I'm stuck. I've done the research and I'm still confused! n00b help needed...

mrdctaylor · Nov 29, 2005

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!

Hookd_On_Photons · Nov 29, 2005

Well, I might as well get this out of the way...

Fenix L1P

The new hotness on CPF, and it's within your price range.

Good output, uses an AA battery (which is great if you don't already have CR123 batteries), small and unobtrusive, great bang for the buck.

hsjrev · Nov 29, 2005

I have the ALX-352L and one thing to consider is that it has three levels of brightness. It's a very useful light on the lowest setting and runtime is greatly increased. It will go black on you when you least expect it though so carrying extra batts is a necessity with this light.

Many people seem to like the LEDBeam 3W for it's brightness to cost factor. It does seem like a bargain at $25 to your door. No regulation though. http://www.ledbeam.com/
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/ledbeam_3c.htm

H.O.P. is right about the L1P. It's a gem with a very nice beam, just narrow enough for some good throw but wide enough to light up the back yard for walking around. My Streamlight Polypro 4AA Luxeon will out throw the L1P, but IMO the L1P is more useful at 75 feet and closer due to it's wider beam.
I was hesitant to spend that much for a 1W light, but now that I've had it for a little while, I think it's a freakin' bargain.

http://www.fenixlight.com/flashlight/fenixl1.htm

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1p.htm

bbaker22 · Nov 29, 2005

mrdctaylor said:
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!

I went through a similar decision making process a month or so ago. I ended up choosing the TM-301X-5 because I was interested in the high output, light weight, and small package size.

During my research, I discounted the Nuwai ALX-032L due to the extra weight (8.6oz). If weight isn't a big concern, the ALX-032L has great specs. High output (better throw and overall output than the TM-301X-5), multiple levels of brightness, and cheap (~$40).

http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=939

I also have a Fenix L1P. If you plan to carry the light around in your pocket, the L1P is a great choice. The size is very good for frequent carry, but the output is lower than many (all?) of the choices mentioned above.

Oh yeah, LuxV vs LuxIII...the LuxV gives you more of a wall of light, a shorter led lifespan, and lower battery life. Depends on your personal needs...

baker

joema · Nov 29, 2005

There's the Vari-Brite lights, aka "poor man's U2". The 5w version has great output. The 2nd link below seems temporarily down:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/britestuff_vari-brite52l.htm
http://emilionworkshop.com:3072/osc...d=282&osCsid=e0409981161347ca1a6b6802a56d4e6a

greenLED · Nov 29, 2005

uts devil's advocate hat on:

What are you going to use the light for?
Do you prefer throw, or lots of spill?
Do you want to have the option of using rechargeables?
How about waterproofness?
Are you concerned about battery type?

Think about your intended use, that may help narrow your choices further.

Welcome to CPF!

PS. I'd get myself a Fenix L1P, but that's becasue I like small and relatively bright lights (using AA is a bonus).

Joe Talmadge · Nov 29, 2005

mrdctaylor said:
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?

As you've noted, the output difference is often note huge between 5W and 3W. For me, the more important difference is that 3W are usually tighter beams that throw farther, whereas 5W are usually more "wall of light" types. I don't know about these lights specifically, but if they hold true to form, that should help you decide: wall of light, or tighter throw?

4) If you had my budgest, which of these lights would you buy?

If I'm out to get one special light (which seems to be what you're going for), I want one I can carry around. That means 2x123A. Now couple that with the fact that I prefer throw over spill, and the decision is easy for me: 301X-3. Again, that's ASSUMING the 3W has a tighter beam. Otherwise, I'd personally go with the 301X-5 if it's much lighter in weight than the other 5W 2x123A lights (you'll want to carry this thing, right?)

sonofjesse · Nov 29, 2005

I have the :
ALX-654C (5W Luxeon, 4C) - $59.95
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp...PROD&ProdID=937
Pros: Easy-to-find batteries.
Cons: Large, unsure of output compared to CR123A lights (no review)

I paid about 75 shipped a while back, but anyway there are some reviews on this light.
http://ledmuseum.candlepower.us/third/alx-654c.htm
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/xtremelite_alx-654c.htm
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=1076457#post1076457

This light since its a 5W and it has a non-smooth refelctive offers less throw than other lights, my 1 WATT 3 D-Cell Dorcy from target/walmart, has more throw the tint is way off, but more throw and it is around 21 dollars. I do like this light and the case it comes with is very nice and the 3 mods of operation. I also like this becuase I hate them c123 batteries, just due in a situation a gas station usually has standard batteries. Also the runtime is much greater in this light. Hope this helps.

mrdctaylor · Nov 29, 2005

And now I've got another one in the mix that I am considering: the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA Luxeon. It looks like a really nice light for the money with good throw.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propolyluxeon.htm

hsjrev · Nov 29, 2005

mrdctaylor said:
And now I've got another one in the mix that I am considering: the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA Luxeon. It looks like a really nice light for the money with good throw.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propolyluxeon.htm

It does have awesome throw for a 1W light and I've bought 4 of them and given 3 as gifts so I must like it, but the spot is kind of small for close up use without a whole lot of spill. It's a great light for looking at the varmints in the pasture or up in trees and it seems to run forever on a set of batteries. My luddite mother-in-law even loves hers and keeps it on her nightstand. See my comments in my above post about the L1P compared to the Streamlight 4AA. Fox Intl has great prices.

http://www.fox-intl.com/searchresult.asp?id=3034

jeremycollins · Nov 29, 2005

mrdctaylor said:
And now I've got another one in the mix that I am considering: the Streamlight ProPolymer 4AA Luxeon. It looks like a really nice light for the money with good throw.

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_propolyluxeon.htm

This is the flashlight that got me started in this hobby about a month ago (as well as the Costco Luxeon deal, which is now long dead). You cannot go wrong with this light since it has excellent throw, great runtime, and runs on AA's.

I figured I'd start with this light since it only costs $22.95 + shipping, then graduate to more expensive lights down the road. But so far, I've been completely happy with this light.

I will be getting a Fenix soon for up close work, but the RiverRock .5W AAA will due until that comes.

Basically, I say go for the Streamlight!

Changchung · Nov 29, 2005

This is my next flashlight... I like it, is big but is better than other like this...

billvan · Dec 17, 2005

mrdctaylor said:
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!

I've got the Essential Gear Lux V (ALX-253L is the same unit). If you want a "wall of light" this is for you!! This light is WHITE...:wow: as in not having any tint IMO. Very bright with medium throw. I paid a little more before I knew better but for a medium size 3x123 5 watt, I'm pretty happy!

Paul_in_Maryland · Dec 17, 2005

Get the ALX-253L. Of all the models you've named, it's the only one that can run COST-FREE and GUILT-FREE on lithium-ion cells. A pair of AW's $10 17500 protected cells and $12 DSD charger will work fine. For $8, get the DSD charger from Emillion with a car adapter and you're set for the longest blackout.

I'm stuck. I've done the research and I'm still confused! n00b help needed...

mrdctaylor

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Hookd_On_Photons

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hsjrev

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bbaker22

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joema

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greenLED

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Joe Talmadge

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sonofjesse

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mrdctaylor

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