Flashlights

I think you are lucky if you are using lithium rechargeables in the Inova X-5. I' ve seen a few of them fry the bulbs, including the T1 model.

The River Rock 1 AA appears to be a well made light. But I had one and was quite disappointed with it. The optically shaped head casts a tight hot spot immediately surrounded with a pitch black donut!! Then surrounded by the normal spill. Back to the store it went for a refund unfortunately.

N.
 
Nakano,

I think the key with the Lithium Rechargibles for the Inova X5, would be not to do a full recharge. I know a full recharge on mine pushes their voltage up over the acceptible level. If you're really worried, you could do some internal modifcations to the resistance, but that's beyond my specialty in the Inova's. Mine appears to be very well machined, so actually taking it apart might be pretty tough.

Thus, what I have done is charge them to about 75% for the Inova when needed, or charge to about 80% when I use them in my E2D.

That was the problem with the Lithiums overall, they were too dang expensive. I know that Botcah Tactical used to (probably still does), sells the 20 pack of Sanyo 123A batteries, for under $30. I've had good experience with them, and they have a 10 year shelf life.
 
aproy1101,


Thanks for the comment... It takes a while to fully digest all the Flashlight talk, regarding Lumens v. Candlepower, resistance, internal modifications etc.

I tend to rely on www.flashlightreviews.com for a basic review of any light I am considering ordering, as well as http://www.imagometrics.com/FLReviews/FLR.home.htm (which is more tech. based).

Candlepower forums also has a wealth of knowledge regarding just about any light.


If you do like the bigger lights, check out Elektrolumens, I think its the Blaster 1-R, or the Blaster 3P... they both get excellant run times, with the 3P getting I believe around 24 hours of light on D cell batteries.

I've ordered a Blaster JR, so I'll have to post a review in about 2 weeks when I get everything unpacked again and get done with School stuff.
 
hey all, ran across this thread and decided to ask your opinion -- i need a good all around flashlight for backpacking/trekking/hiking. I was thinking about getting a headlamp (maybe a princeton tek) but not sure how hands-free I will need to be when I need a light. I don' plan on hiking in blackness...though never know :)
any suggestions on a flashlight? ( i don't want the bug, just one good dependable one;) )
 
Old Painless,

How about an Inova X5? Great light, normally can pick up off the internet under $35. 20 hour run time on 2 CR 123 Batteries. The only downside is that you can't adjust the beamshape, as this light uses multiple LED's that are permanently placed. I think the blue beam is brighter than the white beam, but that the white beam is what I'm more likely to pick up. I've found the blue beam attends to attract more attention for some reason.

Inova X5 link below
http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/inova_x5t.htm

-The Inova X5, fantastic for the price, comparing a pretty good output, I've never been able to quantify the exact Lumens from it, but if you shine it in your eyes, it's pretty blinding, with a EXCELLANT runtime of around 20 hours. Now I've actually tested this once, turning on my lamp at 7pm one night, waking up at 7am (still running strong), and returning around 1pm that afternoon (loosing significant light output), so that was probably around 18 hours runtime when I figured it had validated close to its claims.

You have alot of other alternatives as well, and I tend to like the CR 123 powered lights, due to shelf life of the batteries and not having to worry about corrosion if you forget to change them out.

Also worth checking out
-Inova X03, which hits 50% light output at around 2.5 hours in, then runs till around 3.5 hours total. This uses 2 CR 123 batteries.
-Elektrolumen Blaster Jr?
-Streamlight TwinTask light?
-Surefire E1L or E2L
-Surefire G2
-or even the Dorcy Lithium that goes for under $20 bucks.


Pretty endless options, depending on if you want Xenon or LED... Most of the ones I mentioned were LED, but I also carry a few different Xenon ones myself (E2D, Streamlight 2L, Surefire G2)




As for Headlamps,

I like the Princetech EOS light
http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/princetontec_eos.htm

as well as the Nuwai Luxeon I Variable Headlamp (HLX-712L)
-good runtime at a high output (5 hours at a good throw, good output on other throws as well)
http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_hlx-712l.htm


and finally The Princetec Quad Headlamp
http://flashlightreviews.com/reviews/pt_quad.htm
 
Old Painless said:
i don't want the bug, just one good dependable one;) )
Click to expand...

Get one from Wal-Mart then. If you get a well machined, engineering marvel, you'll get the bug. If you're a man at least. I cought this bug when I bought a Fenix L1P on a bet. Here was the bet. Get the little Fenix and carry it with you for a week. (Its the same size as my SAK Huntsman.) Bet you use the light more than your pocketknife, if you don't, I'll reimburse you and you can keep the light for free. "No way," I said. WRONG, no reimbursement imminent. The light was the more used tool that week under normal work coniditions. By far. After that one week I can't imagine not having a flashlight on me.
 
I've got an arc P AAA, and I love it. It very powerful yet so small, you can carry it in the little coin pocket of your jeans and you'll never no it's there. The only problem is forgetting to take it out before the laundry fairy comes to whisk your jeans away, because she doesn't know it's there and SHE DON'T CARE!
-M
 
slugfast said:
I've found the blue beam attends to attract more attention for some reason.
Click to expand...

What sort of attention? You been putting it on the dashboard in the car? :D

I've been thinking about that line of lights, but haven't made a decision yet. Are there any good long-life LED lights that run on a single 123?



MMMmmmm, flashlight collections... Sadly, I no longer have my Surefire 6Z. The first and last time I ever lend someone one of my flashlights... Still have the rest though! Surefire E1, E2, G2, 3P, and 8X, a couple of Photon keychains(and one knockoff), an Energizer brand LED headlamp that was cheap at WalMart:barf:, and a AA Maglite with the NiteIze LED/tailcap kit. Now I need a SF X200 for the Glock and something for the AR... Maybe someday I'll put something on the Mossberg.
 
"What sort of attention? You been putting it on the dashboard in the car?"


-Folks tended to think I was a Cop when I used that light. I guess it's understandible, as I don't see too many bright blue lights on an everyday basis that didn't belong to the Police. It also attracts people wanting to see what it is, based on the same principle.
 
For a headlamp choice, take a close look at the Inova 24/7. It has a 4 white LEDS that has a low- high- strobe and SOS mode; a multi flashing distress mode (white, red, amber); red- amber "railroad crossing" mode; red for night time vision; and a slow red beaon mode for locating the unit if used as a marker. Runs on a single 3V lithium. This is NOT a toy or a "gadget" so to speak. It is a high quality dependable lighting instrument. I have one as a secondary light in my BOB (Bug Out Bag).

N.
 
I noticed this discussion and just got into flashlights myself diving in and buyin the new Blackhawk Gladius. Its really cool with the diff settings that it has, I almost wish it was a little brighter but its darn bright as it is. The strobe function is wicked i made my lil brother sick with it and its really disorienting. Its a nice size and its not heavy at all. I like the lock out option because I am going to use it for hunting and what not so when I have it in the bag its nice to know it wont just go on and ruin the batteries. I also bought it for self defense(if ever needed) and all around use, it seems to be a great light and for being waterproof and light use adjustable it should be fantastic. I am still looking for a surefire or a fenix light though, I like surefires and would still like to get one for myself or g/f just gotsta find the right one.
 
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