Recommend Me a Flashlight

C

coolcrow

Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
134
Well I just recently came into about $75, and I'd like to buy myself a new LED Flashlight. Here are my requirements:

1. Preferably less than $75 with shipping, but I could go slightly over.
2. It should be small (less than around 6 inches), but big enough so I won't lose it in my hands.
3. It has to be the brightest possible. I'm looking for something with a lot of lumens.
4. I'd like something with a black anodized finish. It won't see a lot of harsh duty, but I won't it to hold up fairly well.
5. Waterproof. Dunkable at least.
6. Should have a flat end so it will stand up on a flat surface with the bulb facing up.
7. Battery type doesn't matter.

So far, I really like the Fenix P3D model. I'm open to any suggestions though. I'm also having a hard time deciphering between the different Fenix P3D models. If someone could help me sort that out and recommend which one is best, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks for all the help guys.
 
I will backup your choice for the P3D. However, the P2D is a good choice as well.

I just recently bought both and found the P3D a little big for EDC. Originally I thought the P2D, which is smaller than my had is wide, was too small. But it has since grown on me and really fits well into my hand and disappears in my pocket.

I did purchase both models with the Rebel LED. It is really bright, and puts my Surefire G2 LED at a rated 80 lumens to shame.

My only complaint is that it is perfectly round so it has a tendency to roll if left on the side.

Based on your requirements you basically quoted the spec sheet from any of the Fenix lights. I don't think you would go wrong with any choice.

Billyp
 
After more research and the last post, I'm more or less sold on either a P2D or a P3D. I just have to decide on what size I want and how bright I want my light to be. I currently own an Inova X5 (I find the size comfortable because I have large hands) which is approximately the same size as the P3D. It seems like the the P3D and X5 are about the same size. The P3D weighs about 1.76 ounces (without batteries) and the X5 weighs 3.56 ounces, but I don't know if that is with batteries or not. Does anybody know?
 
coolcrow said:
Does anybody know?
Click to expand...

P3D = 81 grams with batteries
P2D = 55 grams with
X5 = 100 grams with

I own all 3. I bought the P3D CE Q5 but decided that I needed another light for the home and picked up the P2D CE Q5....I now EDC the P2D, put the P3D in any bag I carry, and the X5 is always at home.

I am happy with the Fenix purchase.
 
Have you looked at the Olights. Cree LED 1 or 2 123 or 1 AA battery. 120 lumens
 
Crash_10 said:
P3D = 81 grams with batteries
P2D = 55 grams with
X5 = 100 grams with

I own all 3. I bought the P3D CE Q5 but decided that I needed another light for the home and picked up the P2D CE Q5....I now EDC the P2D, put the P3D in any bag I carry, and the X5 is always at home.

I am happy with the Fenix purchase.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that is just the data I was looking for.
 
coolcrow said:
So far, I really like the Fenix P3D model. I'm open to any suggestions though. I'm also having a hard time deciphering between the different Fenix P3D models.
Click to expand...

Most people's first choice turn out to be close or the right one.

Fenix P3D come in the following varieties -

Plain P3D-CE - Cree Edition probably using a P4 Cree XR-E ($61.50)
General Mode: 9 lumens (65hrs) -> 40 lumens (13hrs) -> 90 lumens (4.8hrs) -> SOS
Turbo Mode: 160 lumens (1.8hrs) -> Strobe

P3D-RB100 - LumiLEDs Rebel 100 Premium ($67.50) -
General Mode: 11 lumens (65hrs) -> 50 lumens (13hrs) -> 112 lumens (4.8hrs) -> SOS
Turbo Mode: 200 lumens (1.8hrs) -> Strobe

P3D-Q5 - also a Cree XR-E but Q5 bin ($67.50) -
General Mode: 12 lumens (65hrs) -> 53 lumens (13hrs) -> 120 lumens (4.8hrs) -> SOS
Turbo Mode: 215 lumens (1.8hrs) -> Strobe

The Q5 is a bit brighter than the RB100 - but the RB100 has a nicer/smoother beam, and often has a nicer tint.

Fenix P3Dce-Q5 Premium Comparison Review

Fenix P3D-RB100 Rebel Comparison Review

Fenix P3Dce Comparison Review

The other consideration as already suggested is the Fenix L2D - almost as bright in each of the respective versions - but runs on 2x AA batteries - more common and one can use rechargeable NiMH for even better economy and ecology......

eg:
Fenix L2D-RB100 ($62.50)
General Mode: 11 lumens (55hrs) -> 50 lumens (10.5hrs) -> 100 lumens (4hrs) -> SOS
Turbo Mode: 175 lumens (2.4hrs) -> Strobe

Fenix L2D-RB100 Comparison Review

Fenix L2D-CE Comparison Review

I recommend buying them from the Fenix-Store - free shipping, first rate service, and they'll stand behind the products

Hope that helps,

--
Vincent
http://picasaweb.com/UnknownVincent
http://UnknownVincent.Shutterfly.com
http://UnknownVT.Shutterfly.com
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
 
Thanks UnknownVT, that was a very informative post. After reading the threads you suggested, I've decided to go with the Fenix P3D-RB100 Rebel from the Fenix-Store. I found that I liked the smooth beam of the Rebel, and I also liked the body style better than the Q5. Thanks to everyone who posted on this one. Blade Forums is the best!
 
coolcrow said:
I've decided to go with the Fenix P3D-RB100 Rebel from the Fenix-Store. I found that I liked the smooth beam of the Rebel, and I also liked the body style better than the Q5.
Click to expand...

The body style of the P3D's are essentially the same -
this photo shows merely different colors -
P3DceQ5Sz.jpg


The rings vs. vertical knurling is minor - and I believe Fenix are now making them all with the vertical knurling as shown on the P3D-RB100.

However if you meant the body style difference between the P3D and L2D
- then I understand - despite the more desirable 2x AA ability - strictly on aesthestics to my eyes the P3D does seem better proportioned -
although I tend to lean toward functionality and economy and favor the L2D -
hey, but that's what makes the world go round.

Hopefully you'll find good sources for CR123A batteries - in stores they are about $5-6 each - but they can be found as low as $1 a piece.

However beware it's pretty rare but lithium CR123 can literally explode -
see these threads -

ROAR of the Pelican (CR123 Explosion during use, firsthand account ...

Exploding Batteries - CandlePowerForums

Most of the cases this is with flashlights using 2 (or more) lithium CR123 batteries but single CR123s are not immune either -

Battery explosion with Fenix P1D - CandlePowerForums
(the P1D is a single CR123 flashlight....)

--
Vincent
http://picasaweb.com/UnknownVincent
http://UnknownVincent.Shutterfly.com
http://UnknownVT.Shutterfly.com
http://clik.to/UnknownVincent
 
Great choice on a great light. You can also run 2 RCR-123 in it for "guilt-free" lumens. I personally don't feel guilty about using primaries, but do use RCRs just for cost efficiency in the lights that can handle them.
 
I was talking about the rings vs. vertical knurling. In retrospect, body style wasn't the best way of describing it. Sorry about the confusion there. The difference really doesn't bother me. I'm more interested in the quality of the light and from what I've seen/read, the Rebel seems to have the better beam. I'm not too concerned with loosing a few lumens by going with the Rebel. Again UnknownVT, you info couldn't be better. Thanks again.
 
one2gofst said:
Great choice on a great light. You can also run 2 RCR-123 in it for "guilt-free" lumens. I personally don't feel guilty about using primaries, but do use RCRs just for cost efficiency in the lights that can handle them.
Click to expand...

Sorry for being such a newb, but what do you mean by "guilt-free" lumens? What are primaries?
 
RCR batteries are rechargeable, therefore less expensive in the long term.

Primaries are non-rechargeable, regular one time use batteries.

Personally, I'd go for one of the Fenix P1 twisty lights (if limited to Fenix) - as size, i.e. pocketability, is my primary concern. "Twisty" means that you twist the head or battery tube to turn it on.

I'd suggest spending time lurking the CandlePower forums, the Flashlight forum, and the Custom light forum. Look at reviews, beamshots, etc. Beware, you might up your potential money expenditure.
 
orthogonal1 said:
RCR batteries are rechargeable, therefore less expensive in the long term.

Primaries are non-rechargeable, regular one time use batteries.

Personally, I'd go for one of the Fenix P1 twisty lights (if limited to Fenix) - as size, i.e. pocketability, is my primary concern. "Twisty" means that you twist the head or battery tube to turn it on.

I'd suggest spending time lurking the CandlePower forums, the Flashlight forum, and the Custom light forum. Look at reviews, beamshots, etc. Beware, you might up your potential money expenditure.
Click to expand...

I'm starting to feel like I might be turning into a flashlight nut. This could pose some serious problems with my knife budget! :D
 
ALERT: knife and flashlight budgets are to be kept separate from one another, and not influence each other. also, significant others must never know that knife purchases have no bearing on flashlight purchases and vice versa. the fabric of space time is in jeopardy if these two budgets ever touch.
 
coolcrow said:
I'm starting to feel like I might be turning into a flashlight nut. This could pose some serious problems with my knife budget! :D
Click to expand...

It happened that way to me a month ago. (Should I say, 3 SF and 2 Fenix ago.) :o There goes the INFI budget for several weeks.
 
orthogonal1 said:
Personally, I'd go for one of the Fenix P1 twisty lights (if limited to Fenix) - as size, i.e. pocketability, is my primary concern. "Twisty" means that you twist the head or battery tube to turn it on.
Click to expand...

I'd buy a P1 too if it started on the highest lumens.
 
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