What should I look for?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I don't know much about these LED flashlights, but they sound interesting and might serve my needs.

I will mostly need a flashlight for walking through some pitch black tunnels, so I'd like something bright, with a beam that is not too narrow. Color accuracy won't matter, though if all other things are about the same, I guess it would be good to have accurate colors.

I'd like long life and certainly would like one that runs bright until very low on power, and then have it automatically switch to a dimmer light for an extended period.

So, what lights should I consider (# of LEDs, color of LED, etc)?

Oh, that light above doesn't have to be real small. It could even be as big as a standard flashlight.

I don't know if those small LED lights would serve my primary needs.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[yclo]

Sounds like the Arc LS is what you want!

YC

 

[Steelwolf]

What sort and size of tunnels? Storm water, sewers, cable? Is there any ambient lighting? I assume you will be entering these tunnels during daylight hours, so you will need to adjust quickly from daylight to near pitchblack?

yclo is indeed correct. The Arc-LS, when it comes out, would be one of the best flashlights around, and will probably suit your needs very well in the 2AA configuration. And if/when Gransee gets round to the added battery configuration options, perhaps a double C might serve better.

For what is currently available, the turquoise coloured LEDs would give you the brightest light, merely because of the sensitivity of our eyes to green. The Arc-AAA would probably make a handy light to have in your pocket at all times, but for your primary needs, I would suggest 7 LEDs of the 20 degree 5600mcd variety as the bare minimum.

BTW, I assume you want something that is really robust and dunk proof?

A quick look through Craige's website has turned up the following items:
1. CC Expedition (7LEDs)
2. Trek 1400 and 1900 (14 and 19 LEDs respectively)
3. Nightbuster 8X
4. HDS Actionlight (24 LEDs but regulated so its not overdriven like the rest)
5. Photon Fusion (6 LEDs but regulated with an overdrive mode)

If you have a Maglite that takes the standard PR base bulbs (typically the C and D sized Mags), then you could also order a LS LED replacement bulb from the guys at LEDCorp. Go to the catalog and look for the Pro series bulbs.

As noted above, only the HDS light and the Photon Fusion are regulated. The others have no regulation. There are probably quite a few others, PeLu knows of many caving style lamps that would probably serve your needs too and would be regulated. I'm sure he'll be along shortly to tell you about them, but be prepared for the price tag.

 

[Doug]

May I suggest the Turtle2 flashlight, made by LED Corp.. This is probably my favorite light. It's not too expensive ($28), and the batteries are said to last up to 65 hours (Craig, what kind of times did you get for yours?). Check out Craig's (Stigmon) Web Site.

I would suggest trying an innexpensive LED based light first, to see if you even like them, then get a nicer one if you like it. The Turtle2 has a nice center beam, with a wide (dimmer) flood battern to it, this is why I like the light.

Doug

 

[Doug]

Well, that was interesting, before Steelwolf posted his reply, I started to write mine. He posted his just before I posted mine, and he put in a link to Craig's site, and I wondered why the link *I* put in, took me to the wrong page, then I tried to edit the message, and I couldn't, until I noticed that it was not MY message that was in front of me! DOH

!

Doug

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Steelwolf,

> What sort and size of tunnels? Storm water, sewers, cable? Is there any ambient lighting? I assume you will be entering these tunnels during daylight hours, so you will need to adjust quickly from daylight to near pitchblack? <

Well, the exact tunnels are part of the hike up Diamond Head in Hawaii. I'm moving there and I intend to make regular climbing of that part of an exercise routine. When I visited, there were 5 of us together with one light. I was surprised how dark the tunnels were and I couldn't even see the light up front because of people in front of me so I figured it must not have spread out much or reflected off of anything.

> yclo is indeed correct. The Arc-LS, when it comes out, would be one of the best flashlights around, and will probably suit your needs very well in the 2AA configuration. <

That was one I read about last night on my first visit here. Doesn't it just have one LED (I read so much, I might have forgotten) and if so, wouldn't that be a problem for this use?

> And if/when Gransee gets round to the added battery configuration options, perhaps a double C might serve better. <

One of my problems is I have no idea how how much light these things give out for what distance.

> For what is currently available, the turquoise coloured LEDs would give you the brightest light, merely because of the sensitivity of our eyes to green. <

I've noticed that some lights have more color choices than others. If turquoie is not available, what would be the next best?

> BTW, I assume you want something that is really robust and dunk proof? <

I probably wouldn't need it to be dunk proof, though it wouldn't hurt. I want it to be sturdy, but I don't expect to be dropping it down a mine shaft!

> You mention lights that are regulated. What does that mean? And one that is regulated with an overdrive mode.

> but be prepared for the price tag. <

Well, I wouldn't worry much about that if I could actually try various lights, but, unfortunately, that isn't practical.

Thanks for the info.

Bob

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Doug,

May I suggest the Turtle2 flashlight...It's not too expensive ($28), and the batteries are said to last up to 65 hours <

I looked it up and it sounds good too. I do like the 65 hours (the site also said it had 130 hours of usable light).

> I would suggest trying an innexpensive LED based light first, to see if you even like them, then get a nicer one if you like it. <

That's a good point.

> The Turtle2 has a nice center beam, with a wide (dimmer) flood battern to it, this is why I like the light. <

Yeah, I think that can be a plus.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Spork]

actually a princeton tec attitude is brighter than a turtle and last time i checked was under 20 bucks from bright guy. after I got my attitude the turtle 2 was tossed in with my other unused flashlights. I would wait for revisions to the arc ls before you purchase one. LED lights are my favorite but for 70+ dollars on a light I could get a rechargeable ultra stinger. from the pics other members have posted an ls is dimmer than a 3 cell mag. I'm not bashing the light and I want one myself I just think its to much for a light.

 

[WarrenI]

Hi Trebor; I'm here, already in Hawaii and wondering which tunnels you are referring to. Ther is a tunnel and observation bunker along the visitor's trail. The last I checked, a lighting system was installed and the use a flashlight was not required (but I would take one to be on the safe side).

The ARC-LS in the "AA" configuration would make a good light for this purpose. It's a good size and easy to be backpacked. The ARC-AA or LE would be too weak for this purpose. They are good for looking at your path at less than 5 feet in a cave. Don't use the CMG Infinity, as it is just a nightlight!

My favorite light for this purpose is my Lightwave 4000. Dammed bright (over 40 feet), big beam (bright 15 feet diameter at 40 feet), and a very long run time (over 60 hours on my first set of batteries and still going strong). It takes a beating as I have dropped it from a 6 foot ladder while it was on. No dammage and made a wicked light show as it was falling.

I prefer not to have lights too small for hiking or trailblazing. I have hiked with the Boy Scouts and they have lost many lights due to the small size. If it is dropped on the trail, it gets lost between tree roots and other cavities. Many times, we are not able to fish it out. We hardly lose large sized flashlight (unless it falls off the trail). For trailblazing, there is never a limit for too much light. The more light you get and the longer run time, are desirable factors.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

mrchri5,

> actually a princeton tec attitude is brighter than a turtle and last time i checked was under 20 bucks from bright guy. after I got my attitude the turtle 2 was tossed in with my other unused flashlights. <

Okay, I've checked into some of these recommendations. Right now, of those available (Arc LS isn't as far as I know), I'm looking at the Turtle2 and Princeton Attitude. If anybody else has any recommendations, I'd appreciate any comparison with these you can make, if possible. I haven't made a detailed side-by-side comparison yet from the info I've gotten, but I know the Turtle2 got top ratings on Craig's site, but the Attitude has a lower price and that may matter for my first LED experience. I like that the Turtle2 floats though. That might be important someday.

I'm surprised at how much info I'm getting so quickly here. This is a great forum!

I also have been looking at Craig's website and it is amazing how much information he has. I don't know how he finds the time!

> I would wait for revisions to the arc ls before you purchase one. <

Well, at that price, I'd prefer to make sure I really like LED lights first!

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Lonewolf]

Trebor I don't think you could have asked a more loaded question. IMHO I think a Princeton Tec Impact is a good choice:
4 AA
150+ Burn time
Beam Projects 150 feet
Waterproof to 500 feet
and only $30.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Remus1066,

> Trebor I don't think you could have asked a more loaded question. IMHO I think a Princeton Tec Impact is a good choice <

Okaaay (grin). So, we have the Princeton Tech Attitude, Princeton Tech Impact, and the Turtle2.

I remember looking at the impact when I was looking at info about the Attitude, but I'll have to look again.

> 4 AA <

Seems good.

> 150+ Burn time <

VERY good - what about warning about when the battery gets low. For example, the Arc units seem to maintain pretty much full power until it gets pretty low, but then gives you some hours more of usable light so you don't get stuck unexpectedly. Do the Princeton units do something like this or anything that would let you know to replace the battery, yet still function enough for an extended period?

> Beam Projects 150 feet <

That sounds good, but I don't know how it compares. What about spread? I don't want a narrow beam of light when walking in the dark.

> Waterproof to 500 feet <

Very good.

> and only $30. <

Not bad there either. How does it compare to the other Princeton unit?

Bob

 

[Lonewolf]

If you want a wider beam this is not the light for you you get the distance because it is a tight beam. If you look up the Turtlelite on Stingmons sight I believe one of them has an adjustable beam.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Remus1066:
If you want a wider beam this is not the light for you you get the distance because it is a tight beam. If you look up the Turtlelite on Stingmons sight I believe one of them has an adjustable beam.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I think that is the Turtle2. Well, I've narrowed things down by one!

Bob

 

[Spork]

neither the attitude or turtle 2 are regulated. they are both excellent lights. I have the turtle 2 and the attitude. The attitude is brighter and pocket size while still having a descent run time. They both put out a very nice wide beam of light. If I were to be around deep water I might take a turtle but otherwise floating is of no use to me. another thing i dont like about the turtle is its only offered from ledcorps website and it took about 2 weeks to get my flashlight when ordering by credit card and when i wrote to ask if it had been shipped i got no response. Craig has a great site but rememeber everyone has different opinions on lights. IMO the attitude is the best first led light anyone can get. it has 3 led's compared to the tutrles 2 led's. are the turtles still close to 30 bucks? if your going to spend that kind of money you should really wait for the ls. I'm sorry I guess im the most frugal person on the board

I just hate to see someone get a light when there is much better to be had for a cheaper price.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

mrchri5,

> neither the attitude or turtle 2 are regulated. <

But I don't know what that means or what the pros and cons are.

> they are both excellent lights. I have the turtle 2 and the attitude. The attitude is brighter and pocket size while still having a descent run time. They both put out a very nice wide beam of light. <

I obviously have more study to do.

> IMO the attitude is the best first led light anyone can get. it has 3 led's compared to the tutrles 2 led's. are the turtles still close to 30 bucks? if your going to spend that kind of money you should really wait for the ls. <

I have noted the price difference and it is a major consideration. OTOH, while 30 bucks is a lot more, it is still much less than the LS.

> I'm sorry I guess im the most frugal person on the board

I just hate to see someone get a light when there is much better to be had for a cheaper price. <

But price does matter a lot, especially for a first purchase. Once I know a lot more from experience, it wouldn't matter nearly as much.

 

[TrevorNasko]

go with the attitude.i dont have one but i'd trust my life to any PT product each is an exercise in perfection. plus you can turn it into a luxian star with my ls mod.

 

[MY]

Try an Eternalight xray on a headband. Bright, light, reliable, flexible, and now reasonably cheap. I used the model 2 on a homemade headband light holder in many a cave and it works quite well.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

How about a candle?

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Aragorn:
go with the attitude.i dont have one but i'd trust my life to any PT product each is an exercise in perfection. plus you can turn it into a luxian star with my ls mod.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ah, finally two votes for the same thing! What is this about a mod for the LS?

Bob