PaulPool89
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2020
- Messages
- 6
Hello,
TL: DR at bottom.
Looking for help narrowing current (2020) choices for a rechargeable flashlight. I am putting together go-bags, or "bug-out-bags" for my wife and myself, and this would be our primary flashlight for walking in the dark outside.
I already have a "LuminAid Titan solar inflatable lantern" as primary camp lantern that light bright, but less run time. Additionally got a smaller, but thicker "collapsible solar lantern/flashlight combo from Frog & Co" that servers as a backup for both the lantern and flashlight as the cost of not doing as good of a job as either, but has a decent run time. Both can charge devices. And I have a solar battery bank that charges and has low-lumen lights, and out cellphone lights to provide reading lights, and a solar radio with a little light as well. Got a "Big Blue 28W fold-out solar panel" pack for draping over the top/back of the backpack and laying out during the day to charge everything faster. So we are pretty good in the campsite light and charging department with redundancy built into everything on the go.
So the function of this flashlight would be a long-throwing, bright, and long lasting flashlight for when we are on the move at night, in a dark place, or walking outside of the campsite or trying to see beyond campsite lantern.
Because it will be stowed in the bag, or attached via the clip to our straps/belts, it does not have to be small enough to fit in our pockets for everyday use or on a key chain.
I have read a lot of forum posts about EagleTac, now EagTac. Some recommend Fenix, others say to stay away from nitcore, others recommend zebralight or a few other brands. Most of the posts I've read are several years or even more than a decade old, so I'm looking at more recent information. I understand that most of the brands in the $50-100 or even $150 range are all from China and probably off the same manufacturer line sold to different vendors.
I have read one interesting post from an enthusiast that put most of these brands in the "middle of the road" tier, and his recommendation is to get a really high-end brand, and then just get a bunch of low-end flashlights. Since this is going in a go-bag that is not an option because of weight, and I'm sure the high-end options are several hundreds of dollars. So I'm trying to find the best I can get for my price range.
Looking thru EagTac's model lines I have trouble deciding between the P, T and G series, much less all the sub-models. I almost seems like the larger size doesn't really make the light brighter. So is the larger size just getting you more run time?
I do like the basic options of high-bright, low-bright, and strobe for emergency. I have USB ports on all my solar devices, or a regular USB-C or MicroUSB port to connect a cable would be preferable.
Of chief concern is run-time. My backup solar lantern/flashlight from Frog & Co is a designated backup because it has a longer runtime than the LuminAid, but I would like a flashlight to be usable multiple nights in a row for several hours incase solar charging weather is not cooperating for a few days.
I'm not stuck to choosing EagTac, I just saw their name a lot in my research and saw they have a lot of choices. So if you have better more recent options I'm all ears. Price range is per flash light.
Also following this forum's convention, please see below. I selected a couple choices so if you have one that is close to the my goal that would be great.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__X__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
__X__Up to $50.
__X__Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.
3) Format:
__X__I am not sure, please help me decide.
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________
4) Size:
____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__X__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.
5) Emitter/Light source:
__X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
__X__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).
7) What power source do you want to use?
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
__X__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
__X__I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care
Looking for USB-C or Micro-USB port to connect to solar charging devices.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
__X__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__X__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
__X__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
__X__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X__Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
__X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
__X__I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
__X__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
__X__Emergency kit (long standby periods)
__X__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
TLR
Long-lasting flashlight used as primary light in bug-out-bags.
Rechargeable using USB-C or Micro-USB port, bright enough to go out in the trails at night as primary function, as it will complement Solar lanterns (for campsite) and low-powered reading lights.
Light-weight is a major factor too as this is for on-the-go, but I am comfortable with a size larger than what is normally carried in pocket to gain run-time and lumens, as when not in my hand hand it will be attached by clip or in bug-out-bag, not in daily pocket use.
Features: High-power mode and low power mode and strobe preferred.
Under $150 per unit appreciated, under $100 option would be nice too.
Thanks for your help!
TL: DR at bottom.
Looking for help narrowing current (2020) choices for a rechargeable flashlight. I am putting together go-bags, or "bug-out-bags" for my wife and myself, and this would be our primary flashlight for walking in the dark outside.
I already have a "LuminAid Titan solar inflatable lantern" as primary camp lantern that light bright, but less run time. Additionally got a smaller, but thicker "collapsible solar lantern/flashlight combo from Frog & Co" that servers as a backup for both the lantern and flashlight as the cost of not doing as good of a job as either, but has a decent run time. Both can charge devices. And I have a solar battery bank that charges and has low-lumen lights, and out cellphone lights to provide reading lights, and a solar radio with a little light as well. Got a "Big Blue 28W fold-out solar panel" pack for draping over the top/back of the backpack and laying out during the day to charge everything faster. So we are pretty good in the campsite light and charging department with redundancy built into everything on the go.
So the function of this flashlight would be a long-throwing, bright, and long lasting flashlight for when we are on the move at night, in a dark place, or walking outside of the campsite or trying to see beyond campsite lantern.
Because it will be stowed in the bag, or attached via the clip to our straps/belts, it does not have to be small enough to fit in our pockets for everyday use or on a key chain.
I have read a lot of forum posts about EagleTac, now EagTac. Some recommend Fenix, others say to stay away from nitcore, others recommend zebralight or a few other brands. Most of the posts I've read are several years or even more than a decade old, so I'm looking at more recent information. I understand that most of the brands in the $50-100 or even $150 range are all from China and probably off the same manufacturer line sold to different vendors.
I have read one interesting post from an enthusiast that put most of these brands in the "middle of the road" tier, and his recommendation is to get a really high-end brand, and then just get a bunch of low-end flashlights. Since this is going in a go-bag that is not an option because of weight, and I'm sure the high-end options are several hundreds of dollars. So I'm trying to find the best I can get for my price range.
Looking thru EagTac's model lines I have trouble deciding between the P, T and G series, much less all the sub-models. I almost seems like the larger size doesn't really make the light brighter. So is the larger size just getting you more run time?
I do like the basic options of high-bright, low-bright, and strobe for emergency. I have USB ports on all my solar devices, or a regular USB-C or MicroUSB port to connect a cable would be preferable.
Of chief concern is run-time. My backup solar lantern/flashlight from Frog & Co is a designated backup because it has a longer runtime than the LuminAid, but I would like a flashlight to be usable multiple nights in a row for several hours incase solar charging weather is not cooperating for a few days.
I'm not stuck to choosing EagTac, I just saw their name a lot in my research and saw they have a lot of choices. So if you have better more recent options I'm all ears. Price range is per flash light.
Also following this forum's convention, please see below. I selected a couple choices so if you have one that is close to the my goal that would be great.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__X__This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
__X__Up to $50.
__X__Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.
3) Format:
__X__I am not sure, please help me decide.
____I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________
4) Size:
____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
____SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__X__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.
5) Emitter/Light source:
__X__LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.
6) Manufacturer:
__X__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).
7) What power source do you want to use?
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
__X__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
__X__I don't know/I need more information on power sources.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care
Looking for USB-C or Micro-USB port to connect to solar charging devices.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
__X__I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__X__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
__X__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
__X__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X__Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
__X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
__X__I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.
15) Water resistance
____None needed
__X__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
__X__Emergency kit (long standby periods)
__X__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
TL
RLong-lasting flashlight used as primary light in bug-out-bags.
Rechargeable using USB-C or Micro-USB port, bright enough to go out in the trails at night as primary function, as it will complement Solar lanterns (for campsite) and low-powered reading lights.
Light-weight is a major factor too as this is for on-the-go, but I am comfortable with a size larger than what is normally carried in pocket to gain run-time and lumens, as when not in my hand hand it will be attached by clip or in bug-out-bag, not in daily pocket use.
Features: High-power mode and low power mode and strobe preferred.
Under $150 per unit appreciated, under $100 option would be nice too.
Thanks for your help!
