Let’s talk flashlights.

[WhiffySpark]

My surefire crapped out. Stream light crapped out. I may fix them but would like a new light. No I’m not interested in hearing about how great your free harbor freight lights are.

What do you guys have? What do you use to investigate weird noises in your yard in the middle of the night?

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Open back door. Unleash the hounds!

 

[rlitman]

Surefire has a lifetime warranty. Is it that you just don't want to buy a new bulb or batteries? I've started using rechargeable lithiums in mine, and I can't think of a better light to investigate weird noises.

I use a LedLenser SEO7R headlamp for after-dark yard work, and I've got a bunch of Nebo Larry COB lights. Just got a Nebo Leo yesterday, and am very impressed with it.

 

[Ign]

I’ve found people are as passionate and picky about flashlights as knives — or in my case, measuring tapes.

Several members swear the M12 flashlight is a pile of ****, under-spec’d or overpriced (the latter is harder to argue) but I LOVE the M12 flashlight. 2355-20 I believe.

I keep one in each of my 3 trucks and one at the front door.

I am, however, not a flashlight aficionado. I just want a nice bright light on a rechargeable, removeable battery platform.

 

[scubadoober]

Open back door. Unleash the hounds!

Yep, I just send out the Jack Russell. She is firey enough to scare anything off smaller than a bear. 100w floodlights are better than any flashlight, but the PETZL headlamp is my light of choice.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Surefire has a lifetime warranty. Is it that you just don't want to buy a new bulb or batteries? I've started using rechargeable lithiums in mine, and I can't think of a better light to investigate weird noises.

I use a LedLenser SEO7R headlamp for after-dark yard work, and I've got a bunch of Nebo Larry COB lights. Just got a Nebo Leo yesterday, and am very impressed with it.

It says 90 days on the site.

 

[rlitman]

It says 90 days on the site.

That's for their EarPro stuff. Batteries and chargers are two years. For everything else:

SureFire warrants that if you—our customer—purchase one of our products, and we determine that it is defective in material and/or workmanship during your lifetime, we will repair or replace it—no hassle!

I've added the emphasis. Every time I've broken a pocket clip or tailcap, I've called, given them some information, and gotten something in the mail shortly afterwards.

 

[Trey T]

I got Streamlight Strion LED and it has been working well. Which streamlight do you have?

 

[mmason7764]

Surfire Fury for me,

Use LiFePO CR123 size batteries.

It has met or exceeded all my expectations.

Mag light now has a LED mini-mag that's bright enough for close work. 2 x AA. Keep one in truck.

Mark

 

[KM223]

For me Surefire is the only flashlight I use. Doesn’t matter weather it’s working around the house, on the vehicles, camping or lights on my weapons. You will not find a better light. Period. If you’re having a problem with your Surefire all you need to do is send it in and they will make it right.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I got Streamlight Strion LED and it has been working well. Which streamlight do you have?

The bigger version of that. Ds? I think it needs batteries about to order some

 

[WhiffySpark]

That's for their EarPro stuff. Batteries and chargers are two years. For everything else:

SureFire warrants that if you—our customer—purchase one of our products, and we determine that it is defective in material and/or workmanship during your lifetime, we will repair or replace it—no hassle!

I've added the emphasis. Every time I've broken a pocket clip or tailcap, I've called, given them some information, and gotten something in the mail shortly afterwards.

Thank you. I’m going to look into that tonight. I love that flashlight

 

[4 Ever-Fish N]

I really like my Streamlight. The rechargeable batteries my be getting a bit weak but they are several years old.

 

[michaelwolson]

Here's my favorite for the past 6 years. Never lose it because it's always in my front pocket. So useful I don't know why everyone doesn't carry one.

 

[Fedwrench]

I really like my coast rechargeable HP3R. It's small, bright, lightweight, and very durable. Runtime is great too.

 

[dogdog]

I have the LED version of the 3 cell maglites

I have that surefire thing that used CR123A batteries...about 10 years ago PITA to get replacements, not to mention expensive.

Had those Ebay ones that uses rechargeable 18650s for a few years

Now my fav is the Duracell ones sold at Costco... I had 4 of the 800LM ones that were really bright if you are out in the woods. Performed ok if it is in a well-lighted street... still better than the previous LED flashlights I own (mentioned above)

Last week I just got the Duracell 1000LM ones still in the box but looks promising.

****one thing I found out is that the Duracell flashlights is not "waterproof". it is "water resistance", medium rain ok, heavy soaking rain you better take out that battery after use and let it air out ( in my case I washed the flashlight in a garden hose). It is bright though really bright.

I think Costco has the 1000LM ones on sale this month for $14.99 till the 22 nov or something.

 

[wait4me]

My current fav is my Emisar D4 219C. Tiny pocketable light with massive (4000 lumens) output. Great user interface and only $40. Only downside is that it overheats super fast if you try to run it on turbo.

 

[drewsifer714]

Not a USA light if that matters to you, but I really like my Fenix UC35, have two.
Standard 18650 battery, but has built in charging.
I EDC one, fits a pocket well.
The PD35 is the same, but without the built in charging.

Expensive enough to expect quality, cheap enough to have a few, and not cry if it breaks in under 10 years.

I have 5 years or so of everyday carry on one.

https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-uc35-rechargeable-led-flashlight/

 

[rmsg0040]

I use fenix RC11 and fenix HL50 at work, home got a fenix LD09 and fenix HL55

Use to have a UC30

One thing I can tell you is that the lockout feature can be defeated, best IMO is to unscrew cap slightly.

I also like warm white light

 

[Mr_B]

I have an old rechargable maglite with wall and car charger cradle that gets used for yard and grounds walking at night, had the thing 20yrs+ and on its 3rd battery pack but works flawlessly and it bright with excellent range . Have couple cheap led single cell AA which load with hybrio cells for pocket or car door pocket use and they do well and amazingly bright for size .

 

[M6erfan]

I have/had lots of flashlights; Fenix, Maglite, Surefire, Olight, Streamlight, Zebralight, I've made my own with host bodies and Malkoff drop ins...

My favorite for noises in the night is the ML300LX Maglite

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00S7W3GDQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I keep Zebralight headlamps in my cars and garage to allow handsfree lighting

http://www.zebralight.com/H600Fw-Mk-II-Floody-18650-XM-L2-Headlamp-Neutral-White_p_118.html

I have 'modified' Surefires near my bed and near my safe...

I'm not a big fan of Streamlight or Olight for various reasons. I've had several Fenixs fail on me prematurely

 

[SARG]

I too have dozens of all the name brand LEDs that run on the cr123 batteries and actually prefer the Asian stuff like the Ultrafires.
BUT ... if you want a truly incredible small LED light that runs on AA batteries you should just do a search on SK68.
These small lights are very bright .. have a focus feature and are available with the multi mode feature. ... although I prefer single mode. I have literally bought dozens at a time and the last batch of three dozen was obtained for about 70¢ each.

 

[travisn1]

Cheap, on amazon prime, 18650, micro usb recharge: Lost one, bought another. Hard pressed to find a comparable replacement.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KH2JP5G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bsg1]

Surefire Millennium Series M3 Combatlight for bumps in the night.

 

[bbrins]

I carry a Surefire 6P in my pocket every day, it has been bored out to allow the use of an 18650 battery, and also has an aftermarket LED drop-in. Next to the bed, I have a Malkoff MD2. Except for a broken switch on the 6P, it has been problem free for around 5 years now, and it gets knocked around a lot. That switch was broken from falling from a second story roof onto concrete, so it wasn't a quality issue.

Sent from my SGP712 using Tapatalk

 

[fordnut85]

The one in my box is a pelican I got as a gift about 4 years ago, damn good light. My "bump in the night" flashlight is a streamlight attached to a Glock 9mm [emoji16]

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

 

[BadDriver_GoodCar]

My surefire crapped out. Stream light crapped out. I may fix them but would like a new light. No I’m not interested in hearing about how great your free harbor freight lights are.

What do you guys have? What do you use to investigate weird noises in your yard in the middle of the night?

Mag lite forever. Also makes a nice bludgeon bat.

 

[halodub]

I've got a ThruNite TN12 that I really like as a work light; it has a nice spread of modes, from .4 lumens all the way up to 1100, as well as strobe. It's nice but kind of bulky to carry every day.

My fiance has a Nitecore P05 that will probably be my next light, as it's the perfect size (imo) for carrying in your pocket, while still having a good amount of output and features.

I also have a Nitecore MT06 that I keep in my shirt pocket which is great for getting in tight places, or searching for something under a toolbox/couch/etc without having to break out the "big guns," or in this case, lights.

None of these are made in USA lights, but both companies make great quality, awesome priced products in my opinion.

 

[kythri]

I've got an LED Lenser P7 in the glove of each of my cars, and a couple between the shop and the house.

Bought my first one a few years ago, absolutely love it. Today, they can be had for less than $35 shipped via eBay.

I've also got 4D or 6D Maglites in my half-assed "emergency" bags that I try to keep in the trunks of each of my rides. Some are LED, some are Xenon.

 

[Aussie Dave]

Malkoff....made in USA by a small family company.No hassle warranty,but I highly doubt you will ever need it.

 

[Zewnten]

Another vote for Coast flashlights, great warranty and economical enough to buy several.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Malkoff....made in USA by a small family company.No hassle warranty,but I highly doubt you will ever need it.

Probably being nit picky but his lights are ugly and look cheap.

 

[mbshop]

I have penlights to an energizer single aa battery light that is rather bright. I need things that I can easily put in my mouth. At the back door I have a 500 lumen torch light that lights up the back like its daylight. Nothing is expensive and they all do the job. I gave up on expensive stuff over 20 years ago.

 

[M6erfan]

I have penlights to an energizer single aa battery light that is rather bright. I need things that I can easily put in my mouth. At the back door I have a 500 lumen torch light that lights up the back like its daylight. Nothing is expensive and they all do the job. I gave up on expensive stuff over 20 years ago.

Sounds like you need a headlamp

 

[homec]

I have a fenix pd35 tac. It is awesome. Uses a 18650 battery. 1000 lumens. Can switch between outdoor mode with 5 levels and tactical mode (which comes on at full brightness). Very well built. IPX8. Highly recommend. Not the cheapest but cheaper than Surefire.

 

[Farmall450]

I've carried a Streamlight Stylus Pro everyday for 4 years now. I have 3, lost the original, bought another, found the original, was gifted a 3rd (secret santa here, actually). Hard to beat for a pocket light.

Got my dad (A&P) one, and he loves it.

 

[CJM8515]

Another vote for Coast flashlights, great warranty and economical enough to buy several.

Same. They take standard batteries too. I like the surefires and similar lights, but they arent designed for general use. Low runtime, ultra bright-its a tactical light. Also the CR123s are $$ and **** to find.

 

[GTA Matt]

My strion led will have to be pried from my cold, dead hands when I die. I have a lot of lights, really nice lights, but my strion is with me 24/7.

 

[WhiffySpark]

Same. They take standard batteries too. I like the surefires and similar lights, but they arent designed for general use. Low runtime, ultra bright-its a tactical light. Also the CR123s are $$ and **** to find.

Amazon. Half the price of surefire direct.

I used to get them for free. Might have to ask if I still can lol

 

[KENWIL138]

I have a Coleman ct50 flashlight and it has been an excellent flashlight. Been dropped numerous times and never had an issue. Takes 6aa batteries and the battery life is excellent. Has high and low mode. Check it out I don't think you would be unhappy.