Flashlights

I really have no business here with no real experience using a high end flashlight. I am an admirer though, and I would pick one up if I could just wade through the dauntlessly never ending sea of illumination. This thread has given me some good direction so thanks to all.

I have carried the same flashlight for years, I Streamlight Strion. Sturdy, dependable, bright and maybe I am alone in this but the biggest attribute it has over most of the competition is it's rechargeable. If it was a little more compact I would never look for another. My agency once gave me a Surefire and after one night of low-light qual the battery died. I gave it right back.

BTW - I haven't followed up in a while but I know Les George was looking to possibly start making flashlights.
 
strider214 said:
I really have no business here with no real experience using a high end flashlight. I am an admirer though, and I would pick one up if I could just wade through the dauntlessly never ending sea of illumination. This thread has given me some good direction so thanks to all.

I have carried the same flashlight for years, I Streamlight Strion. Sturdy, dependable, bright and maybe I am alone in this but the biggest attribute it has over most of the competition is it's rechargeable. If it was a little more compact I would never look for another. My agency once gave me a Surefire and after one night of low-light qual the battery died. I gave it right back.

BTW - I haven't followed up in a while but I know Les George was looking to possibly start making flashlights.
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Thanks for popping in. I too learn from this thread. I share some things I have learned as well. That is why I am even around, to learn more and share a bit.

Most of the lights I have purchased recently give their highest output measurements using rechargeable cells. You have to pull the cells (batteries) out and place them in a separate charging system in the majority of cases. The Streamlights have a convenient cradle system that is very cool when you have many lights of the same kind. Popular with Security and LE because of the convenience and commonality.

I'll be seeing Mr. George at Blade, I'll have to ask about any illumination tools in the works.
 
A few new candidates. Too new to form opinions, but the clicky on the sunwayman is lacking in so many ways, dislike. And the IncenDio is not nearly as bright as other lights it's size, the GITD button and ring are clever, but juvenile. Not very tactical to GITD. (it is photoluminescent, not radioactive--only glows from exposure to light).
The Novatac Storm is a bit big, fat body. Klarus XT1C just arrived, no comments yet.
Still hunting...

image-1362.jpg
 
I just ordered an HDS Systems 200 lumens tactical light. Been reading a lot about them and I really like everything I've seen. Solid, overbuilt, quality flashlights. Maybe I'll file a report once I receive mine.
 
mctrinket said:
I just ordered an HDS Systems 200 lumens tactical light. Been reading a lot about them and I really like everything I've seen. Solid, overbuilt, quality flashlights. Maybe I'll file a report once I receive mine.
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I have had one on order since January.

From all the good reviews I have heard about the HDS stuff, I possibly could have saved a ton of time and money (with a shortened search) had it arrived already.

But until mine arrives, still hunting.
 
RubiconSS said:
Probably one of the best sources of flashlight info I can remember.
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Yep, if I ever find the one little light that trumps all others I will definitely share my find. Until then...you all already know....still hunting.

I may start looking at flashlight forums to get a better education in the subject. I feel that if you aren't learning, what's the point?
 
I have had an HDS 170 for over a year know. It is an excellent light. Well made and totally customizable. One of my favorite lights to EDC.

I am also a fan of the ZebraLight SC60w. Great light and very bright. I carry a ZebraLight SC600w at work. Now that thing is bright. 645 lumens on turbo. Nice light. It has just the right amount of flood and throw for me.

I also like Sunwayman lights. The name is funny but they make pretty nice lights. I have a V10a that i run 14500 lithium batteries in. They have a ring near the head that you turn to select the desired level of brightness. It will tail stand and puts out quite a bit of light.

I would have to say the best made, and probably mt favorite is the HDS 170. Made in the USA and has been 100% reliable.
With that being said the other lights I mentioned above have not given me any trouble either. There are lots of nice lights out there. This thread has a lot of good info and suggestions.
 
If we continue to feed and water this thread it may grow into a great information source.

I have both an HDS and a V10R on order. The V10R will be here way before the HDS. I think I need to check on my HDS. Been on order for a bit now.

Still....you guys get the idea..
 
Need2Know said:
If we continue to feed and water this thread it may grow into a great information source.

I have both an HDS and a V10R on order. The V10R will be here way before the HDS. I think I need to check on my HDS. Been on order for a bit now.

Still....you guys get the idea..
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I just ordered a Sunwayman V11r high CRI. Pretty excited to get this one. I ordered the adaptor with it so you can use cr123, rcr123, or 14500 batteries.
 
any one tried the nitecore t2 or t5, just found them and they seem interesting aaa pocket friends, I'm ls considering the pd20 myself for the tail switch, anyone tell me if this rides in the pocket well, i's a bit wider then I'm used to (streamlight microstream, fenix ld01 then fenix ld15)..hope I'm not stealing the thread.
 
Kalsu said:
I just ordered a Sunwayman V11r high CRI. Pretty excited to get this one. I ordered the adaptor with it so you can use cr123, rcr123, or 14500 batteries.
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I use 16340 or CR123. I did not go for the extension. I have one for my JetBeam Raptor and do not use use it. The idea of making the light bigger with no additional output is a turn off. Occasionally when on a road trip I throw a Fenix LD20 into my bag or console. Having a light with good output and features that runs on available most everywhere AA cells is a great backup. I like to run Energizer Advanced Lithium cells in mine, but any AA works fine.

I am looking for the tiniest, brightest, most feature-filled, rugged light available. Not little sub 200 lumen key chain lights or huge impossible to pocket 2,000 lumen triple 18650 monsters.
But, I like that others are posting a lot of light ideas for people seeking lights that I am not. No bad posts or info so far, keep the ideas flowing.

Still....
 
KYenglish said:
any one tried the nitecore t2 or t5, just found them and they seem interesting aaa pocket friends, I'm ls considering the pd20 myself for the tail switch, anyone tell me if this rides in the pocket well, i's a bit wider then I'm used to (streamlight microstream, fenix ld01 then fenix ld15)..hope I'm not stealing the thread.
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The keychain lights you mention are not for me, but others may be seeking a simple and itty bitty light. Everyone has different opinions and wants/needs. No bad ideas, any info sharing is encouraged.
 
Need2Know said:
I use 16340 or CR123. I did not go for the extension. I have one for my JetBeam Raptor and do not use use it. The idea of making the light bigger with no additional output is a turn off. Occasionally when on a road trip I throw a Fenix LD20 into my bag or console. Having a light with good output and features that runs on available most everywhere AA cells is a great backup. I like to run Energizer Advanced Lithium cells in mine, but any AA works fine.

I am looking for the tiniest, brightest, most feature-filled, rugged light available. Not little sub 200 lumen key chain lights or huge impossible to pocket 2,000 lumen triple 18650 monsters.
But, I like that others are posting a lot of light ideas for people seeking lights that I am not. No bad posts or info so far, keep the ideas flowing.

Still....
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I ordered the extension so that it makes the light more adaptable. I can throw the extension in my bag when we are camping so if I run out of the Cr123's I can still use AA or the 14500 batteries.
 
Kalsu said:
I ordered the extension so that it makes the light more adaptable. I can throw the extension in my bag when we are camping so if I run out of the Cr123's I can still use AA or the 14500 batteries.
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Yep, I figured that was your plan. Great to have it as an option.
 
Need2Know said:
The keychain lights you mention are not for me, but others may be seeking a simple and itty bitty light. Everyone has different opinions and wants/needs. No bad ideas, any info sharing is encouraged.
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thanks, I do't mind the keychain lights work well for me, also like how impressive such small light can be, I have a larger light (nitecore d20) for camping, hikes ad whatnot but for everyday AAA's have worked well for me.

Although this AA fenix ld15 has been growing on me a lot, I'm beginning to see why a lot of folks have tail standing as need on their lights, ;)

For me I like a pocket clip (or able to make one fit, the ld01 clip can fit o the ld15 with a little effort fyi), a clicky is at all possible although they don't seem as popular as the twisty's, and able to fit in my pocket -diameter preferably under 18mm.
 
Waiting for someone to mention the SC600 Zebralight. I just purchased one about a month ago and I love the versatility of this little torch. I now have the ability to check the kids unnoticed in their beds or blow up my backyard along with several others as well.

I have been contemplating the surefire Fury (which has better through than the zebralight) but this light only has two modes and really needs one in the middle.

Les
 
Energizer Solar Crank. Best flashlight I have had. It produces a nice spot beam and decent peripheral light and very reliable. It comes with a 3 LED, built in solar pannel and a hand crank. Its small and fits nicely in the palm. I like the concentrated light beam over other solar flashlights as it is clear like it came from a single bulb. For general duties, this one does the job.

To charge I leave it on the window sill during the day. On a full charge it produces at least 3 hours of constant light.
 
Need2Know said:
Ok, I am always looking for the smallest illumination tools with the highest output and features.
These are a few I am trying out to fill the role, but none is perfect for me yet. I do have a HDS Rotary on order, but it won't be ready for awhile.
In the photo:
4 7s Quark mini X 123 the model w/ max 210 lumens
Nitecore Iniflux IEF1
ZebraLight SC80
Jetbeam PC10

What lights have you found that work best for a small, powerful, feature-filled device?

Oh, and because this is the Hinderer forum,there is appropriate scenery in the pic.

image-181.jpg
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Reposting the words that started this thread because many may have missed this.
 
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