Hybrid lights Xenon/LED

I have quite a few high power Xenon and several LEDs lights. For my work I have a need for both a throwy spot and close up task light. Yes I know you can't have the best of both worlds. Let me hear your input on your favorite hybrid lights.No need for colored light just white.
Thanks,
Coop

I am currently evaluating the SL night-com.

the Incan wont focus to a nice spot, but it is acceptable. it appears to be slightly dimmer than a P60 with fresh primaries. the high red LED's are handy and bright enought to walk with in total darkness.

the feature I really like is the low power red LED. it offers enough light to read by from about 8 inches ( with dark adjusted eyes in a car), without even being noticed by the driver. the selector switch is not as simple or slick as a staged tailcap, but again, is acceptable.

bottom line, for the price ($35.00) the light does everything it claims to.

I have a few Streamlight Twin Tasks that take two 123 lithiums, got them for everyone in my family and both vehicles several years back. Has 3 leds and one xenon, the leds are a little on the purple/blueish side and the xenon is white. The led's work nicely for getting around and close up work, the xenon for a little more oomph. Got them from Brightguy several years ago.
http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.php?Sku=STR51015

I like them, I mean they put out decent enough light in both modes. If your not into 123 lithium primaries, the same light can be had in AA, C and D models. I think they are worth a look.

if a 3AAA interests you, Target had Xenon/LED combo light on clearance for $8 or so

The only hybrid I own is a Gordon copy of the Streamlight TwinTask 3C. You can grab one for about $10 when they're on sale.

It has four modes: 3 LED, 6 LED, 1 xenon lamp, or off. I find the 6 LED mode to be no brighter than the 3 LED mode, but maybe that's just me. The LEDs are lightly blue, but actually pretty good all things considered. The xenon is quite a bit more yellow than I'd like, but maybe the included C cells are garbage. I've not yet had a reason to replace the batteries.

The Wolf Eyes and Pila lines of incan/led lights are top performers and are well regarded. Using li-ion rechargeables, they have powerful incan output and long running led for up close. I have several.

MicroFire has a very good lineup of hybrid lights.

You'll find many CPFers who are immensely satisfied with their Surefire A2s. The A2 has three LEDs for close-range tasks, and the FULLY REGULATED incandescent mode is immediately accessible when needed. It's a very well-designed light.

EDIT: Future threads about hybrid lights should probably go in the Electroluminescent/Headlamps/Hybrids subforum.

I second the recommendation on the A2. Simply the best light for the money with the regulated incadescent.

I also own a Streamlight Nightcom, and find the beam to be extremely floody, with very little throw.

A2 gets my vote!

dragoman

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=264790

I found this Smith & Wesson® 3X Galaxy™ 2-in-1

It is well made and use regular 2 AA, come with holster and a spare bulb! The Xenon bulb has its own reflector for better throw.

The other below is even cheaper and good for back up light. I first bout one each and like them so much so that I bought several more for gifts.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=196190

yes... the beast II sure looks good to me


of course, i wish i had one... don't everyone wished that will happen too?

It's gotta be my Pila GL4 for me. built like a tank, huge wall of light output from its xenon that still throws farther than the A2, and long running LEDs on the other end, and runs on both primaries and li-ons. i can't ask for anything more =)

I honestly don't ever find myself needing incans anymore. I do have the 3AA and 2D version of the Streamlight TwinTask series though. Both are good lights, but personally I barely ever use the incan setting. With the D size you'll run into the same problem that was mentioned with the C size - the "high" setting using more LEDs seems unnecessary. The difference between 5 LEDs and 10 LEDs (for the D size) is minimal; it fills out the spot just a bit more but isn't brighter.

The A2 Aviator, of course!

If you're in the UK, Maplin is clearing out a TwinTask 3C clone (only 3 LEDs) for £5.97 a go with (alkaline) batteries. I bought quite a few - mostly to give away.

Cabela's has some Alaskan Guide hybrids. Anyone have any experience?

The_virus said:

I honestly don't ever find myself needing incans anymore. I do have the 3AA and 2D version of the Streamlight TwinTask series though. Both are good lights, but personally I barely ever use the incan setting. With the D size you'll run into the same problem that was mentioned with the C size - the "high" setting using more LEDs seems unnecessary. The difference between 5 LEDs and 10 LEDs (for the D size) is minimal; it fills out the spot just a bit more but isn't brighter.

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Thanks for all the feedback. I have been rethinking my need for a hybrid. The Virus' post above got me to thinking (dangerous/expensive). I may just save up my pennies and get a SF U2 Ultra. With all the brightness settings and the great thow I should have more than enough for my job.

I do still like incandescents for high power throw - the color rendition and cutting power still have a place in my normal use. But I admit that I gave away my SL TT 2L and haven't really missed it. I have other lights that do their respective jobs better for not much more pocket space.

If I ever got an A2 that may, of course, change my mind!

You might want to start with something like the VB-16, Coop57 - it's HA, multi-level, bright, and throwy. It'll also set you back by much fewer pennies than the U2 (it's around $55).

Handlobraesing said:

if a 3AAA interests you, Target had Xenon/LED combo light on clearance for $8 or so

Click to expand...

I've got a cheap light similar to this and the incandescent in it useless compared to the LEDs. I don't know if that is the case with the Target light, but it's something to think about.