What is the best had held light out there M4?

[bmeier]

I am looking to buy a surefire M4 or similar type light and was wondering what peoples thoughts were on this and other lights available? I am looking for a good handle held spot light.

Thanks for your input!!

 

[deranged_coder]

Hey there, welcome to CPF. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

You have to quantify what you mean by "best". Different people have different ideas as to what is best for them. Do you want throw, for example, or do you prefer a flood of light? How much of an issue is runtime for you? Do you prefer a light that would use AAs, AAAs, 123As, or rechargeable battery packs? Have you tried comparing the lights from an incandescent vs. an LED? Do you have a preference?

Any more information you could provide regarding what you are looking for will help us narrow down a light that will fit your needs.

 

[bmeier]

Thanks for the questions. What I am looking for is something larger than myb Surefire Outdoorsman to use in the woods hunting. I would already have two lights that run on Lithium 123's so I wouldn't mind staying with that but a rechargable is not out of the question. Looking for a good spot/flood type light that is really bright. Run time for the batteries is somewhat of an issue but if I can change them in the woods that is not a problem. Loked at Streamlight Stinger, Surefire M4 etc.. and just found this forum so I thought I would see what other folks think.

Thanks!

 

[deranged_coder]

Are you planning on carrying them on your person (i.e. in a pocket, belt holster) or will it be carried in a bag / backpack / man-purse? Also, what other lights do you currently have? It would be handy knowing those so we can recommend something that will complement what you already have.

 

[bmeier]

Thanks again. Currently I have a surefire E2E (outdoorsman) and an Innova 24/7 and T3. I will be carrying this new light in a backpack with other hunting and camping gear. What I am looking for is something larger and brighter to complement what I already have.

 

[js]

I would recommend a TigerLight or a SureFire M6. They both have the exact beam that you describe "spot/flood"--i.e. two sort of opposed characteristics combined into one beam profile, a nice hot spot and some throw, with plenty of flood. I use my lights out in the fields and the woods and the stock TigerLight and the M6 HOLA are simply awesome. The TL can also be modded to be much brighter but with reduced runtime, and the M6 can be turned into a rechargeable (soon, anyway). Both things are done by me. So I'm probably a bit biased towards these lights, FYI. Even so, they are both exceptionally good lights, and can be run constant-on without anything melting.

Some lights, such as the Mag Charger running the WA 1160 lamp, will have heat/melting issues if run longer than 5 or 10 minutes at a time. The MC can stand up to this abuse for some considerable while, but eventually the damage is enough to cause problems.

I will be posting a thread on the MC vs. TL vs. M6 soon, if you can wait a week or two, and it will have a detailed comparison with pictures and lots of other good info.

SL 20X or 35X are also possibilities, but I've never used them and so have no first hand experience. Also, you could go for something even brighter and larger, such as an X990.

And keep in mind that while the MC has more runtime, it is also a lot heavier. You will need to decide how much runtime you need and how much weight you are willing to lug around. There is no single "best" light.

I would definitely choose the M6 over the M4, because they are not that different in price, or in carryability, and the M6 will hold its' brightness better over its' runtime. Although, I have heard that some people bore out the M4 to accept two 18650 Li-ion cells and run the M6 MN21 HOLA, but I have no experience with this, and how well it works or how safe it is.

Good luck!

 

[Flashdark]

bmeier,

I would very strongly recommend a C3/P91/FM34 combo, or the M3/MN11/FM14 combo. The M3 combo is about 50% more expensive and has a much larger profile for only 10% more power (110 vs. 125 yrds), but it is also mounted on a shock-resistent head suitable for mounting on a firearm. Both are slim enough and light enough for belt or backpack. The C3 combo is my favorite for size/weight/power, but I have to admit, if I were buying my first light in this category, it would be the M3, just because of the sheer versatility of the light. You can make it into anything at all in the future, and the only thing you give up is the pocketclip/packbelt clip. If you leave the FM14 beamshaper filter off of the light, you have something that is only about 10% larger and heavier than the C3 with about 10% more power (acceptable proportionality).

BUT! When you start to get into turboheads (M3T, M4T, M6 etc.), they are just too damn big and heavy to be PRACTICLE, especially if you put the FM24 beamshaper on the front.

Hope this helps.

 

[Double_A]

The other option you may wish to consider is the "SUPER" 2C Maglight.

You replace the 2 cell lamp and alkaline C cells with a 5 cell lamp and use a spacer to hold 3 lithium 123 cells.

Super bright, tight focus beam. Carried in combo with your E2O and you'd be in good shape.

GregR

P.S. Carry an extra lamp (Radio Shack KPR-112) as these will blow more frequently since they are being over driven.

 

[leukos]

I'll second what flashdark suggested and say get the C3. It is still small enough to be considered pocketable, but packs a lot of light. You can also run it on Pila 150s rechargables if you want without having to change the bulb.
Pick up a few SF colored filters and beam shaper and you have a very versatile light! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[scudinc]

Get an M4 and a high-output assembly. It's frighteningly enjoyable.