3 in 1 Hybrid. LED, Xenon, Laser

I am looking to purchase a hybrid light. I'd love to get a 3 in 1 if they exist. I am VERY new to all of this so I'm not sure if this is even possible, or if there's another alternative to Xenon...

I don't care if it's 3 or 4 AAA or AA, or even CR123A, but I would like it to be as compact as possible, preferably metal, and able to use rechargeable batteries. I prefer not to have a proprietary battery as I want multiple chargers in multiple locations (cars, homes, etc).

I don't have a huge budget, but I don't really like buying the wrong product, either. I'd rather buy the right thing once and never regret what I got.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
crazyj

First off..Welcome to CPF!!!

As far as i know there is not currently a light that meets all 3 of your criteria. I would suggest the Surefire A2 Aviator which is a dual-mode light with both LED and Incandescent. Then you could purchase laser as a second light. The Surefire A2 Aviator is a highly regarded flashlight with regulated output and great runtime.

There is a very good review of the A2 by fellow flashaholic "carrot" that you will find very informative.

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=107355

Again, welcome aboard and hold on to your wallet!!

Thanks iNDiGLo...

I am holding my wallet. I'm looking at Chinese lights as well, but I'm just not sure where to start. I have several LED "waterproof" lights from Generica stores (Walmart and the like). Today though, I started this quest when I looked in my backpack and decided I must get the perfect flashlight... For me, I know that the perfect light will not carry a $100+ price tag

ANYWAY...

I'm still confused a bit about the brightness issue. I'm learning about throw and lumen, but I'm not sure I "get it" yet... One thing I forgot to mention is that I want the light to be as bright as possible on both led and xenon, but I want the xenon to have at minimum 1 hour... preferably longer. I'll settle for a normal old hybrid as long as it doesn't break the bank.

There is a light that meets your wishes. The Streamlight "Twin-Task". The new one adds a laser.

crazyjeremy said:

I am looking to purchase a hybrid light. I'd love to get a 3 in 1 if they exist. I am VERY new to all of this so I'm not sure if this is even possible, or if there's another alternative to Xenon...
crazyj

Click to expand...

Hey crazyjeremy, check out the:
Streamlight Twin-Task 3C LASER $35.40

http://www.brightguy.com/products/Streamlight_Twin-Task_3C_LASER.php

Streamlight also makes this light in a 3AAA version, but I'm not sure where to buy it.

It's AWESOME. Not quite as bright as I'd like, but it's got everything else. Anyone know where to buy an AAA or an AA version?

I'm googling now...

3C version is a bit longer than I wanted... 9 inches!

Found the specs for AAA and C versions on this page: http://www.streamlight.com/product-selector.aspx?page=1&filters=1726

3C http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=79
0.9A high-pressure Xenon bulb provides up to 57 lumens
Five 100,000 – hour life white LEDs deliver up to 21 lumens

3AAA http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=124
Xenon bulb: Up to 57 Lumens
LED: Up to 21 Lumens (5 white LEDs)

Now my obvious next question is, do you suspect these can be modified to boost the Lumens? I know heat and many other things are a factor, but I think 57 and 21 lumens are quite low compared to many other lights.

I would definately prefer the AAA version...