lapseofreason
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2009
- Messages
- 1
What are the top 5 brands of collectable flashlights .Either LED or Xenon
Top 5 Brands of Collectable flashlights
- Thread starter lapseofreason
- Start date
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powernoodle
Flashlight Enthusiast
One generally "collects" what one likes, which is subjective and varies from person to person.
I have a zillion lights (see my sig line), but do not consider myself a collector. Almost every light I have purchased was because I intended to use it. Or at least I convinced myself of that. The only exception is the Arc brand, which I do collect.
For me, the top brands for collecting (if I can characterize it as that) are maybe:
Arc
Fenix
Mag-lite
Surefire
Streamlight
I have a zillion lights (see my sig line), but do not consider myself a collector. Almost every light I have purchased was because I intended to use it. Or at least I convinced myself of that. The only exception is the Arc brand, which I do collect.
For me, the top brands for collecting (if I can characterize it as that) are maybe:
Arc
Fenix
Mag-lite
Surefire
Streamlight
HKJ
Flashaholic
I will say custom lights: McGizmo, Arc, Lummi and some more.
Another type of lights to collect would be titanium lights.
For "cheaper" collection, some people collect mini Maglight in all the different colors, it might even be one of the most collected lights.
maxspeeds
Flashlight Enthusiast
I don't collect lights. I use them. With that said, I'd have to vote for McGizmo, CoolFall, and TranquilityBase for collectors. See sig This is based off of their limited production, high-end quality, and resale value
This is based off of their limited production, high-end quality, and resale value
FredericoFreire
Enlightened
1 - Surefire
2 - Arc
3 - HDS
4 - Lummi
5 - Ra
2 - Arc
3 - HDS
4 - Lummi
5 - Ra
DimeRazorback
Flashlight Enthusiast
I collect Surefires.
But I still buy other brands!
:thumbsup:
But I still buy other brands!
:thumbsup:
jch79
**Do Not Feed The Vegan**,
What does collectible mean to you? Highest resale value? Rarest? Oldest? :shrug:
IMHO, rare metal, small run flashlights are the most collectible. YMMV, but here's what I consider to be the cream of the crop for modern-made collector's lights (in no particular order):
PhotonFanatic
Cool Fall
McGizmo
TranquillityBase
Lummi
All five makers produce some of the finest looking and exceptionally-made lights, all of which are a pleasure to own and to use.
:thumbsup: john
IMHO, rare metal, small run flashlights are the most collectible. YMMV, but here's what I consider to be the cream of the crop for modern-made collector's lights (in no particular order):
PhotonFanatic
Cool Fall
McGizmo
TranquillityBase
Lummi
All five makers produce some of the finest looking and exceptionally-made lights, all of which are a pleasure to own and to use.
:thumbsup: john
jp2515
Flashlight Enthusiast
Agreed! Same here, I collect SF but I purchase/carry more often other brands
lctorana
Flashlight Enthusiast
I don't collect on brand, although I do look out for Eveready and Upson.
My criteria is:
* more than 30 years old, and preferably a LOT older
* preferably Australian made
* a good make (e.g. Eveready or Upson, as above)
* good condition
* was a well-made and desirable model to begin with
* period dead batteries are a bonus.
All of those are negotiable, but IMHO, it's not "collectible" unless it fits at least one of the above criteria.
Just my own opinion for me.
My criteria is:
* more than 30 years old, and preferably a LOT older
* preferably Australian made
* a good make (e.g. Eveready or Upson, as above)
* good condition
* was a well-made and desirable model to begin with
* period dead batteries are a bonus.
All of those are negotiable, but IMHO, it's not "collectible" unless it fits at least one of the above criteria.
Just my own opinion for me.
Nyctophiliac
Flashlight Enthusiast
Ictorana - I like that you collect vintage lights - too many people here only like what's new and groovy. Keep up the good work.
I collect all sorts, from a 1930's german aspherical to the latest 21st Century offering, and I hope I always will do. But the ones I actively look out for are:
ARC
LUMMII
NITECORE
FENIX
RA
In no particular order.
I collect all sorts, from a 1930's german aspherical to the latest 21st Century offering, and I hope I always will do. But the ones I actively look out for are:
ARC
LUMMII
NITECORE
FENIX
RA
In no particular order.
berry580
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'm surprised. No one mentioned Jetbeam? =O
But to me, top 5:
- Surefire
- McGizmo
- Jetbeam
- Nitecore
- Fenix
But to me, top 5:
- Surefire
- McGizmo
- Jetbeam
- Nitecore
- Fenix
Lumenz
Enlightened
My growing collection of lights are from:
1. Ra
2. Arc
3. Fenix
4. Nitecore
5. Muyshondt
1. Ra
2. Arc
3. Fenix
4. Nitecore
5. Muyshondt
lctorana
Flashlight Enthusiast
Well, if I have to mention current-day production, which by definition cannot be "collectable", then I have to say I buy more Fivemega than ANY other brand.
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ypsifly
Enlightened
Maglite: So many models, colors and variations over the years. I'm guessing these are collected more than any other.
Surefire: Addicting, American, Awesome, and the price point on most lights is high which, in some minds, adds to the desire to horde them....in some strange way. I'm looking at picking up my eleventh this week.
Fenix: They make some very cool, well built, and very well performing lights. Unlike SF the price is lower and helps more collectors join in on the fun.
"Vintage Lights" Old school Evereadys, Fultons, Kel-Lites...etc. Once you've built up a collection of "the cutting edge" its nice to play with lights from decades past. Our version of classic cars.
"Custom, Custom Upgrades, and Limited Production: McGizmo, Milky Mods, and anything Titanium and SS in limited runs. Rare, Flashy and just plain cool. That has collectible written allover it.
I collect and mainly use SF. I also collect and sometimes use Mags. I have a growing collection of Fenix lights that see use while fishing and hiking at night. I have an old Fulton and an old Rayovac, and I would love to pick up a Haiku and send my L1 to Milkyspit.
Surefire: Addicting, American, Awesome, and the price point on most lights is high which, in some minds, adds to the desire to horde them....in some strange way. I'm looking at picking up my eleventh this week.
Fenix: They make some very cool, well built, and very well performing lights. Unlike SF the price is lower and helps more collectors join in on the fun.
"Vintage Lights" Old school Evereadys, Fultons, Kel-Lites...etc. Once you've built up a collection of "the cutting edge" its nice to play with lights from decades past. Our version of classic cars.
"Custom, Custom Upgrades, and Limited Production: McGizmo, Milky Mods, and anything Titanium and SS in limited runs. Rare, Flashy and just plain cool. That has collectible written allover it.
I collect and mainly use SF. I also collect and sometimes use Mags. I have a growing collection of Fenix lights that see use while fishing and hiking at night. I have an old Fulton and an old Rayovac, and I would love to pick up a Haiku and send my L1 to Milkyspit.
merrimac
Newly Enlightened
very well said and on point, get ready for the anti-Maglite community response
DM51
Flashaholic
That is an unnecessary comment, and anyone who is unwise enough to make that sort of response can expect to be given some time away from this forum.
matrixshaman
Flashlight Enthusiast
Besides ones mentioned so far I think these are a couple more that are highly collectible and very limited.
- Firefly I, II, and III by DSpeck who is MIA with a lot of CPF members money so you'll probably never see any more of this very cool light produced.
- Mr. Bulk lights like the Chameleon, DragonHeart, LionHeart and so on are all very limited runs.
- Gatlights - which are fairly exotic and limited runs.
When I think of 'collectable' I usually think of something rare rather than something with a gazillion units produced that can be purchased at any hardware/gun/retail store. People will collect almost anything from fine art to pocket lint. I prefer my fine art to be useful and have found some fairly rare flashlights to fill that preference.
- Firefly I, II, and III by DSpeck who is MIA with a lot of CPF members money so you'll probably never see any more of this very cool light produced.
- Mr. Bulk lights like the Chameleon, DragonHeart, LionHeart and so on are all very limited runs.
- Gatlights - which are fairly exotic and limited runs.
When I think of 'collectable' I usually think of something rare rather than something with a gazillion units produced that can be purchased at any hardware/gun/retail store. People will collect almost anything from fine art to pocket lint. I prefer my fine art to be useful and have found some fairly rare flashlights to fill that preference.
swampgator
Enlightened
I find myself gravitating towards older ROV Sportsmans, Eveready Captains and and Ranger light I find. Not to mention the "store brand" (ie Montgomery Ward, Sears etc) versions of these lights. Add in a couple of the various anglehead GI lights for fun as well.
luxlunatic
Flashlight Enthusiast
Wow, no mention of Arcmania, aka Mike Jordan Products. I know there are some sizeable collections out there, I have quite a few myself.
My collection(s) as follow:
-McGizmo
-Arcmania
-Surefire
-Muyshondt
-Arc
My collection(s) as follow:
-McGizmo
-Arcmania
-Surefire
-Muyshondt
-Arc
