Merkava_4
Banned
I've tried it a couple of times in the backyard; it lights the whole place up like a helicopter searchlight!
Flashlights
- Thread starter Moose-LandTran
- Start date
I've tried it a couple of times in the backyard; it lights the whole place up like a helicopter searchlight!
billymade
Well-known member
I've almost purchased at least a 6p a bunch of times but the batteries are the main thing that stops me; has anyone tried the new LED surefires or their rechargeable add on kits? I have been slobbering over these flashlights for years but never pulled the trigger. Any experiences guys? Recommendations? Am I the only one who is put off by the battery life, unique non standard type batteries and costs? Needless to say if I was a cop or a soldier with my life on the line, I wouldn't care but I'm just a normal civilian!
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cruiser808
Well-known member
So this a thumbs up?
I'm 5'10" and 142lb..
I was 147lb for like.. years. Was off sick recently and went 3 days without eating. Can't seem to put the weight back on.
! Location: London, UK. !
Of course you're having trouble; it's BRITISH food!
Come on over here for a week, we'll start you off with some Burger King Triple Whoppers with bacon and some deep-fried Twinkies for dessert. We'll have you lookin' like a Yank in no time...
Location: London, UK.
...now see, here again there's a difference. In the States most folks would grab something with brass casings of various diameters enclosed in steel barrels of varying length...
cruiser808
Well-known member
Whow - didn't see that coming. I just wanted to know Merkava's impressions on Streamline flashlights. He seems to know what he's talking about.
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
It's been a big put-off for me too. Price doesn't bother me so much, i'm happy to pay what something costs if it'll serve me well. but the 9P gets a max of 60 mins battery life, and takes 3 of the special batteries. Optional lamp kit i want lowers battery life to 20 mins.
! Location: London, UK. !
Of course you're having trouble; it's BRITISH food!
Come on over here for a week, we'll start you off with some Burger King Triple Whoppers with bacon and some deep-fried Twinkies for dessert. We'll have you lookin' like a Yank in no time...
Trust me, it aint the food. I might be skinny, but you aint never seen how much i eat. Non-stop all the time. I can go to subway and have a yard of subs in one sitting and i'll just about be full. done it many times. i regularly have two lunches. High metabolism and walking at least 5 miles a day (2.5 miles each way to work) means the weight doesn't stay.
Location: London, UK.
...now see, here again there's a difference. In the States most folks would grab something with brass casings of various diameters enclosed in steel barrels of varying length...
Seeing how most guns are illegal, and it's hard to legally get a gun here, i stick to my crowbar. I could get a gun easily, i've been offered one by a friend who has a somewhat illegal small armoury. Posession of an illegal firearm carries a minimum 7 years here.
Key word: Seems.
Just kidding, Merkava, we love you really.
G1K
Well-known member
G1K
Well-known member
You can get rechargeable cr123's. Also, batterystation.com has the non-rechargeable ones for 1.25 each. Not a horrible price.
R
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I'm gonna be the cheapie loser:
I have a Coast LED lenser that looks a lot like the Streamlight Stinger. It has 6 leds and I justr used it tonight... bright as hell for an led light. Cost effective too. You can get them at any TrueValue store (and probably LOTS of other places).
That being said, i am still not completely sold on the whole led thing. It's the quality of teh lights... just not the same as standard bulbs.
I have a Coast LED lenser that looks a lot like the Streamlight Stinger. It has 6 leds and I justr used it tonight... bright as hell for an led light. Cost effective too. You can get them at any TrueValue store (and probably LOTS of other places).
That being said, i am still not completely sold on the whole led thing. It's the quality of teh lights... just not the same as standard bulbs.
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Get yourself a Streamlight. You will see a difference.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Meh. I have other tools I need more right now. Plus, the Vette needs tires....
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
What is this "need" you speak of? I've heard of it before, but it is a concept i am not familiar with.
Senorpablo
Well-known member
I picked up a Surefire G2 LED and was amazed at how far LED's have come in a few years. I started researching, and came across the Candlepower Forums: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/
I've since ordered 5 other LED lights, and various rechargeable batteries. The Surefire is the best built, but it isn't the best value.
You can get various lights direct from China with free shipping from: http://www.dealextreme.com/
My lights arrived in less than a week. There is a very wide variety available, different battery types, sizes, etc. It's amazing to me how I can get a product all the way from China, as quick or quicker than many US companies. This was a real eye opener to me. We've all seen China's ability to produce things at a fraction of the price, and now they're also excelling at product design and customer service--at least in this product area.
This site has a cool visual comparison of various lights:http://lermite.nerim.net/beamshots/
For a good example of LED superiority, select the 3D Maglight, and the Romisen RC-G2. Now realize that the RC-G2 is a single AA battery light that sells for about $12. I have a Romisen RC-T5 as well, this is a 4x CR123 battery light which is smaller than a 3D Maglight. The T5 is insanely bright, easily brighter than the headlights on my car in a small package.
Once you use a light with current LED technology, you will never use an incandescent Maglight again, except perhaps as a club You can get and LED light that is much brighter and smaller, runs longer on two AA batteries than 3 D-cell Mag.
Here are a couple recommendations based on my experience and research:
Romisen RC-G2, 1 x AA light: $11
Romisen RC-N3, 2 x AA (or 1 x CR123) light: $17 (brighter than my $65 Surefire)
Romisen RC-T5, 4 x CR123 (or 2 x 18650 rechargables) $50 (Very bright light with 4 LED's)
Romisen RC-F4, 2 x CR123 $14 (amazing value, brighter than my $65 Surefire)
Fenix TK10, 2 x CR123 light: $80 (Surefire build quality but brighter)
Keep in mind that LED technology is moving very quickly--think computer like paces. Brightness and efficiency are improving with every batch of LEDs. If you spend $180 on a really well made light, it will likely last well past the time it's become obsolete. Some of the high end manufactures support upgrades which is nice.
I've since ordered 5 other LED lights, and various rechargeable batteries. The Surefire is the best built, but it isn't the best value.
You can get various lights direct from China with free shipping from: http://www.dealextreme.com/
My lights arrived in less than a week. There is a very wide variety available, different battery types, sizes, etc. It's amazing to me how I can get a product all the way from China, as quick or quicker than many US companies. This was a real eye opener to me. We've all seen China's ability to produce things at a fraction of the price, and now they're also excelling at product design and customer service--at least in this product area.
This site has a cool visual comparison of various lights:http://lermite.nerim.net/beamshots/
For a good example of LED superiority, select the 3D Maglight, and the Romisen RC-G2. Now realize that the RC-G2 is a single AA battery light that sells for about $12. I have a Romisen RC-T5 as well, this is a 4x CR123 battery light which is smaller than a 3D Maglight. The T5 is insanely bright, easily brighter than the headlights on my car in a small package.
Once you use a light with current LED technology, you will never use an incandescent Maglight again, except perhaps as a club
You can get and LED light that is much brighter and smaller, runs longer on two AA batteries than 3 D-cell Mag.Here are a couple recommendations based on my experience and research:
Romisen RC-G2, 1 x AA light: $11
Romisen RC-N3, 2 x AA (or 1 x CR123) light: $17 (brighter than my $65 Surefire)
Romisen RC-T5, 4 x CR123 (or 2 x 18650 rechargables) $50 (Very bright light with 4 LED's)
Romisen RC-F4, 2 x CR123 $14 (amazing value, brighter than my $65 Surefire)
Fenix TK10, 2 x CR123 light: $80 (Surefire build quality but brighter)
Keep in mind that LED technology is moving very quickly--think computer like paces. Brightness and efficiency are improving with every batch of LEDs. If you spend $180 on a really well made light, it will likely last well past the time it's become obsolete. Some of the high end manufactures support upgrades which is nice.
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Stuey
Well-known member
Actually, the ar much MUCH more efficient when you think about it. LEDs are precision devices, and when they're made well, they can perform phenomenally. Good flashlights also have circuitry to help regulate output, and sometimes more complex reflector designs.
One of the main reasons to move to LED is because the light output is somewhat consistent. With an incandescent type bulb, the brightness drops down somewhat exponentially I believe as the voltage of the batteries are drained. LED circuits can be easily modified to provide an output to a lower operating voltage. In other words, you can take the half drained batteries from a dim incandescent flashlight, slap them into an LED flashlight, and have a much more useful light.
Everyone is touting that LED lights never have to have their "bulbs" replaced and usually slap a "good for 100,000+ hours" label on the packaging. If the LED isn't a cheap Chinese knockoff, those claims are usually true.
There's also the availability of different color LEDs whereas for an incandescent bulb one would have to find tinted reflectors.
LEDs are far superior to regular flashlight bulbs, and the transformation will soon be complete. Take a look at light bulbs - very soon CFLs will have completely taken over the market.
It's going to be harder and harder to find non-LED lights, especially since the crappier ones are selling well due to naive customers that are eager to jump on the bandwagon.
Thanks for the info. I'm trying to figure out how to navigate that link. It seems pretty cool so far.
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I am sure that you are right. I still use my LEDs, but they do take some getting used to.... the lighting is just, well, different. I don't know that it is bad, per se, but it takes some getting used to.
G1K
Well-known member
I advise anyone with a compulsive tendency to collect things (like many of the tool-a-holics here) to stay as far away from candlepowerforums as you can. Please trust me on this.
I bet a lot if not most people here think $500 is a lot for a flashlight.
Don't say I didn't warn ya...
R
I bet a lot if not most people here think $500 is a lot for a flashlight.
Don't say I didn't warn ya...
R
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Merkava_4
Banned
The incandescent Stinger throws the light out a long ways in the form of a tight, extremely bright beam; you can light up a power pole like daylight with it. LED lights can be bright in a broad area, but for distance, you can't beat an incandescent.
The trade off? The incandescent Stinger has a short run time of only 30 minutes with a recharge time of 8 hours. For long distance lighting at a limited run time, the incandescent Stinger really shines.
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
As far as i know, and can work out, Incandescents only have that advantage for a limited time.
You see, an incandescent bulb shines light out 360 degrees from the filament. And LED puts out light something like 180 degrees around the diode, so the reflector doesn't actually reflect much light, most of it goes out without incident. However, in an incandescent light seeing as how it shines in all angles the reflector can concentrate a lot. This is why LEDs can cover a large area brightly, but not a long distance.
I'm sure that soon manufacturers will find a way to make LEDs "effective" in all angles, perhars some pointing straight out, and some aimed at the reflector.
They'll find a way.
You see, an incandescent bulb shines light out 360 degrees from the filament. And LED puts out light something like 180 degrees around the diode, so the reflector doesn't actually reflect much light, most of it goes out without incident. However, in an incandescent light seeing as how it shines in all angles the reflector can concentrate a lot. This is why LEDs can cover a large area brightly, but not a long distance.
I'm sure that soon manufacturers will find a way to make LEDs "effective" in all angles, perhars some pointing straight out, and some aimed at the reflector.
They'll find a way.
grillmasterp
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- Joined
- Oct 10, 2007
- Messages
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billymade
Well-known member
Uh, so how much $$ do you have ******* in those lights on the table there?
Stuey
Well-known member
It's also worth mentioning that most of an incandescent's energy usage is waste. A filament must get really hot before it emits any photos. As such, it wastes energy via heat. An LED is fundamentally different and uses energy much more efficiency. They also run cooler (typically) and don't undergo the same thermal shock as an incandescent bulb. That lends quite a bit to their durability.
Maglite's 2AA and 3AA LED flashlights have very deep reflectors. That's their way of concentrating the light beam as much as possible. Less powerful LEDs have epoxy lenses which can be adjusted to manipulate the angular throw. The emission angle can be quite concentrated around the LED's axis, but more powerful LEDs don't have that epoxy lens/cap and so different focusing methods must be used.
As for being able to concentrate an LED's light into as tight a beam as possible, that isn't too difficult since it's done with lasers all the time. People typically need a decent amount of spill from a handheld flashlight though.
grillmasterp
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That would be liking asking a fellow GJ member how much the tools in a particular drawer of his tool box is worth.
Don't ask, don't tell.
G1K
Well-known member
grillmasterp
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OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
That would be liking asking a fellow GJ member how much the tools in a particular drawer of his tool box is worth.
Don't ask, don't tell.
I've never worried about revealing what i paid for anything, whether it was my car, my tools or any of the other stuff i have. Not ashamed of any of it.
To each their own.
grillmasterp
Well-known member
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- Oct 10, 2007
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I've never worried about revealing what i paid for anything, whether it was my car, my tools or any of the other stuff i have. Not ashamed of any of it.
To each their own.
There is no shame ..hence the
If I were ashamed, I clearly would not have posted a pic on a public forum
(G1K already mentioned pricing in his thread)
Its actually quite the opposite, I've got a knack for finding good deals and am proud of finding great prices.
Most of the lights were purchased as models became discontinued & discounted
If you want to know, the lights ranged from $100-165.
OP
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Well, that's something new.
(i looked up the pic)
(i looked up the pic)
kartracer55
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- Jun 21, 2005
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- 5,317
a nice boiled steak isn't so easy.
Nice and boiled steak? kinda like an oxymoron isnt it? hahahaha
I dont kno maybe im cheap and oldschool but I like mag lights because they are cheap and literally last forever. Im thinking about putting an LED conversion into my 3d maglight. What I really like about the big mag lights is in the event of a break in or something, it would definitely leave a mark lol
I got a 9 led light from home depot... 3 for $5 or something like that, and maybe its because they are cheap, but they dont always work all the time. I need to hit or shake them... its like a bad LED board or whatever but when the work man they put out some light!!
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
Streamlight Stinger!!!
x3 for the streamlight stinger, I'm also an aviation mechanic and love it.
I know where the door to my room is, and the scattergun will cover the whole thing as long as I aim within a few feet of the center.
If you use a light, he still has a direction to aim for, blind or not.My stingers go for at least 1.5 hours each.
wrenchin80
New member
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- May 26, 2008
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I have to put my vote down for the Streamlight Stiner as well. I bought my first one 5 or 6 years ago and loved it from the word GO! The only reason I had to replace that one is that was run over (oops) by an 8500lb Bobcat. That hurts the wallet a little. But both the old one and the new one have survived countless drops off the toolbox and off the sides of machines, not to mention being dropped in belly pans full of oil, and have never blown a bulb. Just put a new lens in every 2-3 years and it shines like day one.