What next?

[Onthelightside]

I am in the market for another addition to my flashlight collection:sssh:. I currently have a Preon 2 and a 4Sevens Quark X 1232 ​Tactical. Wondering what to look at next. I work EMS for football games and other events and take my Quark. It is also good for outdoor sports (rock climbing and cycling) because it goes in the Fenix headband. For everyday carry I have my Preon 2. I am looking at the Nitcore MT26 currently... it has an enormous lumen output (800) but it would be a bit impracticable to carry around on a regular basis. I also have pondered the Zebralight H600 but it is a bit pricy for me I would really like to keep it around $60. So if you have any cool lights around that price range with a fairly compact size and maximum light output (500-800 lumen) you would like to give me a heads up that would be great. Also if you have any feedback on the MT26 that would be appreciated. :thanks:

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[TEEJ]

Besides being ~ $<60, what do you want the light to DO?

The Xtar Meteor for example is 500 lumen, multi-mode, a bit larger than the RCR123 in it, and has a nice useful floody beam...very bright and compact...plus it has a flat tail-standable magnetic base so I can stick it to the hood upside down to look at the engine in the dark, or stand it on a table, etc. Its $20-something including shipping IIRC.

Its the closest thing to a SC600 for the $.

:D

 

[Onthelightside]

Besides being ~ $<60, what do you want the light to DO?

haha... well I haven't quite figured that out yet...:confused: Maybe this will help.


I would like for the light to be of good construction (IPX-8 water standard) and look nice. I also want something that is not unreasonable to carry on my person the MT26 would be about as big as I am willing to go. The way I see it I have a good option for EDC with the preon, a good all around light with the Quark and now I am looking at something that would be a bit more powerful:naughty:. I would also consider something along the size and power of the Jetbeam pa10. Also 18650 (or possibly 17670) battery is preferred.


___X_I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
___X_I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
___X_I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
___X_I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

__X__Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
_X__Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
_Maybe___Holster carry.

9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

__x__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
_X___30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
___X_50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)

Runtime

___X_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:

____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__X__I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
__Maybe__I want a programmable light.
__maybe__I want SOS mode.
__maybe__I want a beacon mode.

14)Material/Finish/Coating

_X___Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).

15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

__X__Pocket/belt clip
__Maybe__Holster
__Would be nice__Crenulated bezel

 

[gravelmonkey]

You could go down the P60 drop in route eg: Solarforce host and your choice in P60 module. Loads of offerings on CPF from members Nailbender, vinhnguyen54 etc.

GM

 

[Onthelightside]

You could go down the P60 drop in route eg: Solarforce host and your choice in P60 module. Loads of offerings on CPF from members Nailbender, vinhnguyen54 etc.

I will definetly check it out... Just not sure that I want to mess around with bits and pieces.

 

[Gunner12]

The P60 stuff is pretty easy to figure out. No soldering or itty bitty pieces, unless you want it that way. When it comes time to upgrade, just swap in a whole new light module (LED + reflector + driver, in one module).

You could also look in the CPFMarketplace for some good deals.

Would a short stout light work? Something the size of a soda can.

 

[Onthelightside]

Would a short stout light work? Something the size of a soda can.

Well I think that might be a bit bulky for my purposes. I assume you are talking about the Nitecore Tiny Monster? It is quite out of my price range. It does put out a ridiculous amount of lumens though.

 

[Gunner12]

I was actually thinking the SkyRay King, right around the top of your price range. Reviews say 2000+ lumen on high and decent build quality. Not sure how water resistant it is though (not a dive light, but rain should be ok).

 

[Onthelightside]

It does put out the light but I do think it is too bulky for what I am looking for. Also I don't think the gold color would go over very well in a more professional setting (EMS) I can already hear the "gangsta" jokes haha

 

[Gunner12]

Yeah, I know it won't be a great suggestion, but it is bright and relatively cheap (there is also a black version).

Maybe some of the Crelant lights could work? From what I've read, good quality at a lower price.

 

[Onthelightside]

After some thought I think I have a better idea of what I want my light to "DO" what I am really looking for is somthing that is at least around twice as bright as my 4Sevens Quark "X" 123y it Tactical. The specs say it puts out 360 lumens. I would like something that is at least 650 lumens and 800 would be ideal. The second part which limits the choices somewhat is I would like to keep the light as compact as possible. I have already considered two options the Nitecore MT26 and the Jetbeam PA10. The MT26 seems to fit the requirements quite nicely but it is a bit large for my tastes. I can manage if that is the best option though. I also looked at the PA10 which is actually smaller than my Quark and puts out 650 lumens with a Li-ion. The problem I have with this is apparently you can not access the lower modes with the Li-ion which I would really like (need) to have.

 

[Onthelightside]

Updated recommendation request above. :candle: