looking for a certain flashlight-big boy flashlight!

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Feb 16, 2006
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ok so u guys were so helpful on my recent flashlight search i thought id post another query..(.p.s.-loving the zebra light u guys recommended)....anyway i am looking for a present for someone and needed a certain type of flashlight

1)i would like something maybe with rechargeable batteries .....i need ease of use because its for a regular guy,,...not some flashlight but

2)would like something with some serious brightness-800+ lumens....like blinding light!

3)preferably like a big maglite size or smaller....i don't want something too huge but it's ok if its big...it won't be used to carry for long periods

4)as fra as price-maybe under 300....im not sure what i can get for my money with this criteria

feel free to make other suggestions too...i am a flashlight newbie so i need some help...thanks a lot guys....ryan
 
i was going to recommend something obscene when you asked for a "big boy flashlight."


but i recommend a thrunite catapult + two rechargeable 18650 batteries and charger. the whole package will be well under $200, is "big" maglite size or smaller, and outputs 800+ lumens. and it can be for big boys too.
 
Funny, I had a thread like this also. I ended up getting a Sunwayman T40CS and a Thrunite Catapult, both are really nice lights for the money. Next on my list is a Olight SR95.
 
Try looking at JetBeam M2S SST-50 LED (1000 Lumens) or Sunway LED M30R SST-50 (800 Lumens). Anyway, hope you find what you're looking for!
 
If distance is important, go for the XTAR S1. If you prefer something that lights up a really wide area that can still do about 250 yards, go for the Niteye EYE30. I don't have a lot of need for super throwers, so I usually end up using the EYE30. It is a really well thought out light and has a nice case and accessories. You can also charge it without removing the batteries, which is a nice feature.
 
I'd look at the Jetbeam RRT-3 XML version. It's a wall of light with very good distance. They list at $325 but can be found cheaper with discounts. For distance and a great flashlight all around I like the Catapult.
 
Fenix TK35. I actually just purchased one two days ago, just waiting for it to arrive.
The new version sports a U2 Cree XM-L LED with output of 860 Lumens.
Uses either 4X CR123a batteries or 2X 18650.
Price is around $110, give or take depending on the dealer.
Several brightness modes, etc. Just look into it, you may find it to your liking. Just throwing in another suggestion for ya.
 
I'd vote for the 4Sevens Maelstrom MMU. It is a nice size, 800 lumens on two RCR 26650s. And 4Sevens quality and customer service are great.

TedP

pic_maelstrom-mmu-lg.jpg
 
blunt- i haven't...got way too many decisions but i gotta decide this week....i need it for a present for the end of the month.....ryan
 
i was going to recommend something obscene when you asked for a "big boy flashlight."


but i recommend a thrunite catapult + two rechargeable 18650 batteries and charger. the whole package will be well under $200, is "big" maglite size or smaller, and outputs 800+ lumens. and it can be for big boys too.

+1. Get the Pila charger and redilast batteries or A&W batteries. That is the safest set-up for Lithium Ions.
 
Fenix TK35. I actually just purchased one two days ago, just waiting for it to arrive.
The new version sports a U2 Cree XM-L LED with output of 860 Lumens.
Uses either 4X CR123a batteries or 2X 18650.
Price is around $110, give or take depending on the dealer.
Several brightness modes, etc. Just look into it, you may find it to your liking. Just throwing in another suggestion for ya.

I had this one and sent it back. It just did not throw as well as the Thrunite Catapult for $149 at batteryjunction dot com. My catapult throws a usable beam to 125 yards.
 
Nitecore TM-11
Features:
The world's smallest and lightest 2000 lumen flashlight
Utilizes three CREE XM-L LED
Thermal protection circuit prevents overheating
Compatible with both 18650 Li-ion and CR123 batteries
Exceptionally long runtimes using 4×18650 Li-ion or 8×CR123 batteries
Capable of using 1×18650 or 2×CR123 batteries in emergency situations
Innovative single button two-stage switch offers versatile functionality
Integrated power indicator light displays remaining battery power
Power indicator secondary function displays battery voltage (accurate to 0.1V)
Coated mineral glass resists scratches
Aluminum reflector ensures a smooth and powerful beam
Stainless steel retaining ring protects the core components from damage
Constructed from aircraft grade aluminum alloy
HA III Military grade hard anodized

Specifications:
Output and runtime:
Turbo: 2000 Lumens / 75 Minutes
High: 1100 Lumens / 3 Hours
Medium: 550 Lumens / 7.5 Hours
Low: 200 Lumens / 18 Hours
Max throw: 283 meters
Peak beam intensity: 20000cd
Water resistance: IPX-8
Impact resistance: 1.5 meters

View attachment 290057
 
+1. Get the Pila charger and redilast batteries or A&W batteries. That is the safest set-up for Lithium Ions.

Good advice. Rechargeables are a must when you're talking about this level of output. And the AW/Pila combination, while pricey, is the most worry-free, hassle-free set-up. I get mine here: Lighthound
 
Nitecore TM-11

Note that there are different versions of this light, and that earlier versions had some reliability issues. The number inside the head tells you which version you have. Also - and I think I am right about this - it drops out of turbo after about 5 minutes due to heat issues. So you aren't going to see the advertised 75 minutes of turbo.

However, this still looks like a sweet light, and the technology (light and battery) that got us to this point is really mind boggling. Its a good time to be a flashlight weirdy.
 
I was originally going to purchase a TM11 but the beam is a bit too floody for me. The reflectors are pretty shallow. It's also a bit pricey but having 2,000 lumens in such a small form factor is awesome. If you want a light that can really throw a beam, the Catapult as others have said is a good choice. I actually just purchased a Crelant 7G5 V2 with the aspheric lens and it seems like its going to be a beast of a thrower for the money. Jaiofspam recommended it after getting his. Maybe he can post up some pictures of it with the aspheric.
 
hahaha i didnt recommend the crelant 7g5 v2 w/ optional collimator head to the op due to the fact that its an aspheric thrower (dont expect a wall of light)... its not a fair comparison against other "normal" lights in its range. there is very little to no spill with the aspheric lens compared to the standard deep/wide reflector. the standard reflector head it comes with is no slouch in terms of throw (700+ ansi lumens/45,000+ lux) but i wouldnt recommend purchasing this light without the aspheric collimator head... if any of you are interested be sure to purchase that as well.

please bear in mind that its a budget/fun light ($120+- w/ collimator head) and has the typical import light UI that leaves much to be desired (forward clicky high/low/disco w/ memory), usable but some hate it, heh. its also driven pretty hard and i wouldnt use anything but high quality protected 18650's in either the 1 or 2 cell configuration. 4xcr123 = poof, 3xcr123 can be accomplished with a spacer but poses a potential kaboom hazard and ive read that it can run with 2 cr123/rcr123/16340's but it isnt recommended. runtime and heatsinking is decent but its no bush/woods walking light (compared to something like a trustfire tr3t6) imo... you can google for the data ;)

quick "wow" stats:
about 700+ ansi lumens measured with the standard reflector
90,000+- lux @ 1meter w/ collimator head

with that being said, here are some pics. i live in san francisco and its very difficult to get good distance shots with my camera, city lights & sheeple. you can google "crelant 7g5 v2 collimator aspheric lens" for more info/datasheets/reviews on a well respected flashlight forum. do i recommend this light? yes... if you want to be able to impress friends with the beam and throw lol. its an awesome toy for sure and a great light for the monies :)


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