Nuclear Tough Flashlights?

I've been using a Nitecore D10 Smart PD (a single AA batt) for a couple years now. It is great! I can't believe the output from these modern Cree LED's! I got my Dad a Fenix single AA as well (LD10 or something like that). It is also great. I've heard great things about 4Sevens too.

For about $40-65, you can't go wrong with any of the lights from Nitecore, Fenix, or 4Sevens.

My criteria is: size, standard battery, output, ease of use. Many of the lights these days are overly complicated in their user interface. I don't have a use for strobe, sos, etc. I want REALLY bright to be my first on and then a lower setting that's easy to get to.

Honestly folks, anyone who has been on the fence about spending $50 on a flashlight- just do it! It's truly unbelievable the amount of light these things put out in such a tiny package. A single lithium AA through a modern Cree LED should put out more lumens than a huge C-Cell Maglight; and be more rugged and durable at that!
 
Well if you buy hundreds of SF batteries and scatter them all over the place then they will be much more common!:eek::D

Okay, I have to sit back on this one. I completely understand wanting what you want:cool:
 
I got a 3AA Mini Mag with the LED's and its been a great little light, very bright. I also got an LED conversion for my 2AA Mini Mag with a tail clicky, I love that thing!

I've been working with Eneloops in the last few years and have been very impressed with the way that they dont self drain sitting in the drawer like cheaper rechargables.
 
richstag said:
Well if you buy hundreds of SF batteries and scatter them all over the place then they will be much more common!:eek::D

Okay, I have to sit back on this one. I completely understand wanting what you want:cool:
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No, no, no... Please don't sit back. You have great input. I read you loud and clear. I can see buying a ton of CR123 from batteryjunction or the like... pack a bunch in a pelican case in my pack and place a bunch around the house. The kids won't bother them so they should sit safely and won't be dead when I need them.

Do alot of these modern led lights have shut off features if they are accidentally turned on, like in your pack?
 
This Surefire U2 goes everywhere with me...it is truly my EDC flashlight. :thumbup:...
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Bought this Surefire M6 long before I owned a Busse...
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Same with this M4 (another old pic from early '06)...
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& also a Surefire M2, which the U2 replaced as my carry light, but no pix of that one. The M2, M4 and M6 are all incandescent lights, and the U2 is an LED.

To me, they are as tough as a Busse would be if Jerry made flashlights instead of knives. :thumbup:
 
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I have a few Fenix flashlights and like them. I just got a LD20 and think it is great. It uses (2) AA batteries and has 180 lumens, plus several modes. If you want a long shelf life, they do make the AA and AAA batteries in lithiums now, the current ones I have say they are good until 2024, which is probably plenty long enough.

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randucci said:
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I have a few Fenix flashlights and like them. I just got a LD20 and think it is great. It uses (2) AA batteries and has 180 lumens, plus several modes. If you want a long shelf life, they do make the AA and AAA batteries in lithiums now, the current ones I have say they are good until 2024, which is probably plenty long enough.

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That's good to know. I didn't know the AA/AAA would last so long.
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
No, no, no... Please don't sit back. You have great input. I read you loud and clear. I can see buying a ton of CR123 from batteryjunction or the like... pack a bunch in a pelican case in my pack and place a bunch around the house. The kids won't bother them so they should sit safely and won't be dead when I need them.

Do alot of these modern led lights have shut off features if they are accidentally turned on, like in your pack?
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I don't know. I make it a practice to turn my U2a down before I turn it off and put it back in my pocket or my bag. I have left it on in my pocket all day by accident and its like it was off the whole time as far as battery usage.

To think of how to regulate this feature is kind of interesting to me. I mean who wants a light that turns itself off right (Of course I mean when you are using it). I know of lights that will turn off due to overheating. To know that the light is on by accident is intelligent though. I can think of tailcaps that allow you to back them off a hair and the light will not turn on without completely holding down the switch. It is a great question that I do not know the answer to.

There are so many UI's to lights now I wouldn't doubt it if this technology is out there though, but I would guess the user would have to be somewhat involved in the 'intelligent' decision making. I am very interested. Yet I still have to sit back and learn on this one:)
 
ive tried many brands. fenix, nitecore, mag...

i haven't found one that matches the durability and reliability of a surefire. but if you need a light to run on aa's or aaa's, the nitecore defender comes close. simple interface and bright.

i really don't care for the lights with too many modes. i want to hit the switch and know exactly what will happen.

i am considering a lenslight next.
 
it seems easy enough to stash stuff around the house... though I don't have kids...I think I would have gotten a phone call or something if that was the case... anyway. It seems perfectly reasonable, if you're camping or traveling, to carry a small back up light that takes AAA's or something in case that's what other people in your group have.

options tend to work for those who have them. It's like carrying matches or flint in addition to a lighter... in case the lighter runs out...

ohh and yes I did consider just having two lighters... I just dont seem to do it.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
ive tried many brands. fenix, nitecore, mag...

i haven't found one that matches the durability and reliability of a surefire. but if you need a light to run on aa's or aaa's, the nitecore defender comes close. simple interface and bright.

i really don't care for the lights with too many modes. i want to hit the switch and know exactly what will happen.

i am considering a lenslight next.
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I'll check the nitecores out too. I'm open to CR123 no too it looks like. :p

Man it's good to see some of the old guard showing up in here. :thumbup:
 
gimmejr said:
Pick one.

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WOW!!! :eek: ...Yo, man... Got a light?
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;)
Nice collection of lights! :thumbup:

...

And richstag!! I knew I liked you! ;):thumbup: U2's are da bomb!! ...But spot and flood??? ...Might have to get me a new U2! :) Mine doesn't have that (must be an earlier model), but I love the control it gives as to light adjustment. :thumbup:
 
 
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Tyrkon Lawson said:
No, no, no... Please don't sit back. You have great input. I read you loud and clear. I can see buying a ton of CR123 from batteryjunction or the like... pack a bunch in a pelican case in my pack and place a bunch around the house. The kids won't bother them so they should sit safely and won't be dead when I need them.

Do alot of these modern led lights have shut off features if they are accidentally turned on, like in your pack?
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I know that some Surefire models have what's called a lock-out tail-cap on them or a lock-out tail-cap can be ordered for some models.
I have one of these on my Surefire 6P. You twist the tail-cap which eliminates the possibility of the light coming on via accidental pressure in a pack. It's a great feature to have.

The only other LED flashlights that I know of that shut off automatically after a certain amount of time are the small flat lithium cell (CR2016's ???) Inova micro lights.I have a few of these too spread out in various gear-great little LED lights for around 7 bucks apiece.
 
The feeling is mutual. I know that the 'U2' has seen many 'upgrades' in its time. It came down to the type of LED. When the U2 became the U2a (not a common knowledge) the LED type went from a 5 watt Luxeon V that produced a nice even flood like throw to a SSC P4 that produces incredible throw in a tight beam along with generous flood at any brightness level.

The U2a went through a number of lumen ratings also. It is my favorite light and anyone I introduce it to in person ends up with one or two of them.
 
Tyrkon Lawson said:
No, no, no... Please don't sit back. You have great input. I read you loud and clear. I can see buying a ton of CR123 from batteryjunction or the like... pack a bunch in a pelican case in my pack and place a bunch around the house. The kids won't bother them so they should sit safely and won't be dead when I need them.

Do alot of these modern led lights have shut off features if they are accidentally turned on, like in your pack?
Ptaltaica762 said:
I know that some Surefire models have what's called a lock-out tail-cap on them or a lock-out tail-cap can be ordered for some models.
I have one of these on my Surefire 6P. You twist the tail-cap which eliminates the possibility of the light coming on via accidental pressure in a pack. It's a great feature to have.

The only other LED flashlights that I know of that shut off automatically after a certain amount of time are the small flat lithium cell (CR2016's ???) Inova micro lights.I have a few of these too spread out in various gear-great little LED lights for around 7 bucks apiece.
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I know my U2 doesn't shut off automatically, but it literally only needs a 1/3 ccw turn on the tail cap to keep it from turning on accidentally...so turning it back cw is almost as quick as a lock out tail cap. They might have them now, mine is over 3 years old. I've travelled with it in bags, and never had it turn on without me wanting it to after twisting it this 1/3 third turn and clicking it on/off a few times to make sure I twisted it far enough to keep the light from engaging. Some of these Surefires can melt their Pyrex lens if you leave it on and set it lens down on a table, but because they now come with a crenellated bezel, you'll notice the light streaming out immediately before any damage. This bezel on the U2 is subdued, which is nice...doesn't look like it's intended for striking like some others, so no hassles flying with it in carry on bags.
 
I loathe C123 and other non-standard batteries. If you can't get 'em at a 7-11, po-dunk grocery store, or Wal-Mart in the middle of nowhere at 2am on Tuesday when you really need some - I have absolutely no use for them - however superior the performance supposedly is.

Most any light from Fenix, 4-Sevens, Nitecore, or Jetbeam in AA or 2xAA will suit you well, and while none of them are Nuclear Tough, they're tough enough for most uses and users, and - they're cheap enough that if you break it you won't cry.

4-Sevens is a great dealer, and has been. Buy with confidence.

If Surefire made a good AA or 2xAA light I'd suggest them, but they don't. Their loss.
 
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richstag said:
The feeling is mutual. I know that the 'U2' has seen many 'upgrades' in its time. It came down to the type of LED. When the U2 became the U2a (not a common knowledge) the LED type went from a 5 watt Luxeon V that produced a nice even flood like throw to a SSC P4 that produces incredible throw in a tight beam along with generous flood at any brightness level.

The U2a went through a number of lumen ratings also. It is my favorite light and anyone I introduce it to in person ends up with one or two of them.
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Well, heck...ya just sold me on getting this upgraded version... :D:thumbup: I certainly won't mind owning more than one U2. Thanxx for the info! :)
 
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