whats a good first incandescent flashlight?

quatra2008

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I would like to spend less than 60 dollars on a good quality incandescent light that could fit in my pocket if need be (less than six inches). any suggestions?
 
I would suggest an E2e for ideal pocket carry but your price range may not stretch to it.

I'm tempted to suggest the G2 but for pocket carry I feel it is too big and without a pocketclip not that suited to being used from a pocket.

If you're gonna start off in incandescents when there are plenty of LED lights that you could choose instead then my advice is to stretch to the E2e because you'll not regret it [until perhaps you get yourself an A2]

The E2e is the grey one in this photo:
al-u2j.jpg
 
Al, as we all know once the A2 bug hits you, it's pretty much all down hill from there....:twothumbs.

The recco on the E2E is a great one, great EDC light, you wouldn't go wrong by spending the extra $$$. I think it would be like $20.00 more than what th op wants to spend but it is twenty well worth it.
 
no strike bezels - if You really want to pocket the light
also as small as possible and no thick heads (pocket the light)
price of light, batteries, replacement bulbs
runtime

So i'd not recommend any SF by now (You might appreciate what they offer, later in Your flashlight life) ;)
THIS: http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2620
is Your starter-halogen light

... but in this size class I would go for a Fenix L2D (AA cells) or P3D (Li-Ion cells) because it is way more powerful
I use a Cree P4 modded SF 6P running on an 18650 Li-Ion and have yet to see a light I would like better
(but I already have it, an 18650 modded Inova T1, but the body cant fit all my Li-Ions, has not been milled wide enough)
 
If you're going for an E2E or other smaller SureFire incandescent, check out the Marketplace first. They pop up friequently for very nice prices.
 
I find the 6P to a be small enough for comfortable pocket carry, but it is certainly larger than the E2e. However, what the 6P has in its favour is its potential for modding/customisation. Turboheads for increased throw, one-cell extenders, LED drop-ins, click/twist tailcaps etc.

Regards,
Tempest
 
I would suggest an E2e for ideal pocket carry but your price range may not stretch to it.

I'm tempted to suggest the G2 but for pocket carry I feel it is too big and without a pocketclip not that suited to being used from a pocket.

If you don't mind buying used, you can buy e2e's in good condition for around $65 in the CPF Marketplace.

Other than that and the G2, I can't think of any other small incan lights that would fit in a pocket.
 
I would like to spend less than 60 dollars on a good quality incandescent light that could fit in my pocket if need be (less than six inches). any suggestions?

If you shop around, you can get a brand spanking new lady's E2E (teardrop) in that price range, maybe a few $ more ;)
 
If you are lucky enough you can get a great deal on B/S/T. I bought my E2E for $50.00.
As stated the Surefire 6P or similiar has more potential for modding brightness, LED, and extensions.
If you don't mind buying used, you can buy e2e's in good condition for around $65 in the CPF Marketplace.

Other than that and the G2, I can't think of any other small incan lights that would fit in a pocket.
 
For cheep one of the best lights is the Brinks maxfire. It is a little "grippy" for pocket carry but the rubber grip does come off making it a bit more convenient and at $20 it's a great start to small tactical lights.
 
What is the application? Why do you want incandescent? Lots of tactical lights are being suggested but there's also old standards like the Princeton Tec lights. Or if you'll use it a lot, think of a Strion, somewhat over your $60 limit but no battery expenditures (rechargeable).
 
So i'd not recommend any SF by now (You might appreciate what they offer, later in Your flashlight life) ;)
THIS: http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2620
is Your starter-halogen light

+1 on the scorpion
I started off with a G2 but soon moved to the scorpion [having a stronger hotspot, deep clickie that compensates for lockout, and having the security of a spare lamp in the lampholder on the original scorpion, your looking at a custom scorpion]

theres several others who started with the scorpion or the Brinkmann Maxfire LX and theres a few that started with the dorcy spider...most of which are generally comparable with the G2.
 
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My first good quality incandescent flashlight was a Mag 6D ROP. Apart from the size, it was fantastic.

An FM 6AA>2D and 2D host later and I have my perfect incandescent flashlight. A 2D can be carried in my pocket, with the head sticking out of the top. It is also the right size to carry in my rucksack everywhere.

Rechargable (Eneloops), phenomenal output (more than an M6), good size in the hand, near-perfect beam (FM MOP 8.38mm reflector), good, solid host etc... etc... I couldn't be happier.
 
I kind of like the advice to buy a cheap light first - then you'll appreciate the expensive ones! Pocket Incans (1xCR123a, 2xCR123a) are becoming niche products. LEDs in the same class offer (almost) equivalent performance with longer runtimes.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the E1e, especially with a Lumens Factory upgrade bulb and an RCR123a. Start with a used one from B/S/T, then upgrade later if you find you're using it enough to justify it. It's a great form factor, and one of my alternating EDC (the others are an A2, the Ultrafire below, and an occaisional Fenix).

Cheap:
Ultrafire WF-502B (2xCR123a, 2XRCR123A, 1X17670, with proper lamp assemblies) - a little larger than the E2E, but < $15

Not so cheap:
Wolf-Eyes Sniper or 6 series

Way not cheap:
Surefire E1e
Streamlight NightFighter

There's also a thread somewhere about the smallest lights for each battery config - that might interest you.
 
I would not rule out the Wolf Eyes 9A raider. Go to

www.pts-flashlights.com

It can be had for $50.00 and you can later upgrade to rechargeable cells. You can also do this swap effortlessly and use the same lamps etc.

Also, you get the thrill of 230 lumens out the front end derived from quality lamps and three 123's as opposed to two.

Oh and by the way if your applications require outdoor use and good color rendition you are on the right track with incandescent.
 
Welcome to CPF!

Go to BST, Tuna is selling a black E2 for $50! He's in California also so it should get too you quick if you choose to buy from him (or her).

If you do purchase an E2(e) get a MN02 lamp as a spare so you have both a high and low (plus longer runtime) option.

kelmo
 
I would not rule out the Wolf Eyes 9A raider. Go to

www.pts-flashlights.com

It can be had for $50.00 and you can later upgrade to rechargeable cells. You can also do this swap effortlessly and use the same lamps etc.

Also, you get the thrill of 230 lumens out the front end derived from quality lamps and three 123's as opposed to two.

Oh and by the way if your applications require outdoor use and good color rendition you are on the right track with incandescent.

+1! I am a Wolf Eyes fan. They make good stuff. Not as small as the small Surefires, but if you can tolerate the size you can't go wrong with one.
 
I'd go for G2N from SureFire.

It's quite cheap, lightweight, upgradeable, rugged and IMO feels best in hand.
 
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