Finally a topic I have some knowledge to share
Hello HOGs, I am a lurker coming from candlepowerforums and couldn't escape the lure of this place, so here I am.
Since this is posted in the BUSSE forum, I suppose only the best will do, and for me, the best in flashlights is - apart from some customs - Surefire running on CR123 cells. Why? Not because they are the brightest or because they sport the newest "LED of the day", but because they are perfectly engineered to do their job in the most reliable manner, which includes UI, ergonomics, machining etc. I have tried a lot of lights, and all have eventually fallen short in some aspects.
This is of course just my opinion, so don't be offended, I beg you.
Before choosing a light you'd have to define what you actually want it to do IMHO. Do you need it indoors or outdoors? Is throw needed? What are the brightness requirements and the runtime you'd expect from the new treasure?
For a general utility light, the SF U2a can't be beat IMHO. It is my preferred all-around light since it was introduced back then.
A bit smaller, brighter and with more throw would be the (relatively) new LX2 (with modified clip in this pic):
Besides the beam shape the one big difference would be the user interface. While the U2 has a rear activated switch and a selector ring at the head the LX2 has a 2-level twisty tailcap with also 2-way momentary access.
I think the UI is one of the most critical features of a flashlight often overlooked or taken to extreme levels of complicated button-clicking and programming, which won't help in actually using the light when you need it most and when you don't have the time to fumble with the manual.
Dependig on yur job you might want or need something a little more aggressive
:
SF L6P
SF E2D (incan version)
Or something to attach to your pack:
ICON light by Surefire
This one actually runs on 1xAA.
Another alternative running on AA cells are the ICON Modus lights:
Not everybodies favourite light, but they offer some qualities, most notably soft plastic and rubber for protection of children and furniture. They have two levels. ICON lights are made by Paul Kim, SF's guru engineer. They are not SF lights and do not have their machinging, engineering, they are cheaper lights aimed at a different market, and they do sport interesting features.
Want more reach?
SF M3LT, a really nice bad ass thrower, but eats batteries like nothing else.
And then there's the customs ...
McGizmo Makai. The best of the best. But maybe not the thing you are actually looking for.
Then there woul dbe beamshapes to discuss.
Never underestimate the importance of your field of vision, throw is impressive but not always in your best interest.
But as I have rambled for too long now I'll just shut up.
Bernhard
