Practical light?

P

PayetteRucker

Joined
Aug 4, 2009
Messages
6,234
Looking for a durable, inexpensive 1 inch diameter flashlight with good battery life and decent lumens, that utilizes AAA or AA batteries-none of this 30-dollars-a-box surefire crap. I got sucked into the Nitralon G2, which is a good light in every aspect except for the 1.5 hour battery life. I'm spending way too much money on these batteries, so I'm going to stick the Nitralon on the 12 gauge and leave it there. I'd like to keep the price under 50, if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
 
Use 17670 rechargeable (or 18650 depending on the light) instead of 2 CR123's

Disposable batteries are for chumps.
 
I'd suggest the Fenix LD20 (2AA) or LD10 (AA) several different setting awesome run time, nice sized, if you want something smaller try the LD01 (AAA) Bladehq.com has good prices on the fenix line as well.
 
I am assuming that you still have the P60 lamp in your G2. You might consider one of the Cree LED replacements. I have a couple in my G2s and a set of batteries lasts about 4 hours at full brightness and still give usable light for a few hours after that.

I never had much luck with rechargeable batteries. I don't worry about he cost of Surefire batteries. I get them free. :D
 
PayetteRucker said:
Looking for a durable, inexpensive 1 inch diameter flashlight with good battery life and decent lumens, that utilizes AAA or AA batteries-none of this 30-dollars-a-box surefire crap. I got sucked into the Nitralon G2, which is a good light in every aspect except for the 1.5 hour battery life. I'm spending way too much money on these batteries, so I'm going to stick the Nitralon on the 12 gauge and leave it there. I'd like to keep the price under 50, if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
If it's the incan version, then the bulb would be lucky if it survived a dozen rounds from the 12 gauge.
 
PayetteRucker said:
Looking for a durable, inexpensive 1 inch diameter flashlight with good battery life and decent lumens, that utilizes AAA or AA batteries-none of this 30-dollars-a-box surefire crap. I got sucked into the Nitralon G2, which is a good light in every aspect except for the 1.5 hour battery life. I'm spending way too much money on these batteries, so I'm going to stick the Nitralon on the 12 gauge and leave it there. I'd like to keep the price under 50, if at all possible. Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I would recommend the Quark Mini AA, or the Quark Mini AA NW (neutral), depending on your preference of tint. Under $40, they are one of the best performing lights on the market today. Using "cpf8" will get you an additional 8% off, with free shipping. Its 20 OTF (out-front, the exact amount of light that you will get) lumens on medium mode will last your battery for ~15 hrs. Read the review here.

There are more options under the $50 price-point, but I thought to keep it simple. Let us know which one you opt for finally.

-Amarendra
 
Energizer- single AA- LED- Black aluminium body- clickie tailcap---$15 at Target---one has been riding in my pocket for nearly a year with no problems.
 
UffDa said:
I am assuming that you still have the P60 lamp in your G2. You might consider one of the Cree LED replacements. I have a couple in my G2s and a set of batteries lasts about 4 hours at full brightness and still give usable light for a few hours after that.

I never had much luck with rechargeable batteries. I don't worry about he cost of Surefire batteries. I get them free. :D
Click to expand...

How in the world do you get them free?
 
Here's an incredible little sucker for ~$20.

The iTP A3 EOS

http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_19&products_id=255

itpa3eos.jpg


CPF holds this light very highly in regard.

-M
 
AA, regular or LED Maglite. Small, bright, and takes 2 AA's and they last forever. You could probably get away with four batteries for two weeks. They also have one called the XL 100 which has a lot of settings and takes 3 AAAs but it eats through them like candy and isn't as indestructable as a regular Maglite or LED.
 
Along with the A3 EOS, check out the A2 EOS. It's the AA version. The iTP SA1 and SA2 are also really nice looking lights. They offer good price/performance. Medium is 35lm on both and the SA2 lasts over 6.5 hours on one set of batteries.

EagleTac also makes some good 1AA and 2AA flashlights. Look in their Personal line.
 
Been EDC a Fenix L0D Q4 on my keys for a couple years now. Takes tons of abuse and never gives any problems! Sometimes I'll switch it out for my E01 just to be different- another tank of a light, just simpler with longer battery life and less output (still PLENTY for most practical uses).
 
I've had 2 fenix/Crees for years now and am very happy with them. That iTP does look like a lot of bang for the buck, though. Just like knives- lots of good choices these days!
 
PayetteRucker said:
For EDC type stuff, for sure, but long backpacking and whitewater trips will require multiple sets....
Click to expand...

A good 18650 can last up to 3 hours in a high powered light.
1 in the tube and another two as backup will serve your needs for a long time. They keep most of their charge for over a year aswell.


Another thing to consider is a tip-up clip. You can clip the light on the brim of your ball cap if you need a head lamp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top