Your advice...

I was wondering if I could get some advice from all of you who would likly know better then I..... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif

I need to purchase a new light. (duh /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif ) I would strongly prefer something no larger then 4 and a half inches but could make an exception for an exceptional light.

I really can't be spending $100 bucks on this light. However I really want to get the best bang for my buck.

I've narrowed it down to the Nuwia Q-III and the Inova T1 just as a rough start. I've chosen those models becuase this light will be taking an absolutly stupid amount of abuse. I am ASSUMING that an LED would be better suited for this purpose but I'll let you all correct me if I'm wrong. Also I wouldn't want anything too wide or heavy because I'll be putting this in an already overstuffed and heavy pack.

As for performance, throw is more important then overall light output but a nice blend certainly wouldn't offend me /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

My planned price range is $30-$60 but again, exceptions can be made if worth it. As it is I'm looking at the T1 as not very visually appealing so I'm open to suggestions.

What do you all think?

For throw in a small package under $100 I'd go for a surefire KL1 head on a Vital Gear FB1 body. Should be able to get both for under $80 if you shop around, and it measures 3 1/2 inches /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

If throw is what you what you might want to look at the Inova T3. I and some other people have had some problems with the QIII, such as the switch failing or the electronics inside going dead. For a lot of abuse go with an Inova. The T3 is the exact same size as a MiniMag and has greater throw than the T1 or the T2. Another plus is that the Inovas are hard anodized type 3, this is a very tough finish that shouldn't wear out with though use. The T3 is about $70. Heres a picture at the webiste:

http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.php?Sku=EMIT3WB

The Streamlight Scorpion LED version also seems to have great throw.

A few years ago this would have perfectly filled those requirements : http://www.uwkinetics.com/ProductDisplay_prmenbr=91&prrfnbr=5253.htm
But, lamp quality control is spotty at best, lately.
The Q3 has spotty water resistance, JMHO and 1 dead Q3.
SF KL1 is a monster for abuse, but there is no TOTALLY reliable
anything. Leave margin and funds in your budget for 2 lights. My vote for SF or Inova.

I'm also looking for a similar type flashlight. I'm considering the Surefire E2E - it's about 4.5", and you can get the Satin Grey finish for $75 from the SF website. I don't own one yet so I can't comment on throw or output. However, it's an incandescant - if you really want an LED, there's the E2L, but that's over $100, and probably has less throw and output.

Procure, Welcome, the SF E2E is a great light with a combination of throw and spill. It has the advantage of simplicity as well. Nothing to fail other than the lamp, battery ,switch ,lens ,oring. All of which can be diagnosed and repaired by you. If not, the SF warranty service is excellent . The finish of the light depends upon you. The lack of HA3 will not stop a quality torch from performing, even in humid,salt water extremes with normal maintenance. Hope you find many lights to work for you. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

"I'll be putting this in an already overstuffed and heavy pack."

Are you going backpacking by any chance? If so, be aware that you'll need to carry a lot of extra batteries for those brighter lights. A dimmer light, but with longer runtime might be better for you /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif A headlamp, maybe?

If you're not backpacking, then forget what I just said.

[ QUOTE ]
procure said:
I'm also looking for a similar type flashlight. I'm considering the Surefire E2E - it's about 4.5", and you can get the Satin Grey finish for $75 from the SF website. I don't own one yet so I can't comment on throw or output.

[/ QUOTE ]
Got one and I'm quite happy with it, got it from Ebay for $69 plus shipping to Norway.
The finish is "Please CPF, pimp my light" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif, throw and output is fine, batteries are $1 a pice, all in all a great package if you want incan.
You could also consider the Nitrolon or 6P as they are cheaper, but I like the E2e.

get a lightpro spitfire I.

-David

I second greenLED's cautionary note. If you're backpacking/camping I'd suggest going with a dimmer yet longer-running LED light. The Q3 for example will run for about 1.5 hours continuously, while a similarly sized LED light using conventional AA cells could run for anywhere between 10-50 hours and beyond.

It depends entirely on your application. If you're camping, you don't want to be stumbling around a campsite in the dark because after two hours of use your extremely bright light died. In the woods, a simple LED light will provide you with lots of light, considering that it would be pitch black otherwise. GreenLED's suggestion of a headlamp for hiking/camping is also a good one, since it allows you to do things with your hands (like hammer a loose tent peg!).

If you could tell us more about runtimes you want out of your light, or if this light will be used only in emergencies for short, bright uses, we could probably tailor our advice based on that.

Of your choices however, I'd go with either the T1,or the T3 as suggested already. I'll post again if you elaborate on runtime expectations/usage etc.

Best bang on a budget for camping (speaking from personal experience).

Princeton Tec Aurora Headlamp (some come with a tiny Pulsar keychain light too) and the Gerber LX 3.0

See this thread

I have used the Princeton Tec Attitude with great results while camping and caving. It has been completely submerged and dropped several times. It is light weight and takes a beating. It also runs on easy to find AAA cells and seems to run forever. It works for me.

Run time is not an issue. This is for a rapid responce bag. Any "response" that needs to be tended to for more then an hour or two will involve much greater concerns then a mere light can fix. This light is going to be for throwing a whole lotta light for a not very long amount of time. The better equiped "specialists" can bring the big guns.

Thanks for the advice so far though. Some very good ideas

If it will be in the bag then 123 cell lights will provide longer shelf life then any alkaline AA(A). As for throw E1L cost less then 100 and has a good trow. I have E2L, E1L similar, just 1 cell one.

if throw is a concern and a cheap light, what about a Maxfire LX. You could get it at Walmart for $20. has almost the same throw as a SF ^p and will even take a P60-P61 LA. I hear it will also take the 3w drop ins...best of all it's cheap. As far as abuse. Mine takes a beaten at work and who really cares, it's only $20....Just a thought...

If $$ wasn't of great concern, I would suggest a wide array of lights but since....

What about a Pila or Wofeyes light...You could have a rechargable....that will also take cr123's...I don't own one and can't say what abuse they will take...

Pelican makes some good lights also with a good warranty..

wow, I am all over the place with suggestions.. sorry..