Suggestions for New Flashaholic!!!

[godandcountry]

I ended up here at CPF through the BritishBlades forums. I was interested in purchasing (1) reliable LED light for emergency use. I've been lurking on the site, but finally decided to register. I'm looking for a few suggestions. I've tried to limit myself to lights that may actually be used, rather than collected. After 2 months, here's what I have so far (listed in order of purchase):
Coleman 1 mil spot (Xmas gift)
3-LED Cliplight from wallyworld.
Ultra-G
Dorcy AAA 1-led
SF L4
Mag 2C (3X123,KPR-112)
MiniMag w/MM Lite, 1W HD
SL TT-2L
PT Surge
UK 4AA LED
UK 2L with 4W lamp
Photon Fusion
SL Luxeon Junior on order
EL Blaster Jr. on order

What do you all think? My favorite/most useful lights so far are my Ultra-G, L4, and MiniMag w/sandwich.

 

[pjandyho]

Maybe you would like to tell us what is your intended usage and runtime. It would help tremendously for CPFers in helping you choose a light that suits your needs. Would you want a small light for pocketability or you don't mind a bigger light? The SF L4 is a very good light but at about an hour it really consume batteries very fast. Also, some lights you listed here are actually incandescents and not LED.

 

[Deleted member 4455]

As pjandyho stated,not knowing runtime and intended usage,throw,etc.may limit responses. You have a nice collection of lights there. The Uke 4aa led is a very good flashlight for emergency use with nimh batteries. Water proof to a good degree,rugged ,decent side spill. Include a good solar panel and battery/inverter option and the nimh's can be recharged with many sources-car,sun,etc. The nimh battery will function well with other lights that you presently own as well. Just my two cents worth.

 

[jayflash]

Howdy Doodle g & c, welcome to the CPF.

You already have a nice collection. Many, here, like the SL- PP4 LED. The SL-TT 3C is also well liked = good RT for emergencies. A fluorescent lantern is good for home use.

Lettuce gnoe watt Uv de-sided 2bye. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[machulu]

I don't think it really matters what your intended uses are because you're going to end up buying stuff you don't need eventually. With that in mind, I think a few ARC's is a must for any flashaholic. I suggest the ARC-LSHP, ARC AAA and ARC4. You gotta have one of the bigger Surefires as well.

~Stephen

 

[godandcountry]

I guess I'm thinking versatility. I think I've kind of filled my needs so far. Flashaholism has set in. What do you think might be an interesting light and possibly fill some need not covered? The following are activities that I often participate in at night:
Community security patrol (usually in a vehicle), walking the dog, cycling, jogging, fishing, boating. I'm former military and considering a return as a reservist.

 

[Fitz]

An Arc AAA is a must have for the key-chain. Small, well built, enough output to get you by when you don't have a larger light handy.

 

[godandcountry]

I forgot to mention that I also own an X5-UV.
On your suggestions, I decided to try an Arc-AAA and Arc4 second.
In order to fund this, I cancelled my pre-orders for Streamlight Jr. Luxeon (ordered a long time ago), and the Blaster Jr which has also been delayed.
I will probably give away a few lights to family, so they can actually get used more often.
Thanks for your input. BTW, is there a cure to this disease?

 

[Fitz]

I'm sorry, but it's a terminal illness that empties your bank accounts, maxxes out your credit cards, and causes undo stress waiting for deliveries.

 

[Bill.H]

Glad to see you're getting Arcs! But you still need something from ElektroLumens. I'll suggest the new Blaster III, it's a great power failure light, ultra dependable, and runs brightly forever on 3 D cells.

 

[bindibadgi]

At least we hope so! I ordered two.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Godandcountry,

Welcome to CPF.

I believe the TigerLight or the new modded Tiger85 come close to curing flashoholism... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Well for a minute or two...

Tom

 

[ws]

Try a Longbow Eco. Yes, it is long (5.8 inches) and not so bright compared to other lights (roughly 21 lumens), but consider this:

1) Batteries used are AA size. Universally available and cheap.
2) If you do community security at night, the length makes for a good kubotan substitute, especially when combined with an SDO head (like a SF crenelated head) coming out soon. For close encounters.
3) If you go the other way, and get a Longbow Micra and an Eco tube, it is more expensive, but now you can use both CR123 and AA batteries for the same light just by switching tubes.
4) If a 3 or 5 watt LED capsule for the Longbow comes out, you should be able to use the same light just by removing the plastic sleeve out of the Eco tube and using CR123 batteries. Turbo heads are available as well for increased throw of light.
5) The flashlight is very hardy and makes a good dive light. Excellent for military needs. It has been tested at a squash load of roughly 7 tonnes.

Seems like a sales pitch. But just explaining the option. Or, play around more with your L4. It might convince you to empty your piggy bank to get more Surefire models, like the M3 /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif. That one (the M3)is definitely recommended if you are going back for reservist duty. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[pedalinbob]

how about a good headlamp? (or is that what a photon fusion is?)

i really like my aurora, and would love to get a luxeon based headlamp.

you have an excellent collection started!

Bob

 

[lennonsbug]

The photon fusion is a very cool light. Check out one of the reviews. It is a headlamp first, but it's also bike light with the optional mount (inexpensive), and handheld light or lamp. Also has several cool modes, including strobe, and SOS. It's also very good on batteries. Uses 3AAs. I'm surprised that this has not become more of a local favorite. Perhaps the price is a little high, but if you look, it can be had for around $40-50.