Flashlight Suggestions.

panch0

panch0

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
3,415
I owned a fenix e01, and a surefire 6p led, until my truck was broken into and they were stolen along with a knife and other goodies. In these next few months I plan on going surf fishing and camping out along the South Texas gulf, and then of course deer hunting in the fall. I really liked my 6p led alot. I guess the downside was the cr123 bateries were not that easy to find locally and were costly. I have been looking at the Quark AA and AA2, fenix ld 10 and 20, inova t2 and t4. I just can't seem to choose which one I would like to use. I like to have 80-100 lumens, and less for the camp area. I am leaning towards the aa battery models since I have about 8 rechargeable ones on hand. Any experiences whith these or other model would be appreciated. I don't really need a pocket sized model as I can make a kydex/leather sheath myself. Thanks!

ps, I would like to keep it under $100.
 
I own both the surefire 6P LED and the Quark 2AA.

They are both nice flashlights, but I really like the Quark 2AA light. There are several different settings and the brightest setting is super bright. Its as bright or brighter than the SF 6P LED. It has a nice bright white light. I love the moonlight setting, which is really low useable light that will last light 30 days that is perfect for camping or walking into that treestand early in the morning.
 
I love my quark aa. Holds up great and love the multiple settings. Also look into the itp eos upgraded version for a small pocket light.
 
I own the Fenix LD10 and love it! I bought the white diffuser wand & red lens for it and use this flashlight for everything from hunting to camping to everyday home use. I believe I paid about $65 for all three on Amazon.com
 
scotsmanspride Thanks for the tip on the itp eos. I read up on it and for the price was too hard to resist. I just ordered me one for EDC, now I need to figure out which one fits my original needs. Thanks for the feedback guys.
 
I really like the SF G2L. For some reason, the nitrolon appeals to me more than the SF metal lights. Those things are like having a file in your pocket or pack with the knurling. As far as the CR123 batteries go, stick with SF or Panasonic brand and buy them in bulk. You should be able to get them for well under $2 a piece.
 
Been using the same Fenix L1Tv2 for a couple years now as a mountain biking helmet light. Its held up great. Recently upgraded the LED and its like a whole new light now :)

One thing I would consider if a headlamp like the Zebralight (which runs off one AA and is super light) if you need something for fishing at night. I always poo-poo'd headlamps... Until I got a nice one. Really is wonderful to be able to go about your business with both hands free!
 
The Fenix L1tv2 has defaulted as my EDC light these days. It used to be an ITP A3 EOS, but I like a light with a bit more heft and some more throw, as well as longer runtime. It's a real pocket friendly light and always comes on in whichever mode I choose, which is a major plus.

However, since you don't need to worry about size, I'd just grab something that suits your needs. If you do a lot of hunting in the winter, it's best to use a light with CR123 batteries, as they have no trouble working under extreme cold temperatures. If you want something with multiple modes and perhaps has a lantern/cone attachment, a Fenix LD20 would fit your needs, and runs on 2AA batteries. For simple low/high, I'd grab a Fenix L2Tv2.
 
Olight T25. Runs on 2 AA's, which was a big selling point for me over the CR123 models. 190 lumen max output, with 6, and 45 lumen modes as well, and strobe, SOS, and momentary-on functions. The 6 lumen mode is bright enough for pretty much everything, including navigating trails. The 190 lumen mode is crazy bright, and throws an excellent beam. Battery life is awesome, better than any similar class lights that I've seen.

GoingGear sells em for about $50-60, but I found em locally for $43, and I couldn't believe it. I'll probably go back for the M21 Warrior model later, I'm hooked on more lumens!!!:D I would absolutley recommend this light, it's freakin amazing.
 
while the 123s are a little pricier, i find peace in mind with the 10 year shelf life....something to think about. get a Surefire LED (or 2) and stockpile the batteries. youll be good to go and in a SHTF scenario AAs and AAAs (which have half the shelf life if youre lucky) will be impossible to find simply because every piece of electronics runs on them. (lights, radios, etc.) those batteries will be just another thing youll be hunting for/trading valuable necessaties (food water ammo) to get. one less major need that doesnt run on them is a bonus in my book.
 
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YayILikePie said:
The Fenix L1tv2 has defaulted as my EDC light these days. It used to be an ITP A3 EOS, but I like a light with a bit more heft and some more throw, as well as longer runtime. It's a real pocket friendly light and always comes on in whichever mode I choose, which is a major plus.

However, since you don't need to worry about size, I'd just grab something that suits your needs. If you do a lot of hunting in the winter, it's best to use a light with CR123 batteries, as they have no trouble working under extreme cold temperatures. If you want something with multiple modes and perhaps has a lantern/cone attachment, a Fenix LD20 would fit your needs, and runs on 2AA batteries. For simple low/high, I'd grab a Fenix L2Tv2.
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I keep a G2L in yellow with a spare set of batteries in my glove box. It replaced the 6D Mag-Lite under the seat. The Mag-Lite never held any sort of charge, even with rechargeables. Cold weather up here just shot the batteries all to hell. With the CR123's I never have to worry.

I like Surefire lights myself. :) Grab a G2L.
 
I have always liked the g2L in yellow. It seems like a great light. I may have to buy that one and a ld20 just so I don't feel like I am missing out on something. I never had so much to choose from in a flashlight before. Thanks for the input.
 
panch0 said:
I have always liked the g2L in yellow. It seems like a great light. I may have to buy that one and a ld20 just so I don't feel like I am missing out on something. I never had so much to choose from in a flashlight before. Thanks for the input.
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There are tons of choices. Being a SF fan I tend to stick to their lineup, and there are tons to choose from there. Once you add in Fenix, Quark, Olite, and a half dozen more I can't remember you'll end up with your own forum.
 
woody d said:
while the 123s are a little pricier, i find peace in mind with the 10 year shelf life....something to think about. get a Surefire LED (or 2) and stockpile the batteries. youll be good to go and in a SHTF scenario AAs and AAAs (which have half the shelf life if youre lucky) will be impossible to find simply because every piece of electronics runs on them. (lights, radios, etc.) those batteries will be just another thing youll be hunting for/trading valuable necessaties (food water ammo) to get. one less major need that doesnt run on them is a bonus in my book.
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This is an interesting point. While the shelf life is limited on AA batteries compared to 123's, being that they are used in a lot of things(TV remotes, Xbox controllers, flashlights, etc.), they get rotated through pretty regularily, so shelf life isn't really an issue.

Up here, $2 each(selling $49.99 for a 24 pack), is a pretty wicked price for 123's. AA's are available at $10 for a 20 pack, so keeping a bunch handy is much cheaper. For me, being able to use one type of battery for lots of different things is a bonus, it keeps things simple. Rather than stockpile 24 123's, I could stockpile 100 AA's for the same price. Not to mention, if I have plenty of AA's on hand, which is more reasonable(price wise) than having plenty of 123's, I'll have a valuable bargaining/bartering tool, whereas 123's would be in far less demand.

I don't need the lumen power provided by cr123 powered lights(not to say I don't want it:cool:), AA powered lights are plenty powerful these days, so going with an AA light is a no brainer for me, for both economy and availability. If I'm on my way to a hunt or a hiking/camping trip, and realize I forgot to bring extra batteries for my lights, being able to stop and grab some from the gas station is a nice comfort.
 
6shooter said:
If I'm on my way to a hunt or a hiking/camping trip, and realize I forgot to bring extra batteries for my lights, being able to stop and grab some from the gas station is a nice comfort.
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Shelf life isn't the only concern, with the frigid winter temperatures you're also likely going to experience a shortened runtime of AA / AAA batteries.
 
I have a fenix L1d thaqt I use, same thing as ld10, just an older model. The great thing about it is the fact that it has the different modes. Also check out the maratec AA flashlight from countycomm
 
I just sold a couple of kitchen knives. I guess tomorrow I will be pulling the triggeron a LD20 and then later a g2l in yellow. I should be a happy camper then. Thanks for the input guys.
 
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+1 for the LD20 IMO it's the best light for the money. I got mine for $35.00 shipped.
 
+1 for the G2L, you can use li-ion rechargeable rcr123a's to power the LED during EDC use, and switch to primary cr123a's when going camping. Also, the light won't function as an ice pack during winter :D.
 
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