m_explorer
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2021
- Messages
- 2
Hi - I am hoping someone can help me find a replacement LED flashlight.
Background: I use the flashlight three or four times a week for general household tasks. Occasionally, I use it to sweep around 3/4 of an acre of land in search of strange noises.
Currently, I use a Coast 650 with 4xAA batteries. Here is what I like and what I want to change.
Like:
* best feature is the twist head for flood or spot focus
* polymer coating over stainless steel has a good feel (especially in very cold weather)
* Manufacturer support is very good - after 4 years, they replaced the battery holder and tail cap free
* It tail stands
* Length and weight are OK - 8" long and 325 grams (1 lb 1.5 oz) with batteries
* Just barely bright enough at 700 lumen
What I want to change:
* I really dislike the on/off button that does not remember the last setting.
* The battery holder does not seem to hold batteries firmly in place.
* At times, it is not quite bright enough.
So, that said, here is what I am looking for:
* A budget of $40.00 or less from an on-line vendor. (Yes, I do realize my budget narrows my choices considerably. Some people may look at this as a search for the best of the worst, but I am hoping the wide breath of knowledge in this forum can suggest one or two flashlights that meet my wish list.)
* Brightness is important. 900 - 1200 lumen would help me.
* A button that remembers the last setting. I don't need SOS or flashing mode but it would be Ok if they were "hidden". I would like any of these settings: high/low, high/med/low or high/med/low/moon.
* Power from 1 or 2 18650 or 21700 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries. I would also like to be able to charge the batteries while inside the flashlight if possible. Water-proofing in not a big issue.
* A zoom head. Some times I am searching an area for something (like in my basement or attic) and the flood setting helps. Other times, the spot light helps when I am looking out to the fence-line is search of strange noises. I also like the twist head over the slide forward and backward. I have seen flashlights where the head slides by itself when tilted up or down.
* Size and finish are secondary considerations. Anywhere from 4" - 8" is fine. Anodized aluminum or a polymer outer surface are fine. It would be nice if it tail stands.
OK, that is it And if you are still reading this far - Thank you. I know it is a lot to ask for very little money, but I hope it is possible.
Happy New Year and may 2021 be better than 2020.
Background: I use the flashlight three or four times a week for general household tasks. Occasionally, I use it to sweep around 3/4 of an acre of land in search of strange noises.
Currently, I use a Coast 650 with 4xAA batteries. Here is what I like and what I want to change.
Like:
* best feature is the twist head for flood or spot focus
* polymer coating over stainless steel has a good feel (especially in very cold weather)
* Manufacturer support is very good - after 4 years, they replaced the battery holder and tail cap free
* It tail stands
* Length and weight are OK - 8" long and 325 grams (1 lb 1.5 oz) with batteries
* Just barely bright enough at 700 lumen
What I want to change:
* I really dislike the on/off button that does not remember the last setting.
* The battery holder does not seem to hold batteries firmly in place.
* At times, it is not quite bright enough.
So, that said, here is what I am looking for:
* A budget of $40.00 or less from an on-line vendor. (Yes, I do realize my budget narrows my choices considerably. Some people may look at this as a search for the best of the worst, but I am hoping the wide breath of knowledge in this forum can suggest one or two flashlights that meet my wish list.)
* Brightness is important. 900 - 1200 lumen would help me.
* A button that remembers the last setting. I don't need SOS or flashing mode but it would be Ok if they were "hidden". I would like any of these settings: high/low, high/med/low or high/med/low/moon.
* Power from 1 or 2 18650 or 21700 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries. I would also like to be able to charge the batteries while inside the flashlight if possible. Water-proofing in not a big issue.
* A zoom head. Some times I am searching an area for something (like in my basement or attic) and the flood setting helps. Other times, the spot light helps when I am looking out to the fence-line is search of strange noises. I also like the twist head over the slide forward and backward. I have seen flashlights where the head slides by itself when tilted up or down.
* Size and finish are secondary considerations. Anywhere from 4" - 8" is fine. Anodized aluminum or a polymer outer surface are fine. It would be nice if it tail stands.
OK, that is it And if you are still reading this far - Thank you. I know it is a lot to ask for very little money, but I hope it is possible.
Happy New Year and may 2021 be better than 2020.