Which rechargeable should I buy?

[pilot4x4]

I'd like to get a rechargeable light to use mainly at home and possibly use it every so often with a DC charger in a vehicle. I want a rechargeable so I can keep it in a charger near the door and always know I've got a bright light that's ready to use to check out noises outside, storm damage, etc. I was thinking of either a Mag charger (because of the advertised 2 hour runtime) or one of the Scorpions. I think I'd like something brighter than the regular Stinger so I was leaning towards the HP or Ultra. I've never seen any of the Stingers in person though so I don't know what to expect from it but I'm guessing it's got a better beam quality than the Mag if it's like their C & D cell lights that I have. Which light would you go with? Does the Stinger HP balance ok or is it awkward with the large head? John

 

[03lab]

Have you looked at the new Strion ? About the size of a Scorpion, rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack and about 1 hour runtime. I know I'm getting one. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Bravo25]

While the Strion isn't going to put out more than the Stinger. I too plan to get one. You might consider the SL20XP. Very light, very bright. I was amazed by the light output.

 

[Phaserburn]

Depends. Are you looking for good beam qualities or max throw? The M/C will be the throw champ.

A drop in mod of a new Welch Allyn 01160 will cut the Mag's runtime in half, but turn it into a 500 lumen monster with major throw and tons of spill light.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

The Police that were swarming around here Monday night all appeared to have Streamlight products. (the Beam quality gives it away).

An SL20X (aluminum) or SL20XP (Pro Polymer) would be an excellent choice. At least one officer had a Yellow XP, the one with him seemed to have a 35X.

Get the slow charger though. That way it can sit there ready. I keep a Stinger on the hump in my truck on a slow charger. I like the Beam of the Stinger a LOT more than that of the HP I traded away!

 

[BugLightGeek]

Are the beams on the Streamlights good or bad?
I couldn't tell which you meant...

 

[Byron Walter]

Last summer I gave away all my Mags except my MC. This rather ancient light still does very well against all the upstarts. As you mentioned, there's the runtime issue of nearly two hours and also the impressive reach of the beam which apparently is important for you.

Many years ago I gave my mother & sister (they live together on a big old farm) a MC. They have used the Mag for a hammer, crow bar, and post hole digger (kidding on last one). The Mag looks like it has been to the moon and back... but it works fine. You can stand on the barn hill and shine the Mag across a huge field and actually illuminate the trees on the far side. And if that isn't bright enough, you can always upgrade the bulb to the WA bulb.

Anyhow I hate Mag but still have to recommend this model:)

 

[madecov]

PILA, hands down. Once charged it has a long shelf life. Uses the rechargeable Li-ion batteries so there is no memory effect hence no need to leave it on a charger. The GL3R has LED's on the tail cap for times when less light is needed and about 125-130 lumens in a nice beam. They charge in unbder 3 hours and can sit for months on end and still retain a charge

 

[pilot4x4]

How long does that Mag take to recharge? I was looking at one in a store here and the salesman told me it takes about 3 hours to fully recharge. I was guessing more like 10 - 12 hours. I read the reviews on the regular Stinger. How would you say it's brightness / throw compares to something like an E2E, G2, or 3D mag with xenon? I've also got a 2C mag here running 3 123s in it and KPR118 (I think it is bulb). How would the Stinger and or mag charger compare to that? John

 

[jtivat]

I would get the Mag great throw and runtime plus you can upgrade to a WA 1160 for real power.

Pilot the Mag takes 12 hours to charge.

 

[qarawol]

The Surefire 9 series would be my choice. Prefer the older 9N for it's 'Drop In' 2 hour charge feature on a couple of selected chargers. Dual lamp brightness levels and with the Beamshaper adds another added bonus.

Enjoy...

 

[tkl]

Anything Streamlight or Pila.

 

[daloosh]

I keep a Streamlight XT HP at home for the same purposes you are seeking. Since you aren't carrying it as a duty light, the extra weight compared to a Scorp is not an issue.

One configuration of the light comes with an AC and a DC charger, so one for home and one for the truck. A different configuration comes with two batteries and a piggyback charger, so you can have two hours of light at your fingertips.

It's brighter (and heavier) than the Stinger or Polystinger, but it's a nice solid aluminum body with a rubber grip. Well balanced, and comfortable, too.

daloosh

 

[pilot4x4]

daloosh, how is the throw of your Stinger XT HP? I'm moving soon to someplace around 25 acres so and plan on having more animals and stuff there so I want a good light to take out with me to check on the animals and property. Sounds like that one might work well. John

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Go with the Streamlight 20XP. Good brightness, and you can add the 20X lamp assembly for more total light output. Also is nice and light. Or, for excellent beam quality. Buy a SuperStinger, and the HP head assembly, separately. The HP head has a 100% orange peel surface on reflecator. Much better beam than UltraStinger. Ultra head is not compatable with SuperStinger,and HP head will not fit on UltraStinger.

Bill

 

[CM]

Pila gets my vote if you want a relatively small and powerful light. Li-Ions can sit for a long time without suffering from high self discharge rates, and they can be topped off without suffering voltage depression like the NiCad and NiMH chemistries. I really do not like keeping Nicad's or NiMH in trickle charge mode indefinitely and that's why I like Li-Ions.

CM