New to flashlights - steer me in the right direction!

bandanabandit1

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Apr 15, 2018
Messages
8
Recently I have realized I have never really owned a "nice" flashlight, most of my were purchased from wally world or the like and generally have costed south of $20. I would like to purchase my first nice flashlight and have been a bit overwhelmed with the selection out there. So maybe some of you can give me your recommendations. Here is the criteria I have so far; something bright- I am looking for something that has a nice amount of brightness and also throw, durability- I want something that won't break if I drop it or get it wet (I've been checking out thrunites), my budget is around $100 but that may be flexible. I am looking for a general purpose type light. Something not so small it's a pen light or something so big and heavy like a mag lite, I would like something about 4-6" long and 1-3" or so bell diameter (probably not the correct terminology). What battery type should I be considering? Please give me your recommendations!
 

Dave D

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Joined
Mar 30, 2013
Messages
1,284
Location
Andalusia, España
Have a look at the Surefire G2X Pro, 600/15 lumens for RRP of $70.

It runs on 2 x CR123's or one 16650 rechargeable.
 

ChrisGarrett

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 2, 2012
Messages
5,725
Location
Miami, Florida
Have a look at the Surefire G2X Pro, 600/15 lumens for RRP of $70.

It runs on 2 x CR123's or one 16650 rechargeable.

I'd throw out the Convoy C8 and S2+ if the OP is prepared to enter the world of lithium-ion rechargeable cells. If not, than he's gotta stick with the two CR123As, alkaleaks, or NiMH (which he should get into anyhow...).

For simplicity, I might suggest an AA, 2xAA, or 4xAA light, like my Sunwayman D40A. Nice throw, nice modes, not too big, but not a pocket light and it runs on common AAs (4).

Chris
 

Skylumen

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Joined
Sep 14, 2010
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0
Recently I have realized I have never really owned a "nice" flashlight, most of my were purchased from wally world or the like and generally have costed south of $20. I would like to purchase my first nice flashlight and have been a bit overwhelmed with the selection out there. So maybe some of you can give me your recommendations. Here is the criteria I have so far; something bright- I am looking for something that has a nice amount of brightness and also throw, durability- I want something that won't break if I drop it or get it wet (I've been checking out thrunites), my budget is around $100 but that may be flexible. I am looking for a general purpose type light. Something not so small it's a pen light or something so big and heavy like a mag lite, I would like something about 4-6" long and 1-3" or so bell diameter (probably not the correct terminology). What battery type should I be considering? Please give me your recommendations!

Email me at [email protected]. I think I can help ;-)
 

LetThereBeLight!

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 26, 2014
Messages
635
For starters, check out Eagtac's D25A2. It takes 2 AA batteries, produces up to 450 lumens, and is just a fun overall light.
 

FlashKat

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Joined
Mar 18, 2006
Messages
2,364
Location
Anaheim, CA.
I would highly consider getting a 18650 battery type flashlight as it will give you a lot more options.
Acebeam L16 is my recommendation.
 

ven

Flashaholic
Joined
Oct 17, 2013
Messages
22,533
Location
Manchester UK
If vinh can help, you wont get a better performer off the shelf!!! The world of v54 awaits, be warned though...........................the want and need does not get any weaker:whistle:

:welcome:
 

MikeSalt

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Joined
Jan 10, 2007
Messages
1,948
Location
Stoke On Trent, Staffordshire, UK
What batteries and chargers do you have already? This will really help to steer you in a particular direction because then the $100 can be spent on a single, quality light, rather than having to split it with all the ancillary equipment you will need to support it.
 

etc

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Dec 19, 2004
Messages
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Location
Northern Virginia
I hadn't realized Surefire G2x Pro upped the lumens to 600. I EDC a 320-lumen version and it's a light, durable package.

15 lumens works a base, good all-around mode with more lumens at the tip of your fingers.

Anything by Malkoff is also a fine choice. His MD2 series lights.
 

bandanabandit1

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Joined
Apr 15, 2018
Messages
8
What batteries and chargers do you have already? This will really help to steer you in a particular direction because then the $100 can be spent on a single, quality light, rather than having to split it with all the ancillary equipment you will need to support it.

Right now I don't have anything flashlight related.
 

colight

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Dec 6, 2013
Messages
304
Location
On Earth
@bandanabandit1, I have a few Fenix lights, and I can wholeheartedly recommend any of their products. They recently rolled out a number of products, inter alia the PD35 V2.0, and then today I saw they also released an upgrade to their UC35, also called the V2.0. I suggest you have a look at any of these. I know their PD35 TAC version is still immensely popular, and I've seen very few negative comments on that one, so another one to consider. All are within your requirements, and all of them use the 18650 battery, all have around 1000 lumen, almost all of Fenix's products are IPX8 rated, and are drop-tested from at least 1,5 m. Ok, I know these last figures would fit most other manufacturers out there, but more things that counts in Fenix's favor, is their outstanding warranty and customer service.

Haha! Did I just rave about how good Fenix is?
 

Keitho

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Jun 7, 2017
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781
Location
CO, USA
OP, you asked the right question, "what kind of battery..."

In my opinion, 18650 cells offer great performance in a size small enough for good EDC lights. There are billions of them--that's not exaggerating--for you to choose from.

For me, zebralight SC64 (I prefer a high CRI version, but many LED choices are available) is always at the top of my recommendation list. Premium build, smallest 18650, nice powerful turbo, very efficient on all other levels.

I'll also echo the L16 recommendation from above, with one caveat: make it an L16vn instead. The vinh-modded version is only a couple bucks more than the stock version, and might be the best deal I can think of. It is a perfect holster light with a UI that is truly tactical, and a nice useful throw.

Welcome to the addiction!
 

CobraMan

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Joined
Nov 26, 2005
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164
Location
Cerritos, California
To the OP,

If you are still shopping and wondering what to get - I will throw in the suggestions of the Nitecore EA45S or EC4GT depending on whether you want AA batteries or 18650 power. I own both of these, and a lot of other lights as well like most members here, and will tell you that both are very bright, tons of throw, and high quality in my opinion.

Of course, if you have already picked something based on all the great suggestions in prior posts and other threads - you can always add more and build a collection to enjoy for years to come.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Tim
 

bandanabandit1

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Joined
Apr 15, 2018
Messages
8
I'm still shopping around. Is there any benefit of going with a CR123 batteries over a standard AA or AAA? Performance or..?

For my purposes (which I forgot to mention would be taking it on night jogs) what lumens should I be looking for? Would like to be able to implement the light and the actual flashlight body as a self defense tool.

So many choices I don't even know where to start, or the "good" brands from the "bad".
 

GaryM

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Joined
Oct 11, 2006
Messages
194
Location
Warrenton, MO
CR123 will provide better performance at low temperatures and additionally have a long storage life. But it sounds like long term storage isn't an issue if the lights being used on a regular basis.
 

Lights and Guns

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Dec 25, 2016
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New York
I'd suggest a Fenix PD35 V2.0 (2018) --- It is not too big and not too small, perfect size imo.

Has all the modes / lumen outputs to cover everything you would need from a light of this size.

It runs on 1 18650 cell which is more powerful and lasts longer than cr123's generally speaking.

At $70 it's unbeatable... Just get a pair of high-performance 18650's with the other $30 you have left over and you are all set.
 

Guitar Guy

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Oct 23, 2016
Messages
594
Location
West Virginia
As mentioned above, the 18650 is a great cell, and you can run some very bright & efficient pocket sized lights with amazing run times with one cell, or two if you want a little larger.

+1 on Malkoff and Fenix. Great products and great customer service from both.

Love the Fenix PD35-Tac, five levels of brightness, 1000 lumens, easy to find tail switch with momentary ability, cigar sized 5 3/8" long, one 18650 cell, or two CR123, nice beam and tint, to me. It rocks.
 
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