SAR flashlight? Help Please.

[Englander]

Hi

I am looking into getting a few torches/flashlights for general search/rescue duties. I currently use a Surfire LX2, but need something cheaper to buy.

Must have:

100 pound or under and buyable in the UK.
No larger than Medium EDC (5-7 inches) as it has to be carried and won't be if its too heavy/big.
LED.
Durability is critical.
Be able to change batteries in the field.

Also have a combinaton of (obviously not all):

100-200metres/yards throw.
At least 1-2 hours on full power with usable light.
Regulated
Rechargeable
100-300 lumens.
AA sized batteries, wouldn't rule out CR123A, especially if the torch took RCR123A's or other rechargeable batteries.
Waterproof
Decently usable sized spot/spill (for 100-200m/yard distance anyway)

They will be used on foot for extended periods and vehicle windows etc in anything from winter blizzards to torrential summer rains.

I have so far been looking at:

LED Lenser P7
Klarus XT11

How do these and any other suggested lights compare to the Surefire LX2? (if you happen to know).

Thanks in advance for the help, its much appreciated.

Englander.

 

[Gunner12]

A P60 compatible light might work. There are many bodies and drop-ins available that could suit your use. For what you plan on doing, maybe a 18650 compatible light (around the length of 2 CR123 batteries but thicker) so you can recharge the batteries. A simple 1-2 mode drop-in would be good too so you won't have to scroll through tons of useless modes.

If you want an AA light, the Fenix E25 seem to have decent throw. The 4sevens Quark Turbo could also work, along with the Dereelight Javelin (A P60 drop-in compatible 2 AA light). Would 4 AA lights be too big (2AAs side by side)? Those will give you a larger reflector and thus give more throw, and 4 AA batteries give you more runtime. The Fenix E40 seems to have the most throw, but the Fenix LD41 and Jetbeam PA40 will have more overall output and a wider hotspot.

I don't own any of the lights you mentioned, or any of the lights I just suggested for that matter. Just going by what I've read and seen.

 

[zehnmm]

While my SAR is probably different (I am in mountains in Southern Rockies) I recently bought a Sunwayman V20c. Already have a small cr123 light & an Olight M31 for decent throw that I devote to SAR.

I chose the SWM V20c for a general purpose light. Runs on 1x 18650 or 2x cr123s. There are brighter lights out there but I do like this light. For my uses having max lumens was not important. It does put out close to 450 off lumens - - - not the highest - - - but not shabby either when runtime is considered.

Regards,
Steve

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