Yet another flashlight query

[psdrew]

Ok, I've got:

Maglights (2D, 3D, 2AA, Solitaire, etc.)
ARC AAA's (LE, UV, White, Red, Orange)
CMG Infinity's (Ultra, Red, Green, Turquoise),
Photon's, others, etc.

But... I've recently gotten the bug for a compact, high power, incandescent CR123A type light. I actually bought a Surefire G2 and was amazed at the power/size ratio and beam quality but... I gave that away to my father-in-law for his birthday in a moment of altruism. I was a bit put off by the bulb replacement cost ($15) but would still consider it a viable option looking at similar lights. I am looking at the Streamlight NF2 or TL2 and Scorpion right now, both in incandescent. These are similar compact 2xCR123A lights but seem to offer cheaper bulb replacement costs ($7) and higher output (105 lumens vs 65 lumens) than the G2. They also offer adjustable beam, glass lenses and aluminum housings for similar pricing.

Does anyone have any experience with any of these lights and opinions/comparisons regarding beam brightness, quality, battery life, etc.? Any and all input would be appreciated. Alternative suggestions are welcome also. My intent for this light would be either a glove box unit or EDC in my usual 'bag-o-goodies' I carry with me. Thanks in advance from a flashlight freak without cure...

 

[dano]

Lumen ratings are dubious. As a general rule, a two cell (lithium 123 cells) powered light will not exceed 60 lumens or so (for a Xenon bulb, not LED).

The SF G2 is a good light.

More budget options: Streamlights NF2 is excellent (and very compact if you remove the grip ring/pocket clip). The TL-2 is the same light as the NF-2, with a slightly different body configuration, and both Streamlights have a spare bulb housed in the light. Neither light will dissapoint.

The Pelican M6 is another good choice, but a bit bulky.

-dan

 

[Peter Atwood]

Streamlight Twin task. Either 1 or 2 cells. Both are terrific lights and very affordable.

Another option, though not incandescent, would be the Nuwaii Quantum III. Amazing little 3 watt LED light for about $60.

 

[xsrdx]

a compact, high power, incandescent CR123A type light.

..That pretty much describes the SF Executive Elite E2e-HA. It's about the smallest 65 lumen, 2 cell light you'll find. Flawless beam, very high gadget factor. Tough to beat for an EDC light, primarily because its so compact.

If you want more juice, one high powered, affordable quality option in a 2 cell incan is the G2Z, basically a G2 with a pyrex lens that lets you use the 120 lumen, HOLA P61 lamp. The G2Z bezel with pyrex will fit a regular G2, also.

The TT2L is a great light, but not quite as bright, or as "clean", as the excellent SF incan beam patterns. Of course, it has an LED option also, making it an excellent choice for a glovebox light.

Brightness is directly related to battery life of course, there's no free lunch, and the 65 lumen lamps generally get 1hr burn time from fresh CR123's. 100 lumen plus lights will last about 45 minutes on a set of batteries.

Streamlight Scorpion is another great light, bright but its beam is not Surefire flawless. It is an affordable light, but they (supposedly) go through bulbs quicker than SF lights.

I've yet to fry a lithium incan bulb, but never say never. I wouldn't factor bulb replacement cost into the equation, unless you plan to run the thing 5 hours a day.

As Surefire alternatives, the Pelican M6 and Streamlight NF2/TL2 are great lights, similar in size and weight to the SF 6P, but a smidge brighter, with resultant reduced run time.

For your intended use as EDC/ in gadget bag, the E2e-HA would be my first choice, if mind blowing brightness is not paramount. If you have to have a super high output light, consider the G2Z with the P61 HOLA, 120 lumen lamp for a lightweight, super bright 2 cell.

 

[JTC]

I've got 3 surefire lights and the only problem I've had with the bulbs is dropping the light and then the bulb being shot. I guess thats not the lights fault for being dropped but something to keep in mind if you have butter fingers.(like me )

I have seen some lights at Wal-mart that might prove to be ok for the price. One even uses cr123 batteries but I can't recall it. Pretty cheap though.

John

 

[psdrew]

Cheap isn't really that big on my list. The lights I listed are all in the sub $50 range and that is great but.. I would go more, no prob. I will look at the SF Executive Elite. I am aware that the beam quality of the SF bulb/housing assy. is superior to the SL's. I was very impressed with the faultless pattern and amazed at the 'punch' the 65 lumen lamp had. I could light up a stop sign a block away with no problems. Pretty impressive for a package that size and don't see the need for 100 lumens based on that. Battery life is also a non-issue as I have stocked up and have plenty of 123's. The 1 hour runtime is OK by me but less than that and I may have to think about it.

Assuming you don't drop the SF, I'm wondering just how long the bulbs would last? 20hrs?... more? If so, I could easily rationalize that. I tend to use them so that would probably mean a bulb or two a year. I suppose I could spend a few days ruminating over at the CPF but I thought I would ask here seeing as there are a lot of 'gadget freaks'. Thanks for the input so far and I'll check out the Executive and Pelican...

 

[BlindedByTheLite]

here are some reviews of small incandescent/CR123 lights by Quickbeam and here is his throw vs. output chart.

that might help get you off to a good start.

and here are a few compact, yet bright luxeon/CR123 lithium lights that i'll list for you, all reviewed by Quickbeam -
the Inova XO - very good output, and one of the toughest constructed lights available, plus 4 hours of regulated light
the LED Xtreme Predator - a light that seemingly came out of nowhere, and demands respect, haha, waterproof, tough, 2-3 hours of regulated light
the Pelican M6 LED - you get a very nice beam with their time-proven reflectors, plus around 20 hours of light (not regulated tho, so a few hours of bright light b4 it starts to dim)
the Surefire L4 - doesn't seem as bright as the other lights, but really, it has a beautiful, widespread beam, that puts out more overall light than a number of incandescent/CR123 lithium lights (just check the chart i linked you to earlier in my reply), not to mention it's super-tough, and has 1 solid hour of regulated light b4 it starts dimming

now be sure to check Quickbeam's reviews. he's great @ organizing information on his website, and he goes into much more depth than i have

Edit:
forgot to mention, you could buy a Surefire E2E, and then buy the Surefire L4 replacement head separately. you would then own an E2E and an L4, and save $30-40 that you would've paid if you bought an E2E and an L4 separately. ($250 vs. $220)

 

[glockman99]

Streamlight Twin task. Either 1 or 2 cells. Both are terrific lights and very affordable...

Yup...I have a Streamlight Twin Task 2L, and it's an EXCELLENT little light that'll cost 1/2-1/3 the price of a Surefire 6P, with ALOT better run-time on the same pair of 123 lithium batteries.

 

[psdrew]

Wow, the list is growing fast. Better having too many choices than not enough. I'm liking the SF Executive E2E for it's size and 'cool' factor. The SL TTL2 is very reasonable cost and offers good battery life and flexibility (LEDs) sacrificing just a little in size and brightness. The SF C2 is another player but uses the same P60/P61 as the G2 at a much higher cost. The Pelican M6 LED is in there but probably not my first choice. Same for the SF L4. I've yet to own a Luxeon LED light. I'm sure it's bound to come at some point. At this point I'm looking for max. brightness, min. size and reasonable battery life. Thanks for the great suggestions. Keep'em coming...

 

[xsrdx]

The SF C2 is another player

If I had to pick just one 2 cell incan, it would be the SF C2 or M2, for their ruggedness and flexibility. The M2 is wicked tough, shock isolated, and very high on the cool list. C2 is pretty much as good, a little smaller and not shock isolated. Both are pricey, and IMO too large for EDC unless you're carrying one alongside a .45.

For a glovebox light, the TT2L is hard to beat -it does give up some brightness though.

For EDC though, I appreciate the E2e's lockout tail cap and tailcap switch.

If you want an incan, any LED will leave you slightly disappointed, although the 5W luxeon lights do cast a great wall of bright, white light thats actually more useful than incan for many applications. The 1w luxeon lights run forever on a set of batteries, and are bright enough for probably 80% of what you need a flashlight for.

IMO, the 1w luxeon is a better utility solution that any alkaline incandescent, and MagLite better figure that out soon.

If you want throw, you can't beat a lithium incandescent beam, at least not yet.

 

[xsrdx]

assuming you don't drop the SF, I'm wondering just how long the bulbs would last?

This note is from another thread, Here posted by one of the CPF moderators, Size15s:

The ballpark lifespan for SureFire lamps is roughly 25 hours. However, none of the SureFires I've not yet run for 25 hours have ever lost a lamp, and all of the SureFires I've run for over 25 hours are still going strong. For example, I've put in excess of forty sets of batteries through the A2 I have.

My experience with SF lamps is similar, I have yet to kill one through regular use.