? for Flashlightaholic s

Quarterstaff · Mar 3, 2001

Looking for something better than the old AA Maglites. Must be water-resistant, super bright (duh!), stand constant beatings, can use regular AA's (not odd ball batteries) and set at a reasonable price. Beam focus is not really needed but would be an added bonus.

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by Quarterstaff (edited 03-03-2001).]

Dexter Ewing · Mar 3, 2001

I'm not sure what you consider as "odd ball batteries", but the lithium cells can be found at most major drug stores, Wally World (Wal Mart

), and electronics shops. With that being said, I'd recommend Sure Fire. Specifically, their M2 Centurion or the forthcoming E2. Both are powered by two lithium cells and have Xenon Halogen lamps that burn super bright (M2 is 65 lumens, E2 is 60 lumens - pretty darn bright for lights of their size). Both have good, intensely focused beams with excellent peripheral light. The M2 and E2 come with a steel pocket/belt clip for ease of carry and they are waterproof. As far as Sure Fire lights go, these two are pretty reasonable. Though, they're substantially more than Maglites, but are definitely worth every penny IMHO. More info go to http://www.surefire.com

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Proud member of AKTI, NCCKG, NCKK, and SCAK

Brock · Mar 3, 2001

I would also suggest a Surefire E2, I have one and LOVE it. It is smaller than a 2 AA MAG and about 8 times brighter and a much much nicer beam. Once you use one you will never go back. But if you insist on standard cells I would suggest a UKE 2 AAA, or if you want something a little bright maybe a 4 AA Pelican Stealth. You can look at my site for relative brightness levels and more info on each light.

Really lithium batteries have such an advantage over alkaline it is really had to put in to words.

Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/flash.htm

PsychRN · Mar 3, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Brock:
I would also suggest a Surefire E2, I have one and LOVE it. It is smaller than a 2 AA MAG and about 8 times brighter and a much much nicer beam. Once you use one you will never go back. But if you insist on standard cells I would suggest a UKE 2 AAA, or if you want something a little bright maybe a 4 AA Pelican Stealth. You can look at my site for relative brightness levels and more info on each light.

Really lithium batteries have such an advantage over alkaline it is really had to put in to words.

Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/flash.htm</font>

Brock,

How is the lamp's durability? I heard of lamps being replaced after every battery change. I also heard that they break easily after being dropped. I think I'll post on the Candlepower forums too.

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"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child.", King Lear, Act I, Scene 4.

Size15s · Mar 3, 2001

I too would suggest a SureFire.

My experience of the Pelican StealthLites have been excellent. Tough? The only flashlight that comes close (ie one that I've never broken a Lamp in) is the new M2 Proto-tpye.

The StealthLite can use Lithium AAs, this makes it 40g lighter than one with Duracell Ultras. I've not had a chance to test runtime between my two, but I'm hoping for a significant difference.

Don't get me wrong, SureFires are the highest quality, brightest Flashlights with the best beams in the business, tough, and have the widest range of feature options. They are expensive to buy, and run, but worth every cent.

But a flashlight that's bright, cheap, tough as, waterproof, and runs on AAs is the StealthLight. They've never let me done.

At the very least, a StealthLight can replace any MagLight, and you're not breaking the bank to get a superior flashlight.

Brock's hot on this. I agree with everything he says. I don't have the UKE 2AA. The E2 is on my to buy list. I will have the E2!

You are spoilt by SureFire. My addiction has really shown me what flashlights can do. Illuminate with SureFire - Own the night.

Al

Size15s · Mar 3, 2001

Bad form to follow my own post, but Paranoid9999 posted whilst I was writing the 1st one!

The SureFire Lamp Modules have improved tremendously over the last year or so.

I can say that the vast majority of the people who have had broken lamps from SureFires have had so in the past, or are using old parts.

The new flashlight (like the G2 & C2) have never blow Lamps during my abusive field-testing.

Infact, I've only ever had one Lamp blow due to impact, and that was an N2 in a M3T. This was a forced impact on concrete which few flashlights would have survived. Metal ones would not only have blow their lamps, but also the flashlights themselves would be badly damaged.

The Lithium flashlight that eats bulbs is the StreamLight Scorpion. Intensive use means that bulbs have to be replaced after several battery changes. I'll try and find the Advertising that states that this will happen, and suggests you buy some bulbs while you're at it.

Im my post above, I mention my field-testing of a proto-type new M2. I can not stress enough how excellent this new M2 will be. I can not blow a Lamp Module in this flashlight. This will be as good as it gets for "6V" Lithium flashlights.

So, please ask around, but I think you'll find that there are few or no posts relating to Lamp Module failure in SureFire's new flashlights.

Al

[This message has been edited by Size15s (edited 03-03-2001).]

Joe Talmadge · Mar 3, 2001

While I also no longer consider DL123A batteries "oddball", I'll go along with the original request, for a AA light.

The UKE 4-AA light is a plastic-bodied dive light. It is waterproof. It is extremely powerful -- a quantum leap, or maybe two, over the 2-AA maglite. Because the body is plastic, it isn't that much heavier than the 2-AA maglite. It's a great light.

But the real answer here is, reconsider your stance on DL123A batteries, and get an E2 when they come out!

Joe

Bucky · Mar 3, 2001

Quarterstaff, you have asked a great question and received responses from many a knowledgeable flashaholic

.

The advice that has been given is exactly what I would advise. I would suggest the SureFire E2 as your first choice as it is markedly smaller than all other two 123A lights AND has an increased runtime of 15 minutes over the other 6P-type lights, while being only slightly less bright. The E2 is only water-resistant technically, but it should suffice for all non-swimming and non-scuba uses.

If you don't mind a light that is a little larger and heavier, the SureFire M2 would be another great choice. It is waterproof and has the option of a high-output lamp that burns twice as bright as the regular lamp, but only for about 20 minutes. Right now

, no such hipo lamp is available for the E2.

As has been said, I really hope you do not consider the 123A batteries "oddball." They allow for a much better flashlight and can be found at a reasonable price online, especially in bulk. Consider what has been said above and buy a lithium 123A light, most likely the E2 unless you need it to be waterproof, have a combat grip, or offer a high-output lamp; then go for the M2.

If you have to get an AA light, I would suggest staying away from the Pelican MityLite Magnum 2AA. I have one and the beam is super bright, but it is so small that it is rendered useless for every task save scuba diving and - well scuba diving.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do,

Bucky

[This message has been edited by Bucky (edited 03-03-2001).]

Brock · Mar 4, 2001

Paranoid here is my new story about Surefire lamps.

"I had a friend at work talking about Surefire lamps going and I told him they were better and that I hadn't had a problem. He then asked me if he could see the E2, he turned it on and then threw it about 150 feet across the parking lot and on to a cement floor. He was quite impressed that it was still working and still in focus (so was I to be honest). So I know they take abuse pretty well. Note to self : don't give Andy any more lights to look at

"

I think it might be part luck but I really beleive the lamps are made better now.

Brock

Bucky · Mar 4, 2001

Brock, how did the Hard Anodized finish of your E2 fair after being tossed? Were there any scratches on the finish? If not, the HA must honestly be almost scratch-proof.

Bucky

PsychRN · Mar 4, 2001

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Brock:
Paranoid here is my new story about Surefire lamps.

"I had a friend at work talking about Surefire lamps going and I told him they were better and that I hadn't had a problem. He then asked me if he could see the E2, he turned it on and then threw it about 150 feet across the parking lot and on to a cement floor. He was quite impressed that it was still working and still in focus (so was I to be honest). So I know they take abuse pretty well. Note to self : don't give Andy any more lights to look at

"

I think it might be part luck but I really beleive the lamps are made better now.

Brock</font>

Thanks, Brock

I think I WILL buy an E2 now.

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"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child.", King Lear, Act I, Scene 4.

Size15s · Mar 4, 2001

My field-testing of the "HA" finishes on SureFire Flashlights has been very harsh. I have not been able to scratch the HA. The metal blades or points blunt or snap.

It is possible to dent or crack the HA, which is only as strong as the T8 Al under it. Denting requires extreme force on a point impact. I'm talking about really serious abuse which I hope you'd never subject any of your tools to.
There is a big difference between a simulated "accident", and throwing a flashlight on to the ground with the intension of trying to hurt it.

Al

matthew rapaport · Mar 4, 2001

Just a quick report... I have a Scorpion purchased about 6 months ago now. Its been dropped once, dropped the lamp assembly once, and has been through 2 sets of batteries so far (just starting the third) while still on the original lamp. I don't expect the lamp to go on much longer (when you buy the light it comes with 1 extra lamp), but so far so good.

Have you all seen the new Surefire 3M and 6M lights? 225 lumens and 500 lumens respectively! Now that would hurt!

Brock · Mar 4, 2001

I haven't done anything to the HA coating on the E2 yet. On my M3, I have dented the whole light and then the HA will "disconnect" or chip from the light. That was a drop from about 90 feet. That drop did blow the lamp. It landed head first and I beleive the batteries crushed the lamp as they flew forward. A new lamp and I was back in business, with the exception of the small chip on the head. I did replace the batteries just to make sure they weren't going to leak on me, I did keep them and they appear fine so far.

Brock

Quarterstaff · Mar 4, 2001

uh boy what answers! Now what are DL123A's? Please, my understanding of batteries are limited to buying a few packs of AA's from Sam's Club or wally world. Its like asking a non-knife nut whats the difference between 154cm and 1095!
I'm beginning to lean towards the suggested E2. From the data gathered at Brock's website the on/off twist and momentary on button seems very nice and handy. Does the E2 have a lanyard hole as well?

Size15s · Mar 4, 2001

The M6 500Lu does hurt!

Don't shine it in your own eyes!

DL123A's are Duracell Ultra Lithium 3V batteries. These are considered by most people as "camera" batteries, but to people or 'freaks' like me, they are considered SureFire batteries.

Why Duracell Ultra?
I've tested almost all brands of "CR123(A)" batteries available ["CR" is the generic term]. For use in the 12PM & M6, Ultras are a must because they have a higher "thermal fuse". These babies get very hot!

For the 6V (2x DL123A) Flashlights, IMHO, I've found that Duracell Ultras appear to have a brighter peak beam output, and the light remains whiter for longer... The cheaper brands are not a huge drop in "quality" though. Runtime doesn't usually vary that much between brands.

Okay, so these batteries are expensive, but can be bought in bulk (or by the dozen as the SureFire 12B) for much less than at Wal-Mart etc. Don't complain because they cost loads outside the USA, which is where I live.

The E2 will have a Lanyard Kit "Z01" which is additional. I'll be getting one for my E2.

I hope this helps!

Al

[This message has been edited by Size15s (edited 03-04-2001).]

Sid Post · Mar 9, 2001

The Underwater Kinetics flashlights are a great light at a great price and use regular low cost common batteries. The AAA and AA models both have a very good beam quality and a lot of light output for their size and battery class.

Surefires are in a whole different class.

A carley lamp in Mag-lite will work wonders. Add hi-cap Ni-Cad batteries and you get a VERY strong light at reasonable cost. Still not as light portable as a sure fire though.

Sid

Safety Guy · Mar 13, 2001

Hello Quarterstaff. It sounds like the E2 would be a great replacement for your MiniMag. I'm familiar with SureFires (I own an 8x rechargable), so I know what a higher end light can do. I also collect Maglites (mostly C cells) and a few other above average lights. But now let me take you in the OPPOSITE direction: the land of department store lights! While I'm definitely a "flashaholic," I'm also just a security officer, and sometimes my Maglites and my 8x aren't around. So I have plenty of lights. I also like to give them as presents, but no way could I afford to give out very many Mags. So I've become somewhat addicted to "Lumilites." Specifically, the Lumilite "Z-Lites" in size 2AA. These are rubber covered, plastic bodied five dollar krypton bulbed affairs. My experience has been that they are as bright or brighter than 2AA MiniMags (beam quality/shape will vary a bit), but have pushbutton operation which is quicker and easier to use than twist-head designs. I also believe them to be as rugged (if not more so) than the M-Mags, as we have used a few of them (in the self-defense classes I help teach) to beat on heavy bags quarter after quarter. I've hit the wrestling mats and heavy bags with them repeatedly, and they still work. As for their water resistance, I just immersed one in a pan of water for a few minutes and it was fine: no water got into the insides.
No, these are not as easy to carry as a M-Mag, since the rubber covering "sticks" a bit to clothing, plus, it is a little larger. The beam compares favorably with a used, 2-C cell Maglite, and isn't quite as good as my Pelican VersaBrite II. I think they hold up well to pounding due to the small mass of the AA batteries, but a 2-C cell Lumilite "Z" seemed to stand up well to a heavy bag session this past quarter.
In my opinion, these lights are one of the best deals going: usable brightness, extreme toughness, water resistance (I'll have to take one in the pool soon--I bet it will be fine down to three or four feet), and all for five bucks or under (I often buy them on sale).
A cheaper version is available in hard plastic for about $2.50 at Target Dept. stores. It is as bright and seems as tough, but water resistance is probably nil.
By the way, they come with batteries, too (heavy duty, not alkaline

).
I hope you don't think I'm too weird praising these things, but in this day and age, cheap products which last and work very well are worth mentioning!
Finally, I'm new here (been lurking for months) and my first two posts are in "Practical Tactical."
P.S. They come in colors and if you lose one, you won't cry! (Okay, I'm finished.)

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"Celebrate the diversity of inclusive, self-esteem nurturing, multicultural weapons arts." Karl Spaulding, The Safety Guy