Smith & Wesson FL7

[Threepio]

Has anyone had any experience with the S&W FL7? Big 5 here in SoCal has these on sale for $39.95 now. It looks like a nice light, feels very solid, and is rechargeable (NiMH). Unless I hear something horrible, I'll probably end up with one... Bob

 

[dano]

I have an FL11, and it's not a bad light. Does use a NiMH battery stick, which is, essentially, the body of the light. The rear of the light is unprotected: the battery ends are exposed, and may short if placed on a metallic object. The lamp is a Bi-pin module, with an integrated mini reflector. The switch is the standard push on/off. For $40 bucks, it's a good deal for a household light.

I cannot recommend it for duty use, mainly due to the exposed battery ends.

--dan

 

[Threepio]

Thanks for the input! I took a chance and bought one and am very happy with it, for the price. The beam is extremely tight, and very even. Now if I can find a spare lamp assembly, and a holster, life will be good... Bob

 

[dano]

Yup, not a bad light for the money, but when they first appeared, I remember a uniform shop had them for $150+ bucks...

Isn't the FL-7 the Stinger sized light?
--dan

 

[Threepio]

I don't have a Stinger to compare it with, but it is just under 8" long. I didn't have a rechargeable in that size. As much as I love the output of my Magcharger, it's just too big and bulky most of the time. This FL7 should be just the thing for working in ceilings, pulling cable.

The Big 5 ad said "regular price $120" and the box is so marked. But the salesman said these were new and had only sold at the $39.99 price. For $100+, I'd have gone for the Ultra Stinger! --Bob

 

[dano]

Oh, they aren't new...They were initially released about 5+ years ago, at least from what I remember...

--dan

 

[Threepio]

I guess that'll teach me to believe a shoe salesman...!

--Bob

 

[lemlux]

I can't find any specs on this light, and a search of S&W's web site only shows one limited page of flashlights. I have a rain-check from Big-5 and want to see if I really want one of these.

Help?

 

[Threepio]

Hi Lemlux,

I wish I could point you to some specs on the FL7, but you've found as much as I have. There is just not much info available, that's another reason I believed it was a new light. I can't even find a source for spare lamps, looks like I'll have to contact S & W directly.

What convinced me to buy it was the very tight beam, the size, the price, and the drop-in charger. Dan has a good point about the exposed battery terminals, I'd use a rubber cap if that became a problem. I like the light a lot, for what it is. I just don't know why there's so little info. Maybe the "$120 suggested retail" price scares people off? --Bob

 

[FlameOn]

http://www.ediscountbike.com/edbikestore/showdetl.cfm?&User_ID=385007&St=5298&St2=666437703&St3=929637592&DS_ID=1&Product_ID=344&DID=1


found this on the specs...

 

[Tombeis]

It looks as though this flashlight has been discontinued by Smith and Wesson.

The Discountbike site says they specialize in buying large quantities of discontinued merchandise.

 

[Threepio]

And I see them on sale at Big 5 again, "Limit 2 per customer" at the $39 price. The coupon also says "After sale $120.00". I would NOT have paid $120 for one. At $39, I'm a fairly happy guy! --Bob