hellosimon
Newly Enlightened
My current flashlight & battery strategy:
1. Keychain Light - Arc AAA-Premium (lithium AAA)
2. Pocket Light - Fenix L1T (NiMH AA)
3. Bright Light - Brinkmann Maxfire LX (rechargeable prefered)
4. Extra Bright Light - Pila GL3 Xeon (rechargeable prefered)
5. Headlamp - Petzl Tikka XP (alkaline AAA)
6. Lantern - River Rock LED Lantern (alkaline AA)
7. Battery Testing - ZTS MBT-1
8. Battery Charging - Maha MH-C401FS, LaCrosse BC-900, Pila IBC
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Hi everyone, I've recently come to a higher level of flashlight consciousness thanks to browsing this site and flashlightreviews.com.
After getting some basic knowledge and an overview of available products and possible usages, I've realized that I should organize my thoughts and map out a flashlight strategy for myself.
My flashlight needs:
- readiness for subway emergencies: train malfunction in tunnel or terrorist attack (NYC)
- path lighting and personal safety walking darkened streets or sketchy neighborhoods
- disaster preparedness for home & work: electrical blackouts or terrorism
- everyday use example: poking around inside of computer under desk
- everyday use example: searching for cat toys under the sofa
- general preparedness
I don't have any duty use (i.e. law enforcement) and no recreational use (i.e. camping) at this time. I will also be helping some family & friends with their flashlight needs, but that'd be another thread.
My resources:
- willing to invest $200-$1000 total in flashlights, batteries, chargers, & testers
- comfortable spending $20-$100 on a single flashlight
- have time & motivation to charge & keep track of rechargeable batteries
- not willing at this time to extensively modify or build from scratch
- would like to purchase from reputable sources with competitive pricing, good communication, and fair return policies
----------
Detail:
1. Keychain Light - Arc AAA-Premium (in use now)
- carry on person at all times, nearby when sleeping or showering
- everyday use: dark street from broken streetlight, darkened keyholes
- emergency use: finding way around house (and to brighter lights) in a blackout, subway train stuck in tunnel
- tiny, waterproof, use 1 AAA, durable, reliable, >3hrs runtime, usable output, <$50
- lower output OK as trade-off for other requirements, but should still be usable
- use lithium AAA for max shelf life, runtime, & cold weather functionality
- easy to carry a spare AAA (alkaline?)
- Arc AAA-P is perfect, even though Fenix E0 runs longer, E1 is brighter, & L0P is much brighter - already have the AAA-P and plan to have a brighter pocket light with me most of the time
2. Pocket Light - Fenix L1T (need to buy)
- in pocket or belt holster always when outside the house
- everyday utility light, emergency light; finding way around in really dark street, map reading
- small (<4"), reliable, LED for durability, 1AA preferable, hi/lo output (no PWM), waterproof preferable, <$50
- high output: medium bright OK; >1hr runtime preferable
- low output: nice if different from keychain light output; >5hrs runtime preferable
- NiMH AA for ecofriendliness if no output penalty? alkaline AA for convenience? lithium AA for shelf/run/cold?
- easy to carry a spare AA (or buy one from on-subway vendors, etc. in a pinch)
- L1T seems to be good combo of size, convenient battery, hi/lo, LED, and <$50
3. Bright Light - Brinkmann Maxfire LX (in use now) / Surefire G2 / Streamlight TL-2
- have in backpack/briefcase; in belt holster when necessary
- use: outdoor searches, defensive light (hopefully infrequent)
- <5.5" length/2xCR123, Xeon for brightness, easy Li-ion to CR123 switchability, reliable, waterproof, 1hr runtime OK, <$75
- rechargeables in light, also carry spare bulb & CR123's
- nice low-profile size for on-belt carry, bright but not extra bright
- already have Maxfire LX, so instead of going to G2 or TL-2, might as well get an extra bright light?
4. Extra Bright Light - Pila GL3 Xeon / Streamlight TL-3 / Wolf-Eyes Eagle 3AX (no final decision yet)
- have in backpack/briefcase; in belt holster when necessary
- use: outdoor searches, defensive light (hopefully infrequent)
- <7" length/3xCR123, Xeon for brightness, easy Li-ion to CR123 switchability, reliable, waterproof, 1hr runtime OK, <$100
- rechargeables in light, also carry spare bulb & CR123's
- more conspicuous when on belt, but extra bright
- don't need to go to a 4xCR123/300-500lumen light at this point
- GL3 Xeon w/rechargeables kit is convenient package, pretty, LED lamp & tail light options
- TL-3 has low-key utilitarian/stealth look, a little shorter, very cost-effective
- Wolf-Eyes have good value, lamp assembly options, rechargeable packages, more aggressive look
5. Headlamp - Petzl Tikka XP (in use now)
- keep in house/office for emergencies & tasks requiring 2 hands
- comfortable/lightweight, versatile output, reliable, >3hrs runtime, water resistant, <$50
- alkaline AAA's for convenience? NiMH AAA's for ecofriendliness if no output penalty? lithium AAA's for shelf/run/cold?
- easy to keep spare AAA's on hand or even in pocket with little battery holder
- Tikka XP is lightweight, has spot & wide modes, multilevel output & flashing mode
6. Lantern - River Rock LED Lantern (need to buy)
- room lighting indoors in case of blackout; hopefully very infrequent use
- would be a nice complement to headlamp and handhelds during a blackout
- >5hrs runtime, reliable, stable, good brightness, <$30
- lithium AA's for shelf life if OK for light, otherwise alkaline AA's (too much discharge of NiMH AA's over long periods of non-use)
7. Battery Testing - ZTS MBT-1
- weed out bad batteries
- match capacities of CR123's for use in lights using multiple CR123's
- MBT-1 isn't perfect but is still adequate tool
- maybe get $30 lithium AA/AAA modification from ZTS?
- also have digital multimeter on hand to check voltages
8. Battery Charging - Maha MH-C401FS (in use now), LaCrosse BC-900 (need to buy), Pila IBC (need to buy)
- MH-C401FS has been good for AA's in camera flash and AAA's in portable audio devices
- BC-900 for versatile readouts & discharge/refresh/test modes - buy with new firmware (v34?) when available in October/November
- IBC for Pila batteries if get GL3 rechargeable package
----------
The forums here and flashlightreviews.com have been great for info (runtime charts, beamshots, output measurements, usage experiences, purchse tips, etc.). I would like to thank everyone for sharing your knowledge.
(edit: fixed word wrap)
1. Keychain Light - Arc AAA-Premium (lithium AAA)
2. Pocket Light - Fenix L1T (NiMH AA)
3. Bright Light - Brinkmann Maxfire LX (rechargeable prefered)
4. Extra Bright Light - Pila GL3 Xeon (rechargeable prefered)
5. Headlamp - Petzl Tikka XP (alkaline AAA)
6. Lantern - River Rock LED Lantern (alkaline AA)
7. Battery Testing - ZTS MBT-1
8. Battery Charging - Maha MH-C401FS, LaCrosse BC-900, Pila IBC
----------
Hi everyone, I've recently come to a higher level of flashlight consciousness thanks to browsing this site and flashlightreviews.com.
After getting some basic knowledge and an overview of available products and possible usages, I've realized that I should organize my thoughts and map out a flashlight strategy for myself.
My flashlight needs:
- readiness for subway emergencies: train malfunction in tunnel or terrorist attack (NYC)
- path lighting and personal safety walking darkened streets or sketchy neighborhoods
- disaster preparedness for home & work: electrical blackouts or terrorism
- everyday use example: poking around inside of computer under desk
- everyday use example: searching for cat toys under the sofa
- general preparedness
I don't have any duty use (i.e. law enforcement) and no recreational use (i.e. camping) at this time. I will also be helping some family & friends with their flashlight needs, but that'd be another thread.
My resources:
- willing to invest $200-$1000 total in flashlights, batteries, chargers, & testers
- comfortable spending $20-$100 on a single flashlight
- have time & motivation to charge & keep track of rechargeable batteries
- not willing at this time to extensively modify or build from scratch
- would like to purchase from reputable sources with competitive pricing, good communication, and fair return policies
----------
Detail:
1. Keychain Light - Arc AAA-Premium (in use now)
- carry on person at all times, nearby when sleeping or showering
- everyday use: dark street from broken streetlight, darkened keyholes
- emergency use: finding way around house (and to brighter lights) in a blackout, subway train stuck in tunnel
- tiny, waterproof, use 1 AAA, durable, reliable, >3hrs runtime, usable output, <$50
- lower output OK as trade-off for other requirements, but should still be usable
- use lithium AAA for max shelf life, runtime, & cold weather functionality
- easy to carry a spare AAA (alkaline?)
- Arc AAA-P is perfect, even though Fenix E0 runs longer, E1 is brighter, & L0P is much brighter - already have the AAA-P and plan to have a brighter pocket light with me most of the time
2. Pocket Light - Fenix L1T (need to buy)
- in pocket or belt holster always when outside the house
- everyday utility light, emergency light; finding way around in really dark street, map reading
- small (<4"), reliable, LED for durability, 1AA preferable, hi/lo output (no PWM), waterproof preferable, <$50
- high output: medium bright OK; >1hr runtime preferable
- low output: nice if different from keychain light output; >5hrs runtime preferable
- NiMH AA for ecofriendliness if no output penalty? alkaline AA for convenience? lithium AA for shelf/run/cold?
- easy to carry a spare AA (or buy one from on-subway vendors, etc. in a pinch)
- L1T seems to be good combo of size, convenient battery, hi/lo, LED, and <$50
3. Bright Light - Brinkmann Maxfire LX (in use now) / Surefire G2 / Streamlight TL-2
- have in backpack/briefcase; in belt holster when necessary
- use: outdoor searches, defensive light (hopefully infrequent)
- <5.5" length/2xCR123, Xeon for brightness, easy Li-ion to CR123 switchability, reliable, waterproof, 1hr runtime OK, <$75
- rechargeables in light, also carry spare bulb & CR123's
- nice low-profile size for on-belt carry, bright but not extra bright
- already have Maxfire LX, so instead of going to G2 or TL-2, might as well get an extra bright light?
4. Extra Bright Light - Pila GL3 Xeon / Streamlight TL-3 / Wolf-Eyes Eagle 3AX (no final decision yet)
- have in backpack/briefcase; in belt holster when necessary
- use: outdoor searches, defensive light (hopefully infrequent)
- <7" length/3xCR123, Xeon for brightness, easy Li-ion to CR123 switchability, reliable, waterproof, 1hr runtime OK, <$100
- rechargeables in light, also carry spare bulb & CR123's
- more conspicuous when on belt, but extra bright
- don't need to go to a 4xCR123/300-500lumen light at this point
- GL3 Xeon w/rechargeables kit is convenient package, pretty, LED lamp & tail light options
- TL-3 has low-key utilitarian/stealth look, a little shorter, very cost-effective
- Wolf-Eyes have good value, lamp assembly options, rechargeable packages, more aggressive look
5. Headlamp - Petzl Tikka XP (in use now)
- keep in house/office for emergencies & tasks requiring 2 hands
- comfortable/lightweight, versatile output, reliable, >3hrs runtime, water resistant, <$50
- alkaline AAA's for convenience? NiMH AAA's for ecofriendliness if no output penalty? lithium AAA's for shelf/run/cold?
- easy to keep spare AAA's on hand or even in pocket with little battery holder
- Tikka XP is lightweight, has spot & wide modes, multilevel output & flashing mode
6. Lantern - River Rock LED Lantern (need to buy)
- room lighting indoors in case of blackout; hopefully very infrequent use
- would be a nice complement to headlamp and handhelds during a blackout
- >5hrs runtime, reliable, stable, good brightness, <$30
- lithium AA's for shelf life if OK for light, otherwise alkaline AA's (too much discharge of NiMH AA's over long periods of non-use)
7. Battery Testing - ZTS MBT-1
- weed out bad batteries
- match capacities of CR123's for use in lights using multiple CR123's
- MBT-1 isn't perfect but is still adequate tool
- maybe get $30 lithium AA/AAA modification from ZTS?
- also have digital multimeter on hand to check voltages
8. Battery Charging - Maha MH-C401FS (in use now), LaCrosse BC-900 (need to buy), Pila IBC (need to buy)
- MH-C401FS has been good for AA's in camera flash and AAA's in portable audio devices
- BC-900 for versatile readouts & discharge/refresh/test modes - buy with new firmware (v34?) when available in October/November
- IBC for Pila batteries if get GL3 rechargeable package
----------
The forums here and flashlightreviews.com have been great for info (runtime charts, beamshots, output measurements, usage experiences, purchse tips, etc.). I would like to thank everyone for sharing your knowledge.
(edit: fixed word wrap)
Last edited:
