New Light!

Hey let me ask a question....

I currently carry a Fenix L1D as a EDC compromise for tactical/non tactical use. I like it because I can keep it on Turbo and it is always available for tactical use and if I don't need the feature I can twist it to a lower setting. Is it possible to keep your light at it's highest setting ready at hand or do you have to move through the lower settings to get to it?
 
Fiddleback said:
Maybe. The hole is a tad over 3mm dia. There are 4 of them.
Click to expand...

I guess I'll find out in a few days. I decided to get the EX10 instead since I have a bunch or RCR123's!

Fieldtestornothing, back up a page and watch the youtube video. Instant high is available, unless you lower the output manually.
 
WOW, wish I had heard about these last week,
I am waiting on the mailman to bring a fenix l2d Q5....
The Nightcore are nicely priced:thumbup:
 
Fieldtestornothing said:
Hey let me ask a question....

I currently carry a Fenix L1D as a EDC compromise for tactical/non tactical use. I like it because I can keep it on Turbo and it is always available for tactical use and if I don't need the feature I can twist it to a lower setting. Is it possible to keep your light at it's highest setting ready at hand or do you have to move through the lower settings to get to it?
Click to expand...


The light remembers the power level you select and turns back on at whatever level that happens to be. So if you choose high, then it comes on in high.

This is how I use mine too, btw.
 
A note on cells if people want them to sit unused for a long time, then still work a year later. I don't think it's been mentioned.

Use lithium primary cells.

That basically means using non-rechargeable CR123's or AA lithiums.

Any rechargeable loses charge far too quickly for a 'throw it in the BOB for emergencies' and alkaline cells are too affected (effected? I'm never sure on that one) by the cold.

That looks a very nice light!
 
Jeff H said:
Oh, great! I have been "on the wagon" for amost two years and someone waves this under my nose.:(

Actually, I just gave my Pelican 2390 to an LE friend and sold several Fenix 3W and 1W lights and am in the market for replacements. Sure is some cool stuff out there now. I am trying to replace five lights with two lights and am having a time of it. I was looking at the new Surefire L1 or E1L for one light - for the lower levels (Gen II L1 has me spoiled) but this one may sway me.
Click to expand...

Jeff,

I don't mean to take away from the original posters enjoyment of his new light, but if you're looking for a tremendous, all-around flashlight I HIGHLY recommend the Jetbeam Jet-II IBS.

This little light uses only a single CR123 cell, is hard anodized a light gray, and weighs very little. I looked at Fenix and Nitecore, among others, for a long time, but ended up buying the Jet-II and am very glad I did.

Why it's a great light:

1) Multiple outputs: There are 3 user selectable light settings, from ~ 2 lumens up to 220 lumens;

2) The beam can be focused from a tight spot to a wide flood;

3) It has a well regulated circuit, so you can count on constant brightness.

4) Small. This light fits easily in one hand, and if anything could be little bigger. Nice for putting in a pack or pocket, though.

I've had my light for a couple of months now, and it's worked amazingly well.

I have the first setting at 50%, which is actually quite powerful. It's almost too bright for around the house, but while camping it's great for lighting up the woods.

The second light level I keep at the minimum, and it works well for checking on my kids after they're asleep, or reading in bed.

The last level I reserve for high, and I can light up objects 1/4 mile away with ease. This setting is of little use, since I don't spotlight for deer, but it's nice to have if I want it.

I like this light mainly because it can be focused. A hot spot of light is really not very useful around the house or the campsite. Being able to have a powerful flood of light is amazing, and the multiple settings are very useful.

Price is about $70, if you look on eBay.

More information (a LOT more) can be found here:http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=196577
 
Yea, that JetII IBS light is nice too. I'm trying to avoid buying that one also now. That focusable head thing is cool.

I can't imagine being more pleased with a user interface than I am with this one though. I also avoid CR123 lights nowadays. This is because its so much more convenient for me to use AA's, and because they don't explode if you short them out and produce a poisonous gas.
 
A year ago, when I last bought a light, the marketplace was totaly different. You had to spend almost 200 bucks to get a really premium light with all the features, and power, and a good tinted LED. Now, there are 20 lights in each battery configuration that have all the above attributes. I cant even seem to build up any lust for the new HDS light that is going to be over 200, or the Mushondt, etc. Also, last year there was acceptable, but not astonishing performance on AA batteries. But not anymore. Hella brightness (130 lumens) on a AA battery!! Whoa!! What a difference. Why use dangerous, expensive 123 batteries anymore??

The light I got is bright as hell, nice warm tint, and the best interface I've ever used on a light. I've been playing with it for three days now, and not once has it turned on in the wrong mode!! That is a big improvement over my clicky Fenixs. I really liked them, but sometimes the performance was flaky and I had to take the battery out and replace it to get it to perform correctly.

Look at this (incomplete I am sure) list of quality brands that make affordable lights:

  • Derelight - Their EDC is supposed to be fantastic quality (123 batteries though)
  • Eagle Tac - dying to try a P10A, and a P10A2 (1xAA and 2xAA respectively)
  • Fenix - Nuff Said. Fenix lights rock. The new P2DQ5 is interesting, but it runs on 123 batteries.
  • Jet Beam - The Jet 1 Pro IBS is supposed to outthrow any small light! Its the most expensive on the list at around 80 bucks though.
  • iTP - C7 and C8 (1xAA and 2xAA respectively) ~$50 ea
  • Liteflux - Lots of choices and even have a programmable AAA light!!!
  • Nitecore - Man, I can't rave enough about this interface. They have 2 AA battery models also, and are just great quality.
  • Kingpower - Bombproof light, specialize in AA, Cree LED, 50 bucks!! Models K1 and K2
  • Olight - Lots of lights, good rep, thats all I know of them
  • Innova - Bombproof, avail at target
  • Dorcy - Not waterproof usually, but I've liked every one I've owned


I'm tellin ya. I see no reason to buy Surefires if Nitecore and these other companies are going to innovate with products as good as my new one! The new Nitecore D20 comes out this week (2 AA light with piston drive and Nitecore interface), I pre-ordered that bad boy even though I really shouldn't have.
 
Fiddleback said:
I'm tellin ya. I see no reason to buy Surefires if Nitecore and these other companies are going to innovate with products as good as my new one! The new Nitecore D20 comes out this week (2 AA light with piston drive and Nitecore interface), I pre-ordered that bad boy even though I really shouldn't have.
Click to expand...

I have to agree with ya Fiddleback! I too have a slight sickness requiring batteries and LED's:D Nitecore's little light is great and as you mentioned, I really like the memory feature when you turn it off.

I like Surefires, but the market has almost surpassed them in the technology department (it's hard to maintain that edge when you already have a solid base of performers and a reputation to maintain sales). They make great weapons mounted lights, but for hand-helds, there are so many other options that give as good or better performance, more features and less expensive. You do get bomb-proof lights from Surefire, but if the several small-market LED's that I took to Iraq can survive that harsh environment, what more do you need? I'm loyal to Surefire for my weapons lights, but for hand-helds, I love the new technology, performance and bargains of the several new models and makes that are coming out. Competition is a good thing and technology is pushing the envelope on battery efficiency and performance...it's amazing!

ROCK6
 
i want one, but the truth is that my target purchased brinkman combo light and headlamp set just won't die after 2 years.
 
koyote said:
i want one, but the truth is that my target purchased brinkman combo light and headlamp set just won't die after 2 years.
Click to expand...


Yes. You are a practical flashlight consumer. Many of us have abandonned this practical thingie and become flashaholics, much like the rest of us are all knifeaholics. Good on you!! THat'll save you a LOT of $. As an electrical engineer I love the amount of engineering that goes into these things!!
 
Fiddleback said:
Yea, that JetII IBS light is nice too. I'm trying to avoid buying that one also now. That focusable head thing is cool.

I can't imagine being more pleased with a user interface than I am with this one though. I also avoid CR123 lights nowadays. This is because its so much more convenient for me to use AA's, and because they don't explode if you short them out and produce a poisonous gas.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure why you're worried about CR123's. There have been a few cases where they had problems, but from what I read that was only with cheap brands, and it was only a few cases.

I've used CR123's for several years with no problems, as have thousands of others.

I agree that AA's are very convenient, but they don't keep a charge like the CR123's, and don't have the power.

My ideal light would be one that could use 2 CR123's, or a rechargeable cell, has multiple output settings, can be focused, and is easy to use. There are lights that have some of these features, but not all. Guess I'll wait and see what another year does for the market!

Edit: I just noticed your post where you mentioned being an electrical engineer. How does that work for you, in addition to be a knifemaker?

As an EE, do you have more knowledge or insight into the CR123's exploding? As many thousands (maybe millions) of people as use them, I'd think there would be more notice about problems, but there isn't.
 
No, no. You're right. Its a rare occurance. But it does happen, and you have to take care that you don't with AA's:


This guy's high quality primaries exploded on him causing injury, but read his later posts (#128) about the lingering health complications associated with the gasses! Whoa!
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=120888

This guy here takes a big whiff of the gasses. He woke up in the hospital! The battery popped after he accidentally dropped it. This isn't a worry with AA's.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=141137&page=1&pp=30


I could post a LOT of these:
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114455
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=121303

You have the tradeoff down. Yes, 123's are more powerful, and a bit smaller. But, you'd better be following safe usage practices. A pelican case isn't going to protect you from an exploding battery, but it will protect the batteries from water, which will short them and cause explosion every time.

Its a personal choice. You're not wrong. I own 123 flashlights. But I'd rather have an AA in my pocket near my marbles than a chem weapon timebomb.
 
Last edited:
I don't think it's CR123's that are the main problem, it's more RCR123's, the rechargeable ones, along with other unprotected rechargeable lithium cells.

I believe there are 'safe' versions now, but a lot of unprotected, older chemistry ones will still be around (I have dozens!)

Basically, lithium cells catastrophically fail and overheat, called 'venting with flame' if they get upset about something. Like overcharging, drawing too high a current, being put in batteries with other, dissimilarly-charged cells, over-discharging in batteries(one will always drop first then be reverse charged), being punctured...

To prevent this, cells can have a protection circuit which basically disconnects the cell in the event of any of the above (expect sticking a knife in it!). This includes the lithium cells in your mobile 'phones, laptops, MP3 players...

However, the protection circuit uses a little of the voltage (hence available power) of the cell and makes it slightly bigger. Thus many were sold without it to flashaholics. And when accidents happened, well you get the picture.

I've seem some impressive video clips of venting lithium cells, they go like fireworks!

Personally, I never leave charging cells alone, even protected ones. I'm careful not to leave them switched on (overdischarging kills them even if they don't blow up) and note that a lot of flashlights will happily drain the cells all the way down. More intelligent flashlights will turn off before that, protecting the cells. Make sure flashlights can't be accidentally turned on (common sense anyway).
 
Fiddleback said:
A year ago, when I last bought a light, the marketplace was totaly different. You had to spend almost 200 bucks to get a really premium light with all the features, and power, and a good tinted LED. Now, there are 20 lights in each battery configuration that have all the above attributes. I cant even seem to build up any lust for the new HDS light that is going to be over 200, or the Mushondt, etc. Also, last year there was acceptable, but not astonishing performance on AA batteries. But not anymore. Hella brightness (130 lumens) on a AA battery!! Whoa!! What a difference. Why use dangerous, expensive 123 batteries anymore??

The light I got is bright as hell, nice warm tint, and the best interface I've ever used on a light. I've been playing with it for three days now, and not once has it turned on in the wrong mode!! That is a big improvement over my clicky Fenixs. I really liked them, but sometimes the performance was flaky and I had to take the battery out and replace it to get it to perform correctly.

Look at this (incomplete I am sure) list of quality brands that make affordable lights:

  • Derelight - Their EDC is supposed to be fantastic quality (123 batteries though)
  • Eagle Tac - dying to try a P10A, and a P10A2 (1xAA and 2xAA respectively)
  • Fenix - Nuff Said. Fenix lights rock. The new P2DQ5 is interesting, but it runs on 123 batteries.
  • Jet Beam - The Jet 1 Pro IBS is supposed to outthrow any small light! Its the most expensive on the list at around 80 bucks though.
  • iTP - C7 and C8 (1xAA and 2xAA respectively) ~$50 ea
  • Liteflux - Lots of choices and even have a programmable AAA light!!!
  • Nitecore - Man, I can't rave enough about this interface. They have 2 AA battery models also, and are just great quality.
  • Kingpower - Bombproof light, specialize in AA, Cree LED, 50 bucks!! Models K1 and K2
  • Olight - Lots of lights, good rep, thats all I know of them
  • Innova - Bombproof, avail at target
  • Dorcy - Not waterproof usually, but I've liked every one I've owned


I'm tellin ya. I see no reason to buy Surefires if Nitecore and these other companies are going to innovate with products as good as my new one! The new Nitecore D20 comes out this week (2 AA light with piston drive and Nitecore interface), I pre-ordered that bad boy even though I really shouldn't have.
Click to expand...

So, out of all of those, what are the top three single AA flashlights I should look into? Waterproofness, burn time, and size are my top interests.

Also, I use headlights when in the bush more than flashlights. Are there any companies pushing new technology into headlamps? I love my Petzl lights, but brightness and battery life are lacking compared to some of these new hand helds.

Thanks for providing you input for us who are not yet flashoholics.

L!
 
If you're just getting into flashlights, start with a Fenix. Then just branch out to the other lights you find you like. Candle Power forums will completely inundate you with 411.

What I found when I started carrying a pocket flashlight, was that I wound up using it more in a week than I did my pocket knife. They're useful to have.
 
Andy, have you tried the new "hybrid" AA cells? I've been fighting with nicad and nimh cells for decades, always WANT them to work out, but the discharge rates end up making it a losing proposition in so much of my stuff. I've wired in a few low power solar charge maintainers in some stuff, but that's finicky and expensive.


And I *want* a good flashlight, or 15, or 20, but I haven't found anything that beats my $20 set (after a bit of extra waterproofing) because to spend more I want features that haven't been commonly available- like variable brightness.
 
No. I don't have any particular hybrid cell wisdom. I just use the regular AA's from energizer in my lights.
 
That looks like a great light. I have just dove into high quality LEDs...looks like another addiction.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top