Suggestions please: single cell thrower for SAR

[nimdabew]

Hello everyone. I have been turning the idea of getting a single cell thrower for SAR stuff just because I love flashlights (who doesn't?) but knowing OLight they will be using a 6500K LED which makes me sick to my stomach. I would like at least 5000K and would prefer 4000K, but I will take what I can get.

I know that their claim of 90k candela will only be for 2 minutes, so having that spot will be really short, so are there any other lights I should be looking for when looking for a 4000K-5000K single cell thrower? I have looked at the Fenix TK22 and TK22UE, but would prefer to stick with 18650's just so I don't have to cart around different cells for handheld/headlamp. Any help would be appreciated! It would also be nice to be able to put it in a flashlight holster that I currently have a PD35 v2.0 in right now.

Side note, one of these days I am going to jailbreak that PD35 and reflow the LED.

Tl;dr
CCT: 4000-5000K
Form factor: handheld single cell
Cell: 18650 preferred
Preferred candela: 40,000<*

Additional info: my area has a lot of canyons, wide open spaces stretching for miles, and close in trees at times, so I cart around different lights for different purposes. I would like to keep this discussion to throwers only since most close in stuff I can cover with my Zebralight headlamp and other wide HS/spill lights.

 

[NPL]

I love my Thrunite Catapult V6, but it uses a 26650 battery. In an 18650 format, I would check out the Nitecore P30 (first generation).

https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/p30

Sent from my Pixel using Candlepowerforums mobile app

 

[aginthelaw]

Manker u22 has a solid build and over 100kcd throw depending on the led. Pocketable too and i run mine off of a samsung 50e 21700

 

[TomK85]

What is your budget? The Malkoff HD18650 'only' has 29.000 lux but is one of the finest lights around.

 

[mk2rocco]

What is your budget? The Malkoff HD18650 'only' has 29.000 lux but is one of the finest lights around.

I second this. I'm a Park Ranger and participate in a search every month or so. My 18650 Hound Dog does a great job.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

 

[TomK85]

I second this. I'm a Park Ranger and participate in a search every month or so. My 18650 Hound Dog does a great job.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

And it runs for an hour at full output and then 45 minutes down to 300 lumens.

 

[torchsarecool]

Noctigon K1. Large choice of LEDs including an SST20 4000k high cri option larger 21700 cell and a decent sized light should equal decent runtimes on higher outputs. Awesome build quality semi custom light.

 

[Stefano]

Versione Armytek Predator Pro
Warm versionv has approximately 47000 cd

 

[nimdabew]

Budget isn't really a problem, but I would like to keep it sub-$200 if possible. Other than that, simple UI... Maybe a cookie after I open the package?

 

[Jash]

I second the Thrunite Catapult V6. It's nicer to hold than a single 18650 light and the built in charger is great. Super simple UI. Throws a nice solid beam a long way. Comes in neutral white.

Having used mine for a few weeks now, I can say that it will run on HIGH without stepping down. This mode is around 900 lumens and throws light a long way. My dog walk route takes almost an hour and the light shines nonstop on HIGH getting only a little warm.

On HIGH I can still spot the tree line on the other side of the lake quite easily, which is around 290 metres (950 feet) away according to google earth, being able to see the colour of the tree trunks and the differing sizes of branches.

When I get home I plug it in and it takes maybe an hour or so to top the battery back up to full. Any decent 18650 will power it on high mode, but just spend an extra $20 and get a Keepower 6000mah cell and keep the original as a spare.

 

[Keitho]

I just happened to see nearby, a 21700 thrower that Vinh could load up with an SST40 HD 4000K or any other LED. Looks pretty, I wish I could figure out a "need" for this one! https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?463565-Noctigon-K1vn-Best-Single-21700-Thrower-R

I'm with you, I like throw, but have an aversion to CCT above 5500K. That was the draw for me to the BLF GT during the group buy.

 

[Timothybil]

It would help to know what flavor SAR you are looking at. Is it desert? Hilly/mountain? Forest/plains?

First off, if you are looking for a single cell SAR, you need to decide on a way to carry extra cells. A good portion of SAR is going to be searching at a distance, which will require using the higher modes of your light, and thus shorter run times.

My personal goto would be the Nitecore P30, either flavor. The New P30 uses 21700 cells, and thus longer run times, but if you already have an investment in 18650 cells that kinda negates that advantage unless you want to invest in a bunch of new cells. The original P30 has a nice tight beam that does really reach out, while still having just enough spill to light up things close by without affecting distance vision. Don't forget that you are going to want a backup light as well - "Two is One, and One is None".
Another good light is the Lumintop GT Mini. A little bit larger head than the P30, but very similar in size and performance.

While you specified single cell, in my mind the ideal SAR light would be something like the Nitecore TM16. Four cells instead of one, but it will really 'reach out and touch someone' if needed. The disadvantage is a lot more money in both the light and the additional cells needed for backup.

 

[SKV89]

In terms of quality, the just released Olight Warrior X Pro is second to none. It is also 5000k but the tint is not that great if you are a tint snob like myself. Olight also makes the most efficient drivers in the flashlight market and this is a true utility light meants as a tool and not just a flashaholic toy. However, the throw cannot compare with the likes of the Noctigon K1 that basically dwarves every other single cell thrower. I have the K1 with the W2 and it is definitely a very fun light and despite the CW tint, it is pure white and I like it despite I'm a WW and NW fan.

Now if you want a compact light with super high output and throw, you can go the modded route and get a D4svn or MT07vn with the W2 emitter. Should be about 100+ kcd with 5k to 7k+ lumens. Fireflies is now also selling an E07 with the CSLPM1.TG emitter which they rate at 55kcd and 7300 lumens. I think the 55kcd is conservative. Should do maybe 60-70kcd.

 

[scout24]

I second this. I'm a Park Ranger and participate in a search every month or so. My 18650 Hound Dog does a great job.

Sent from my Pixel 4 using Tapatalk

Mk2rocco- If you wouldn't mind sharing, could you tell us what kind of terrain/ type of area your SAR training takes place in? PM incoming, also.

 

[mk2rocco]

Our searches mostly take place in oak woodland or redwood forests. I'll normally conduct a cursory search from a patrol truck when the report of a missing person first comes out. If I'm on foot I have an 18650 Hound Dog on my belt and my Super Hound Dog in my flashlight loop hanging from my belt. The 18650HD gets more use because it's always with me on my belt. It's adiquite for searching out to 100 yards or so. Because where most of my searches take place are wooded that is normally all that's needed.

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[Poppy]

Noctigon K1. Large choice of LEDs including an SST20 4000k high cri option larger 21700 cell and a decent sized light should equal decent runtimes on higher outputs. Awesome build quality semi custom light.

According to ToyKeeper at BLF, the K1 will also run on a 18650. Maybe you'll have to wrap it with a dollar bill to keep it from rattling.