Streamlight Batonlight

[Dreck]

I was considering getting a Batonlight but in my travels to my local stores, I've noticed nobody in northern Illinois has "N" cells

. Seems to me that I have read that certain flashlights that require those little *******s are perfectly happy with a pair of "AAA"s but just not as bright. Has anyone tried this?

 

[ChrisA]

Yup, it will work just like you've said... But light output will be considerably less than with 3 Ns and the AAAs will rattle because of the smaller diameter.

Chris

 

[arioch]

Dreck:

I own a SL Batonlight; in comparison with other led lights, it is not very impressive. IMO the switch was not very well designed (did not always turn on when pressed, and did not always remain on when held down)

, and the light output for three led's was in the range of my Princeton Tec Pulsar(with one led).

For about $10.00 more, might I suggest instead an Inova X5T; slightly thicker in dimension,but still very comfortable in the hand, brighter with 5led's, and better switch design.

However, if you are set on a SL Batonlight, most Radio Shacks carry "N" cells. If you don't have a RS in your area, you might try an online battery dealer like cheapbatteries.com

 

[LongThrow]

Batonlight,
Besides the N cells, my biggest problem is the solder pad on the board were the + connection is made. It is not flat at all and will lead to flickering. I added some solder to the connection and lightly sanded the threads on the barrel so it would work better. Problem solved

Personally, I would get a CMG Ultra to replace it with. It was my first real LED light (a present from work) and it brought me to this forum. It is also responsible for my thinning wallet.

Oh well, at least I have the Mini-LGI for an EDC now

 

[Grummond]

I have SL BatonLite.

I would say with fresh batts my one is defiantly brighter than a single LED and has a very defuse beam probably due to it having to shine through the smoked G.E. Lexan lens.
[EDIT: Sorry, I should have said much brighter than a single 5mm LED, certainly not brighter than a Luxeon.]

With regards to the switch being unresponsive, I have noticed that the BatonLite really needs to be run on Energizer “N” size (LR1) batts.
Using other brand batteries you might find that there are problems with the button switch although you can still make it work by twisting the tail.
I think this is due to slight variations in the size of different brands.
(Not only do you need to find the N size batteries, you’ve got to get the right brand in order for it to function as it should.)
N size batteries also have rather low capacity compared to AA or even AAA and I have noticed that the Batonlite does get dim soon after putting in fresh batteries.

My BatonLite very rarely comes out on day trips with me since I got my Opalec and now I’ve got my 2aa Inratech and dat2zip BB500 & MadMax I can’t see it’s going to be spending much time in my pockets.

The BatonLight was also my first real LED and I can remember the first night I had it I was constantly shinning it around the house muttering things like “I can’t believe it’s so bright and white”. Now that I’m used to using my BB500 or Madmax whenever I use the BatonLite I convince myself that I can’t see anything with it.
Whether this is just because the BB500 and MadMax are so bright and I’ve just got used to them or whether it’s because they are so bright that I’m happily giving myself permanent eye damage I’m not sure.!!?

 

[LongThrow]

Grummond,
It sounds like the Batonlight is a "gateway light". It hooks you into using much "harder LEDs". Unlike my BB500 and Mini-LGI, I can drop the Baton into water and not nuke the thing. It sits in my little tool pack as it fits in the pocket to hold it. When the LS driven single AA water-proof regulated light comes out, the Batonlight will depart from my collection.

 

[Roy]

Here is my runtime plot for the Batonlite.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=16;t=000024

Closest compairison the the Batonlite would the the Opalec New Beam drop=in conversion for a AA Minimag. Both have 3 leds.

 

[The_LED_Museum]

I first thought the Batonlite used the wider angle Nichia LEDs, but I "forced" it to run without the frosted window and it turned out to use the standard 20-degree Nichias we all know and love. With the extra diffusant in front though, all of that funky blue color is gone

in addition to giving the flashlight a wider-than-usual beam that lends itself well to close up tasks.

 

[Roy]

Yes! It's great for reading maps in the car late at night...very smooth,even, white light.

 

[Dreck]

Alright, after looking at Inova X5T's I my change my mind about the Batonlight. A couple of questions though. Is this thing regulated? I seem to have read conflicting reports about run time. One site says 20 hours and another says 8 hours. Which is it? And just what is the average retail of 123a's. This light will probably be used as a bedside light.(boy am I confused)