Newbie to Flashlights

MW740

MW740

Joined
Aug 21, 2002
Messages
732
I am in the need for a reliable flashlight that has a battery life long enough to make it through a 5 day camping trip, is fairly lite, and waterproof. I've decided to try something other than my 3D cell maglight for my next trip to the woods. It's time for me to get up to date with my flashlight choice, but I need your advice.
 
Go LED for long life. I recently went backpacking with the Inova X5T and was very happy with it.

-- Jeff
 
Wow! There's all sorts of choices out there depending on your needs. From headlamps with incandescent and led bulbs to led lights or incandescent lights. Light to not disturb your surroundings to lights that are bright enough to see the dark.
I carry a petzl headlamp and arc Ls along with some cheap walmart lights that have the bulb upgraded and have lithium batts in.
For info that will be more than you ever could want to know go to candlepowerforums
The inova x5t is fairly inexpensive with 2 123 batteries.
If you can define your needs better than more specifics could be offered.
If you are happy with the light output from the 3d mag then you may want to check out the princeton tec pt20. A small, lightweight takes 4 aa batts. Put a kpr13 bulb (from radio shack) in with lithium batts and you're good to go. always bring spare batts.
Underwater kinetics is highly thought of also.
 
I'm afraid you will have to sacrifice brightness for long battery life. LED is the way to go. So far I've got ARC AAA LE(single nichia led)/LSHP(1W LS LED) and Surefire KL1/KL3 LED bezels and the mighty A2! I'd always recommand the A2 for EDC and camping. The 3 leds in it are pretty bright and will last for 20 hours. Some people find it a bit large and I think the size is just right. The price could be a bit expensive but hey you get what you pay for!:)
 
Take a look at the Princeton Tec Attitude...light weight, waterproof, long burn time, pretty good light on the trail with 3-LEDs (4 aaa batteries).
Jim
 
Thanks for all of the responses. I think that the Streamlight 4AA is what I'm looking for. What online dealer do you guys prefer for best price, service, etc... ?
 
They don't have the Streamlight model that you mentioned, but I have had good service from www.glow-bug.com for other LED lights. Once I find someone reliable, I stick with them. Also, if you haven't decided on a light yet, you might consider the Ergo EternaLight. I have the Marine model, which just has a yellow case and comes standard with lithium batteries, so it is light enough to float. Some of the modes are a little gimmicky, but it has held up well, and I like the ability to control the battery usage and light level.
 
PocketLights.com carries the Streamlight 4AA Propolymer, Inova X5T, Princeton Tec Attitude, and EternaLight Ergo Marine. You also my want to check out the Arc AAA, UK 2AAA e-LED and the CMG Equipment Infinity Ultra as backup lights. Another neat LED flashlight is the Litepro Teknolite which has a Glowring built into the head of flashlight. All of the lights mentioned in this post have long battery lives and are waterproof.
 
Just remember that a flashlight is just another peice of equipment and it is better to have an extra one in your pack than be stuck out there with your only one broken
 
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