flashlights?

[BerninicaCO3]

I've got a longlist and a short list of tools I need
On the short list, needed ASAP (along with an angle driver for my drill, and a torque stick!), I need a good flashlight.
Drop lights just aren't cutting it. Too bulky, cord gets tangled, light quality isn't always right.

All my shopmates have rechargeable streamlight/strion flashlights.

They're expensive, $90+ even from online discounters, but you can't argue the convenience of placing them on back on a holster to recharge.

How is the warranty though? When you needed it serviced, could you go to any retailer, or would streamlight mail you the part?
Reason I ask, is that my shopmates ALSO say they've had to replace the switch repeatedly, as a particular weak component.

Wondering if I should just get a $20-$30 walmart flashlight and rechargeable AAA batteries to go with it.

Or maybe the switches are better now, than say 2 years ago when my shopmates got theirs?

 

[BerninicaCO3]

My shopmates btw bought theirs from the toolman, for more than full retail (like $250), so he takes care of them. I can't stomach paying 2.5x the price just for a new switch every year, though

 

[reptilezs]

cruise candle power forums. streamlight backs their products well. im a surefire kind of guy but the import lights like fenix or 4sevens is a pretty good value

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Fenix makes very good lights, especially for what they cost.

 

[Slip_Kid]

Fenix make a great light, not USA but a darn nice product.

http://www.fenixlight.com/newping.asp

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Inova is about the best bang for the buck. I own Surefire, Streamlight, Maglite, etc and I think Inova is overall the best. That goes for the warranty as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Inova-X03MT-WB-Lithium-Flashlight-5-8-Watt/dp/B0006HKO7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313462167&sr=8-1

 

[Davefr]

Buy a Fenix TK41:

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=141

Now get a few of these:

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

 

[Joe S.]

I am getting tired of replacing my $7 led lights and going thru 3AAA batteries about every other day. I was at a local police/fire supplier and looked at a nice rechargeable - I am wondering now if it was a Strion? It was about $120 - think I am going to stop and take another look. I would really like something that I can charge in the car, and is small and compact...

Also - had anyone had any luck with the small tripod lights with magnetic feet?

Joe S.

 

[Kirbot]

You can't go wrong with anything from Fenix
lithium or aa batteries, it's up to you.

I've also had great luck with the dirt cheap lights from dealextreme.
I have this one and love it.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/sipik-...en-white-led-flashlight-with-strap-1-aa-50170

 

[Toolbag]

Streamlight is great I have the stinger led the switch is a weak point ive sent mine in 3 times in 2 years you contact them they send a box to your house and that's it they even replaced my lens for free great customer service

 

[mdbeck1]

...
All my shopmates have rechargeable streamlight/strion flashlights.

They're expensive, $90+ even from online discounters, but you can't argue the convenience of placing them on back on a holster to recharge.

How is the warranty though? When you needed it serviced, could you go to any retailer, or would streamlight mail you the part?
Reason I ask, is that my shopmates ALSO say they've had to replace the switch repeatedly, as a particular weak component.
...

The family has four. Two streamlight stingers and two polystingers. The warranty service I have experienced is very good. I wore out the switch in mine and called streamlight. They told me about a local vendor that had drop off service. I went by at lunch one day and the repair guy was out so I left my stinger (read as my left hand). They called me the next morning saying that it had been fixed. Picked it up and it works great. AND THERE WAS NO CHARGE.

I would highly suggest getting the "piggyback" charger. It charges your stinger AND an extra battery. If you leave the flashlight on it will run about an hour before it needs to be recharged.

 

[Javadave]

I can contribute here

Fenix E21 for less than $40 is a great value. I have bought those for my brothers and dad. Buying this one could get you addicted to QUALITY flashlights.

I personally have the Quark AA2. Fenix LD20 is a great one as well.

All of those use AA batteries...and I like to go rechargeable.

Pick up some Eneloop AA batteries and a La Crosse Technology BC-700 charger and you'll be good to go.

 

[kartracer55]

I am a huge fan of maglite. Are there better flashlights? Probably. But maglite is an awesome product, made in the USA, with an outstanding track record at a very very reasonable price. They are also tough as hell, nothing gimicky about them. Very utilitarian.

I own a bunch of them, and will keep buying them indefinitely. The rechargeable D cell can be had for around $90 if you want to go that route, but if you are looking for a smaller AA size flashlight, you can pick up the LED maglite for under $20. A pack of Sanyo Eneloop batteries and a charger for another $15 and you are set.

 

[Kirbot]

..... you can pick up the LED maglite for under $20.

That wouldn't be a bad choice.

They aren't nearly as bright as something like a Fenix ld20 or something, but the batteries last a long time, and it's just an all-around nice flashlight.

 

[I can fix anything]

Snap on 18Volt rechargable. Stays up for days at a time on 1 charge.



Uploaded with ImageShack.us

 

[Da Bull]

Always in my pocket at work!

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=133

 

[gahrajmahal]

I got one of these tri-pod stanleys as a gift and I just love it! I have never loaded more than 3 AA batteries in one leg (it'll hold 9). The LED light color is a little funky blue but very bright. The 90degree head works great laying it in the engine compartment and directing the light where you aim it. I left it on once for two days under the car. Turned it off and came back to continue using it as normal for another month working on the car. (rewiring a car). Yes it's not as cool as a "legit" awesome flashlight, but I won't be crying if I loose it. Well, maybe cry a little.

Tried to attach a photo but having trouble doing it from iPad

 

[cdncowboy]

I've got a Fenix LD10 (R5) for my EDC; it blows my mind how much light this little thing beams out, and how long a cycle lasts out of a single battery. Highly recommended for a small pocket light.

 

[cdncowboy]

Oh, and I've got a few of those Energizer hard case flashlights in different sizes, they are also quiet impressive, they throw out a decent beam, and take a hell of a beating. I like 'em.

 

[35mm]

I am hooked on Fenix lights. Your mind will be blown when you see the difference between a modern LED light and the old standards (Maglites, etc.). I have been carrying a PD20 with me for a few years. For something that is only 4 or so inches long it has significantly more output than a D cell Mag.

I recently purchased a TK35, 820 lumens from a flashlight that is just bigger than the palm of my hand is crazy.

For Comparison:
3 D cell Maglite 45 lumens
Fenix PD20 180 lumens
Fenix TK35 820 Lumens

 

[rodm1]

Fenix make a great light, not USA but a darn nice product.

http://www.fenixlight.com/newping.asp

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=2628

http://www.4sevens.com/popup_image.php?pID=2628&image=0

 

[kartracer55]

I got one of these tri-pod stanleys as a gift and I just love it! I have never loaded more than 3 AA batteries in one leg (it'll hold 9). The LED light color is a little funky blue but very bright. The 90degree head works great laying it in the engine compartment and directing the light where you aim it. I left it on once for two days under the car. Turned it off and came back to continue using it as normal for another month working on the car. (rewiring a car). Yes it's not as cool as a "legit" awesome flashlight, but I won't be crying if I loose it. Well, maybe cry a little.

Tried to attach a photo but having trouble doing it from iPad

I received one as well, and to be honest, I definitely would not have bought this on my own. That being said, I think this thing is freakin awesome! It does not strike me as being the most durable thing in the world, but it is fantastic for stuff around the house, especially where a typical halogen work light (the painters light style) would be way overkill. Under the sink comes to mind first and foremost.

 

[Davo3]

Four months on my key ring killed my Fenix somehow. I'm now considering one of those CR123 flashlights as a replacement, as my buddy has had one on his for years, still working fine. I'll post the make/model tomorrow.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Four months on my key ring killed my Fenix somehow. I'm now considering one of those CR123 flashlights as a replacement, as my buddy has had one on his for years, still working fine. I'll post the make/model tomorrow.

I had a key-ring Fenix that didn't last long, but my TK10 and TK40 are both going solid with no problems.

I've had three other key-ring flashlights too, and none of them lived too long. Rough environment, I guess.

 

[blue dog]

streamlight microstream for a pocket light, has a clip, tail click for one hand operation and runs on 1 AAA battery available anywhere. I have had one for 3 years with out issue. Great little light.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you are on a budget, Streamlight ProPolymer 4 AA LED

You can find then for less than $30 on eBay. Batteries last forever and they are pretty indestructible for being plastic.

Need more light ? Check out the ProPolymer 3C Lux

 

[Davo3]

Four months on my key ring killed my Fenix somehow. I'm now considering one of those CR123 flashlights as a replacement, as my buddy has had one on his for years, still working fine. I'll post the make/model tomorrow.

My buddy has the Fenix P1. It has been serving well on his key chain for years. He did have to drill a new hole for the ring this year, as the other wore through. This model takes the CR123 battery, versus the AAA that mine took.

 

[dan1120]

A good light is crucial. I consider my flashlight to be one of my most valuable tools. I used to have the streamlight stinger until I lost it. Now I have the stinger led version. I also bought a ;iggyback charger for it. The charger can hold an extra battery. If im working and the battery dies I just swap for the one on the charger. You can get one with the charger for about $125 online.

 

[tricker]

http://www.lighthound.com/iTP-A3-R5-LED-Flashlight-Black-Finish_p_3898.html


bright enough for pretty much anything


I have plenty of fenix, surefire and others and this is one of the best deals out there

 

[Rickenbackerman]

I've been rooting around the candlepowerforums site a bit myself, lately.

Been a maglite fan for years, they're just not that bright... so I hotrodded a few of them. My two 2D mags have 140 lumen LED upgrades, and my old 3D (that I've had for 20 years), got the ROP (roar of the pelican) mod - 12 AA batteries in a custom series/parallel holder, aluminum reflector and glass lens (because of the heat). Basically four bulb choices - 290, 550, 600, and the mac daddy, 1136 lumens. With the highest power bulb in there, the thing lights up EVERYTHING. It's awesome!

 

[PrecisionTools]

Have had a good run with Jetbeam

http://www.jet-beam.com

And an on-line retailer with most of the good brands mentioned here...

http://www.lightjunction.com/

 

[lilredex]

What am I missing here? Our local hardware store regularly has these for $1 ea. including batteries. They are my go to pocket version for many uses including bike lights. PAL have larger versions with a few more LED's, but I find them too large for a carry around light.

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/i...325595?Ns=P_Price_13469&Ntt=flashlights&Num=0

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

What am I missing here? Our local hardware store regularly has these for $1 ea. including batteries. They are my go to pocket version for many uses including bike lights. PAL have larger versions with a few more LED's, but I find them too large for a carry around light.

http://www.homehardware.ca/en/rec/i...325595?Ns=P_Price_13469&Ntt=flashlights&Num=0

They're not bad for garage/toolbox disposables, but Fenix, Surefire, and the like are built for much tougher environments, brighter, etc.

I've been meaning to pick up a couple of the cheapie LED deals for the garage since I don't like getting oil, grease, and other assorted gunk on my good flashlights.

 

[j.c.whitney]

Candlepower forums is the place to check before any flashlight purchase. Cree emitter technology is such that what is sold in the big box stores or off the truck is likely 1-2 generations old by the time it reaches market.

 

[chewy7]

Candlepower forums is the place to check before any flashlight purchase. Cree emitter technology is such that what is sold in the big box stores or off the truck is likely 1-2 generations old by the time it reaches market.

+ 1 that where i learned about the better flashlights and got my addiction for those lol

 

[The Dutchman]

I remember using incandescent bulbs in miniature flashlights, then krypton bulbs, zenon, & now, LED's. To me, anything beyond LED's are overkill. I'm not talking about, for example, the illumination needed for night time highway construction! Working on cars in a shop, even at night, there's always ambient light in the form of overhead lighting. I recently got a Black & Decker cheap 2 AA LED flashlight that's more than adequate for, like, when you pull a wheel off & you want to quick eyeball the brake linings. Problem is, it's nice to be able to use these mini flashlights one handed, since your other hand may be occupied holding some kind of assembly together. You may only have one hand free to use the light, IOW. The holster you get with many mini flashlights makes this impossible. They're like "Chinese handcuffs". As you draw the light out of the holster, the holster may just ride up with the light, **** to one side, & you can't remove the light from the holster. A similarly frustrating scenario exists when attempting to re-install the light into the holster.

So I got at Lowe's the oh-so nifty Nite-ize Stretch-lite Holster, Item # 97124. $9.88. This holster has a sturdy plastic connector, or bracket, that securely clamps around your belt, & that can be put on the belt even when your belt's already on--without removing the belt! The connector is attached to the holster itself, which is like stiff canvas but with nylon strapping that, once you push the light into the holster, holds the light secure so it will never fall out. The beauty of the whole thing is that when installing or removing flashlight from holster, the connector is securely fastened to your belt, such that the holster "stays put". So you can easily use the light one-handed.

Then I got the BlackJack (Matco Branded) cordless LED work light, but was disappointed. The huge bank of LED's aren't as bright as I would like & act more like a spotlight, as opposed to a flood. I inspect undercarriages of cars & need maybe a 2 foot bright spot. The Matco guy had a really nice LED work light--MXL30B that cost near twice as much as the BlackJack, so I got the BlackJack, although it just said "Matco" on it. Then online I found the EZ RED EZRXL3000 cordless LED work light--identical to the Matco MXL30B, & at near 1/2 the price. Very bright, with a real flood pattern, compact, so you can get in under the dash & stuff, 5 continuous hours or so per charge, & the hook is flexible plastic that will hang just about anywhere. You can replace the hook & the lens separately. With these 2 lights, a 2 D cell mag light converted to LED, & a long skinny flexible cable type light with LED, I'm SET!

Just my 2 cents. Sory for long post. KS.

 

[MattT]

Streamlight ain't close to the quality of Surefire or Fenix.