Need a new Flashlight

Klarus st-20.. has rear push button activation. brings up last used mode. main settings are high 240 lumens or something like that, medium, and low. Then if you rotate bezel it goes to super low mode like 3 lumens and lots of battery time. sorry I don't have specs in front of me and didn't open a web page for this :) Also a button on the tube near bezel which is how you switch between modes. And in super low mode the tube button sequences through super low, sos and a double flash every 15sec. becon mode. Oh and in normal mode if you just thumb press that tube button and hold it for like 1-2full seconds it goes fast strobe. Very versatile and quality is high. Love the damn thing I bought a second. Oh and it takes 2 AA and long and slender, has a clip and lanyard option. It can tail stand as well. If lanyard is attached you have to loosen it and push the string out of the way. Hmmm oh, R5 emitter.. says right on it too. Fairly long throw but does the up close work well too. yup, go get one :) or two!
 
How about a Streamlight Stylus Pro? AAA set-up, single function tail cap, pocket clip and plenty bright for most anything. Also, it is shorter than the Mag by a little bit. Not sure about a holster, but I will look into it for ya. I used one of these all the time when I worked as a bouncer and in private security. It works great and has an unbeatable warranty.

If that's not an option, I would look at the Gerber Omnivore. I cannot recall the lumens on these, but they make them in three different sizes/intensities and it will run on AA, AAA, or CR123. I had one for a while and it was a good light, but I sold it to an old professor of mine when I bought the Stylus Pro. It also comes with a holster.
 
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It's going to sound dumb, but I'm kind of excited by the new offering by Mag. Their 2AA Mini Mag Pro+ is supposed to have 2 levels, with a high over 200 lumens. It doesn't have a tail switch, but it is only $30 too. I know some light snobs will shake their heads in derision, but I really did like my original MAG LED with the Rebel LED. These are supposed to have a new gen LED that is a lot better. Running them with 18650 rechargeables is nice too.

I had both the stylus pro and the other one that is basically a single celled version. I like both of them. I might grab a single cell for a light load out rig.

Leatherman Wave and high power light for work
Wave or Skeletool and the single cell streamlight for home and play. Hell, custom sheaths would be more than the lights and tools themselves.
 
If you are open to 123 batteries, I would look at the 123 version of the quark tactical. Higher lumens and longer runtimes. If you are looking for a EDC light I would look at the 4Sevens Preon 1 and 2. Or the Quark Mini 123.
 
medicevans said:
I need a new flashlight. Given my background and profession, can I get some recommendations?

1. AA OR AAA. No CR123a please.
2. Shorter than the AA mag lite
3. Comes with a holster or holster easily obtainable.
4. Prefer one or two light settings. I don't need three settings plus SOS plus strobe plus CQD. Dang people, I just want a light, not a mall ninja signaling device.
5. Bright. Imagine being on scene in the middle of nowhere and needing to treat a person in a ditch or in a car. That's what I need. That and finding my socks in the middle of the night. I seem to have a problem with that.
Click to expand...

The Led Lenser (Coast) P7 fits every single one of your requirements.

It runs on 4 x AAA batteries and it comes with a solid holster. Its got 2 light settings, 175 (very bright!) lumens and 5 lumens for close work. The P7s party trick is the slidable head, that goes from a massive flood to a concentrated spot. This aint no gimmick, it really does work. Check out some of the reviews on YouTube, theres plenty of them.


led-lenser-p7.jpg


ledlenser-p7-8.jpg
 
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I see you're looking at a Mag+, even though you wanted "shorter than Mag." I hope it does well for you.
I also noted that you're not a big fan of reverse-clicky. I find they actually work much better than forward-clicky for multi-mode lights.
If you're not turning into a flashaholic, it makes sense to stick with AA. However, I've lost too many mags to alkalines - I use 'em in my kids toys, but won't put them in my lights anymore.

If you're still looking for something smaller (light load-out / EDC without a holster) and willing to give the switch a shot, the Xeno E03 is a very nice unit - and hits way above its weight (price) range. Single battery, under 4" long. Comes on in Medium, 1/2 press takes it to low, and another 1/2 press gets you to High. It runs on anything you can find in the AA size - which, to me, makes it the perfect emergency/only light. It'll take alkalines, Eneloops/Energizer Rechargeables, Lithium AA primaries, LifeP04, 14500 Lithium rechargeables, and 14505/3V Lithium Primary.
Gets brighter with the 3V batteries, and you won't want to run it on high for long, but (unlike certain Fenix lights) you still get 3 modes.
On the 1.5V lithium AA's, high is still ~ 200 lumens, and plenty for the intended purpose. It has a small reflector for an XM-L bulb, so it doesn't have the throw of a more full-size light, but it's a very useful all-around beam. They can also be had in cool, outdoor/neutral, and warm tints - the neutral and warm tints tend to offer better, more natural color rendition. I'm partial to neutrals myself.
Can be had for ~$30, in multiple colors, (at BHQ and elsewhere, but they're an outfit a knife guy may be more familiar with.) Just beware - the "sea blue" is more Purple. It's making me think long and hard about adding a matching Delica...
It's no PD32, but is closer to your original requirement, I think.
Anyway, good luck, and I hope whatever you get works out well for you.
- Tom

ps: I've seen a couple references to running 2xAA lights on "18650" - an 18650 is the size of 2 CR123's. The AA 3.7V Lithium-Ion rechargeable is a 14500. Most off-the-shelf AA lights will not let you run one of these instead (though the Xeno is clearly not the only light that does.) They may be out there, but I don't know of a non-modded 2xAA light that would run safely on 2x14500. Most drivers that function well at under 3V to accommodate a moderately discharged 1.5V battery (or a 1.2V NiMh rechargeable) won't be able to handle the 8.4V of a pair of fresh Li-ions.
 
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tjswarbrick said:
I see you're looking at a Mag+, even though you wanted "shorter than Mag."
Click to expand...

I did and I still do, but my wife balks at spending money, even on quality. Honestly, it's just her personality. She'd rather spend $30 three times over three months rather than $90 every three months. It's just the way she is.

I really like the PD32, and think it, coupled with 18650s would be a great light. I just have to convince her I need a $90 light/battery combo. If I were single, we would not be having this conversation right now. Lol

As far as reverse vs forward clicky, for multimode, I don't know. There are a lot of times I use momentary on, which is why I like the pd32 UI. Of course, the mag twist on doesn't bother me, so who knows. I guess I've always equated reverse clickies with cheap lights, kind of like 440c steel gets screwed cause 440a is so popular and crappy. It doesn't make sense but it is there anyway.

If you're not turning into a flashaholic, it makes sense to stick with AA. However, I've lost too many mags to alkalines - I use 'em in my kids toys, but won't put them in my lights anymore.
Click to expand...

yeah, me too. In fact, I have an Incan mini mag that has busted stuck batteries right now.

If you're still looking for something smaller (light load-out / EDC without a holster) and willing to give the switch a shot, the Xeno E03 is a very nice unit - and hits way above its weight (price) range. Single battery, under 4" long. Comes on in Medium, 1/2 press takes it to low, and another 1/2 press gets you to High. It runs on anything you can find in the AA size - which, to me, makes it the perfect emergency/only light. It'll take alkalines, Eneloops/Energizer Rechargeables, Lithium AA primaries, LifeP04, 14500 Lithium rechargeables, and 14505/3V Lithium Primary.
Gets brighter with the 3V batteries, and you won't want to run it on high for long, but (unlike certain Fenix lights) you still get 3 modes.
On the 1.5V lithium AA's, high is still ~ 200 lumens, and plenty for the intended purpose. It has a small reflector for an XM-L bulb, so it doesn't have the throw of a more full-size light, but it's a very useful all-around beam. They can also be had in cool, outdoor/neutral, and warm tints - the neutral and warm tints tend to offer better, more natural color rendition. I'm partial to neutrals myself.
Can be had for ~$30, in multiple colors, (at BHQ and elsewhere, but they're an outfit a knife guy may be more familiar with.) Just beware - the "sea blue" is more Purple. It's making me think long and hard about adding a matching Delica...
It's no PD32, but is closer to your original requirement, I think.
Anyway, good luck, and I hope whatever you get works out well for you.
- Tom
Click to expand...

Wow. That really is a good light. I may pick one up just because and to hold me over until I convince someone I need a pd32. Lol. If it came with a holster and had a forward clicky I'd have already bought it. I will have to think about the lack of a holster. I already carry too much crap in my pockets at work.


ps: I've seen a couple references to running 2xAA lights on "18650" - an 18650 is the size of 2 CR123's. The AA 3.7V Lithium-Ion rechargeable is a 14500. Most off-the-shelf AA lights will not let you run one of these instead (though the Xeno is clearly not the only light that does.) They may be out there, but I don't know of a non-modded 2xAA light that would run safely on 2x14500. Most drivers that function well at under 3V to accommodate a moderately discharged 1.5V battery (or a 1.2V NiMh rechargeable) won't be able to handle the 8.4V of a pair of fresh Li-ions.
Click to expand...

Thanks for making that clearer. I actually wrote that and said to myself, "that doesn't look right," but between the new baby and work I've had less than 8 hours sleep in three nights, so I'm a little punchy. I am not seeing straight, so it doesn't really make sense right now. I will look at that last part later.
 
Ok guys, my wife says a flashlight is at the top of the list for birthday presents, so this question just got a lot less theoretical. The lack of a holster for the pd32 is the only real thing holding my back from it. I do like the quark 123>2 Tactical as well. Not sure the difference in the two emmitter options for the quark. Also not sure which UIs I'd find easier. I like the idea of immediate up/down bright/dim option on the quark, but I like the ease of mor than two options for the pd32. I'm just not sure what happens if I need a little more light, but I only have low and medium plugged in. Or worse, need turbo, but only have low and medium. I like having turbo on quick getting to, without having to reprogram the light.

Ideas?
 
medicevans said:
Ok guys, my wife says a flashlight is at the top of the list for birthday presents, so this question just got a lot less theoretical. The lack of a holster for the pd32 is the only real thing holding my back from it. I do like the quark 123>2 Tactical as well. Not sure the difference in the two emmitter options for the quark. Also not sure which UIs I'd find easier. I like the idea of immediate up/down bright/dim option on the quark, but I like the ease of mor than two options for the pd32. I'm just not sure what happens if I need a little more light, but I only have low and medium plugged in. Or worse, need turbo, but only have low and medium. I like having turbo on quick getting to, without having to reprogram the light.

Ideas?
Click to expand...

My pd32 came with a simple sheath.
 
Ok first off I love my fenixes,especially the ones that take 18650 batteries. But my first cool flashlight was a mag and in your OP you said yours started flickering. The mag led doesn't go dim ,it stays bright till the batteries die. Then the light goes out,but it is like it gets a second wind because it will come on again,still bright. Check your batteries on a tester. Also once in a while you just get a loose connection in the tail cap. Go to mags website troubleshooting area
 
Realized the pd32 has a sheath about 10 minutes after I posted it. Does it have a top flap? Pictures anywhere?

My MAG didn't flicker I guess so much as refuse to turn on unless I wiggled the head and/or whacked it on my hand/boot/random child's head. I need my lights to work, not mess up randomly. Not a big deal at home, but in the ditch or in a shitty house it really makes a difference. At home I have time.

I like that little 140 lumen light for an EDC in my pocket. I might pick one of those up too. :). I love flashlights.
 
In the middle of writing that last post we got a call to a very dark house, in a very bad part of town. Would have been very very very nice to have a bright light. Sigh.......
 
The fenix nylon sheath that came with the PD32 will not keep the flap on,over the end of the light,thereby having no retention on the light.
 
I really love my Jetbeam PC25. It uses one Ultrafire 18650 2400mAh battery. I always keep two in the charger and have never had problems. At 408 lumens it is very bright.
 
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