Re: Which flashlight is best for ...
Well, I've been browsing the forum a little ... and it gets more confusing the more I read ... I found th
e "Flashlight Recommendation Checklist", so maybe it's a good idea to use that:
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
USA, New Mexico, Albuquerque
I would really like to be able to go to a store/some stores and take a look at two or three different lights that come into the closer selection. Only that will give me a good idea of the size and weight.
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
about $100
2) Format:
____I want a flashlight.
3) Length:
I don't really know.
5) What batteries do you want to use?
The light must be rechargeable from a 12V source, preferably without having to remove the batteries. I want to leave it in the truck when I'm not working and recharge it there, rather than having to carry it into the house and back into the truck all the time. I need to run a wire from the battery into the cabin to install more cigarette lighter plugs anyway (only one is just not enough ...) and could make a supply for charging a flashlight when I am at it.
6) How much light do you want?
____I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
____I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
____I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)
I don't want to light a camp ground, but being able to dazzle someone could be very useful.
7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an "X" on the line below.
Hm, I need both: Some area light that doesn't need to be very bright, as for walking around, but I also need something that can shine a light on something farther away. Shining a light on something farther away is to allow me to see something/someone from a distance, and it can save me a lot of walking because I won't have to walk all the way to get close.
8) Runtime:
I think it's sufficient (or even plenty) when the far reaching/bright light lasts about one hour. But the area light must last at least 2 hours, better 4 or more.
Having that said, I might end up with two lights, the (larger) far reaching one and another (small) one for the area light. But it would also be good if the area light could be somewhat focused to better illuminate something like 6--8 feet away so that I won't have to switch from one light to the other all the time.
For now, the bright/far reaching light is the priority.
9) Durability
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)
Equipment that breaks just sucks, and you end up paying twice ...
8) Switch Type:
____I want a "clickie" switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
____I want a momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
9) Switch Location:
The switch should be in reach of the finger that presses it when holding the light.
10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
____A simple on-off is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
Either two light levels, or I need two lights. Using two lights is probably the better way to go: I can carry the one light I actually need and leave the other in the truck (and still get it out if I need it), or I can carry both, whatever works best. Each of the two lights can be optimized for its purpose.
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
____I want a metal-bodied light.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
____Waterproof – how deep: _____________
Is not required, but it would be nice if it survives if I drop it into the swimming pool ...
____Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
____Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
Well, I like the black ones better, but it doesn't really matter.
____Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
That's fine if it's good for what I need it.
____Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
____Belt/Jacket clip
____Holster
Some sort of clip or holster making it easier to carry it around when not in use would be useful for the bright light. I don't need that now, but I might want to get one later if it turns out that I need it.
The lights must be temperature resistant. It gets 120F in the shade in the truck. If you put a shiny, chromed tool like a ratchet or a wrench outside into the sunlight, it takes about 10 minutes before that tool is so hot that you can barely touch it and have to wait for it to cool down before you can use it. A black light inside a truck with the sun shining on it gets way hotter that that tool, and I cannot guarantee that the light won't eventually sit in the sun in the truck (almost) all day long. I don't want the batteries to explode ...
Can't I just buy a rechargeable Maglite? They are readily available in the store, parts/bulbs for them seem to be easy to come by. I was surprised to read here that they are available since at least 20 years; seems to be a proven light. Are the other choices so much better that I really shouldn't buy one?
