mrdctaylor
Newly Enlightened
Ok guys. I know I'm getting some gift money for Christmas. Not much, but enough to buy something I wouldn't normally buy. So, I'm looking at getting a really nice flashlight. I've read tons of stuff at flashlightreviews.com and compared specs on these similarly-priced lights and I'm still unsure which way to go. Any insight would be appreciated--especially if you have any of the lights below. Here is what I'm considering:
ALX-253L (5W Luxeon, 3xCR123A) - $59.95
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=943
Pros: Appears to have the 2nd best specs (1320 throw, 6300 overall) but a much better runtime than the ALX-352L.
Cons: Takes 3 CR123As instead of just 2 CR123As or cheaper C cells, not as small as the TM-301X models.
ALX-654C (5W Luxeon, 4C) - $59.95
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=937
Pros: Easy-to-find batteries.
Cons: Large, unsure of output compared to CR123A lights (no review)
ALX-352L (5W Luxeon, 2xCR123A) - $59.50
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=734
Pros: Highest output even more than the 3xCR123A light above (1500 throw, 6500 overall)
Cons: Larger/heavier, output drops to NOTHING just after 45 minutes (shortest runtime of all of the lights) with no warning.
TM-301X-5 (5W Luxeon, 2xCR123A) - $64.50
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=981
Pros: Small, decent output.
Cons: Output appears less than ALX-253L above (523 throw, 4000 overall)
TM-301X-3 (3W Luxeon, 2xCR123A) - $42.50
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=816
Pros: Small, decent output, cheapest.
Cons: Output appears less than 5W--but not as much as I'd expect (1300 throw, 2800 overall)
Each seem to have its own advantages/disadvantages. So, I've got some questions for the board:
1) Is a 5W luxeon worth the price difference versus a 3W luxeon light?
2) Would the output of a 4C cell light be as good as a 2 or 3xCR123A light?
3) The ALX-253L seems to really beat the output of the TM-301X-5. I have a hard time interpreting the difference in these numbers. I understand what they measure, but I guess I don't understand the REAL, noticeable difference between a light that puts out 6300 overall versus 4000. Any help would be appreciated.
4) If you had my budgest, which of these lights would you buy?
5) Is there an LED light in this same price range that you would recommend instead?
Thanks in advance for your input!
ALX-253L (5W Luxeon, 3xCR123A) - $59.95
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=943
Pros: Appears to have the 2nd best specs (1320 throw, 6300 overall) but a much better runtime than the ALX-352L.
Cons: Takes 3 CR123As instead of just 2 CR123As or cheaper C cells, not as small as the TM-301X models.
ALX-654C (5W Luxeon, 4C) - $59.95
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=937
Pros: Easy-to-find batteries.
Cons: Large, unsure of output compared to CR123A lights (no review)
ALX-352L (5W Luxeon, 2xCR123A) - $59.50
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=734
Pros: Highest output even more than the 3xCR123A light above (1500 throw, 6500 overall)
Cons: Larger/heavier, output drops to NOTHING just after 45 minutes (shortest runtime of all of the lights) with no warning.
TM-301X-5 (5W Luxeon, 2xCR123A) - $64.50
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=981
Pros: Small, decent output.
Cons: Output appears less than ALX-253L above (523 throw, 4000 overall)
TM-301X-3 (3W Luxeon, 2xCR123A) - $42.50
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=816
Pros: Small, decent output, cheapest.
Cons: Output appears less than 5W--but not as much as I'd expect (1300 throw, 2800 overall)
Each seem to have its own advantages/disadvantages. So, I've got some questions for the board:
1) Is a 5W luxeon worth the price difference versus a 3W luxeon light?
2) Would the output of a 4C cell light be as good as a 2 or 3xCR123A light?
3) The ALX-253L seems to really beat the output of the TM-301X-5. I have a hard time interpreting the difference in these numbers. I understand what they measure, but I guess I don't understand the REAL, noticeable difference between a light that puts out 6300 overall versus 4000. Any help would be appreciated.
4) If you had my budgest, which of these lights would you buy?
5) Is there an LED light in this same price range that you would recommend instead?
Thanks in advance for your input!
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