What flashlights do you take with you?

peripatew

peripatew

Joined
Jul 31, 2007
Messages
1,421
I'm trying to decide if I need some new lights. I have a mini-mag (1 AAA) in my PSK, but it takes up a lot of space. So I'm going to exchange it for a mini-led (probably from countycomm... are they ok even though they are so cheap?). But my main flashlight is a Princeton Tec Impulse II (I think, the one that takes 4 AAA). I like this because it is really water proof, and the batter life is GREAT, 50+ hours. But it is pretty weak. What do you use and why?

I also have a few headlamps that I'll take, depending on what I'm doing.

L
 
Inova X5, X1, River Rock(green) all LEDs X5 uses 123 batteries. other two use 1AA each. & sometimes mt Twin Task Streamlight 3c. it has 5 LEDs, 1 zenon,& a lazer.
 
I used to take a ton of lights, but found that I just don't use that many. They were a significant source of weight. I'm for redundancy, but I'd rather just have a single quality mainstay. Right now, I use a very lightweight Garrity LED headlamp that runs off those little dime sized batteries, and has a high/low selectivity.

I use a small keychain style LED secondarily, and sometimes bring my lithium if I feel like things might get 'tricky'.

I also keep glowsticks as an emergency backup. They work all the time and don't weigh much.
 
I have a mini mag 3watt LED on belt as my EDC,it's bright and runs on AA batteries. I also have a Pelican Mighty lite AAA in my pen pocket. Both are apparently waterproof
 
I regularly use my Streamlight Scorpion, Surefire E1e, or Surefire 9P with extra batteries and replacement lamps when I need a lot of light and I always have a Photon Microlight II white on my keychain. I just received a couple of "Safe-Light" 9V LEDs (1 white and 1 red) which are kind of neat with two different outputs and a strobe feature but I have not had a chance to use these yet. They have longer run times than the Xenons. -DT
 
I currently use two. My EDC is a single LED that is on the plastic keychain clip for my Swiss Tech Micro Pro.

The other is a Mini Mag light (2 AA) with the nite-ize 3 LED conversion.

My favorite LED 2 AA is the UZI 5 LED:
ZF-4.gif


It's been pretty much as tough as a Mag Light (with the 3LED conversion)but quite a bit brighter. I bought because I liked the idea of a Mini-Mag sized LED with a push-button tail cap. It was the only one available at the time and it was onlt $20 so I bought it. Worth every penny if you like LED's over Xenon bulbs.
 
I have a Princeton Tec headlamp and a red led on my pack. I carry a white led on my keys so that's 3 for me. I would absolutely go with a keychain led over a minimag. I find that the led's provide better light all while being smaller and lighter by a large margin. Oh, and they have better burn times.
 
I always go with headtorches......Petzl Tikka XP and my Black diamond Ion are my favourites !!!
 
Something to really look into guys are Browning Lights, they run on three Cr123 3.v batteries, but they put out 140 lumens. I have an X1 as edc and just plain poclet light, But I want something in the 100+ lumen range, Also have a Dorcy "tactical" Light that has 55 lumens and it is extremly bright. But I think something in the 130 lumen range would be amazing.
 
I have an assortment of lights around the house from 5 D cell Maglight, a couple AA LED/krypton headlamps to keychain lights but the smaller ones seem to be the ones I always have with me. I have a Photon II on my keychain which has served me well for years. I have a few others as zipper pulls on commonly worn coats. I use a Streamlight Stylus often at work. It often rides next to my G2 pen. I have a bunch of those County Comm $1-$2 led mini lights and have them tied or clipped in various bags and pockets and drawers all over the place. Heck for that price why ever be in the dark when you don`t want to be. Photons are smaller and beefier but the little ChiCom lights put out just as much light. I`m comfortable using them as backup lights. When I need more light in a compact package I use a Streamlight TLR-1 LED with pocket clip and a Surefire G2 when the light needs more reach. Finally I have a small LED/lithium batt. headlamp in each vehicle (so I don`t have to hold a flashlight while trying to change a flat tire in the dark!). In the woods one of those LED headlamps,a Photon or two and a few of those cheapo clip on mini LED lights give me plenty of light when I need it all for about the same weight as one Mini Maglight. Marcus
 
What about the Petzl e+lite? I can't find a picture of it in its case in someones hand, but it looks to be pretty small. Probably to big for my altoid can though. Any pictures of this light? I just wish it was more waterproof.

L
 
+1 Marcus' comment about mini-LEDs... They're so cheap when purchased in bulk that you can stash them all over. I get mine from KaiDomain and DealExtreme, both of whom have great reputations here on BF and over one CandlePower Forums.

Note both vendors are in Hong Kong -- hence the cheap prices (a dozen LEDs keychain lights for $5). Ship time is about two weeks.

For serious lighting needs, I use one of my 2xCR123 Huntlight LEDs or my 3xD/4xD Maglites with LED drop-ins. I also EDC a Fenix P1 and an Arc AAA Premium.

If I'm going camping, I like to take a headlight, too.
 
Keychain LEDs on pack zippers.
Glotoob (Amber) for lowlight shelter and emergency.
Surefire G2 w/ locking tailcap.
 
Streamlight Stinger XT and Maglite rechargeable with 5 cell nicad battery pack.
The Stinger seems to be brighter than the Mag.

GB
 
Just upgraded my lights this year from the old AA Maglights.

Fenix L1T - In my daypack or on camping trips
Fenix LoD - pretty much in my cargo short pocket around the house non-stop.

I've also had a Red Photon light for years that is still going strong. I have a little attachment that secures it to my hat brim if I go camping.
 
Shown with a few other items, the lite is made for Target and sold under the name River Rock. It's a 1XAA lite that is electronically regulated to get the most from the AA cell, producing 1 watt with it's luxeon bulb. Not super bright, but is bright enough for my needs. Run time is about 2 hours give or take.

P1030470b.jpg
 
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