new to this forum - wanting flashlight advice

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pechelman

Joined
Nov 5, 2001
Messages
118
I think I read somewhere that surefire would release a model that uses LED's. If thats true, does anyone have an idea when they would be released or the nature of their performance\economy?

Also, since I cant justify the 200$ on a rechargable surefire or the expensive cost of batteries as much as I would use them up, Im heavily considering an led flashlight thats already on the market.

Whats everyone's opinion on the following
- CMG Tasklight Ultra or CMG Tasklight
- Inova X5 Tactical

Also, whats preference on light color? I would be mainly using this light to work on our racecar at the poorly lit facilities we drive at or be looking for that nut\washer i dropped on the asphalt.

Thanks in advance for any insight to help in my decision.
 
How about a headlamp? That might be perfect for your application. Check out the cool Petzl Tikka and Zipka. Very small, use AAA (cheap) batteries, leaves both hands free.

Just a thought.
 
I really like my ARC LE. AAA batteries are cheap and it has good light output.

The CMG Task lights are handy with their included neck cord and, since I don't own an Ultra, can't comment on it specifically. The standard models don't seem as bright to me as the ARC LE. The Hard Anodize finish on the ARC LE holds up better then the black (paint?) on the CMG Task Light. AA batteries are cheap so, you do have a low cost of operation here as well.

Why the LED's lights? Are you dropping your light and breaking bulbs? A double A Mag-lite with a brighter bulb sounds like it might be the answer. Add a neck lanyard and you have more light, cheap battery costs and, the convenience of one hand off/on operation. Some of the Priceton Tec Incandescents might offer a good lighter weight option as well.

In my use, I find the ARC LE to be the superior light. It rides on my key chain everywhere I go. Puts out enough light to keep me from tripping on a rough sidewalk or stepping in a pot hole in a parking lot. I think I still even have the original battery in it.

For light color selection, there are lots of reasons to choose different colors. Personally, I find Green and Turquoise to be most useful. Consider total output (microCandela) in addition to the color and sensitivity of the eye. The Photon Micro-Light web site has a good discussion of light color that I won't repeat here.
 
I would think a headlamp would be perfect here. Been looking at the Petzel Tikka and Zipka, the Princeton Tec Aurora, and the Black Diamond offering, whose name eludes me at present. Each have their pros and cons, but I think I am going to start with the Aurora.
 
thanks for the suggestions
I've already got a petzel incandescent headlamp I use a lot, I just also wanted a flash light for when I dont have my petzl on me.

The reason I didnt bother to ask about a normal AA maglight was that I got the impression from a few other posts that the x5 and cmg ultra were brighter, plus had much better batt life.

thanks for the insight, ill have to check out that photon website.
 
Photon Fusion works for both applications - flashlight or headlamp. Available in colors too... personally I always use white - I'd rather be able to recognize colors and have it be a little dimmer, than not be able to tell which wire is which.

The Inova is great, as are the Ultra CMG's. There's a new LED flashlight I've been looking at that uses 4 LED's, I'll post information on it when I have it.

Kevin
 
Go for the E2e-HA now and get the KL1 Luxeon Bezel when it comes out shortly.

If you think you will be using the KL1 more then the stock bulb, I would suggest the E1e-HA because it's easier to power the KL1 with used batteries. The KL1 is a regulated output Luxeon LED - this means that you can put batteries that have been using in other flashlights and squeeze more juice out of them. The great thing is that the KL1 output is practically constant throughout the runtime. This means that you are unlikely to be able to spot the KL1 that has been on for an hour with one that has just been switched on - cool!
Except the KL1 gets hot, so that's a way to tell them apart.

Anyway, I'm known for suggesting SureFires in most 99.9% of applications. I think the E2e with KL1 would be a great flashlight for you.

Please visit www.186thousand.com - The SureFire Discussion Board.
And www.CandlePowerForums.com for more detailed information on flashlights and SureFires.

Regards,

Al

Moderator: SFDB
Administrator: CPF
 
The Arc AAA is great for on your key ring. The Inova X5T is a great general purpose flashlight. The Princeton Tec Aurora, as well as the Petzal models are great for hands free use. If you need an ultra bright, blinding spot light, Sure Fire does seem to be the way to go. There are also the offerings from Mag-Lite. The Mag-Lite has stood the test of time.

Paul
 
last question on the matter
any idea what battery life on an e2e with kl1 attachment might be?
i realize that since its not out yet its all either just speculation or rumors or predicted numbers from surefire, but whatever you've got ill take.
 
I would not consider the ARC AAA, Tasklight or Tasklight Ultra because they are a bit small and do not have a lot of throw. I actually find that my Ultra-G has a nicer, wider beam than my ARC LE and I prefer it to the ARC for most things now (The ARC beats it hands down for dressing-up though).

Personally, I would look at either the CMG Reactor (had very good luck with mine), the Princeton Tec Attitude or the Inova X5T (with white or green LEDS). All are much brighter than the smaller lights, give very good runtimes and will provide plenty light for crawling under a car or working under a hood. The Attitude and the X5T have the added advantage of being waterproof.

The E2E with the KL1 may well be the perfect solution, but I am not holding my breath about when it is going to actually hit the street. I think EVERYBODY should have an E2/E2E!!! :D

I would pick up one of these other three now, and then buy all the Surefire bits later once the supply/demand curve has leveled a little.
 
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