Let's compare flashlight companies to knife companies

U

uofaengr

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Jan 9, 2014
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So I've been going down the treacherous path of EDC lights the past several days, and finding out there's a ton of stuff out there to learn and absorb. Quickly on my way to becoming a light junkie.

A fun discussion I thought of having would be to compare flashlight companies to knife companies since that's what we know best here. For example, Surefire offers high quality products with great warranties and CS that are usually more expensive than their competitors, also US made. IMO Benchmade comes to mind there. Ok, get my drift?

The light companies I can think of and are probably missing some are Surefire, Maratac, Olight, Streamlight, 4sevens, Peak, Thrunite, Prometheus, Fenix, Eagletac, et al.
 
I like this idea. I would like to buy a little pocket light, but it's overwhelming as a noobie with little time to research them. What would be the Delica of lights?
 
vanslem6 said:
I like this idea. I would like to buy a little pocket light, but it's overwhelming as a noobie with little time to research them. What would be the Delica of lights?
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I don't know as far as specifically a Delica or limiting it to a certain knife model. There are so many brands with value priced (<$40) little AAA or AA pocket lights it'd be tough to say exactly. I'd say something no frills and simple like the Delica, which would probably be something like the Fenix E01 or E05. Inexpensive and only one mode with average brightness. Enough to get the job done but not wow anyone.

As I've been researching these brands would anyone agree or disagree that Peak is sort of like the CRK of lights? They seem to be a very nice light that you don't need, you just want. US made in a small shop by flashlight nuts with lots of options and premium machining for a premium price.
 
Fenix is the Spyderco of flashlights. Best bang for the buck. Great preformance.The best reliability at that price point too impo.
Surefire is the CR of flashlights. The most overbuilt and reliable. And pricey.
You can get into customs too, and they are just as pricey as knives.
 
I researched flashlights for a few weeks before choosing a company which I though reminded me of chris reeve knives.
Great tolerances, materials, not mass made, and great customer service.

 
uofaengr said:
Reasons why? Just curious.
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Built like a tank, no nonsense, some find the switch "a little stiff" TIR optics (like surefire) Full stabilization of brightness, does all that it says it does.
And not to mention some very nice warm beam options.
Cheers.
 
HwangJino said:
I researched flashlights for a few weeks before choosing a company which I though reminded me of chris reeve knives.
Great tolerances, materials, not mass made, and great customer service.

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Those are very nice. Got too many on the radar I want to pick up first, but I'm sure I'll pick up a Prometheus eventually.
 
I carry the little copper Prometheus and a CR as my daily carry. But there is a Surefire and a Benchmade in each of my vehicles. I gave in to a Surefire addiction years ago. Probably have 2 or 3 dozen scattered about. Wait until you get them modded.
I have found that I like the warmest tint I can get as well as a moonlight mode. And yes, there are still Fenix, 47s, Eagletac, and the odd Nitecore and Petzl around here. My knives and lights tend to fall into two categories....light and precise in my pocket and bulletproof and robust close by. That also describes my carry pistols as well.
 
Riz2530 said:
Streamlight must be the Zero Tolrance equivalent then
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IMO, Streamlight is more of a Cold Steel.
Nitecore is my Zero Tolerance. Also happens to be my favorite flashlight maker!
They seem to have the most innovative designs out there with the likes of this 1000 lumen pocket torch:

MH20_EN02.jpg
 
As a guy who doesn't want to go to higher end expensive lights, I wish companies like Fenix would make more lights without tacticool black coating, diamond checkering and overall generic military style designs.
 
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