Well I don't mind if the light is a bit long. I really want somthing that will have a good runtime. Nutnfancy uses a 4Sevens mini 123 light in the system but it doesn't have the runtime I am looking for. It is bright though at 200 lumens with rechargeable cells. As far as led color I don't really care as long as it is not terrible and really blue or somthing. The big requirement is fitting into the headband and the brightest light I can fit inside :)
Good, your priorities are exactly what I need to know. :thumbsup: I can also see where you probably got the "POU" from--I immediately thought of nutnfancy when I read your original post. ;)
I really like the beam pattern my preon has. It does have a hotspot in the middle and then some flood. I don't want somthing that has no hotspot in it.
With a typical diffuser lens over regular reflector optics (as opposed to a true floodlight optic), you'll still have somewhat of a hotspot, but it will be gradually spread out toward the dimmer edge of the beam.
By the way, I didn't intend to complicate things by introducing this topic. It's just that it seems that the vast majority of people here (at least the more vocal ones? :shrug:) prefer diffused light or completely even floodlight for up-close work, so I felt that it should be mentioned as a matter of due diligence. I was actually hoping that others who have more (or any) experience with some of the activities you mentioned would comment on the merits (or lack thereof) of floody light, but so far it seems that we're on our own. ;) As far as I'm concerned, if you'd be happy with the beam pattern of your Preon (and it is a very nice one, in my opinion), then you should go with something similar, with an add-on diffuser lens being a nice-to-have but not completely necessary accessory. After all, as stated previously, I generally prefer a hotspot+spill beam pattern myself.
Now let's look at the beamshots in the following reviews by
selfbuilt to give you some idea of what you might be getting:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?258156-4Sevens-Preon-Review-(1xAAA-amp-2xAAA)-RUNTIMES-BEAMSHOTS-and-more!
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?291124-Zebralight-SC51-(XP-G-R4)-amp-SC50w-(XP-E-Neutral)-1xAA-Reviews-RUNTIMES-BEAMSHOTS
The Preon's beam pattern is pretty similar to that of the SC51, which appears to have a slightly wider spill. The LD10--and the LD20--have narrower spills, and although it may not be immediately apparent, their smooth reflectors will concentrate more of the light into the central portion of the overall hotspot, which gives them greater throw. The "orange peel" reflectors of the Preon and SC51, on the other hand, make for more "perfect"-looking beams and very even hotspot illumination (except for where it starts blending into the spill). All of these beams are quite usable, although some folks will have preferences between them. Note that the current LD10 (flashlights are updated every so often) appears to have lower brightness and greater runtime on its Turbo mode now, while the SC51 still has the same runtimes but is slightly brighter than it was before.
Really if I could just get a longer runtime slightly brighter preon that fits into the headband.
The only 1xAA flashlights that I know of that can actually (i.e. manufacturers' claims don't count ;)) come close to what you're asking for are the ZebraLight SC51/H51 and the Klarus ST10 (and maybe some other Klarus models, but I'd need more data). According to
this review, they'll give you slightly less output (hardly noticeable) with significantly greater runtimes (using the second-highest mode of the SC51); note that the SC51 is a bit brighter now with an updated LED. Compare their output/runtime graphs with those of the Preon 2 review that I linked to above. Output in these graphs is in relative terms, not actual lumens--to convert to lumens, raise the relative output number to the power of 1.48 and then multiply by 0.28. Both of these flashlights should fit the Fenix headband, although the SC51's clip might get in the way, and it requires a tool to remove--this is unfortunate because the SC51 is smaller, more efficient, and has an additional, even higher output level in case you'd ever have a need for that (on the other hand, the ST10 is a lot less expensive right now). The ZebraLight H51 has the same performance and beam profile as the SC51, but is a headlamp with a removable (by hand) clip, so that's another option (also usable as a handheld angled flashlight).
If this is not good enough, then you'll have to go with two-cell flashlights. I had suggested the Fenix LD20 earlier because it meets your output/runtime requirements, but there are many other good options. If you want additional options for 2xAA (or 1xCR123A for that matter) flashlights, just let me know.
Does the zebra light come with its own headband?
Yes, both the headlamps (H51 series) and the flashlights (SC51 series) come with the same headband, although I'm not too fond of it, honestly. It feels pretty secure on my head until I move around too much (e.g. running or even just walking), whereupon the elastic stretches and twists, making the headlamp bounce on my forehead. :rolleyes: It works OK otherwise, but I much prefer the cheap but rugged Nite Ize headband, which is far more stable and comfortable, and it also makes mounting the headlamp easier. I wouldn't recommend it for regular flashlights because it has no vertical adjustment system (unless you move the whole headband) like the fairly expensive Fenix headband has, but for headlamps it's great. :twothumbs
I have also looked at the 4sevens aa2 X version. What do you think of that?
The 4Sevens Quark AA² is a fine flashlight, but it runs for a bit less than 1.5 hours on Max (205 lumens), and its clip is more difficult to remove by hand--you have to unscrew the section it's attached to, pull the O-ring onto the threads, and unscrew the clip retainer first (some folks have had difficulty with the last part for some reason). It does, however, have a more similar beam pattern to that of the Preon 2, since you like that. It should fit the Fenix headband with no issues, too (once the clip is removed). Aside from what has been mentioned, and its specific output levels, it's pretty similar to the Fenix LD20. It should be noted that it has an additional very low "Moonlight" mode (0.2 lumens) that some people favor and the LD20 lacks; the SC51/H51 has such a mode as well (also 0.2 lumens), by the way, and a very different UI that uses an electronic switch with no need to twist the bezel (can't do that anyway).
EDIT: Oh, you meant the "X" version. :o The above was for the XP-G R5 version. I don't know, the "X" version doesn't seem any more efficient to me. :thinking: It has greater output on Max at 280 lumens, but less than an hour of runtime. And while its runtime on the 115 lumen mode is alright (although the
1xAA SC51/H51 can almost match it :ooo:), it's not as bright as you were asking for. In addition, it seems significantly less efficient on the lower modes. The only other major difference is that its beam has a wider hotspot, which is not a bad thing for what you're doing, but otherwise it doesn't seem like a match for your other requirements. It's up to you, though--my purpose here is to inform and make recommendations, not tell people what they should like. ;)
I hope I am answering your questions if not just ask if I need to clarify.
You're doing a fine job--many who ask for help here do not answer questions or ask their own.
I am pretty new to advanced flashlights, most people I know would say get a maglite for a super bright light :broke:
Well, some of the newer, updated Maglites these days are quite viable flashlights for the price, to be honest. You're kind of asking for a lot in a small package, though, so Maglites are definitely out. ;)
hmmm. That PD30 does intrigue me but some of those posts do cause concern... :huh:
On the other hand, it seems as though the most dangerous place to be during such incidents is behind the tail switch. :eek: I still don't like the idea of putting one on my head, though. I'm a shooter so I'm quite familiar with having to deal with risks, but a big part of that is taking every step to reduce or practically eliminate certain risks whenever possible.
What would it be like if I used protected rechargeable 123 or 18650 cells, better? worse?
I'm not one of the more knowledgeable folks around here when it comes to Li-ion cells, and I haven't had any disasters myself (yet... :sweat:), but it seems to me that Li-ions experience most of their meltdowns during charging--that can make them dangerous to leave alone (sometimes chargers goof and overcharge them), which I never do. Incidents in which protected cells failed during use are more rare (although it even occasionally happens with consumer electronics) and are usually caused by faulty protection circuits. :rolleyes: Any of these cells, rechargeable or primary, can vent with fire, although the configuration that seems to bite flashaholics in the rear end most painfully and frequently are lithium primaries in multi-cell flashlights--specifically the Li-MnO
2 chemistry used in CR123A cells (Energizer Li-FeS
2 AA/AAA cells are thought to be safer, and experience has not yet proven otherwise, to my knowledge, although theoretically they could go :poof: too). Everybody should know that nobody can ever be completely safe, but I think that sticking with single-cell flashlights is safer than multi-cell flashlights when using lithium-based chemistries, and that AA and AAA flashlights are safer still.
Speaking of risk management, have you considered what would happen if the flashlight that you're using suddenly failed? Those things happen sometimes, of course, even with quality equipment. Do you already have backup flashlights, or do we need to consider those?
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