Flashlights

Tyrkon Lawson

Tyrkon Lawson

Joined
Oct 31, 2003
Messages
8,583
Well since we have a thread going about backpacks I thought we could do with an updated thread on flashlights with summer coming up.

I have an early model Inova that puts out blue light. I don't even remember the model. I am looking to get a new compact light for my edc bag. After all, I am looking into Surefire, Inova, Fenix, Pelican, and any others you guys suggest. So what do you guys suggest and why? :D
 
I have two Novatac EDC 120Ps that I absolutely love. See: http://www.novatac.com/edc-p.html

They're small, lightweight, very bright, and always work for me. My first one is OD, and my second one is black. I bought the black one at the 2008 SHOT Show for a mere $125 at the Novatac booth.

I took this photo at the 2008 SHOT Show:

novatac-120p-black.jpg
 
I also carry a Novatac 120T ... very nice lights

can't beat Fenix for the money!
 
I'm really happy with the Surefire 6P LED that I got earlier this year. 80 lumens for over 10 hours and ultra-reliable. :thumbup:

My kids can't keep their hands off of it. :thumbdn:
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
Well since we have a thread going about backpacks I thought we could do with an updated thread on flashlights with summer coming up.

I have an early model Inova that puts out blue light. I don't even remember the model. I am looking to get a new compact light for my edc bag. After all, I am looking into Surefire, Inova, Fenix, Pelican, and any others you guys suggest. So what do you guys suggest and why? :D
Click to expand...

I have a Surefire U2 (Digital Ultra 2) that I EDC... It has 6 settings for brightness, which is great because only when I'm searching in the dark do I ever need the brightest setting and using only what light is needed for the situation at hand really helps to extend the life of the lithium batteries. (Takes 2 CR123 lithium). :thumbup:
 
I recommend the Fenix lights.

I bought two at the show and couldn't be happier.


I really like the L0D. 75 lumens from a AAA battery. Plus the 5 modes.....too cool.

.
 
I have two SureFires that I really like.

One is an old 6P that I bought an P60L LED bulb for. It's a solid light that can take a lot of abuse and ask for more. 80 lumens for over 9 hours on 2 123 batteries.

The other is an E1B backup. Two brightness settings, 80 lumens and 5 lumens, with bright coming on first (pushbutton tailcap). It is a small light, only using 1 123 battery. Run time is sacrificed on bright, with a battery life of just over an hour. However, the single battery will last over 37 hours with the 5 lumen output. 5 Lumens is enough to navigate in the dark and keep one's nightvision. The size of this light is awesome, and an easy one to EDC. I highly recommend the E1B.
 
Another vote for Novatac (really designed by Henry Schneiker of HDS Systems). I have the 120P and like it very much. It is the Busse of flashlights; tough as hell and useful in many ways. The only pics I have are of the older HDS EDCs:

203025027_79c40304b1_b.jpg


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I would recommend looking at the LED offerings form the copnaies mentioned. The amount of illumination is about the same with the added bonus of improved runtime and no spare bulbs to have to deal with.
 
I like Surefire. I have a pelican, pentagon, and a jetbeam too. All of those are decent and I have them in various locations. But I always have a surefire with me. I never worry about them failing. They are expensive, but very high quality.

For an entry level/emergency light I like the G-2. about $40

For a pocket light I carry with me, pocket, bag, whatever I just got an e1b it takes 2 cr123's and has settings of 5 lumens and 80 lumens. It rocks. ~$110

For a more multifunction light I have a KROMA that i've gotten good use out, it has two stages of white light and multicolored led's for various functions.
~300

The leds still have an ever so slight blue tint but I dont find them a problem.
People say Incandescents render colors better outside at night, which is true, but the benefets of LED's more than offset the downside for me.

The biggest problem is stocking up on the cr123 batteries, theyre expensive in the store, but online can be had for $1-$2 a piece.

My jetbeam pelican and pentagon all use AA's which is why I got them, but I wouldnt stake my life on any of them working. They probably wont fail, but dont seem nearly as solid. My jetbeam was particularly complicated/disapointing.

Alot of people love the Novatacs, I dont have any of them, but they always seemed a little complicated. I've had a bunch of inovas and they always seem under powered, have no throw and have spotty QC.

Hope that helps.
 
I've got a Fenix TK10 which might be slightly larger than what you're looking for but it's super bright and very strong. Highly recommeded and would be perfect for a pack but probably too bulky for EDC.
 
Newer Surefire L1 with Cree LED. It's duel power is simple, low-high, and once you have one with a duel setting you won't go back to a single power.

If you only want one this is it. Perfect size. Check it out on there website.

I carry one in my maxpidetion proteus and keep a streamlight stylus pro in one of ink pen holders.

Use the L1 every night, more than any knife or gadget I own, so I don't feel the price is to much.


crappy quick pic, but was wanting to put with knife for scale
IMG_3022.jpg


I just talked the wife out of the stylus pro(24 lumens) not long ago. Is stays on my maxi murse at all times, I just touch the cap when coming up steps in dark or hold bag and press when in car. L1 is inside so I'll never need to remove.
IMG_3009.jpg
 
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I have a Fenix "L2D" LED, which I really like, and not to expensive. I think it was around $50. Push button end cap, a strobe mode, and adjustable light output. If you don't need the hight output, why use up the batteries. I think it maxes out at 100 lumens. Nice bright, white light, and runs on regular AA batteries. Can't go wrong for the price. Go to the Fenix store - free shipping.
 
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I'm loving my SF E1E executive elite. It uses an incandescent bulb, so runtime is rated 1.5 hours, but I haven't changed the battery yet. The light gives off a more true color when compared to my LED light, which has a blue/purple tint. I still prefer LED lights because of cost and runtime, but the E1E is a great light and I have it on me all the time.

IMG_5726.jpg


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The McLux PD-S is the light to have, imho. Failing that, the Surefire E2L, E1L, E1B, and L1 are nice choices. I like the Fenix lights too.

2249498115_99774d1ca6.jpg
 
carrot said:
The McLux PD-S is the light to have, imho. Failing that, the Surefire E2L, E1L, E1B, and L1 are nice choices. I like the Fenix lights too.
Click to expand...

Great taste in lights. You listed every one of my favorite Surefires E2L, E1B, L1..... o wait where is the Kroma ;)
 
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