For part of my job I'm over a private over the road truck fleet including maintenance. We are currently going through Maglight flashlights at a pretty good clip. I'm interested in providing a bright and durable flashlight to my techs. I don't mind spending for one that will last and provide enough lumens for what they need. What has been your experience for one that can take a beating and hold up. I would prefer rechargeable.
Flashlights
- Thread starter mkholmes3
- Start date
skeletonizer
Well-known member
I use a Coast HP7R. Brighter than any mag light I ever used. Freakishly long battery life. Comes with two rechargeable packs and a pack you can load with AAA's. The batteries can be charged with a micro USB phone charger by themselves or in the light. Indicator led on the batteries says when they are charged.
Been using it for 8 months or so. No issues. Been dropped onto concrete several times. Paid $85 if I recall correctly.
Been using it for 8 months or so. No issues. Been dropped onto concrete several times. Paid $85 if I recall correctly.
n8n
Well-known member
Surefire, Streamlight, Elzetta, Malkoff are all worth looking into.
Most of the above will run on Li-Ions so you may need to invest in new cells and chargers, but the increased energy density is worth it. If these are going to be used by users unfamiliar with safe handling of Li-Ion cells I would read up on them and provide a brief familiarization, also only use "protected" cells and stick with single cell lights (not ones that use multiple RCR123s) unfortunately most Streamlight and Surefire are not intended to use rechargeable cells but 2x CR123A so won't fit/run on a single 18650, although in some cases a 17670 (harder to find, lower capacity) will work.
Most of the above will run on Li-Ions so you may need to invest in new cells and chargers, but the increased energy density is worth it. If these are going to be used by users unfamiliar with safe handling of Li-Ion cells I would read up on them and provide a brief familiarization, also only use "protected" cells and stick with single cell lights (not ones that use multiple RCR123s) unfortunately most Streamlight and Surefire are not intended to use rechargeable cells but 2x CR123A so won't fit/run on a single 18650, although in some cases a 17670 (harder to find, lower capacity) will work.
nti06
Well-known member
Streamlight makes some great rechargable lights. You can even mount a charger in a truck so it has a permanent spot on the vehicle.
bushmechanic
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 17, 2014
- Messages
- 4,820
Mag has always been rubbish.
Oh, I know there are about a thousand people here who's dander just got right up after reading that, but it's the truth.
The optics are terrible, and that's what matters in a light. An oil lamp with a mirror behind it has a better pattern.
I say to you, the best way to highlight a circle of darkness in a room is to fire up a Mag. Terrible. They are an abomination with some nice looking industrial design.
If they didn't look good hanging off of bat belts, they'd have died off years ago.
To make matters worse, they've thinned out the aluminum used in the assembly over time, and it seems the interior plastic has become a bit worse, as well.
That said, you can make these things worth a damn. One thing you've got is a big fat tube full of D cells. It may be time to ditch them entirely, but so long as those batteries are still around, here's how to easily use them:
1: Buy an incandescent Mag.
2: Call Malkoff and grab a proper LED solution for it.
3: Buy a textured aluminum reflector.
4: Choose a lens that's worth a damn.
Put it all together, and you've got a pretty nice (if not as durable as other options) LED flashlight with a pile of D cells to drain, at a pretty darn reasonable price.
I've got one just like that on a bracket in one of my vehicles.
You can also pick up something from Surefire. I've got a lot of their stuff. It's bright, but not notably long-lasting, and that extra light can be a drawback for things like vehicle service, where it can be blinding.
C. Crane is another notable manufacturer. They are all U.S.A. and were first to market with the LED Treklight many years ago. I ought to know. I bought the first one.
Those aren't very bright, but they last forever, and are quite durable. I finally broke one after over a decade being dragged all over the world.
Oh, I know there are about a thousand people here who's dander just got right up after reading that, but it's the truth.
The optics are terrible, and that's what matters in a light. An oil lamp with a mirror behind it has a better pattern.
I say to you, the best way to highlight a circle of darkness in a room is to fire up a Mag. Terrible. They are an abomination with some nice looking industrial design.
If they didn't look good hanging off of bat belts, they'd have died off years ago.
To make matters worse, they've thinned out the aluminum used in the assembly over time, and it seems the interior plastic has become a bit worse, as well.
That said, you can make these things worth a damn. One thing you've got is a big fat tube full of D cells. It may be time to ditch them entirely, but so long as those batteries are still around, here's how to easily use them:
1: Buy an incandescent Mag.
2: Call Malkoff and grab a proper LED solution for it.
3: Buy a textured aluminum reflector.
4: Choose a lens that's worth a damn.
Put it all together, and you've got a pretty nice (if not as durable as other options) LED flashlight with a pile of D cells to drain, at a pretty darn reasonable price.
I've got one just like that on a bracket in one of my vehicles.
You can also pick up something from Surefire. I've got a lot of their stuff. It's bright, but not notably long-lasting, and that extra light can be a drawback for things like vehicle service, where it can be blinding.
C. Crane is another notable manufacturer. They are all U.S.A. and were first to market with the LED Treklight many years ago. I ought to know. I bought the first one.
Those aren't very bright, but they last forever, and are quite durable. I finally broke one after over a decade being dragged all over the world.
Tronyadorable
Banned
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2014
- Messages
- 1,170
I have 7-8 high end lights. My Inova XO3 is on my belt. It was my first "real" flashlight and still my favorite. 100 % quality. Not the brightest. Not the longest battery life. Just solid.
Overall cost? I used to have a Surefire incandescent that took two CR 123As, finally quit using it when I ran out of bulbs/reflector units and went to a Browning $30 LED that used ONE AA battery. Lasted a year until I really smacked it on concrete. Now I'm using $10 LED Lenser M5 that is just as bright and uses one AA battery that I paid about $10 for. My question is, is it better to buy a case of cheaper LED flashlights and AA batteries or go for the big buck units? Only you can decide that, of course.
Lippyp
Well-known member
I have an LED Lenser P3 and its way brighter than any of the incandescent maglites I've owned, I've also got the little single AA (P7?) one they do and even that is brighter then the three D cell maglite I had.
After the volunteer dept bought me one, I liked it so much, I bought one for myself.
Streamlight Survivor series.
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=88
I think 3 other guys have bought them after seeing mine.
Streamlight Survivor series.
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=88
I think 3 other guys have bought them after seeing mine.
n8n
Well-known member
Just as an aside, I am not a big fan of "rechargeable" lights, I would rather buy a light that is capable of accepting rechargeable cells in standard formats (either NiMH AA or Li-Ion, RCR123A/16340 or 18650) because if you use rechargeable cells the light itself will still likely be usable after the cells have worn out.
streamlight makes good flashlights. they're fairly light, fit in a pocket, bright - i own a stinger with lcd/led bulb (one of those small microchip looking bulbs). came with charger, 2 batteries, interchangeable cord for either wall or 12v auto plug. they have 3 brightness settings and a strobe feature (good for roadside breakdowns if you need to get someone's attention and/or direct traffic). around here lots of mechanics/cops/towtruck ops use them. think the set was around $140.
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=152
that's the model i own, i've had it the last 7yrs and it's still going strong. use it daily. i try not to drop it, it's not indestructible but it's survived a number of falls off benches, car hoods etc. the bulb 'can' be damaged, but so far so good. the chip style bulbs take falls far better than glass ones. i like the poly version (some guys prefer the metal ones) because it's not as cold and doesn't stick to your hands in cold weather/snow.
http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=152
that's the model i own, i've had it the last 7yrs and it's still going strong. use it daily. i try not to drop it, it's not indestructible but it's survived a number of falls off benches, car hoods etc. the bulb 'can' be damaged, but so far so good. the chip style bulbs take falls far better than glass ones. i like the poly version (some guys prefer the metal ones) because it's not as cold and doesn't stick to your hands in cold weather/snow.
jives
Well-known member
Since I end up losing flashlights like ball point pens, it is mostly cheap ones (the kids
get hold of them. . .). Maglights way over-rated as consensus above points out. I just
picked up a cheap LED (two AA batteries) bar-shaped flashlight with two modes (spot
and wide), and it is the best light I've owned. Plus, it can be set up in different
configurations, hung from my shirt, or affixed via a built in magnet. Other than a crummy
on-off switch, it is perfect. Incredibly bright.
Brightness, adaptability (hands free use?) are key.
get hold of them. . .). Maglights way over-rated as consensus above points out. I just
picked up a cheap LED (two AA batteries) bar-shaped flashlight with two modes (spot
and wide), and it is the best light I've owned. Plus, it can be set up in different
configurations, hung from my shirt, or affixed via a built in magnet. Other than a crummy
on-off switch, it is perfect. Incredibly bright.
Brightness, adaptability (hands free use?) are key.
Go to Fenix.com. They have an incredible selection of high end lights at reasonable prices. I think I must have 8-10 of them. I always have 1 in my pocket. They are all LED and powered by many different batteries and some are rechargable.
n8n
Well-known member
The only thing I don't like about Fenix for EDC is that they tend not to have a really low mode. Sometimes you only need a little light, not a lot of light.
If this is for work use only however, this isn't so much of a problem.
They are great lights, but I don't know that I would put them in the same category as Surefire etc. for ruggedness. Not that they aren't rugged but still - if the guy's coworkers are killing Mags, I wonder if a Fenix would hold up any longer.
If this is for work use only however, this isn't so much of a problem.
They are great lights, but I don't know that I would put them in the same category as Surefire etc. for ruggedness. Not that they aren't rugged but still - if the guy's coworkers are killing Mags, I wonder if a Fenix would hold up any longer.
n8n
Well-known member
Mine (Fenix) all have low mode...
So do mine, but e.g. I was visiting a friend in the hospital and she was taking a nap in a dark room. Trying to use my E11 even on low mode to read a book lit up the whole damn room. A real low mode e.g. one lumen or less would have been real handy in that situation. Should have a Sunwayman V11R waiting for me when I get home today
coljar
Well-known member
This is the LED I really like here at work. It has an additional side light, but with a separate switch. It's intrinsically safe,tough as nails and is very bright.
Last edited:
joel63
Well-known member
I've heard good things about Streamlight, but I haven't had a chance to get one.
Currently I've been very satisfied with the Snap On CTL761.
I really like the 90° position.
http://store.snapon.com/Flashlights-CTL761-P742117.aspx
Currently I've been very satisfied with the Snap On CTL761.
I really like the 90° position.
http://store.snapon.com/Flashlights-CTL761-P742117.aspx
Wylaco
Well-known member
So glad to read this. I just bought 10 of these at a buying conference last weekend in KC. I got them for Cyber Monday/ Black Friday deals this year. The light itself seemed pretty bombproof, that is what sold me on it.
rlitman
Well-known member
I sort of agree with you there.
I have a LED Lenser SEO7R. It is rechargeable, but if you take the battery pack out, it takes four AAA batteries instead. The rechargeable Li-ion pack charges using a standard micro-USB connector charger (who doesn't own a bunch of these). It will also work with the AAA NiMH batteries I have.
The comment near the top of this thread regarding Mag Lites sucking makes a good point, but with the way that LED lamps work nowadays, reflector technology just doesn't cut it. A good projection lens is the only way to get a good beam.
What I really like about the 220 lumen LED Lenser I have is the wide angle beam. When worn as a headlamp and set to the widest beam, it is pretty even from edge to edge, and covers almost the entire field of view behind my glasses. So long as I don't look way off to the side or use my peripheral vision, the beam is wide enough and bright enough to comfortably illuminate everything I might look at in front of me.
My previous $120 100 lumen Energiser light was almost as bright in the center spot, but outside of that tunnel vision, it was worse than useless. The bright center spot killed your night vision, and made everything around it seem darker than with the light off.
Stevie-Ray
Well-known member
I've had my share of Maglites and Streamlights and the whole gamut of cheapies as well, but this has been by far the finest flashlight I've ever owned. Inexpensive, superbly bright, great battery life, perfect size, etc. I should actually order several more, in case they find out and jack up the price. Got mine at Meijers for 24 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00112HSE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00112HSE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20
jgschroeder99
Well-known member
Maglite XL200 is pretty nice. Runs on 3 AAA batteries. 100% adjustable brightness (instead of a couple pre-determined levels). Made in USA.
charlesgriffin
New member
Hi, you could probably use rechargable batteries, but here is what I have:
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product...01-CREE-high-power-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Black
They also offer a 5 year warranty....
http://www.conrad.com/ce/en/product...01-CREE-high-power-LED-Flashlight-Torch-Black
They also offer a 5 year warranty....
Humble Mechanic
Well-known member
I will second that. We have a couple of the Stingers. They are awesome, and they come with a spare battery.
The flashlight that I linked, if you order the package, has the charger which has cords for both AC plugs and DC (cigarette lighter) cords so it can be virtually charged anywhere. It has a rechargeable pack and a empty alkaline battery pack to put batteries in.
Toymeister
Well-known member
I have streamlight, Fenix and 4sevens. The military gave me the streamlight IMHO very nice but too pricey. Fenix and 4sevens offer a better value and more selection. Whatever you do don't buy at a mass market store (lowes and so on). There is an entire forum deticated to flashlights. Candlepower forum. Ask away on CPF, if you mention a mass marketer brand it is the equivelant of saying Harbor Freight to some on this forum.
Flashlights have come a long way, rightnow I have a 2 X AAA penlight in my pocket. It is 5, 50 or 180 lumen - from a penlight the size of a fat pen.
Flashlights have come a long way, rightnow I have a 2 X AAA penlight in my pocket. It is 5, 50 or 180 lumen - from a penlight the size of a fat pen.
Last edited:
Ainsley
Well-known member
As others have mentioned, surefire makes some very nice lights. High on the durability and cost but lower on the output for their size and modes/UI.
Surefire was my first quality light and it got me started with my LED obsession.
Now I've gotten into some lower cost, higher performance lights by Jetbeam and Zebralight, check both of those brands out.
Surefire was my first quality light and it got me started with my LED obsession.
Now I've gotten into some lower cost, higher performance lights by Jetbeam and Zebralight, check both of those brands out.
lynnbilodeau
Well-known member
I bought one of these based on this rec.
Glad I did. Paid about $80 shipped. Guaranteed for life. I like that I can charge three ways (car, wall or usb port).
Very bright, but can run on dim when I don't need to do brain surgery.
Thanks for the recommendation. I have gotten so sick of lights that won't stay on, batteries that go dead, crappy light patterns. Perhaps I am unreasonable, but I really expect to buy things that actually work, and keep working.
n8n
Well-known member
Madness and crazy talk!
And my friends wonder why I obsessively-compulsively research purchases... but I'm the guy with stuff that works LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
Streamlights are good, but they can be pricey. I have the older version of the Nebo Redline. Bright enough to blind you, adjustable beam, pocket clip, magnetic base, $40.00 or less. It DOES eat up AA batteries pretty quick if you use it on the "high" setting for long periods. I can get about a months use before I notice diminished output, but I'm picky & replace batteries much sooner than most guys.
https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=83
Tommy
https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=83
Tommy
IUEC Medic
Well-known member
I have 4 fenix lights and a fenix headlamp. Most of them can use disposable CR123's, or rechargeable 18650s and the UC40 can use those, or it's own somewhat proprietary modified 18650 and has a micro USB charging port on the bottom.
Great quality lights and not too expensive.
Great quality lights and not too expensive.
coffeebean
Active member
I have a stream light rechargeable on my coat at work and a cheap Costco led on my helmet. They are both extra bright. they both have high low and flash. Have not really beat on them yet so i cant pass judgment.
i was a fan of pelicans but at the prices they charge i expect them to last. i got 4 years from my last one until it fell apart from corrosion. it did stand up to a beating though. they do have a life time warranty but I have not taken advantage of it yet.
i was a fan of pelicans but at the prices they charge i expect them to last. i got 4 years from my last one until it fell apart from corrosion. it did stand up to a beating though. they do have a life time warranty but I have not taken advantage of it yet.