Rechargeable Flashlight (actual unit not cell)

Dan2503

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 12, 2011
Messages
63
Location
Yorkshire, U.K
Hi everyone.

Haven't posted for a while as the Olight I had was serving me well. It has given up the ghost and now I need a replacement but haven't been keeping up with the current trends....so here goes..

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_x___This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
_x___Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
_x___I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
____TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
__x__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__x__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

___x LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

_x___I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____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).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
_x___I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
____I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
_x___I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
__x I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
____I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__x__I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
____I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
____I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
__x__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____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.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__x__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

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).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
_x___90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
___x_3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__x Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
___x_I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
__x__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
___x_Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
____IPX4 (Splash resistant)
___x _IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
__x__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
____Other_________________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments


Thanks everyone
 

Zak

Enlightened
Joined
Aug 12, 2016
Messages
257
Skilhunt has been making some lights that should be very compelling for people who are attracted to the sort of thing Olight is known for. Like Olight, they offer lights with USB-to-magnetic charging and batteries included (note that on some models the battery is *optional*), but they offer some advantages over Olight. While Olight uses proprietary batteries with extra contacts (some models won't work at all without them, while others just won't charge), Skilhunt uses standard 14500 and 18650 batteries, so you can get third-party replacements when your battery wears out, or if you want spares.

The M200 model, with the customizable UI and high-CRI LH351D LED seems like a good fit. It's comparable to the Olight S2R in most respects, and the high-CRI LED will make colors much more vivid, which helps you see more clearly.
 

Dan2503

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 12, 2011
Messages
63
Location
Yorkshire, U.K
Just had a quick look and they look interesting. I must admit I haven't heard of the company however they look well made. The only problem with the M200 is the side on / off...I really need an end on/off..!!
 

Zak

Enlightened
Joined
Aug 12, 2016
Messages
257
Ahh, I was assuming this was replacing one of the more popular Olight models, which use sideswitches. The Acebeam EC35 II is one of my favorites for a tailswitch and onboard charging, though the version with good color rendering in exclusive to Killzone Flashlights, a US-based dealer. It may also not be quite the UI you want as modes other than high are on a sideswitch (this is great under stress since you'll never get the wrong mode). Nkon has the basic version in the EU.

Other lights to look at include the Thrunite TC12, Skilhunt S2 Pro, Nitecore MH12, Fenix PD36R, and several models from Eagletac... all depending on what you prioritize. Nkon seems to have some refurbished Eagletac models in stock well below the usual retail price right now with the TL25L-R fitting your request pretty well. Note the battery isn't included; a Keeppower button-top 3500 mAh is equivalent to the battery that's usually bundled.
 

Dan2503

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Oct 12, 2011
Messages
63
Location
Yorkshire, U.K
Ahh, I was assuming this was replacing one of the more popular Olight models, which use sideswitches. The Acebeam EC35 II is one of my favorites for a tailswitch and onboard charging, though the version with good color rendering in exclusive to Killzone Flashlights, a US-based dealer. It may also not be quite the UI you want as modes other than high are on a sideswitch (this is great under stress since you'll never get the wrong mode). Nkon has the basic version in the EU.

Other lights to look at include the Thrunite TC12, Skilhunt S2 Pro, Nitecore MH12, Fenix PD36R, and several models from Eagletac... all depending on what you prioritize. Nkon seems to have some refurbished Eagletac models in stock well below the usual retail price right now with the TL25L-R fitting your request pretty well. Note the battery isn't included; a Keeppower button-top 3500 mAh is equivalent to the battery that's usually bundled.

Thanks very much for the reply...that certainly gives me a few to go at.
 

lightfooted

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
May 6, 2010
Messages
1,017
Thanks very much for the reply...that certainly gives me a few to go at.

Hi Dan, going off of what you said here and in the other thread you created I am wondering if you care if your Olight can be saved or not. Anyway, I would recommend a Klarus XT2CR. I own it's big brother the XT11GT and the only real difference is that the XT2CR has a head that is the same diameter as the body.

You wanted a rechargeable light and this one has a port on the side where you plug in a micro-usb plug to charge it. I've seen this port tested somewhere and the rubber cover seems to be good enough to keep water out while submerged.

The XT series uses two tail switches for control of output. One is the main power, switching it on momentarily, locking it on and off. The paddle switch changes output level in addition to turning it on if held for more than 2 seconds, or off again after holding it for 2 seconds.

The best part and the reason for me owning two Klarus lights like this, is that the paddle switch can be set to either activate the strobe mode or, as I have it set to do, activate low output. I can have a low 30 lumen beam or jump to the full 2000 lumens when I need to for whatever reason. Even if only momentarily. When you release the main power to turn it off it shuts off.

There are two other models in their XT series that you may prefer as EDC lights but they both use Li-Ion cells that have micro-usb ports built into the cells themselves and so you must open them and extract the cell in order to recharge it. They are versions designed around either the CR123A or AA cells and both can use standard alkaline or lithium cells as well as the Li-Ion cells that they come with. They are the XT1C 2018 version and the XT1A 2018 version.

Personally I love my XT1C and use it often both at work and when I just go out normally.
 
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