Flashlight newbie

[ROCK6]

Rock,
Do you like the Novatac over the Fenix? I am carrying a P1D right now and think it is the bees knees, if the Novatac is better I might be spending some money.
Chris

That's a tough one, really. I received a few of the Novatac military lights to T&E for them...Blackhawk pilots, our signal/outside plant teams (digging trenches/laying fiber), an SF team, engineers/convoy security team. They all liked it (the SF dude never returned it). It's a great light for what it is, but it is a little bulky for a single CR123 LED light.

I also used a few Fenix LED lights and they performed just great...given the sandy/dusty conditions, heat, dropped on pavement and in mud puddles. They just worked. I still like Fenix LED's and that's my initial recommendation for somebody interested in a good LED.

For duty EDC, I carry my Novatac
For off-duty, I typically carry my Fenix P1D

I wouldn't mind having either in a SHTF situation. The only plus for the Novatac is that they are built like a small tank and could probably take more abuse, but the amount of abuse both saw during my tour they both excelled, much more and the LED would be the least of my concerns

ROCK6

 

[gnius]

There is no way a LED can match those lithium lights. They are apples and oranges or toyotas and ferraris. LED means you get long lasting battery power, lithium gives you super bright light.

Well, I guess you'd be kind of right if we were talking about burning the lights themselves.

 

[gnius]

Overall, what are your impressions of the Nitecore?

I've got a couple of Fenix lights and like them, but was thinking a D20 would be a great addition.

I have an EX10 that is currently my EDC. Basically - I really like the form factor, the non-slip surfaces, the user interface...

I love the light. But to be frank, it's not nearly as reliable as my Fenixes. It's not nearly as waterproof (the design basically does not allow it to be), and the switch CAN malfunction on occasion. If I was only taking one flashlight with me somewhere, I would probably shy away from the EX10, and go with the trusty P2D-R100 Fenix or my P4 3A warm-white modded L1D-CE.

That being said, while I do regard this light with some distrust, I do carry it every day, and it has never actually failed me. A couple of times I had to knock it against something to have the switch work again, and once I had to unscrew it, take the battery out, and reassemble it, after which it worked properly again. Hassle? Yes. Critical problem? No. But worrying, nonetheless.

What sold me on the EX10 was support for rechargeable lithium ion batteries... which meant I could always have a full battery in my light... and the infinitely variable brightness that included shortcuts to min and max, and a very low min, that can run for DAYS on a single battery.

 

[geek]

Second vote for the Fenix P1D make sure you get the CREE LED.
It is cheap and awesome!
eBay under $50 delivered.
180 lumens and lightweight.
Single battery.
Has different modes such as High/Low/Strobe/SOS

 

[Trace Rinaldi]

Overall, what are your impressions of the Nitecore?

I've got a couple of Fenix lights and like them, but was thinking a D20 would be a great addition.

I have a Nitecore Extreme Infinity, and a Defender Infinity, both are incredible.. The defender throws ALOT of light for a AA batt palm size unit, and the Extreme is a TORCH of a light running 123 3 Volt batts.

I recently got a Novatac 120e and wish I had bought TWO more Nitecores instead.. I REALLY wanted to like it too since its US made, but the Nitecores blow it away.. Im waiting on a O-light Warrior that should be my new brightest light. They are made by Fenix like the Nitecores, and look to be really nice, and the price is still much less than SF or Novatac..

 

[Bushman5]

My NiteCore Defender was great, up until it rolled off the desk. I have had problems ever since, flickering light, no light, problems setting the hi/lo or going into strobe.

Fenix P1D-CE Cree edition:
- rock solid flashlight! - blazing white light, have run over 600 cycles of battery (i use rechargable Tenergy RCR123s) thru it with zero issues. Have used it in the woods , SAR, working on the truck, as a camera light, everything. Well worth the $75 CDnC i spent when they first came out

Fenix TK11:
- as above, its about a month old now, same thing, using Tenergy RCR123a rechargables. Like having the sun in your hand. Lights up the entire length of a football field. Lights up further on snowfields in the mountains.

Pelican LAPD 7060:
- another winner. A claimed 130 lumens, although i find it brighter than my TK11 (at 220 lumens). Throws way further with a tight spot. Pelican really under measured the light. The crack addicts in my area hate it when i lamp them in the face when they are snoopiing around the cars trying to break in.

SureFire 8Ax Commander.:
Glad i got a deal on this, because it just does'nt compare to the Fenixes. My Fenix P1d blows the SureFire out of the water both in bright white light and runtime. The surefire beam is a sickly yellow, with very short throw. Lights up nothing past 30 feet. I find it to be a good map reading light for the truck, esp with the red filter i added.
For the price, even with the deal i got, i could have bought THREE Fenix TK11's. This will be my last incandesent flashlight ever. Never again. I love the SureFires lights but will be buying the LED ones form now on

Would LOVE to see FENIX make a quad Cree led light, shaped like the TK11, and built for throw......

 

[steelscout30]

The SureFire E2L is part of my EDC rotation, and is a very impressive light. I got one for Christmas in 2005, and haven't replaced the batteries but once since. I can't imagine how this has occurred---it still has a bright, pure beam and beautiful throw, and it's not like I don't use it. I used it extensively at Philmont in 2006, and use it for various but copius amounts every day. It's my favorite light. :thumbup: