Security work. About £25/$40

[Bk12]

Hey

First time poster here, so please forgive any courtesies that I may have not observed.

My boss wants me to source him two torches at about £25 each, for inside and outside nighttime security patrols.

I would hope to be able to get something that is:

• 150 - 200 lumens
• Uses AA size batteries (can accept rechargables)
• Big enough to "not put in your pocket and lose"

I was looking at something by Romisen, maybe the RC-N3 (a touch brighter), but he seems to think this is too easily misplaced. (Seriously, we're not that bad!)

Any thoughts on this are much appreciated.

 

[braddy]

I would go to the Fenix E-series and choose a AA model.

 

[BLUE LED]

I would ask for more money to spend on 2 quality lights with more Lux and Lumens for security work.

 

[blerkoid]

How about a pen light that can meet the price, lumen and battery specifications?

I would have to agree that this is sub par, though. For security work you need a bit more.

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Fenix E21-$35.
Inova X2-$27 (REI).

 

[Bk12]

I would ask for more money to spend on 2 quality lights with more Lux and Lumens for security work.

You know this, I know this, but there is zero chance of him understanding.

Currently, we're rocking 2D Maglites, each powered by what appears to be a small luminescent insect trapped beneath a glass dome in place of a bulb; akin to that which Fred Flintstone would be familiar with.

My 4sevens mini CR123 porvides a gigantic amount of light in comparison, so really anything is an improvement.

This is why I have come to the experts for advice. *Bows deeply*

 

[Bk12]

Fenix E21-$35.
Inova X2-$27 (REI).

That E21 - 2.25 hour runtime at 135 lumens, that's not too shabby. Seems *rolls eyes* big enough too.

I like this one a lot.

Thanks!

 

[gravelmonkey]

I really like the E21 - forward clicky, simple interface, good mode spacing. Beam is a bit throwy for me to use everyday (and its not a neutral tint... but I might change that)

 

[braddy]

E21-Two modes of output:
High: 170 lumens, 2 hours 15 minutes
Low: 54 lumens, 11 hours


E25- 3 Brightness Levels
High - 187 Maximum Lumens - Run Time 2 hr. 20 min.
Mid - 90 Lumens - Run Time 6 hr. 15 min.
Low - 27 Lumens - Run Time 26 Hr.

E40- Three Brightness Modes Plus Strobe
High - 220 Lumens - 3 hr.
Mid - 105 Lumens - 9 hr.
Low - 34 Lumens - 31 hr.
260-meter throw, Tactical switch with momentary-on function

 

[Bk12]

E21-Two modes of output:
High: 170 lumens, 2 hours 15 minutes
Low: 54 lumens, 11 hours


E25- 3 Brightness Levels
High - 187 Maximum Lumens - Run Time 2 hr. 20 min.
Mid - 90 Lumens - Run Time 6 hr. 15 min.
Low - 27 Lumens - Run Time 26 Hr.

E40- Three Brightness Modes Plus Strobe
High - 220 Lumens - 3 hr.
Mid - 105 Lumens - 9 hr.
Low - 34 Lumens - 31 hr.
260-meter throw, Tactical switch with momentary-on function

Thank you - that is very useful indeed. I really like the look of the E40 for me.

must... concentrate... at task.... in hand

 

[Bk12]

I really like the E21 - forward clicky, simple interface, good mode spacing. Beam is a bit throwy for me to use everyday (and its not a neutral tint... but I might change that)

Throwy is good for me as the area we're in is rural. And the fallow deer are about to start rutting, so staying out of the way of those stags is a priority!

 

[BLUE LED]

How about one torch. The Fenix E40

 

[LilKevin715]

The new Nitecore MT21A might be a good option. 2AA format with lux near 10k, 260 lumens.

 

[N8N]

are your current 2D mags incans? Howzabout looking into some Malkoff drop in retrofits for them? Mags are solid durable devices, they just suck at actually putting out light. Malkoff drop in is $40 before shipping - this might be the way to go for you given your budget.

While you're at it suggest maybe getting some NiMH D cells and a proper charger, so you're not throwing away alkalines all the damn time.

 

[Bk12]

How about one torch. The Fenix E40

Unfortunately, we need two. There are half a dozen outbuildings that area all spaced wide apart, so two of us split up to cover the site.

It's so frustrating that I've been given such a small budget, because I'd love to get two E40's.

 

[jorn]

Agree with N8N, take a look at the mag modules at malkoff devices.
Malkoff is as close as you get if you want something "bomb proof" or club like :D

 

[Bk12]

are your current 2D mags incans? Howzabout looking into some Malkoff drop in retrofits for them? Mags are solid durable devices, they just suck at actually putting out light. Malkoff drop in is $40 before shipping - this might be the way to go for you given your budget.

While you're at it suggest maybe getting some NiMH D cells and a proper charger, so you're not throwing away alkalines all the damn time.

No, they're some sort of drop in (I'd have to check which type) that the boss got ages ago, but they're awful.

Would the output be too much inside small office buildings, do you think? We have very old, odd lights, that have switches all over the place, so when we're locking up, we tend to be in the dark most of the time.

 

[N8N]

No, they're some sort of drop in (I'd have to check which type) that the boss got ages ago, but they're awful.

Would the output be too much inside small office buildings, do you think? We have very old, odd lights, that have switches all over the place, so when we're locking up, we tend to be in the dark most of the time.

Might be the regular old Mag LED bulb retrofit. Just check the serial number of the lights against Gene's web site because the drop ins he sells apparently only work with older incandescent mags not newer ones that came with LEDs. Gene rates the Mag 2D drop in at 270 OTF lumens so it will be brighter than your 4sevens (180-some lumens I believe?) but not ludicrously so. The real Mag brand LED bulb is probably only 50 OTF lumens if not less, so you would notice the difference.

 

[Bk12]

Might be the regular old Mag LED bulb retrofit. Just check the serial number of the lights against Gene's web site because the drop ins he sells apparently only work with older incandescent mags not newer ones that came with LEDs. Gene rates the Mag 2D drop in at 270 OTF lumens so it will be brighter than your 4sevens (180-some lumens I believe?) but not ludicrously so. The real Mag brand LED bulb is probably only 50 OTF lumens if not less, so you would notice the difference.

That'll probably be it then. £50/$75+ (I seem to remember) for two drop ins. Money I could have spent!

I noticed that serial numbers were mentioned on his site, so I'll have a look tonight - thanks.

And yep, 180 lumens from my cr123 power 4sevens mini. I do love it, and their customer service was brilliant too when I contacted them.

 

[N8N]

yikes, I thought they were only $20 or so apiece. Maybe it's 'cause you're not in the US (I assume, since you're quoting prices in pounds?)