Searching for a lighter/brighter replacement for my X02 w/TIR lens (for backpack use)

[Backpacker]

I use a headlamp for general camp duties, but also need a bright light with good "throw" to hang food (from tall tree branches), spot wildlife from a distance, and use as a "pointer" when viewing stars/constellations.

I've been using an Inova X02 w/TIR lens.

It has great throw and a handy size, but I would like something brighter and lighter weight (sturdy plastic is OK and I'm willing to sacrifice burn time).

With those requirements in mind, would the P1D CE or P2D CE meet my needs? Which has the better throw?
Or maybe something less expensive from DX?

Thanks!

 

[:)>]

I would like to recommend the Surefire L1 with the Cree LED or the new Novatac 120P.

I don't have my hands on the Novatac, but I have had excellent experiences with with HDS lights. The Novatac 120P gives you a choice of 4 levels so you don't have to sacrifice runtime or brightness.

I do have a Surefire L1 and it has a very handy 10 lumen low beam which will more than handle most camp chores and a 65 lumen high beam which does an excellent job of illuminating distant objects.

Fenis is a good choice also. I would recommend their P1D-CE with the orange peel reflector. These lights never cease to amaze me as they are as bright (to my eyes) as my U2 but they are tiny. I recommended the P1 over their clicky version as it promises to do a better job of being water proof as it has no clicky.

I backpack as well and I am planning on bringing my L1 and my E1L with me.

-Goatee

 

[Valpo Hawkeye]

I second the L1 suggestion. I just got my CREE L1 the other day, and I love it. The low is a little on the bright side, but for your use it might be perfect, as Goatee suggested.

If that's a little high $$$, the I like the P2D CE, only because I prefer a clicky over a twisty. However, I'd imagine the twisty may be a bit more reliable, though I've never had a clicky fail on me without warning. Usually they get a little stuborn or rough in their clicky action before they die. YMMV

 

[vic2367]

i also like the the P2D CE...great light,,,

 

[Curious_character]

I've spent a lot of time searching for the best light for exactly the same purpose. The best I've found is the D-Mini. It produces just about 4 times the lux level (same brightness at twice the distance) of the P1D CE, or about 3 times the level of the L2D/P2D/P3D. It weighs 3.8 oz. including battery. The beam is tight enough that it doesn't blast the nearby scene with light, yet not painfully tight like some (e.g., MRV with smooth reflector) that make you think you're looking through a tube.

It gives me 28 minutes run time with an RCR123A cell, which is enough for the purpose. I use a headlamp when I need a lower light level for a longer time.

c_c

 

[65535]

The Li and L4 would make excellent camp lights, there are always fenix lights though. You may not get TIR but most reflector lights are just as good.

 

[jbosman1013]

D-mini

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

I'd recommend the Tiablo A8 for that purpose. But if you really need something smaller, then the Lumapower D-Mini is a great option.

 

[MattK]

+1 on the D-mini - seems like the obvious choice for a smallish thrower - more throw, brighter, lighter, smaller and with better runtime than the XO2.

The L4 mentioned above is a great light but it's not a thrower.

 

[orbital]

+

Backpacker,
look up MattK at batteryjunction.com/lumahunterm1.html
and get yourself a LumaPower M1,...you'll love it!!
It's slightly smaller than your XO2

The M1 is one the most popular lights in this forum.