Sanne de Vries
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Oct 15, 2019
- Messages
- 2
Dear all,
Which flashlights would you advice me to consider based on the following checklist? Your thoughts and guidance are much appreciated!
Sanne
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
This will be mail-order or Online. I am located in Germany.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200, but less is preferable. I will pay for quality, but value for money is important. I will not pay for a fancy brand logo or to impress friends.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
Size and sleek form factor rather as 4Seven Quark 123 than eg. Zebralight SC600-III.
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
I want to buy a light that is ready to go out of the box.
7) What power source do you want to use?
I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
Or a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
Or a light that can be recharged via USB.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down (300-700 lumens).
I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumen) in burst/turbo mode.
I also want a true moonlight output mode (<1 lumen)
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
Occasionally: Less than 1 meter (reading, other close work) in moonlight mode
Typically: 5-20 meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
Occasionally: 50-150 meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
90-120 minutes on high non-turbo/burst mode (Runtime is moderately important, but not critical)
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I liked the tail mounted switch on my 4Sevens Quark 123 (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
I might also like a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
I want a momentary switch for ~18Hz strobe flash use
I don't know what forward (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling) and reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights) mean.
I do not need a BIG switch (I won't be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
I don't want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
I don't need a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
I would like a programmable light.
I want a strobe mode of around 18Hz. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
14) Material/Finish/Coating
I don't know. I highly value robustness and durability, but do not mind proneness to superficial dents or scratching on coating. Light-weight soons wins over price. Durability soon wins over light-weight. The surface should be grippy (through coating or profile), preferably dark and matte/non-reflective.
15) Water resistance
At least IPX4 (Splash resistant)
Preferably IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
16) Storage conditions
Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned?
Neutral white light (for discerning between green/brown foliage colour shades) would be a pro.
Optional Red filter would be a pro (for preserving night vision).
No/removable Pocket/belt clip would be a pro.
Twisted eight shape finger grip (as here with the 4Sevens Quark 123: http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/selfbuilt/Quark-3.jpg) would be a pro.
Which flashlights would you advice me to consider based on the following checklist? Your thoughts and guidance are much appreciated!
Sanne
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
This will be mail-order or Online. I am located in Germany.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200, but less is preferable. I will pay for quality, but value for money is important. I will not pay for a fancy brand logo or to impress friends.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
Size and sleek form factor rather as 4Seven Quark 123 than eg. Zebralight SC600-III.
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
I want to buy a light that is ready to go out of the box.
7) What power source do you want to use?
I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
Or a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
Or a light that can be recharged via USB.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down (300-700 lumens).
I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumen) in burst/turbo mode.
I also want a true moonlight output mode (<1 lumen)
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
Occasionally: Less than 1 meter (reading, other close work) in moonlight mode
Typically: 5-20 meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
Occasionally: 50-150 meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
90-120 minutes on high non-turbo/burst mode (Runtime is moderately important, but not critical)
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I liked the tail mounted switch on my 4Sevens Quark 123 (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
I might also like a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
I want a momentary switch for ~18Hz strobe flash use
I don't know what forward (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling) and reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights) mean.
I do not need a BIG switch (I won't be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
I don't want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
I don't need a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
I would like a programmable light.
I want a strobe mode of around 18Hz. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
14) Material/Finish/Coating
I don't know. I highly value robustness and durability, but do not mind proneness to superficial dents or scratching on coating. Light-weight soons wins over price. Durability soon wins over light-weight. The surface should be grippy (through coating or profile), preferably dark and matte/non-reflective.
15) Water resistance
At least IPX4 (Splash resistant)
Preferably IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
16) Storage conditions
Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned?
Neutral white light (for discerning between green/brown foliage colour shades) would be a pro.
Optional Red filter would be a pro (for preserving night vision).
No/removable Pocket/belt clip would be a pro.
Twisted eight shape finger grip (as here with the 4Sevens Quark 123: http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff97/selfbuilt/Quark-3.jpg) would be a pro.
