Flashlight suggestions

OP, you have turned my world into one of lumens and batteries and run times and aaaargh. This thread will be the death of my savings...

Anyway before I pull the trigger, I just read some articles on how the Surefire G2 battery has a crazy short lifespan... Just a couple hours?? Is this true? I don't want to be replacing batteries every other day wow...
 
CairoBeretta said:
Anyway before I pull the trigger, I just read some articles on how the Surefire G2 battery has a crazy short lifespan... Just a couple hours?? Is this true? I don't want to be replacing batteries every other day wow...
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Depends on how you use it. Surefire lights are designed to be tacital-use. Imagine a police officer using the light during a building clearing exercise; the light is turned on for a few seconds, off, then on for a few seconds, etc. I own a few surefire lights, and have owned many more in the past. I never had to change batteries more than once every couple weeks, and that was with using the light every day. During a typical 8 hour shift, I may use the light several times... but, the "total time" the flashlight was "ON" can be calculated in only minutes.

If you want a light that you can leave "ON" for a long time, look into lights that have multiple modes. Less lumens will use less battery, and will last longer. The super bright modes will last the shortest amount of time.

Just like knives, each flashlight has a purpose. Most people wouldn't strap a 9" Ka-Bar on their belt to wear with their suit to church; in that case, they would likely use a smaller knife, like a traditional slipjoint or something. It doesn't mean that the knife isn't good, just that it is being used for a purpose. Now, after church you decide to go hunting, you're going to take a larger knife with you.

Same with flashlights. Decide what you want to use it for, then base your purchase off that.
 
Wow great answer thank you! I'm still new to flashlights.
That being said, I know what I'll be using it for, and the surefire sounds like it's not for me. I'll stick to my second choices.

Sorry if I kinda hijacked the thread a little. I hope it's helpful stuff for the OP too
 
Get yourself the Nitecore EC1 or EC2, tons of features and an excellent thrower for such a small light. And it looks cool:





 
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I think that many people are "lumen crazy" these days with flash lights. I think for most people a flashlight in the 70-100 lumens area is all you really need unless you have a special need. The multiple power settings are wonderful on these flashlights. The size of a light affects its battery type and that affects run times. Choice depends on your typical use and if you intend to carry the flashlight on a regular basis. The cost issue is also very important which is why i lean toward less expensive options. It was not many years ago that I would never have considered paying more than $30 for a flashlight.
 
You can't go wrong with any of these in the picture below. Flashlights from left to right: 1xAAA Fenix LD01/ Klarus ST10 1xAA(<-good luck finding one now)/ 2xAA Fenix LD20 (2 of them)/ 2xAA Olight T25 Tactical.

I suggest you check out CandlePowerForums, it's an excellent forum for learning about flashlights, batteries and battery chargers.

Also take a look at the Powerex MH-C9000 WizardOne Charger-Analyzer for 4 AA / AAA NiMH / NiCD Batteries.

 
check out Maratac lights from countycomm. I've two of their lights, both under $50, one AA (x2) with the push button, and a single CR123 twist. These are the most expensive lights I own (not expensive compared to what one can spend) and I'm very happy w/both. They have single AAA and AA as well as the 2x AA lights.
 
muphasta said:
check out Maratac lights from countycomm. I've two of their lights, both under $50, one AA (x2) with the push button, and a single CR123 twist. These are the most expensive lights I own (not expensive compared to what one can spend) and I'm very happy w/both. They have single AAA and AA as well as the 2x AA lights.
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The Maratac lights are pretty good. My only complaint with the AAA version is they're too damn small. I've already lost 2 of them, and I'm usually pretty good about keeping up with my stuff!
 
I've had success with my Fenix LD15- uses a single AA, 117 lumens, and can run for nearly 40 hours on the lower setting.

I wanted a flashlight that was small enough that I would actually carry it, while using a battery that was commonly available and providing enough light to get most jobs done.

I have to admit I'm a little biased towards Fenix, I have more than a few of their other flashlights and have had good success with them (TK21, TK11, E21, etc.).
 
I'm happy with a high end Surefire flashlight (P3X Fury Tactical) and buying another one. If I needed a flashlight in the $50 range, I would look a Surefire first.
 
Like dry-cell said go to candlepowerforums.com Be prepared to spend some time there, because it has more information about flashlights than you could imagine. Some of the reviews are detailed beyond belief. Beware of becoming a flashaholic!!!
 
I have a streamlight protac AA that I use for work. I do love it. I keep a stash of rechargeable AAs at for work it and just change out. my first one did die in less than a year but the tool truck guy just warrantied it out.
 
I like the fenix ld15 as well. I recently purchase the fenix e12 and it would be perfect if they had used a glass lens like they did in the ld15, but I prefer the recessed tail switch of the e12.
 
Recently got the Olight S15 Baton and the Sunwayman D40A both excellent lights I would recommend.

The Olight is expandable to 2 AA , and makes a great general purpose light , comes with lanyard and a really nice deep pocket clip. Sunwayman takes 4 AA and is excellent for nightwalking , really very nice and compact.
 
i just ordered a thrunite ti3 keychain light.

it takes a single AAA battery and puts out 120 lumens
it was under $25 shipped.
it shipped today and i should have it shortly
 
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