Why do you buy?

[lightboy]

Just curious.. Do you guys/gals buy your flashlights because of their looks, cool factor, candlepower/lumens/power, size, brand, cost or a mixture? I personally buy due to looks, power, size and cost. I did start thinking, however, since flashlights have progressed (with better price tags) would you buy lights such as a Surefire E1e when there are brighter, cheaper and just as rugged lights available? I'm not trying to start any wars, since my first REAL lights were Surefires (6P & G2) and I love them.. it's just that since I've gotten a few Fenixes, I don't have any bulbs/lamps to replace, I get more lumens and I save a bit of dough, all while still getting a pocketable good looking light. Any thoughts? (Don't hate me, please, I LOVE ALL LIGHTS!)

 

[benighted]

Another reason to buy a Surfire other than ruggedness and brightness is the hassle free warranty. If anything ever breaks just give them a call and they'll fix it for free

 

[mikehill]

This thread will be better if makes are not mentioned I buy for brightness, size, a few different levels and ruggedness. Currently 3 different makes satisfy in one way or another :thumbsup:

 

[lightboy]

True, about the makes... wasn't trying to single out any companies, sorry..

 

[Oddjob]

I'm open to pretty much any single cell (CR123 or AA), multi level light. Brightness, runtime, aesthetics, UI's and cost all come in to play.

 

[mikehill]

True, about the makes... wasn't trying to single out any companies, sorry..

Don't worry about it, just the way things seem to go

 

[LukeA]

It could be cheap from DX/KD and strike my fancy (MTE/Saik AA lights)

It could be a reliable, bright light, (Pelican 7060)

It could be parts for a project that I want to build. (P60 dropin spotlight, SSC Mags)

It could be a reliable, long-runtime workhorse backup light (possibly a Cree E2L)

I like common cells, I don't need multi modes.

 

[Germ]

I buy for looks, value, ruggedness, reputation, upgradeability, useability, and features. I'm always trying to fill a niche and looking for the "perfect" light. I am trying to hold back and not buy every light I see though. What would be perfect? Maybe a 500 lumen SureFire Kroma. Of course, that wouldn't be a perfect EDC. That might be a 200 lumen max Fenix L0D or an affordable Titan. Then you need the perfect headlamp...

I find it hard to buy an ugly light. Being on CPF has given me high standards. I want lights I'd be proud to show a fellow CPF member.

 

[Numbers]

I buy when the few brands I am interested in come up with something new that I am interested in..

 

[adamlau]

I buy because you guys buy and enjoy what you guys enjoy.

 

[Rob187]

That's a really good question. It's definitely not need.

Mostly I buy lights because they take my fancy. I accumulating a variety of lights so I have something in each category. The categories are not formally defined but some for example are, a single cell of each size, then 2 cells of each size, LED, multi mode, etc.

I don't really have a cohensive plan, just buying as I go.

In particular I like design and innovation in lights.

 

[Scorpionboy]

I kinda buy for no reason in particular except I know the value of a good flashlight. Especially when you need one.

I kind of figure over time my collection(I don't plan on collecting tons and tons) will grow to a decent size(after the two lights I have now, I'm kind of covered in terms of needing another one, so the ones I buy now here and there are just for play.)

Also, my step-father is in the military so when he's sent back over to do another tour in iraq(still not sure if he'll be sent back over.) I want to be able to give him a light from surefire to take over there instead of his 6p, to give it a real feild test =p

Steven

 

[fishx65]

I try to purchase lights I will actually use for the many activities I enjoy. Hunting, fishing, hiking, snowmobiling and so on. No shelf Queens in this stable! I will now only purchase or mod a light if it's a vast improvement over what I now have. The old ones are given to family and friends.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I buy a Flashlight for its versatility and to illuminate my way

 

[Trashman]

I buy because you guys buy and enjoy what you guys are enjoying.

I like your answer. :grouphug:

 

[NA8]

I had a bunch of Maglites. I upgraded two with the Maglite LED module, and two with Malkoff dropins. I kept one old 4D stock for comparison. Rather than mess with 2 mini-mags, I picked up a L1Tv2r80 and a L2D100. I've got a Petzl headlamp too for work intensive stuff. Mainly I was just upgrading my old lights to the current technology.

Would like to buy a L2Tv2 with a forward clicky and a top of the line LED, but Fenix is being silly.

 

[violatorjf]

Durability, size and output, but ultimately price trumps all those...