Starting A New Job, Flashlight Selection Assistance Requested

[BigBen]

Hello Everyone,
Please forgive me if this has already been covered, and sorry for being long winded.

I've already read a TON of Threads & Posts here, and I've become a bit confused at all of the GREAT options available in a flashlight these days.

I'm starting a new job, and I really need some practical flashlight advice from the pros here.

I'm a Sales Rep. and I will be going into peoples' basements, crawl spaces, attics, etc., to evaluate their heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems (HVAC), to see what problem equipment needs to be replaced.

Naturally, most of those places are pretty dark, and I have no clue as to which flashlight to purchase as my "Buddy" for my application.

Honestly, I do not know if I should purchase a Rechargeable unit or not, nor which batteries to use.

I guess an LED is the way to go here???
I DO know that it needs to be bright enough to look closely at a control box ("Spot"?), AND light-up the whole area ("Spill" I guess?).
I'd like a Holster for it, and I'd possibly attach some sort of retractible Lanyard to it also so I won't lose it.
I'm guessing that it should be a very light color too (maybe yellow), so it's easy to spot?

I also keep getting "hung-up" on the amount of Lumens a unit generates, but am I going down the wrong path with that thinking???

I'm not afraid to spend money on a unit that will be the "right one" for what I need it for, and give me several years of service. :twothumbs

Any advice will be highly appreciated.

Thank you very much,
BigBen
Long Island, New York

 

[pipsqueakspace]

Fenix LD20 seems perfect for what you are looking for.

(most serious flashlights don't have colors, they are either black or grey. If this is important you might want to check out the Fenix TK20)

These are AA lights which can be used with rechargeable Nimh.

 

[BigBen]

Thank you very much for the quick reply Pipsqueakspace, I really appreciate it.
I'll start checking those units out right now!

BigBen

 

[ltiu]

+1 on the Fenix L2D.

Uses easy to find AA, rechargeables or primaries. AA batteries are cheap so your L2D will be cheap to operate.

The L2D is multi-mode so you can use low for close-up inspection and high to light up the whole basement.

 

[post tenebras]

I recommend a Malkoff M60WF (warm flood) drop-in in either a Malkoff host with a two-level ring (or a Surefire or Elzetta host with a two-level tail cap.)

This set-up is extremely reliable and practical for poking around dark basements.

 

[kimck99]

Hi,

For what it's worth, I'm no pro but I'll offer a few thoughts...

First, I would venture to guess that there are several good choices. With that said, as a sales rep, will you be wearing a button down shirt or coverall? Reason I ask is that if you are wearing a button down shirt, one consideration is the style/look to complement your attire. (Yes, it sounds so superficial but hey, since you are asking for suggestion.). With if so, there are two lights that come to mind:

• Fenix LD05
• 4Sevens' Preon - (There are several choices. Check this thread)

Both use AAA batteries and they look professional IMO. They are skinner and should fit nicely in the front pocket.

If you are looking for AA light, then Nitecore D10, Quark 1xAA or 2xAA are good choices as well.

In addition to the flashlight, you may want to consider purchasing LSD NiMH battery as well. I'm sure you ran across Eneloop/Duraloop (Duracell rechargeables with the white top) during your readings on this forum.

I would venture to further guess that you will end up with more than one light :laughing: - as I and many others have once we have found this forum.

I'm sure others who are more closer to your profession/tasks will chime in but suffice to say, there are several choices to consider and the fine folks here will certainly have suggestions/opinions.

Good luck.

 

[ab1ht]

Also depends on your budget.

While the recommended flashlights will certainly fit the bill, have you considered a couple of Maglites? The cost of a pair of 2D and 2AA lights are less expensive than the L2D (and both LED Maglite versions are on sale now at Lowes!).

For an inspection type job, keep it simple. Plus, if something happens to the light (lost or damaged), it won't be too much of a loss and you can stop by your nearest hardware store for a replacement.

Not saying Maglite is a "better" light, just pointing out more options.

 

[Ajax517]

I think a headlamp would be uber helpful if you have to crawl around in confined spaces.

Check out Zebralights or Petzl.

 

[ltiu]

Reason I ask is that if you are wearing a button down shirt, one consideration is the style/look to complement your attire. (Yes, it sounds so superficial but hey, since you are asking for suggestion.). With if so, there are two lights that come to mind:

• Fenix LD05
• 4Sevens' Preon - (There are several choices. Check this thread)

Both use AAA batteries and they look professional IMO. They are skinner and should fit nicely in the front pocket.

If you are wearing office formal/semi-formal wear, then AAA lights that fit in your shirt pocket like a pen looks very good and professional.

If you are more of a blue-collar type, wearing blue coveralls/jeans like a contractor/plumber, then a BIG Maglite will look good.

 

[BigBen]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks a million for those awesome recommendations.

I generally wear a pair of nice slacks (unfortunately, no jeans), and either a golf type of shirt, or a button down shirt.

I'm thinking that I should look for a flashlight (or flashlights, LOL) that I could place in a Holster and attach onto my belt.
Maybe I'll attach a lanyard of some sort to the light(s) as well.
I'll also be carrying a Multi-Tool, just in case I have to open up a control box, a thermostat, or the like.

Mag-Lite was actually my first idea, until I started REALLY looking into flashlights, and learning about them! LOL...
And yup, like most folks here, I'm also one of "Those Guys" that "go nuts" and buy 10 different things to do the same job, and I'm darn proud of it!!! Ha ha ha...

I really don't have a budget, so I'm open to all viable suggestions, as long as it'll do what I need it to do when I need it.


Also, what is a "Drop-In", and what is a CREE?


Thanks Again,
BigBen

 

[Alberta-Blue]

I am gonna say that you should maybe go with a G2L-FYL from Surefire and replace the P60L lamp with a Malkoff M60 and pick up a holster while your at it.

This is simple. The FYL is flouresent and reflective, because you want to be able to find you light if you drop it. The G2L-FYL also has an aluminum head so it can accomodate the M60 and the heat generated and it runs off of a pretty simple and available power source

Just make sure you follows the simple rules of Li-Ion CR123A primaries:

1. DO NOT mix cell types: ALL surefires, OR ALL duracells for one set of batteries.
2. DO NOT mix full charge and half charge cells: i.e... when you change you cells, change them ALL and discard any you are unsure of.
3. DO NOT purchase cheap cells: buy quality and you wont end up with "venting" and "venting with flame" problems
4. DO NOT use damaged cells: kind of a given, but more important with these cell then alkaline.
5. DO NOT attempt to recharge CR123A (Primary) cells: Dont mix this up! CR123A's, the kind made by Surefire and Duracell, ARE NOT rechargable! You run an extremely high chance of a runaway reaction resulting in an explosion if you try and charge them. If you are in doubt as to what you have... get on CPF and ASK!!

As you get more comfortable with illumination tools, hosts, power sources, and drop-ins, you can experiment with different combos and adjust what you have to something that may work better for you.

Good luck with your new job

Alberta-Blue

 

[ab1ht]

Mag-Lite was actually my first idea, until I started REALLY looking into flashlights, and learning about them! LOL...

...

Also, what is a "Drop-In", and what is a CREE?

I'd use the tried-and-true Mag for work. Buy the high end stuff for your personal collection/use. :twothumbs

A "drop-in" is like a standard module that fits into a "host" flashlight body. If you browse the Surefire website, this should become clear.

Cree is a manufacturer of LEDs. They are well known in the industry for making the most efficient LEDs on the market. Also take a look at their website if you're really curious.

 

[BigBen]

Excellent, thanks again for the information.

I'll be doing more research over the next day or two, then I'll buy a couple.

BigBen

 

[ab1ht]

One other aspect that hasn't been breached...

Maglites make for very nice weapons. While I realize that your job as an inspector isn't to hurt people, you still need to bear in mind that you'll be traveling to many unknown places and walking in lots of unknown parking lots.

A 2D or 4D Mag is a nice club and a 2AA Mag with an Xcapecap is a good kubaton.

Xcapecap: http://www.xcapecap.com/
Kubaton: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kubotan

 

[BlueBeam22]

Consider the SureFire 6PL... Very bright, great throw, wide beam, bright spill, perfect beam quality, good runtime, excellent regulation, and top quality.

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

For climbing into tight spaces, I'd suggest a Princeton Tec EOS headlight in orange. The squarish beam pattern is perfect for lighting up electrical panels. The high and medium are plenty bright to see anything at close to medium range. The low is just right for reading at close range without being blinded too much by reflective surfaces. It's water resistant for damp areas. It takes alkaline, rechargeable NiMH, and lithium AAA batteries. It is Class 1 Division 2 rated for some protection in explosive environments (you never know if the house you're inspecting may have a fuel leak). The headlight has no rear mounted battery pack so it's more comfortable if you have to inspect anything while laying on your back. It's small enough to carry in a jacket pocket.

 

[BigBen]

Thanks again for all of the recommendations AND the education.
I really appreciate the help in sorting all of this out. :twothumbs
I'd hate like heck to go into this new job while being in the dark, if ya know what I mean!

BigBen

 

[Gunner12]

I'd suggest a neutral white LED, since better color rendering might be a good thing to have for your line of work. Cool white LEDs have a tendency to make things look flat. This is partially due to the lack of longer wavelength lights (red and other colors around that wavelength).

I don't remember a AA powered neutral white light though. My mind is blanking out on me.

:welcome:

Edit: the Nitecore EZAA neutral white could be a good choice. The Dereelight Javelin neutral white is larger, throws more, 2 AA, and has 1 more mode, could be a good choice too.

 

[BigBen]

Thanks Gunner12, I'll definitely add those to my "check 'em out" list.

To get my "fix", I went to HD & L's tonight to see what they had...
I purchased a few cheapo lights just to have 'em in the kitchen drawer.

Now I'll be looking for a few "real" flashlights, to sue at work.

BigBen

 

[Jackscrj]

Ld20 good choice for all purpose. I love mine.
Here's my review with beamshots.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=251083