Unusual lights/configurations - tell me some

[jellydonut]

Hey guys

Ever since I got my A2s I've been fascinated and trying to find out about unusual lights with unusual features and configurations. So far I've got

-Surefire A2: two types of light sources, two different beam patterns, two different wavelengths of light, two-stage tailcap, regulated incandescent bulb
-Sunwayman M40C: Selector ring, main reflector-focused beam, two secondary beams of different wavelengths (red/blue), battery indicator
-Surefire Kroma: Selector ring, TIR main beam, secondary red/blue (or red/blue/green/IR) beams, two-stage tailcap
-Surefire Vampire: switchable IR and visible white light LEDs in one TIR, two-stage tailcap
-Surefire 10X: two distinct incandescent emitters with distinct beam patterns, two-stage tailcap
-Surefire 9AN: two distinct, switchable (selector ring) incandescent emitters with distinct beam patterns

As you can see so far I've stumbled across a few lighting 'multitools' but anything weird/unusual/genius/whatnot goes.

Can you tell I'm tired of buying lights that only do one thing?:nana: There's no way I could post the standard recommendation list because usually with these lights they're lights I didn't know I wanted until I got to know about them. So what have you got?:devil:

 

[bob4apple]

I've got an XTAR A01 that is unusual because it has a built-in charger, which can use AC power, USB power, or 12V DC car cigarette lighter power!

You can't get much more versatile than that.

 

[Belstaff1464]

Hey guys


Can you tell I'm tired of buying lights that only do one thing?:nana: There's no way I could post the standard recommendation list because usually with these lights they're lights I didn't know I wanted until I got to know about them. So what have you got?:devil:

Mate, if you're tired of lights that only do one thing, then do yourself a favour and get yourself a HDS Clicky. It's the Leatherman Charge TTi (or SAK) of flashlights - 4 levels that are programmable to your unique requirements. Plus heaps of other programmable functions: momentary on, button-lock, locator beacon, strobe+SOS (if you desire), automatic shutoff, memory, forced preset, etc. I've even programmed one of the levels as my garage door opener !!!!!











I may or may not have made that last part up.......

 

[jellydonut]

I'm not a fan of lights that change modes with switch clicking or that are programmed via switch clicking. I've got a bias towards the selector rings for modes if there's any more than two of them.:tinfoil: I like the multi-stage twisty/momentary of Surefires too but due to their patent enforcing noone else has them.

I've definitely got my eye on HDS though, going by their three-stage twisty light (..which they discontinued just this month) they're liable to come out with a model I won't be able to resist.

 

[Solscud007]

try looking at a Quark RGB. sorta like the kroma but no selector ring. you loosen the bezel and it switches colors.

 

[parnass]

The Eton flashlights also contain a radio.

 

[Moka]

If money's not an issue you cannot go past the Lunasol 20 or 27... Low Flood High Throw with different emitters...

 

[Belstaff1464]

I'm not a fan of lights that change modes with switch clicking or that are programmed via switch clicking. I've got a bias towards the selector rings for modes if there's any more than two of them.:tinfoil: I like the multi-stage twisty/momentary of Surefires too but due to their patent enforcing noone else has them.

I've definitely got my eye on HDS though, going by their three-stage twisty light (..which they discontinued just this month) they're liable to come out with a model I won't be able to resist.

Fair enough, different strokes for different folks


BTW, the Twisty is still available at Unique Titanium. They have 3 models in stock even the rare high CRI version. :devil:

 

[Monocrom]

Streamlight NF2

The Night Fighter is unusual because its designer must have been high on something! Unlike the SureFire Z2 model that is properly designed, the Streamlight version which is supposed to fill the same niche; fails miserably.

Why in the name of common sense would you put a flush tailcap on a light designed to be used with a grip-ring? You wouldn't cast an 8 year-old boy to play the lead role in Phantom of the Opera. Why would you make the grip-ring ridiculously large and uncomfortable, and then attach a clip to that ring? Why?! Why would you then make the grip-ring adjustable using a tiny nut that instantly falls out the first time someone tries to adjust it? Why?!

And finally, when it comes time to update the light, why would you ONLY update it by putting in an LED emitter?!?!

The first time around is somewhat understandable. The guy who designed the original version clearly had no clue what he was doing. But for SL to then continue with this ridiculous design by upgrading it with an LED emitter?? . . . Inexcusable.

Ironically, if you remove that joke of a grip-ring, it becomes a very nice compact flashlight.

 

[kramer5150]

I was at a CPF meet and someone brought a plastic multi LED flashlight... it looked like a set of tarantula eyes, with all the LEDs arranged. It lit up like a Kroma.

I cant remember who made it though.

 

[fasuto]

Take a look at Streamlight Sidewinder or first light usa Tomahawk MC.
Two original flashlights, for more than one reason.

 

[Flying Turtle]

The Photon Proton Pro is still one of the few that combines red and white LEDs. Clicking required, however.

Geoff

 

[Kindle]

Inova Inforce Color

Review

 

[jellydonut]

Inova Inforce Color

Review

That thing is genius. There must be some kind of catch or reason for it not getting any more press than it does!

 

[Solscud007]

Take a look at Streamlight Sidewinder or first light usa Tomahawk MC.
Two original flashlights, for more than one reason.

Ahh yes i completely forgot about those. I even have a Tomahawk MC. Milkyspit is borrowing it so i forgot all about it.

Yeah the Tomahawk is great. Neat little light. I prefer the Kroma though. Especially since I can lego it with a A19 and make it a single cell RCR123 version. Plus I have porcupine teeth for it as well.

Sidewinder is a bit big.

Jellydonut, if you are looking for something with different LEDs then you might want to get a Surefire helmet light. Granted it is not a handheld tactical light. But you can find them BNIB for as low as $50. just search gunbroker or craigslist. Unless you are not in the US then you are out of luck as the Helmet light is not exportable.

 

[jellydonut]

It is exportable actually - there was something about the IR beacon not being deemed an ITAR item because it didn't emit a beam or anything, it's just a tiny beacon.

I might look into those but I'm not convinced I need anything 'pure flood' unless it's a keychain light. I prefer both, like my A2

 

[alpg88]

those are quite unusual

 

[Solscud007]

It is exportable actually - there was something about the IR beacon not being deemed an ITAR item because it didn't emit a beam or anything, it's just a tiny beacon.

I might look into those but I'm not convinced I need anything 'pure flood' unless it's a keychain light. I prefer both, like my A2

Well the SF helmet light is small enough to be considered a heychain light

 

[jellydonut]

Well the SF helmet light is small enough to be considered a heychain light

This is my current one http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound-Keychain-Flashlight-Black-Body-White-LED_p_967.html

Surefire Helmet Light is kinda in a different world, when it comes to size.. Not to mention price.

 

[Solscud007]

This is my current one http://www.lighthound.com/Lighthound-Keychain-Flashlight-Black-Body-White-LED_p_967.html

Surefire Helmet Light is kinda in a different world, when it comes to size.. Not to mention price.

yes but it a SUREFIRE!!!!!! haha. plus three light ouptut levels for each color.
Also you can order tangodown's hat mount. to mount it to a baseball cap.