Soldier needs a field light

[YourHuckleberry]

This will be the first light I've ever bought that didn't come from wal-mart and costs more than $20. I need an LED light for field training that is also something I can take camping and stick in a bug-out bag. To be clear, I am in an infantry unit, but I am not scheduled to go into harm's way soon, and suspect i'll be back here asking your advice on a new light if that time comes.

My budget goes up to around $120. I think the solarforce l2p host looks light the right size for me, and I like that it's modular and upgradable. While I'm partial to that now, I'm not totally committed and will consider other options.

Assuming the l2p host is a keeper, I'd really like your thoughts on drop-in LEDs. I don't know what I need in terms of lumens - it seems like it would be easy to over-do that. What I do know is that i want something with lo-med-hi modes, with memory. It would be great if the high was good to light up a large area (like a backyard), but I expect to spend most of the time on medium for around the house or walking in the woods, or on low for reading, etc. I'd expect the light to run a long time on medium or low power on two CR123 cells. I like a bright white tint, but I'm not super picky about that.

if you'll indulge me further, I think what I'm asking for is a "floody" light, right? Something with a minimal hot spot and more diffused beam? What would your recommendations be if I asked for something with a more focused beam over distance? I've been reading that its easy to buy a diffuser lens or use scotch tape to diffuse a tight beam, but its not possible to tighten a floody beam. Should I consider just going with something "throwy" and diffuse the beam when I need to walk around the woods or read? Should I plan t buy two drop-ins and change them when necessary? And I'd love your recommendation for a place to buy additional parts, like the "tactical" crenelated tops. Thanks for your time guys, I'm hoping to spend more time on the forums once my first good light arrives and I can see what this stuff is all about!

 

[dss_777]

Ask around you unit, and you may find recommendations to get a headlamp. Not as sexy as a potent thrower, but very useful for exactly what you described. Also not as likely to grow legs and walk off on you, either.

Look at zebralight, as an example. Depending on battery choice and kind of output you need, they have several choices. I'd also not recommend their floods models, since they don't have much reach. Great for close up work, though. Something like an H31c is CR123 throwy version with multiple modes and good color rendition for out in the woods.

Thank you for your service.


Cheers!

 

[grayhighh]

Zebralight +1 here. H31 is the light I use the most. I was in an infantry, and very one was impressed by my little headlamp:)

 

[YourHuckleberry]

I'm actually set on headlamps. I've got a Black Diamond Storm that I absolutely love. And if I'm going out into the woods a night, it's on my head. This is sort of a backup to take with me on day/evening missions in case they run long and, well... because I want to buy an awesome flashlight.

 

[grayhighh]

If Im in the woods, or out in the field. I like to have a light that can throw a certain distance, so I can know what's far in front of me.
I would suggest Surefire LX2. You can probably get one under your budget at CPFMP. Or Malkoff MD2 (they come with camo too !) with M61. M61s beam probably not as tight and far as the LX2 but the spill is wider that some situation it is very useful. Be sure to purchase a HI/Low ring and you can have two levels on this awesome dropin.