Flashlights, Streamlight? Mag Light? Snap On?

[Cars&Classic]

What does anyone use for flashlights?
Any Back to back comparisons?

The older I get the more I rely on a little light to see good.

I love my little streamlight reach and Streamlight pen light!

I have Mag lights 3 & 4 d size all over one clipped to each side of the lift,every entrance to the garage, the truck, the trailer ,everywhere so the they are close when I need them. usually can get them for 20.00 a pair on sale.

thinking about a streamlight stinger. has anyone compared it to the maglight or snap on? mag light to me seams to be a great price for the way they are built, they usually end up lost or stolen before they break for me.

any other small penlights that work good? i am going to get 3-4 more penlights to strategicaly locate.

 

[zruvalcaba]

The Surefire G2 Nitrolon is hands down the best bang for your buck. If you don't want the polymer frame, step up to the Surefire 6P. I have both....the Nitrolon for my garage and the 6P for backpacking, glove box, etc. My dealer is a police supplier and has many different types of lights in his shop. The Surefire's always seem brighter than the Streamlights in head-to-head comparisons. Surefire also makes a pen light but I have not used them.

 

[koditten]

Same here. Stream lite pen light. With me always. When I have to have hands free I love the LED Lenser headlamp, made by Coast. I think the model is called the H7. This head lamp is totally adjustable from wide angle to tight beam and you can adjust the output as well. Just have to be careful around other people. Even turned all the way down you will still blind others when working in darkness.

I actully heard about this light from this site and out of curiosity I had to buy one. This light is better than the advertisement. This doesn't often happen with me.

KO

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Funny you should ask, just like this forum is for tool nuts, candle power forums is to flashlights, some very good reading on flashlights small to big, join up, just one more way to spend your hard earned $. I'm a member there too.
PS-AMAZED at how many people collect flashlights
Here is the CPF light review link: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?19-Flashlight-Reviewsf
PS-I know where you can get a surefire 6p pro 9-11 limited edition for $59.99, pm for site info.

 

[NCCheesehead]

I use a Streamlight Stinger Rechargeable daily and love it. Its the older version so no LED or Cree for me but I picked it up off eBay cheap with both house and car charger. Seems to get like 2.5 hours of use before recharge. Before this I was using a Surefire C3 that was killing me in CR123 batteries. I love the rechargeable

 

[Jackfre]

I recently picked up a Streamlight Stinger DS with car and auto charger. I can start a fire with that thing. Incredible light/brightness. I lit up the top of a tree the other night that had to be at least 100 yds away. I'd buy another in a heartbeat. I was also reading a recent post, I think it was here, on LED conversion kits for the old Maglites and guys were very pleased with the results.

 

[Baada]

The flashlight market has really seen a resurgance in the past few years. Once the LED caught on in addition to the new litium batteries an insane amount of light in a very small package has become affordable, even if the batteries aren't. I really like the ones that have multiple light output settings. I can read on the low setting or light up the entire street on the high setting.

I just got a 5.11 Tactical "Light for Life" light but I haven't had much time to use it. It doesn't take batteries; uses capacitors instead. It takes 90 seconds to fully charge and lasts 45-60 minutes on full power (200 Lumens) and much longer on the lower setting (70 Lumens). Not the longest battery life but the best part is that unlike other rechargable lights this thing will take 50,000 charges before there is a reduction in run time. The Stinger is great when you first get it but then performance starts to drop off. So I leave the 5.11 on the charger and it is always ready to go. If not, 90 seconds later it is, which is usually less time than it takes me to find new batteries.

 

[BHH]

100% Surefire best flashlights made.

 

[Octarine]

Love my stinger led but the sunlite turbo is my daily carry light. It fits in my pocket and is even brighter than the stinger! Rechargeable is the only way to go.

 

[Toolman12]

The Surefire G2 Nitrolon is hands down the best bang for your buck. If you don't want the polymer frame, step up to the Surefire 6P. I have both....the Nitrolon for my garage and the 6P for backpacking, glove box, etc. My dealer is a police supplier and has many different types of lights in his shop. The Surefire's always seem brighter than the Streamlights in head-to-head comparisons. Surefire also makes a pen light but I have not used them.

Absolutely best Flashlight i have ever owned

 

[twincam00]

Love my Maglites, got a couple 2D's and a 4D. Fenix also makes some excellent flashlights, I have a stainless LD01 for my keys. It's powered by a single AAA battery, which I love. Many of the brighter models use very expensive batteries. Nitecore also has some great lights with cool interfaces.

 

[seagravedriver]

I bought a "Blue Point" model ECFB200BL. It is made in the USA, and it has all the feelings of a quality piece by Streamlight, so I am guessing that is who made it. I paid 40 bucks for it from the Snap-On guy, and liked it so much I bought another. One even went through the washing machine without a problem. It takes 3 AAA batts, and is one of my most used items. At the Fire Dept. we use Streamlight Survivor series, all rechargeable.http://www.streamlight.com/product/class.aspx?cid=7
I have a couple of old Maglight rechargeables, but have had a fair amount of switch problems with them, but, they are fixed for free. There are a lot of good ones out there now.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a Pelican SuperSabre flashlight on my turn out gear. Sometimes even the best light is useless in the smoke. I've used mine for about 10 years and it has held up quite well.

 

[taterdog]

I keep a streamlight pen light in my pocket and a streamlight stinger in my box. Very happy with both.

 

[jshillin]

Not quite a pen light, but it's a small light that only takes 1 AA battery. I know it's coming from China, but has a Cree LED and it's almost impossible to beat for the money.

http://www.meritline.com/focus-zoom-lens-flashlight-light---p-44806.aspx

 

[rct]

Pelican has some great lights and lifetime warranty except for the bulb itself. Surefire's are also very tough, I have one from my year in Afghanistan still going strong. Look at the extra $$ for rechargeable at home since the cr123 batteries are not cheap.

 

[shoot summ]

I'm a Fenix flashlight fan, especially the PD20. Almost 200 lumens and very small, uses a single CR123. I get 4 batteries and a charger on EBAY for about $10 shipped so battery cost is mitigated.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

Surefire's are also very tough, I have one from my year in Afghanistan still going strong. Look at the extra $$ for rechargeable at home since the cr123 batteries are not cheap.

Heads up...
You can buy these Rayovacs cr123a for just over buck a piece for a dozen.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/rayovac-cr123a-12pk.html
Surefires go for about $2.50 ea for a dozen
http://www.batteryjunction.com/sf-12-123a.html

 

[rsa]

Flashlight enthusiasts' forum posts guided my decisions. There may be better choices out there since, but these didn't leave me wanting. I'm 100% satisfied with my selections:

Pelican 7060 Rechargeable and Fenix LD20.

 

[ActAppalled]

I'm a Fenix flashlight fan, especially the PD20. Almost 200 lumens and very small, uses a single CR123. I get 4 batteries and a charger on EBAY for about $10 shipped so battery cost is mitigated.

I'll second Fenix. In my opinion they can't be beat for the money. Not far from a streamlight or surefire as far as quality and function but at a fraction of the price. I'm not a fan of Mag. I feel that they are falling behind the others on technology. If I were you i would look at the AA offerings from Fenix. I have a now discontinued L1T that I use everyday at work and it's never failed me. They offer quality and convenience at a great price.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

My EDC (ever day carry) is a 4Sevens Quark 123(2) Turbo $73 @ Amazon w/450 OTF (out the front) Lumens and more modes of operation than any normal user would want.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WLD6PE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Although, ALL of these mentioned above are great lil torches, new LED technology is great!

 

[A**holes Garage]

I own several high lumern flashlights.
I love the my Surefire's, then the Steamlight's and the Fenix (value flashlights)

 

[slip knot]

I personally love my older streamlight stinger. we got the FIL a newer streamlight for Christmas and its a much smaller package but same light output. Had a strobe too, not sure what he'll use that for but the old coot does suprise me sometimes.
I have an ancient Pelican light in the truck and it aint got nothing on the streamlights. I buy Magchargers for work and they work ok but are too big and bulky for me.

 

[bobcatdan]

I use two streamlights 4 AA flashlight everyday. I love the fit in my hand, it's brightness, but they last a year if I'm lucky. It dents the batteries overtime and I think this wrecks the light over time. It has a lifetime warranty and I have replaced them five or six times. I got the flashlight for free, that said if I had to buy another light, it would be Maglight, my 2D I bought 20 years ago is still going strong.

 

[35mm]

I'm a Fenix flashlight fan, especially the PD20. Almost 200 lumens and very small, uses a single CR123. I get 4 batteries and a charger on EBAY for about $10 shipped so battery cost is mitigated.

I third Fenix. I cary a PD20 with me in my pocket. I also have a TK35, 820 lumens in a small package.

 

[mdbeck1]

SWMBFAO worked as a jailer many years ago. She introduced me to the Streamlight Stinger. I played with it for a while vs my 4 D cell Maglight. The Stinger won. It's smaller and put out quite a beam. However that beam has a shorter time than my Maglight.

I now have four of the Streamlights (two polystingers and two regular stingers) around the house. There are chargers in all the vehicles. Good light.

Oh, another note... The Streamlights come with a lifetime warranty. I recently had the switch replaced at no charge. Just call them and they will tell you where the closest repair station is at.

 

[w1im]

Pelican has some great lights and lifetime warranty except for the bulb itself. Surefire's are also very tough, I have one from my year in Afghanistan still going strong. Look at the extra $$ for rechargeable at home since the cr123 batteries are not cheap.

Join Candlepowerforums.com and then find the batterystation CR123 deal for CPF users. I put in an order this morning for 50 batteries for $60. Great deal and they have a 10 year shelf life so you don't have to worry about buying in bulk.

I like the 123s because they are compact, long life and are not affected greatly by temperature, unlike alkalines.

 

[Kevin509]

Got one of these

http://www.frontgate.com/defender-l...eisure/recreation-leisure/outdoor-gear/385253

For Christmas, it's bright as h*ll in the brightest mode, and the strobe is super bright too. It stays in my truck. It seems pretty high quality, but I can't comment on longevity, as I've only had it for a week.

For general every day use I like a good ol fashion maglight however. Had one for years, it's never not worked when I needed it.

 

[M. Blue 240]

From left to right:
LED Maglite, Streamlight DS LED HP, Fenix TK15, Surefire 6P.
134 lumens, 200 lumens, 337 lumens, 65 lumens.

Each light has features that I like, but they each have a few things I don't like.

Maglite:
The Maglite is heavy and has relatively low light output, but the batteries last forever and I'll never lose the huge thing.

Streamlight:
I love just about everything on the Streamlight. Its rechargeable, has pretty good light output and has two power buttons. Its a little bulky for working under the dash or intake manifold though.

Fenix:
Crazy bright light and vomit inducing strobe. It has several levels of light adjustment, so you don't have to blind yourself. The sucker gets HOT though! I leave it clipped in my left pocket and something pushed the button and turned it on the other day. I was complaining about the light sitting in my pocket wrong and when I grabbed it I found out why it was uncomfortable, it was almost burning me through my pocket.

Surefire:
Very well built, love the tail cap design. For the price though, the Fenix is a much better value. 65 lumens does almost nothing, might as well work by candle light. To get a Surefire anywhere near 300 lumens you're going to drop a big chunk of change.

I also have a Streamlight headlamp that I swear by. Someone gave it to me and I thought "I'll never use this thing," now I'm wearing it almost anytime I work on the car. Just enough light and its always pointed where I'm looking.

 

[E.Marquez]

Surefire G2 Nitrolon is my standard. Tool box, range bag, on my hip right now at 8 o'clock just behind my weapon. Have several others, in the cars, truck, toyhauler .
Honestly I never met a flashlight I did not like.. if I see one on sale, it’s coming home.. likely in my garage you cannot stand anyplace in it, and not have a flash light within arm’s reach. .. Mini mags, Pelican lights, Surfire, off brand, LED lights.
Have had MAG light D cell 3, 4, 5, 6 cell versions for many, many years.. They are in MAG Light storage clips in the house, trunk of car, truck, and two in the toy hauler.
BUT sadly, they are old Tech, kind of like the owner now.
So will be replaced one by one with something better.

 

[darkzero]

Funny you should ask, just like this forum is for tool nuts, candle power forums is to flashlights, some very good reading on flashlights small to big, join up, just one more way to spend your hard earned $. I'm a member there too.
PS-AMAZED at how many people collect flashlights

****! And I've been trying to kick the addiction. I've been additcted on CPF since 2003. I've been good for almost 2 years & now I see this.

I was a modder more than a collector but here's what I have left.

 

[rsanter]

for quick little stuff I use the free LED light I got from HF
I have several of them and if one disappears or I leave it with a friend or something no big

for doing work I love the dewald lights I have. I have the flashlight with the flex head so you can aim it or hang it and have the lantern one to light up an area

I have several mag lights and use those for general looking for stuff in the garage use and for taking a walk to check things out use because they make a good thumper if you need it

bob

 

[Jawn]

I love the Surefires. I've only bought one (a used weaponlight), but have fondled plenty. I'd love to have a LED Aviator.

My current pocket light is a Streamlight Stylus Pro.

 

[cajunfirehawk]

****! And I've been trying to kick the addiction. I've been additcted on CPF since 2003. I've been good for almost 2 years & now I see this.
I was a modder more than a collector but here's what I have left.

Selling any?

 

[demographic]

I tend to use a small headtorch as it leaves my hands free, its doesn't have eleventy million candlepower like some but I can see my way round a dark building with it and do my work when the site generator trips/someone pulls the plug/it runs out of fuel.
Also it fits neatly into my pocket.
I used to use one of those massive numb Maglites but then realised that
A, I live in England and I just never feel the need to carry a club to bludgeon an ox with and
B, I just didn't need that much light to find my way whilst walking the dog at night.

Oh its a Petzl Tikka Plus
Mines actually an older version of that but meh.

For the odd time when I don't have it my camera phone has a reasonable light.

 

[HIRISC]

Flashlight enthusiasts' forum posts guided my decisions. There may be better choices out there since, but these didn't leave me wanting. I'm 100% satisfied with my selections:

Pelican 7060 Rechargeable and Fenix LD20.

I agree.

I own several 7060's stashed around the house & in-vehicles. Excellent mid-size light. Tactical end-button. As mentioned, rechargeable. Storage battery life is outstanding. Durable as hell.

I also own a several Fenix TK12's. 1/2 the size of the 7060, less bright at distance (than the Pelican), but very impressive for it's size. Uses CR123's. 6-mode, including a very effective tactical strobe. I use this as my AR-15 tactical light as well as home defense (read nightstand) light next to my .45 ACP

I spent a lot of time looking for the perfect light.. if you're going to actually carry it around (vs grab it for a specific purpose), the Fenix is tough to beat.

All IMHO

 

[mikeyr]

What does anyone use for flashlights?
...snip....
any other small penlights that work good? i am going to get 3-4 more penlights to strategicaly locate.

I don't use a flashlight anymore, I use a daystick, no that is not its name but it turns night into day, the brightest thing I have ever used.

http://darksucks.com/

Unfortunately due to the price, you might not be able to afford more than one to strategically locate as you wanted to do. But I guarantee you it will the very last flashlight you ever buy unless you foolishly loan it to a friend and you don't get it back.

 

[Sage55]

I have both the Fenix LD20 and Solarforce L2P, would highly recommend either one of them. I like the fact that Solarforce offers so many different types of bodies, lamps, switches, etc. There are like the lego version of flashlights.

I've also got a Fenix HL21 on on the way to me now!

 

[AV8OR]

Just for general flashlight usage I like the Streamlight Scorpion LED because it has a thick rubber barrel I can hold in my teeth when I need a third hand.

Other then that they all have their places. My favorite for work is the Surefire U2 (be sitting down when you price it) and the one on my desk is the Nitecore Infilux IFE2 LED Flashlight.

 

[Furious D]

Well , I dont have quite the collection that Darkzero has but I probably own around 30 good flashlights.

My favorite would be My surefire 6P LED , Its tough , puts out just the right amount of light and last a long time on good batteries. I own a few streamlights and Pelicans and they are good quality lights for the money.

I carry a Streamlight 4AA LED light at work . It is waterproof and can take a beating and at $20 it doesnt hurt too much if you lose it.