What's your favorite flashlight?

October 18, 2003

I know I saw a posting similar to this one, but now I can't find it. I am in the market for a high quality, lightweight, great beam light... give me some suggestions..

Not all who wander are lost

October 19, 2003

Streamlight Scorpoin or Stinger are both excellent lights. The Scorpoin use's two 3 volt batteries which aren't cheap but the light is only about $40. The Stinger is one of the brightest on the market and only 7.4 inchs long. It comes with a rechargeable battery and charger but will set you back about $80. Both are aircraft aluminum so they are strong with a lifetime warranty on the body/switch. I've never had a problem with any of my three Stingers, the light is blindingly good and they've all been dropped more than I care to remember. The only drawback is the bulbs come with spares but after that you need to order from a speciality store. (i.e. law enforcement, outdoor) This link will take you to a dealer: http://www.streamlite.com/locator.jsp

1.3k · October 19, 2003

Is this the thread you were thinking of? A good night caching flashlight?

I really like the various LED flashlights that are becoming available. They get a lot longer life out of a change of batteries, but are not as bright as some of the conventional flashlights.

[This message was edited by Bloencustoms on March 32, 1999 at 25:60 PM]

38.2k · October 19, 2003

The mini Mag Lite is an all time favorite. Durable, water resistant and a good, adjustable beam. It's been around for a long time, so there are many accessories available, like holsters, headlamp adaptor and I've even seen a plastic bite sleeve for those who hold it in their teeth while using both hands.

"You can't make a man by standing a sheep on his hind legs. But by standing a flock of sheep in that position, you can make a crowd of men" - Max Beerbohm

October 19, 2003

Check out this one:

http://flashlightreviews1.home.att.net/reviews/brinkmann_legendlx.htm

It's available at your local WalMart for $19.95 (including batteries).

October 19, 2003

L4 Lumamax - 5W LED - 65Lumens...is that bright enough? Although the lifetime is similar to the Xenon counterparts, unlike Xenon, these LEDS have a bulb life of 10,000 hours whereas Xenon is usually 3 hours (approx 3 battery changes).

http://www.surefire.com/cgi-bin/main/co_disp/displ/prrfnbr/1071/sesent/00

There are also 1/10 the power LEDs which offer 100,000 hours lifetime. It is nice to have a two lights. I use the Energizer LED headlight for walking around or for utility and then a Scorpion or Inova X5 as a mini-spotlight.

Streamlight has the Twin Task models that have Xenon and LED.

http://www.streamlight.com/tasklight_specifications.htm

Tactical sizes use the Lithium batteries. The TT-2L is about the size of the Inova X5 with 3 LEDs for several hours of usuable light output and then the Xenon for 72 Lumens of light.

I wish they made the twin task with the Luxeon LED (like the 5 watt L4 Lumamax or 1 watt Task Light 3AA) and then I would never have to worry about the bulb and have two power levels.

:smile:

October 19, 2003

My favorite one is the one I find after finding 2 or 3 in the drawer that won't turn on for some reason......

In all seriousness - for caching I prefer my 10 LED light, but at home I prefer my 3 D-Cell MAG.

--------------------------------------------------

When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.

October 19, 2003

CR123a batteries can be bought from Surefire for $15 for a box of 12.

www.surefire.com

:smile:

October 19, 2003

I recently purchased a SureFire Nitrolon G2. After checking out several flashlight models and brands, I decided on the G2 at $34. Also, SureFire batteries are about 1.25 each before shipping (12pack/$15). Others are charging 2x to 4x more for the 3V Lithiums. I still use the Mini-Mags--they keep the paper from blowing around on my desk.

October 19, 2003

This is the one I decided on... seems to get rave reviews and they have the batteries on sale right now too...

Inova x5 Tactical Flashlight

Thanks for all the input and the link back to the other thread

Not all who wander are lost

October 19, 2003

for night caching, I mostly use an Inova X5 but also carry a Streamlight Scorpion for times when extreamly bright light is needed. If I used the Scorpion all the time, I would go broke buying all the batteries, even when they are this cheap. Besides, I don't see a need for a 6,500 candlepower light, while just walking through the woods.

The Inova X5 is several times brighter than a mini-Mag, lasts at least 10 times longer on a set of batteries, is smaller, (much) stronger, and you don't need to carry a spare bulb.

___________________________________________________________

If trees could scream, would we still cut them down?

Well, maybe if they screamed all the time, for no reason.

Click here for my Geocaching pictures and Here (newest)

1.4k · October 19, 2003

Ditto on the Inova X5. I got mine nearly a year ago and am still on the second set of batteries. I also use a VorTec headlamp for night caching.

"Me transmitte sursum, Caledoni!"

[This message was edited by BadAndy on October 19, 2003 at 08:21 PM.]

October 19, 2003

I have 2 of the Legend LX's from Wal-Mart and I'm very happy with both. The only negative is the cost of the 123A's, but the previous posts will help with that.

October 19, 2003

I love my mini-mag 2AAcell flashlite. I've carried the same flashlite for almost 20yrs. {the black paint is almost worn off} and use it daily at work. Off the job I carry a Eveready squeeze lite. If I wanted a beam lite for nite caching I would use a 2 or 3 cell D batt Mag-lite. If you want it for protection, get the 4 cell.

October 20, 2003

I've had a dozen maglites and minis, then I got a very bright pelican xenon flashlight. Out of my 3 headlamps, I like the Rayovac 3-in-1 Sportsman headlamp because of its versatility, size and best of all...the price which is under $15. Features compare to more expensive Petzl and princeton tec models. Here's a link:

Rayovac Sportsman

Have GPS, Will Travel.

October 20, 2003

Speaking of flashlights, is there a conversion factor for lumens to candlepower, or visa versa? Or is it like gauge and caliber with guns? Just curious.

If you read bad things about education, thank a teacher.

October 20, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by GeoVet:
Speaking of flashlights, is there a conversion factor for lumens to candlepower, or visa versa? Or is it like gauge and caliber with guns? Just curious.

If you read bad things about education, thank a teacher.

Pretty much NO.

I think you could go from CP to Lumens, but not the other way around. Lumens is the measure of the light output whereas CP is the measure of how hot the spot is.

here is a link:

http://www.streamlight.com/releases/light_measurement.htm

:smile:

October 20, 2003

http://www.streamlight.com/releases/light_measurement.htm

:smile:

October 20, 2003

I just got my free mini Maglite from Oracle: looks very nice but there are no specifications about the light output... if it is not good for outdoors, I can trade it at a computer-themed cache

Czech caching in US.

2.1k · October 20, 2003

Maglites...what can I say about them, except that they aren't they are lived up to be. Especially the mini maglites. That's why they are so cheap. A regular sized maglite is ok for around the house and a mini is ok, for very low use, but neither one is for extensive use. I don't know how many I've gone through (especially mini's) while working in Law Enformcent/Corrections. I ditto the streamlights. More powerful too.

Brian

www.woodsters.com

My Stats

Found: 70

Hidden: 2

1.5k · October 20, 2003

I went night caching a few weeks ago with a group and found I needed a good flashlight. So I searched out this one. Next time I'll be better prepared!

When picking my flashlight I wanted several things.

1. LONG Life (LED's are perfect here)

2. Bright enough that I can see what I'm searching for.

3. Use the same batteries as my GPS & Camera

4. Hands Free!

For that reason I chose Petzl MYO 3 Headlamp

I has both a Xenon bulb as well as a Three LED light. The Xenon light is focusable from a pin point spot all the way to flood.

Sure there are brighter headlamps, they are also more expensive. $45 is not to far over the top for a decent flashlight, and it uses the same AA batteries that I use for my camera and GPS, so my Car-Charger can just pull a little extra duty.

I've only used it a couple times but so far I'm happy.

[This message was edited by Right Wing Wacko on October 20, 2003 at 02:43 PM.]

October 20, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by SuperAlpha:
L4 Lumamax - 5W LED - 65Lumens...is that bright enough? Although the lifetime is similar to the Xenon counterparts, unlike Xenon, these LEDS have a bulb life of 10,000 hours whereas Xenon is usually 3 hours (approx 3 battery changes) <snip>

This statement got me to thinking--this is a very short time for a bulb. Perhaps you mis-stated, but I contacted the SureFire company and asked about bulb service life. They replied:

Dear sir,

We expect to get 20-30 hours out of our bulbs. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to write back or call us at 1-800-828-8809. We are dedicated to providing world-class customer service and welcome future inquiries or comments.

Stuart Yager

Technical Support

This sounds much better at 20 to 30 battery changes instead of 3.

don

October 20, 2003

One that works.

Somewhere In ND

South of the hill

North of the tree

October 20, 2003

Mini Mag! After more than 20 years of use it's still going strong!

That Quack Cacher:

Lone Duck

When you don't know where you're going, every road will take you there.

October 21, 2003

My favorite flashlight - of all the ones I have or have had, is my Surefire E2e. Sure - you can get a cheaper light that is just as bright, but none as small and light and durable(yet). I work nights a lot, and this light is with me always.

"...clear as mud?"

2.6k · October 21, 2003

My favorite is an old Sure Fire 6P. I do like the new G2 Nitrolon.

I use a pair of Princeton Tec LEDs the most though.

2.6k · October 21, 2003

My favorite is an old Sure Fire 6P. I do like the new G2 Nitrolon.

I use a pair of Princeton Tec LEDs the most though.

October 21, 2003

I also have a Surefire G2, and it's a great light at a good price. Like the 6P, it can be equipped with the P61 lamp - which turns it into a seriously bright light (brighter than any other 2 cel lithium light that I'm aware of, but with only 20 minutes runtime). In fact, it looks to me like the G2 can be accessorized more than any other light in it's class that I'm aware of.

If I could fill my wish list. I might pair up my E2e with the Inova X5, so I could have a long-runtime light that is just as light and durable, and uses the same batteries.

Or - I might prefer the Streamlight Twin Task 2L, and have both in one light (though not as bright as the E2e). But I'm waiting to actually try one of those to decide if I would actually like it better.

It seems to me (and at this point, I can only surmise) that the Twin task 2L might give the best all-around service, with regards to price, size, quality, and capability - at least, as far as non-tactical lights.

Give me a little time to squirrel away the money ("...for another flash light?!", my wife screams), and I'll hopefully have an answer to that.

"...clear as mud?"

October 22, 2003

I just ran across this article about "Forever Flashlights". Appearently they don't require batteries!

http://www.foreverflashlight.com/

Marty

"Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake."

2.6k · October 22, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by Marty.:
I just ran across this article about "Forever Flashlights". Appearently they don't require batteries!

Someone might call the police, if they see you standing in the bush's charging that thing up!

5.9k · October 22, 2003

I second that!

http://fp1.centurytel.net/Criminal_Page/

October 22, 2003

I vote for the Streamlight Septor. Handsfree. I use it all summer camping, and being on crutches, it is a must. Under the seat of the Xterra, however, is a big maglight. Nice and bright for a club.

Septor

Thomas

Team Canope / A Handicacher!

October 22, 2003

My inovax5 just arrived, and it is awesome! So small, lightweight and bright... with a holder too. You gotta have one of these...

Not all who wander are lost

October 23, 2003

The Arc LS - 10 times brigher than a normal LED flashlight (and probably brighter than most regular flashlights), and fits on a keychain.

http://store.yahoo.com/flashlight/

One of these days I'm gonna get one!

--Tree

(o< -!!

// Never laugh at live

V_/_ penguins.

October 23, 2003

A few years back I stepped into LED lighting and will never look back. After field testing (night cache testing) dozens and dozens of LED lights, a few always are at my top of the pick list.

By far, the most used and most technically advanced in it's class is the Arc AAA. I keep it hung from a neck lanyard, it's always ready. This digitally regulated light is used as a benchmark against which all are compared. It has yet to be beat. I love my Surefire L4 but the Arc LS premium is still my favorite. I use the 2 AA battery tube with NiMh's. My third favorite light is the NewBeam conversion for the Mag. It's very efficient and long lasting.

I do own Most every light listed in all the posts in this thread and the above are my top picks. All the above lights are digitally regulated to squeeze every last drop of electron out of a battery without dimming all while providing a bright pure snow white light. A dim yellow mag can never compare.

I find it best to bring a light from two different classes. First, a dim wide flood that won't cook your low light vision. Second, a bright tight flood/loose spot to reach out used only when needed. We need to see 180 degrees, from side to side. Tight spots do not fit the bill. The bright spot tightens your retina thus shutting off all peripheral vision.

The ionova X-5, streamlight 4-AA, and streamlight 3-AA Luxeon are fine mid level lights but they can never compare to the top three. The twin task line is fine, It's just that LED technology has surpassed incandescent sources since the introduction of the luxeon star emitters. There is no longer an excuse for burned out light bulbs or dim yellow hot spots. I used to be one that was impressed with the old mag...that was until I saw the light!

Geonavigating since 1991

October 24, 2003

What I use:

Petzl 'Arctic' high beam headlamp.

Back up lights:

Pelican 'Super SabreLite' (very bright)

Maglite 'Mini-Mag' AA flashlight.

What I am considering purchasing:

Petzl LED/Torch combo headlamp with 5 LEDs.

I'm also considering making my own headlamp with 10 LEDs. LEDs barely need any energy to illuminate. The trade off is in 'in your face' brightness.

If it isn't hard, it isn't worth doing right?

October 25, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by MrMom:
...My third favorite light is the NewBeam conversion for the Mag. It's very efficient and long lasting....

Hey, MrMom - where do you find those conversions?

"...clear as mud?"

October 26, 2003

Opalec New Beam link

If this link does not work, try a google for bright guy and then search for opalec new beam. The conversion kit works well with NiMh's batts.

Geonavigating since 1991

October 26, 2003

This is the flagship light at our house. We haven't used it too often for night caching-that's reserved for the 1 or 2 million CP Vector lights in our arsenal. We also learned that our local fire department finds it useful, as a member picked ours up from our coffee table after our last fire, thinking it belonged to another department. We DID get it back, well used, yet somewhat smoke damaged and water logged. There have since been 5 such lights donated to the department from a team of local cachers. The 1 millions seem to last longer, and serve us quite well for night caching.

DBBFL

Real cachers don't smell like Fleecy.

1.7k · October 26, 2003

The ARC looked just to handy, so I just placed my order.

I hope it is worth the large price tag.

(Most of the time, my flashlights are in my car, and not with me when I need one.)

DustyJacket

Not all those that wander are lost. But in my case...

October 26, 2003

Who needs flashlights when you got NVGs? Ha! Actually I don't; just thought I would say that.

here are some possibilities though.

1. Candle. On those all too common occasions where you need exactly 1 candle power, you're golden.

2. Super Light. A vehicle headlight, powered by a couple or three or four motorcycle batteries in your backpack. Yeah it's heavy, but you'll be the envy of everyone around. Alternatively, bring a generator and wire it to one of those big lights that they use at stadiums. Handheld daylight!

3. El Cheapo plastic junk flashlight. <-- what I use most often in my room, my car, etc.

October 28, 2003

A very good read

Geonavigating since 1991

October 28, 2003

I've been a big fan of headlamps ever since I took up kayaking several years ago and discovered how much I enjoy night paddling. I have on old Pezl incandescant headlamp that I've been wanting to upgrade, so today I stopped at Mountain Equipment Coop and picked up a Princeton Tec Yukon headlamp. It has 3 high output LEDs and a single Xenon bulb, depending on your needs at the moment.

At our latitude, there is about 7-8 hours a day of usable daylight in the winter so, unless I restrict my caching activities to weekends, I think I will get a lot of use out of this puppy.

To augment the headlamp, a few weeks ago I picked up a handheld 1,000,000 candlepower BFL powered by a 6V rechargable lead-acid battery. While it only gets 20 minutes of light from a charge, it really does turn night into day. I don't recall the manufacturer, but now that I've used it a few times and talked to others with similar, but lower powered 500,000 candlepower BFL's, I would probably go for the lower powered unit as it has 3-4x burn time.

____________

Gorak

I love frogs. They taste like chicken. Yum.

"Humanity has advanced, when it has advanced, not because it has been sober, responsible, and cautious, but because it has been passionate, rebellious, and immature." --Tom Robbins

1.7k · October 28, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by MrMom:
.....By far, the most used and most technically advanced in it's class is the Arc AAA...... Geonavigating since 1991

How was their customer service?

I placed an order 2 days ago, and didn't even get a "thanks for the order - this is what you ordered" E-mail that they promised me on the checkout page.

DustyJacket

Not all those that wander are lost. But in my case...

1.7k · October 30, 2003

Evidently something failed and my order did not get recorded.

They answered my query quickly, and when I placed a new order, they shipped it out 2 hours later. I should get it Monday.

(I hope I don't get 2 orders, now.)

DustyJacket

Not all those that wander are lost. But in my case...

1.1k · October 30, 2003

Wow, just when I thought my wish list of Techy toys couldn't get any longer. Some of you have invested quite a bit of time and money into your flashlights. 4 D cell Mag has served me for years, can't recall ever wishing it was brighter than it is. Also good for wacking Fellow cachers on those FTF races.

Understand what? My purpose? You know that. To find the Tower is my purpose. I'm sworn.

-Roland, The Gunslinger

1.7k · October 30, 2003

quote:
Originally posted by Johnnie Stalkers:
.....4 D cell Mag has served me for years, can't recall ever wishing it was brighter than it is..

Yeah, but I can't take my Streamlight SL-20 on an airplane any more. The tiny flashlight is for personal use, if I get caught in the dark without a light. (It seems to happen a lot.)

My CamelBak has 2 lights for caching and that is enough.

DustyJacket

Not all those that wander are lost. But in my case...

What's your favorite flashlight?

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