One for the flashlight guys.

F

Fonly

Joined
Sep 24, 2006
Messages
5,010
Hey guys,

Well, I've been looking for a Search light for SAR. Im currently using a Fenix TK10, which has been working nice, but I would like something a little brighter while working on the river.

I have been looking at a few different lights, the O-light M30, Fenix TK40 and the Jetbeam M1X. Im leaning towards the O-light or Jetbeam, but really dont know what the big differences are in performance. I'm looking for something with Alot of throw, and a little bit of spill, If you guys have any pics, or can take some, or even know where there are some It would be greatly appreciated.

Have a good one guys.
 
There are many options when you want lots of light and when working near water you want incandescent or a warmer tint led. Cooler tint led tend to wash/grey out in wet and water enviroments. I think the jetbeam has the largest head and would provide the most throw but personally I like the looks of the olight better. If you would like to make your own barn burner a 3D maglite and a MC-E or P7 led does real nice, I have a 3D with a P7 and the total investment was about the same price as the lights your looking at. You don't get all the modes but it dosen't sound like you need those anyways. There is also the option of HID spotlights but those can get pretty expensive.
 
My recommendation is to go over to candlepowerforums and sign up.
Lights are another dangerous hobby.LOL
 
That's a whole new level of magnitude... Maybe you'll get some good responses here, but when you're looking for multiples of improvement on a TK10, then that's the big leagues.

A few random questions you'll get asked by any lightbug:

1. How big is your limit?
2. How long does it have to run?
3. Battery preference
4. LED preference, or OK with others?

Methinks a light like the m30 or whatnot is not dedicated enough... for max throw, you need a big reflector. While the m30 and m1x are ridiculously large maglight format, I'd recommend one bigger to TRULY make a difference between them and your TK10.

I'd recommend a HID spotlight; supposedly Sam's club offers a good starter for (don't quote me) $70- power on board? I don't remember. Point is, you need to step up to a new level of size and technology: LED is great, but unless you're spending ridiculous amounts of $, it doesn't really match other mature technologies like high intensity discharge.

Lastly, I, too, recommend you ask candlepowerforums.com, as they are better suited to talk about light quality necessary for SAR:
1. What temperature of light works
2. How long/how practical bigger lights are in such efforts
3. A range of geeky things I can't even think up.

They have SAR members there that geek out about how each factor will affect each other factor. Best of luck.
Zero
 
Fonly said:
Awesome guys, thank you very much for the help!
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So whatcha getting? It's incumbent upon you to let us know after we offered our advice! Also, it helps the secret betting system that all us gear queers are in on who has the best answer- err... scratch that secret part :p.

Zero
 
ArchAngel said:
I agree with a earlier poster that an HID spotlight in union with your flashlight. Spotlight for the further distances and your flashlight when the object is closer.
http://www.amazon.com/Power-Board-Intensity-Discharge-Spotlight/dp/B000QURK48#moreAboutThisProduct
Here is one example. There are others out there that are lots more expensive and nicer, but this would be a good type to look at. Long throw and powerful light with good runtime. Just a thought.
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I've noticed on the other forum alot of talk about Stanley HID that can be purchased at wal=mart for ~$50? It's suppose to be very good considering the price.
 
Well, im going to stick with something handheld, and not horrible huge, the HID lights, most of them anyways are way to big, not something I can stick in the pack and go, where as the M1X, M4 style lights while are larger, are still very bright, and very manageable.

I think In all honesty I will go with the M1X, its not too much, has a good out put, more than the TK10 which is what Im looking for, and can use a multitood of batt's.

Plus its pretty darn cool looking.:D (pic belongs to Bugoutgearusa)
blackforce_2067_1136962
 
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