CR123 Flashlight

S

s0rce

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Nov 16, 2004
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I'm looking to get a nice flashlight for misc. use: looking in dark places, walking around at night in the country, etc.

I was looking at the Inova X5T but the X0 and T2 and very similiarly priced. Im not sure but it seems that the X5 has better battery life but im not sure about how long the others last there is also thde Nuwai Q3 and some others but I was wondering what your thoughts were.

I think I want 2x CR123 Li batteries.

Thanks,
Lyle
 
I like a nice long runtime, so favour the X5. It is not that bright (which can be an advantage in certain situations) but runtime is excellent.
It's swings and roundabouts really. Bright for a short time, or dimmer for longer.

I do like the Nuwai QIII for EDC though, but carry a spare battery.
 
For looking in dark places and for a walking light, I'll second the X5T. I've got 2 of them (one is the cool HA-III version) and they're a great all around light, they give you a nice soft flood of light and they last a really long time on a set of batteries. If you've got another light, maybe a Surefire, it'll take batteries that you'd think were dead and give them some new life.

The QIII is a great EDC light, very small and bright but the battery isn't going to last nearly as long. And it's only a single cell light, too, I don't know if that makes a difference to you or not. .
 
For a nice, all-round light which uses to CR123s, think about a Surefire U2. A bit pricey ($270 retail, but you can find them for less if you look), but quite nice. Six levels of brightness give you a choice at any given moment between lots of runtime, or lots of lumens. Very happy with mine, and you can get the batteries online for a buck each. See CandlePower forums for more info.
 
...A flashlight that uses 2 of the 123 lithium batteries?...Streamlight Twin Task 2L...That's an excellent little flashlight!
 
I'll second Glockman's advice. Streamlights are great lights. Also, since you're from TO Lyle, you can get the Streamlight from LeBaron's at a really good price.

Guy
 
The X5 sure is great for run time (as mentioned). Sounds like that would work well for you...
 
I've just got the streamlight twin task light. It'sd a great little light indeed. I hope to get a review done of it soon. I don't normaly use the bulb but it's nice knowing it's there is I need it
 
I received a Surefire E2e for Christmas. It is a small pocket torch that gives an amazing floodlight for up to 1 hour. I have just also bought an Inova x5. I have been told that it does not act as a floodlight but will work using the used up batteries from the E2e and is also lightweight to carry. The Inova hasn't arrived as yet but for only $29 from ebay it sounds like the perfect partner for my E2e.
 
If you decide that you want a 1x123 flashlight, I'd go for this Peak in high-power snow LEDs. I have one, and it seems to put out as much light as my X5, but in a tighter beam. It is also fully regulated and type 3 hard anodized. It is my EDC and I cannot reccomend it highly enough.

If you are going to get a 2x123 flashlight you may as well get something with some throw. I have both the Inova XO3 and the Surefire G2, and while they are about equal in throw, the G2 has much more spill, and is lighter and easier to carry. The downside is that it uses up batteries faster and is not regulated. For Edc, the G2 would be my choice. The X5 is nice, and great for using up batties from lights like the G2, but the light output is not great for a light that size. The Twintask 2L is not as bright as the G2, and turning it on and off can sometimes be a pain, due to the fact that you have to go through every mode in order. Otherwise, though, it is very nice. It is useful to have a longer lasting and dimmer option in one's flashlight, namely the LEDs.

Overall, for a 1x123 flashlight, get the Peak. For a 2x123, get a G2. Or better yet, get both. You will not be dissapointed.
 
The Inova T2 (2 watts) model is currently my most used general purpose light that is a good compromise in size. It has a 5 hour run time, a nicely squared patterned checkering on main body and tailcap (which accepts a lanyard) that will provide a more secure grip than the other Inova models with a smoother finish. And that includes the octagonal bodys of the X series. You will notice this with bare hands, especially in cooler weather. The momentary and constant (clickie) on/ off option of the T2 has a more positive feel than the momentary only switches. And can be locked out if desired. The T3 (3 watts) may be a good step up from the T2. Has most the same features. But is a bit longer in length and a slightly bulkier flared head. And costs a few bucks more.

N.
 
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