerful to throw in the bag for, say, navigating on bike through the woods/a field at night or disaster type scenarios. Here are my requirements and my attempt at giving you as much information as possible.

I'd like:

• AA batteries - Since I don't have any CR123 lights at the moment, and everything else is AA, I'd like to stay on this path.
• > 100 lumens - What I'm really looking for is something brighter than my Fenix & NDI to fill the all around outdoors role
• Multiple modes - to make the light more versatile and more frequently deployed
• Activation type - not too concerned over clicky vs. bezel, but the node goes to clicky
• Run time - I'd like to get.... >2 hours on high? 1 1/2 hours? That is about as low as I'd like to go as far as high-mode run-time.
• Water resistant
• Size - Not huge, but I'm also not looking for something pocket carry-able really
• Throw - I'd like a thrower, but I'm not super picky here
• Purchase location - I'm in the UK but have family in the US who can purchase and mail (only here for the year working)
• Price - Of course not looking to break the bank, so < $100 is preferred

So, what comes to my mind so far is Fenix TK20, but I'm not so sure that this will be much of an improvement over what I have already. What do you suggest?

*UPDATE*: Let's say I'm interested in the prospect of running 123's, what should I look at and what do I gain by going over to this platform?

 

[run4jc]

These are amazing....

4sevens Quark lights

Good luck
:twothumbs

 

[pobox1475]

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_310&products_id=1670

 

[Lighthouse one]

There are a number of 2 AA lights that should work fine for you. I have an Eagletac- 180 lumens on high...60 on low.

Its a great light.

 

[OfficerCamp]

Quark AA^2 (either interface, reg or tac) or the Quark AA^2 Turbo. Good throw, R2 or R5 emitter, multiple modes, a little greater than half the price you are willing to spend, good dealer, about 200 lumens give or take. (I feel like the Quark is the best answer for most "recommend me a light" threads ) If you can wait a little while, it has been speculated that 4Sevens will be releasing the aluminum non turbo Quarks with R5 emitters also. Check out the 4Sevens website, many, many good lights.

 

[Marduke]

What batteries are you using? If alkaline or heavy duty, no wonder why you are disappointed with what you have.

 

[WHT_GE8]

I recommend this Jetbeam http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jetipro.html

Up to 145 lumens on one AA. Low mode is programmable to whatever brightness youd like. Comes in a warm tint if you prefer that. Also comes with a smooth reflector for max throw.

 

[pobox1475]

The Quark single AA I linked is one of the limited availability warm tint versions. As a tactical it can be set to allow two light modes to be instantly available. Other output levels/modes are only seconds away by reprogramming. I have both a single 123 standard and a tac 123(2) both with the warm tints and find that they illuminate objects much more clearly that the cooler tints.

 

[Gunner12]

A Fenix Tk20 could work. Warm white, good throw for AA powered, and two mode.

The Tk40 is decently big, but it's also a good thrower due to output and also runs on AAs.

:welcome:

 

[pobox1475]

AA batteries - Since I don't have any CR123 lights at the moment, and everything else is AA, I'd like to stay on this path.

Now that I have given more thought you are severely limiting some of the better performing options for outdoor use. Rechargeable AW protected cells are reasonably priced and after the initial investment in a cell or two along with a charger will be very economical in the long run. A quark 123(2) running a 17670 will give excellent output and run times. I have this combo.

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

There are other good light choices like the JetBeams which I have no experience with. Yet ...

In any event I recommend a warm tint if available in the light you choose. Especially for outdoor uses.

 

[hyperloop]

A Fenix Tk20 could work. Warm white, good throw for AA powered, and two mode.

The Tk40 is decently big, but it's also a good thrower due to output and also runs on AAs.

:welcome:

+10 on the TK20, it is an awesome light, feels like an indestructible object. I find that the low mode is useful enough for most purposes. You can see various beamshots here

 

[tau-neutrino]

If I go with a 123 based platform, what should I look at and what will I gain?

 

[pobox1475]

With a 123 x 2 light that accepts 16760 longer run times than even a 14500 (AA size Li-Ion). If you step up to 18650 (little bigger) you will see very high outputs and run times. AW has updated to a 2600mah 18650 cell that is serious power IMO.

Light wise I again favor Quarks from experience. You can actually build a Quark to your own requirements and they have recently released a 18650 battery tube. I can also give a nod to the JetBeams as they have a solid reputation in the forums. NiteCore has nice offerings and I own a NEX. Feel Quarks offer a better value and allow the option of a warm tint which in comparing to standard white have a serious preference for. JetBeam also has a few warms to offer.

As far a chargers go I ponied up and got a Pila because after extensive research I determined it to be the best. After about a year I am probably right around my break even point had I continued to use toss aways. Mother nature is thanking me though .

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

http://flashlightconnection.com/cart.html

http://www.4sevens.com/

http://store.bugoutgearusa.com/combatlights1.html

Some more ideas that have positive reps;

http://flashlightconnection.com/Dereelight-Flashlights-c1/

http://flashlightconnection.com/EagleTac-Flashlights-c11/ AA options in here too

 

[run4jc]

With a 123 x 2 light that accepts 16760 longer run times than even a 14500 (AA size Li-Ion). If you step up to 18650 (little bigger) you will see very high outputs and run times. AW has updated to a 2600mah 18650 cell that is serious power IMO.

Light wise I again favor Quarks from experience. You can actually build a Quark to your own requirements and they have recently released a 18650 battery tube. I can also give a nod to the JetBeams as they have a solid reputation in the forums. NiteCore has nice offerings and I own a NEX. Feel Quarks offer a better value and allow the option of a warm tint which in comparing to standard white have a serious preference for. JetBeam also has a few warms to offer.

As far a chargers go I ponied up and got a Pila because after extensive research I determined it to be the best. After about a year I am probably right around my break even point had I continued to use toss aways. Mother nature is thanking me though .

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

http://flashlightconnection.com/cart.html

http://www.4sevens.com/

http://store.bugoutgearusa.com/combatlights1.html

+1