Best Flashlight to Keep in the truck

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,251
I want a decent flashlight to keep in my truck. The size and weight do not matter. Cost does matter, if I can get it the 30 dollar range so much the better. Its going to sit in the truck in freezing temperatures more than it gets used. I've tried to peice together some of the stuff from candlepower forums, etc, but I'm looking for a little more simple answers as I'm not up on flashlight tech.
 
My daughter delivered my third grandchild at 4:30 this morning and I'm too tired to go into much detail, but here is my extra lazy cut and paste answer of what I carry in my truck. Comes in right at $30.

Streamlight Twin-Task 2L flashlight offers a patented LED/xenon combination, so you can choose between a super-bright light (xenon) and an incredibly long runtime (LED). With the Streamlight Twin-Task 2L, you choose between 2 modes - 3 LEDs or xenon with runtimes of 28 hours and 2.5 hours, respectively. Streamlight Twin-Task flashlights are durable with an anodized aluminum body, O-ring sealed for water resistance and an unbreakable polycarbonate lens. The Streamlight Twin-Task 2L flashlight also features an adjustable focus, a micro-faceted reflector, an enhanced knurled grip and wrist lanyard.

Hope that helps.

Jack
 
Surefire G2.....Comes in Yellow, Black, or OD Green. Uses 2 CR123 Lithium batteries that have a shlef life of 10 years. I have one in each of my vehicles and in my turnout coat as a backup light. Reliable, bright, sturdy, and priced right.
 
The G2 is a good choice also. I keep one on the table by my bed and I think that it throws a better light than the Twin Task. But, I like having the option of the longer runtimes on the Streamlight's LEDs especially if I find myself very far from home.

Jack

Edited to add that I think the G2's runtime is about 60 minutes.
 
Inova T3

T3.jpg
 
garrity bullet(25cad), 1 LED powered by 3 aaa batts, 150-700hrs of run time... been over a year on mine, same batts, still going. It's in my BOB in the trunk. Just did a 3 month check a couple weeks ago, still working after getting more than frozen(and checked cold).

mag 2d(30cad), I'm on my 2nd set of batts in 2yrs, it's in my bag, cold doesn't hurt it(and I'm talking -40 to -50c).
 
I like the Surefire G2,but the biggest weakness is there is no lock out cap.If you throw it in the glove box or backpack and something leans on the momentary on switch,you can wind up with dead batteries or blown bulb if it overheats due to being smothered.I would recommend a good economic light being the inova T2.It comes in at around $39.00 on ebay buy it now auctions,anodized aluminum,lock-out cap,Long lasting 40 lumen LED last ya about 4-5 hours.You can do a search as to the other spec,but owning two Inova T3's,I just ordered me a T2.I got rid of all my Surefires,because the Inova models were offering high quality and power at economical prices.
 
Why not carry a 4 D-cell Maglite? Not only is it a source of light, it also makes a handy, though discrete, self defense bludgeon (in case you break down in the wrong neighborhood and you want to brandish something that says, "GET BACK! I've got a 2.5 lb. metal flashlight that can split your skull open!" to hoodlums).

One of these can be had for under $20.
 
I'd vote for the Inova X5, because of the long run time. G2's are great lights for the money, but an hour of run time could be a problem if you really get stuck. The X5 is more of a flood than a spot as well, which makes it a little better as a "working light" in my experience.
 
Thirteenth Star said:
Why not carry a 4 D-cell Maglite? Not only is it a source of light, it also makes a handy, though discrete, self defense bludgeon (in case you break down in the wrong neighborhood and you want to brandish something that says, "GET BACK! I've got a 2.5 lb. metal flashlight that can split your skull open!" to hoodlums).

One of these can be had for under $20.
Click to expand...

I agree, for a TRUCK LIGHT, a 3D/4D Maglight can't be beat. To actually carry EDC, that is a different story.
 
No where that I know of is it illegal to carry a flashlight. I've always liked the C cell, just fits better. Can be used to light up an area or enlighten a knuckle head ;)

I also carry and Arc AAA EDC everywhere I go and a Surefire L1 is hard to beat.

But there is always a 6c Mag in the door pocket of my F150!!!
 
12 volt lantern...
Bright,
Has an adjustable stand,
Easy to find in the dark,
and, no one wants to steal one of those...
 
The Inova 24/7 looks like it might be a good option for a vehicle light.

Paul
 
K.V. Collucci said:
Surefire G2.....Comes in Yellow, Black, or OD Green. Uses 2 CR123 Lithium batteries that have a shlef life of 10 years. I have one in each of my vehicles and in my turnout coat as a backup light. Reliable, bright, sturdy, and priced right.
Click to expand...
Gonna have to agree with Kalooch here, I have one, bought my first last December, great light.
 
I'm a big fan of Mag-Lites.

I couldn't tell you how many times I've set my four D-cell Mag-Lite down on my floor, on it's lamp end, and accidentally/clumsily knocked it over. Each and every time (so far) the Mag-Lite fires up as if I hadn't abused it, at all. My floor may beg to differ. In my opinion, I think that it's best to get a flashlight that uses batteries that are readily found at any store that carries batteries.

You could get a four D-cell Mag-Lite and a two AA-cell Mini-Mag-Lite at Wal*Mart for under your $30 price limit...but probably not far enough under to get the batteries, too.

GeoThorn

Addition: If battery shelf life is a high priority, the lithiums with the 10-year shelf life would be the way to go. If you aren't going to test your flashlight's batteries every three months or so, a Mag-Lite could turn into a very heavy club without the option of using it as a light, as well.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top