Replacing the tried and true Stinger

[894tom]

I am looking for a flashlight to replace my Stinger. I have had it for ten years and it has served me well. But this is 2008..almost 09. I need new technology. I like the new bright white led flashlights. I talked to a flashlight guy I know and he told me anything with a "cree" is where I should look. I went online and found a website that sold a flashlite that claimed to have 120 lumens. The LumaPower Connexion. I liked it because it had an AA battery which was easy to replace/locate in an emergency. I Got the lite and found it is way to thin. Its like holding a chapstick tube and trying to use your thumb to turn it on. It also has no where near the "throw?" that my stinger has. In a dark room it will serve me better than my stinger, but I just cant see carrying this light on duty because I can't see across a field with it. I guess I could keep my Stinger and just put my new tube of chapstick in my pocket to use for inside homes but that kinda defeats the purpose. I like the looks of the NovaTac 120p but think it would be a waste of money because it is the same claimed Lums as the Connexion I just bought. Can anyone point me in the direction of a light wieght, smaller(than my stinger), brighter, Single mode (maybe dual mode- max lite mode with strobe as a second mode)thumb clicky activated light? I don't want to be clicking through a series of light levels to get the light I want. Thanks for any suggestions. I am not asking alot am I?:shakehead

 

[flip]

I started off about 20 years ago with a Magcharger. About 10 years ago I switched to a Stinger. About a year ago, I switched over to a Surefire 6P with an aftermarket led drop-in. The surefire carries a easier on a duty belt and the output is great. I use rechargeable batteries in it and carry spares in my car along with a charger. I also carry 2 or 3 small led lights in my pockets.

 

[kramer5150]

welcome!!
IMHO...
If that light is 10+ years old and still going strong... ITS A KEEPER!!!

Isn't the Stinger a P60 host? If it is, take advantage of this and add a Malkoff, Deere, BOG or DX LED drop in. You'll get the best of both worlds... proven reliability in that host and all the latest/greatest LED technology.

 

[flip]

There are no led drop-ins for the Stinger.

 

[Gunner12]

The Novatac has 120 actual lumen. 120 lumen is what you get after all the losses in the reflector and window. It will be brighter then the ConneXion. It is also built like a tank and should last you for years and years without problem.

The ConneXion, like most light makers rate at the LED lumen, which is less then out the front output.

The Novatac won't throw as far as the Stinger but it will have more overall output.

The main current gen LEDs are the Cree XR-E and MC-E(4 XR-Es in one package), Seoul P4 and P7(4 P4s in one package), and the Luxeon Rebel and TFFC K2s.

What batteries would you like to use?
Runtime?
Size?(large reflector = narrowe beam, which can mean more throw)

The Fenix TK20, Jetbeam Jet-I Pro EX, Olight T25, and the Eagletac P10A2 all seem like good 2 AA lights with good throw(they have larger reflectors compared to most). They still might not throw as far as the Stinger though(they will definately have more output though).

For most of the multiple mode lights, a full click is alway off. No need to cycle through all the modes to turn the light off. This is because the circuit in the light detemins the mode.

:welcome:

 

[nikon]

Can anyone point me in the direction of a light wieght, smaller(than my stinger), brighter, Single mode (maybe dual mode- max lite mode with strobe as a second mode)thumb clicky activated light? I don't want to be clicking through a series of light levels to get the light I want. Thanks for any suggestions. I am not asking alot am I?:shakehead

The Wolf-Eyes 6AX HO Sniper Tactical Flashlight with the two mode tactical module sounds like exactly what you're looking for. See this link... http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=1-139-99-126-127-6447 and scroll down to choose the 2 mode tactical dropin.

The dropin module has two modes, maximum and strobe. Here's a link... http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=1-25-114-125-6475

 

[turbodog]

Natural evolution has you moving to a strion. Same or slightly more output as a stinger, but WAY smaller size.

 

[dougie]

Hmm

You have committed a cardinal sin by asking for suggestions because now you will be inundated with everyones personal favorite light.

Anyway so as not to be any different I'll suggest my current favorite which is the Surefire 6P with a Malkoff M60 Led drop-in module. This setup is serving with distinction on many officers belts and puts out approximately 200-220 lumens of light. It will last for approximately 1.5 hours on primary cells and on good rechargables maybe 20 minutes. This setup is ideal for when the preverbial hits the fan moments and has a reputation for reliablity with folks and is supported by a no quibble guarantee from Surefire and Malkoff. *This may be important to you if you want to use it for a few years?*

The Malkoff M60 drop-in can be used in a 9P with 3 x CR123 batteries for a longer run time. If you plan on a two cell light you could also use it in a C2 or 3 or a 6PZ as well as the 6P. If you are happy to loose a little lumens you could use a G2 or G2Z with a M60L which is still remarkably good at 120 lumens but a 3.5 hour run time on primary cells.

Whatever you decide on let us know and what influenced your decision?

Doug:twothumbs

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

Let me confuse the issue even more....

I'm not a cop and I do not play one on TV.

That said for a long time I carry a Stinger in my truck. I upgraded to a M*gcharger a couple years back.

THAT said I have had a Fenix TK10 close to hand in the truck and use it FAR more than I ever did the Stinger or MC.

Forward switch. Two modes, general with the head slightly loose and BRIGHT! with the head tightened down.

You could CERTAINLY get similar output but perhaps gain complexity if you use a drop in in a SF.

THAT said I have made arrangements to get a couple Dereelight modules to try in a couple of lights and may have a completely different recommendation in a week or two.....

 

[894tom]

The Wolf eyes is pulling me. Has the features I want...now to find the size of it. Any comments on this choice? Holster availablity? Replacement of parts when worn? Company reputation? BTW....thanks for the warm welcome to CPF!!:thumbsup:

 

[Gunner12]

Which Wolfeye are you looking at?

From what I remember, most are around normal size for 2 and 3 CR123 lights.

 

[turbodog]

I am looking for a flashlight to replace my Stinger. ... It also has no where near the "throw?" that my stinger has. In a dark room it will serve me better than my stinger, but I just cant see carrying this light on duty because I can't see across a field with it. ...

Notice....

Original post seemed to really pound on throw. An incandescent light is likely where he will be happy.

 

[Lightraven]

I lost my issued Stinger (that I also used for about 10 years) and I only care because I eventually have to write a memo explaining why I lost it.

For a year or so, I have carried a Wolf Eyes Boxer on duty--one of the most reliable/waterproof lights I own which is saying something. Pacific Tactical Solutions is good at service on the sales end, less so on returns.