Tight Budget Searchlight

[TechnoZombie]

Hi!

First post here in CPF and already asking for help! :naughty:

My current EDC light is a LD20 but I need something with more power and with more throw. I know Fenix has a lot of choices (I'm in love with the TK45) but unfortunately I'm on a very (and I mean VERY) tight budget... What would you fine people recomend as a good searchlight?
The size and weight is not an issue because it will be transported in my vehicle. Oh and preferably a light which runs on AA!

Thank you in advance!

8)

 

[LEDninja]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

:welcome:

An LED need ~3.6V to reach its maximum potential.
1AA alkaline 1.5V dropping to 0.9V. 1AA NiMH 1.35V dropping to 1.2V.
2AA alkaline 3V dropping to 1.8V. 2AA NiMH 2.7V dropping to 2.4V.
1*18650 4.2V dropping to 3.6V.
As you can see a 1*18650 is almost perfect for an LED torch. 1AA and 2AA need a boost circuit to bring the voltage up to useful levels and powerful boost circuits are expensive. So the bright budget lights from DX or similar all use 18650.

For throw you need a big reflector. 1AA and 2AA have too small a reflector. The 6V lantern and 1 or 2 million candlepower spotlights have 4 inch reflector.

The only budget light I can think of is a Dorcy 41-4750 190 Lumen LED flashlight 4AA.
4sevens MiNi AA2 180 lumens left, Dorcy right. Both are roughly the same brightness as the LD20. But the bigger reflector of the Dorcy produces a much tighter beam. I got mine from Sears Canada.CAD$25+tax.

The other light I can think of is the Fenix LD40. Throw is 207M vs 110M for the LD20.
For reference the TK45 throws 200M.

 

[HotWire]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

Skip DE and build yourself an 1185 or ROP. Plenty of search thee. If LED is a must try the Malkoff M91 in a host of your choice. Not much throw, but it will make a room light up!

 

[spexmaniac]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

Solarforce do a thrower head (well they do 2) the older Pro-1 head is sold as a set with a AAA tube and switch for $57 delivered, they do have other battery tube options, really does throw.
I don't know if thats over budget. Have a look on ebay for solarforce pro-1 or on solarforce sales
hth
John

 

[Brian10962001]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

Do you have a Big Lots, or a Goodwill near you? Biglots currently carries a 4 C Black and Decker LED flashlight for $10, it's a steal, review here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?266783-Black-and-Decker-4C-LED-spotlight

Watch out though because they have another one with a rotating head that isn't as good (Very hard to mix them up just figured I would warn you). Most of the local Goodwills around here are flooded with the Stanley brand HID flashlights that Wal Mart discontinued. I've seen them anywhere from 45 down to 20 dollars, probably be worth a look.

 

[spexmaniac]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

If we can convert you over to 18650's then THIS THREAD should have been noticed by you. If not I think it will take a lot of beating ;-)

 

[agedbriar]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

UltraFire C88 is a very good thrower powered by 3xAA. Solid build (heavy, actually), nicely finished.
I bought one from Manafont ($28.50) for my daughter, who didn't fancy the precautions that 18650s LiIon demand.

 

[qwertyydude]

Re: Tight Budget Searchlight from DealExtreme or similar

If you could switch to 18650 it really will open up a whole world of inexpensive options from dealextreme.

The FandyFire STL-V6 would make a fantastic searchlight with its XM-L led and 60mm SMO reflector it would give most any flashlight even dedicated throwers a run for the money and it's only $46
If your budget is even too cheap for that, the FandyFire C8 at $21

Keep in mind a decent charger and a set of batteries will run an extra $20 or so.

And yes ignore the ridiculous sounding name, it seems dealextreme's new brand is FandyFire. Used to be Ultrafire and Uniquefire. But in reality they're all the same.