Weigh In - Ultra Low Output Incan Needed!

[wrathothebunny]

I currently own a 210 torch lumen SureFire "12P" setup and a Fenix P3D multilevel LED setup (9 to 160 emitter lumens). I need another flashlight for camping and backpacking. Obviously, the Fenix P3D fits this bill perfectly for an LED flashlight. However, I like how incans render the outdoors - so in addition to the P3D, I want to acquire a low-level, high run-time incan (with good color temp).

I'm basically looking for a high-pressure xenon with a tactically focused beam, and I want it to output somewhere between 20 to 50 lumens, as the great outdoors doesn't require that much light, and too much light will ruin night-adapted vision. I also want it to last at least 4 hours without changing batteries, for obvious reasons. I also want it to be water resistant/proof.

So far, I've been able to identify the StreamLight 4AA Propolymer as such a light, though the beam looks like it might be too tightly focused and it runs on alkalines - so the color temp may go yellow too soon. Are there any other options?

 

[Abrams.357]

how about the streamlight TWIN-TASK® 1 CELL LITHIUM link
just put a couple more 123 lithiums in pack/carrier-- big burden =)

 

[defusion]

surefire E1E (15 surefire lumen), or surefire E2E with low output bulb (25 surefire lumen)

i say surefire lumen so you won't bother comparing to fenix lumen

 

[OceanView]

I've always been intrigued by the lights from Lighting Pro Technology (www.lightingpro.org), like the Powerlite 90. I have no idea what the beam looks like, but it's Xenon, waterproof, has a soft start feature and fully regulated output for a claimed 12 hours! It's an anglehead so you can clip it to your belt or pack or even tailstand it and let it point somewhere and it's an industrial light so you know it's tough. Comes with filters if you want red light to better preserve night vision. Reasonably priced at $40.

 

[mdocod]

well.. here's my thoughts...

pick up a Princeton tek "tek 40"

load it up with 4 lithium primary AA cells, and experiment with some various low current PR-based bulbs from radioshack rated for 4 and 5 cell use until you come up with one that gives the beam and output you want. If you find something under half an amp power consumption, the runtime should be around 4-6 hours of steady light. The stock bulb is supposed to be able to handle lithiums, but I don't believe it would do so reliably, mine instaflashed on fresh alkalines.

 

[wrathothebunny]

Would the 4-Cell Mag-Num Star Xenon be a good fit for the TEC 40?

 

[mdocod]

I believe it would, however it will not run for 4 hours, and would be brighter than you are looking for. (probably more like 90 lumens or more on lithium primaries) Probably a high risk of instaflash on those cells as well.

 

[wrathothebunny]

The quality I might expect from RadioShack makes me a little nervous. Do they have high-pressure, long-life PR-Based Xenon bulbs?

 

[mdocod]

most of them are KPR type lamps, how long they last depends on how hard you drive em. for about $1.29 each it's hard to complain. Most are krypton gas fill, which is fine, they do have a few halogen an xenon filled PR based lamps as well. Xenon is not required to make a quality lamp. Most of the mag-mods you'll see around here are done with halogen gas lamps.

 

[wrathothebunny]

The cost of 4 lithium AA batteries is a detractor though. Have you heard anything on the Underwater Kinetics 2L that runs on 2 CR123As? It has a smooth reflector and therefore beam artifacts, but acid etching the top of the bulb could help with that.

 

[carrot]

Personally, I favor the Underwater Kinetics 4AA Xenon AS2. You can get it at Brightguy for a good price ($16) and it has proven itself durable. It is also pretty slim for a 4AA light and does not feel the least bit bulky. I don't bother with lithium batteries in it and it runs for a surprisingly long amount of time before becoming ugly yellow.

If not for the 4-hour runtime bit I would have recommended a Surefire E1e.

 

[wrathothebunny]

I was looking at discharge curves for NIMH AA and they look a lot flatter than alkaline. Would loading a Tec 40 or a Underwater Kinetics 4AA up with NIMH AAs yield an optimal solution for keeping the beam whiter for longer?

 

[carrot]

Should be, except they also have a slightly lower voltage (1.2v instead of 1.5v). On the other hand, alkaline suffers from more voltage sag than NiMH, so it may even itself out?

 

[wrathothebunny]

Ok, if running on 4 x NIMH AAs, which would be the better bulb for the Tec 40 while still maintaining good color temp and runtime, and what is the deficiency of its existing 4.8V .5A halogen bulb?

 

[chesterqw]

ultra low output...

a candle!!!!
just a pack or matches or a lighter and you have light!

 

[mdocod]

on NIMH the stock bulb would be a good solution for ~4 hour runtime. For camping trips I don't usually consider recommending rechargables, because you have to plan ahead and plan on cycling them and recharging them before every trip. Lithium AAs are simpler, but like you say, more expensive in the long run..

If you decide to go with NIMH, I suggest Sanyo Eneloops, which require far less maintenance and proper storage procedures.

If you could find a ~5V 0.35A lamp, you would be more in the ballpark of intensity you are looking for, and have more runtime to work with, but the stock lamp should be fine as well...

 

[leukos]

I have an E2e with a LF HO-1R lamp and four 17670 li-ions gives me beautiful incandescent light for almost 8 hours in a very small package.

 

[wrathothebunny]

That would be close to ideal, but I can't see shelling out that much for just a general purpose camping light. I don't suppose there might be any surefire e2e knockoffs around anywhere? I haven't seen any, but it doesn't hurt to ask

 

[carrot]

Not exactly, but there's the Ultrafires sold by Dae at QualityChinaGoods.com... I think they use a different style lamp, though. I thought they used the P60 lamps but I could be wrong. I can't think of any other options.

 

[Outdoors Fanatic]

My SureFire E1E Executive Elite with Lumens Factory bulbs + AW batteries, is by far my favorite EDC light for the outdoors.