Recommend a flashlight for a farmer

[Greenlawnracing]

I’m in Nebraska helping my father-in-law with harvest this week. I know basically nothing about farming, so I’m about to leave worst person for the job. Fortunately, I’m free.

Anyway, it seems like every year I’m discovering he has a critical need for a tool I can’t believe he’s never around. Generally ends up under the tree in December.

I’m shocked that it has taken me almost 10 years to realize he doesn’t own a proper flashlight. The other night the combine broke down, and we were using our phones to look at it in the middle of a field.

I need to buy this man a proper flashlight to keep in his truck, and a small one that he can use in tight places.

Hook me up with a couple recommendations, preferably ones that won’t bankrupt me.


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[bobemmerich]

I do Security as a profession and a LOT of DIY stuff, so I have a few..
Fenix is a good, all around tough light. Depending on the scenario and what you need they've got ya covered. My personal fave is the E35UE (I have the 2017 version and 2018 version)
I also have a couple of OLights. I have an S2R Baton and a Warrior Mini. I like the Mini better, due to the tailcap switch. They're almost identical in size, but the Min has more lumens.
For being out in a field on a farm, you'd probably need a headlamp, or a small light that you can put in a small space. This is an awesome rechargeable light that doesn't take up much room...Astro Pneumatic 65SL. Hope this helps.

 

[klassenl]

I have something very similar to this.

https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fenix-e20-v2-flashlight/

It takes regular AA batteries so no recharging time.

 

[Highland]

I have been pleased with Fenix. Pick one that takes AA batteries to keep it simple.

 

[paulsomlo]

Don't bother with a flashlight, get a headlamp - it's like having someone else always there to hold your flashlight. I've got a Fenix HM50R, it's USB rechargeable and easy to turn on/off with gloves. If you sign up for email at https://www.fenixlighting.com/, they'll send you a 20% off coupon.

 

[TxMN]

I live on a farm, use a spotlight 18v Ryobi more than anything, always keep a LED 3 D call flashlight in truck and RTV.

 

[65k10]

I've been using a Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA for ranch/farm use daily for several years.
https://www.brightguy.com/product/streamlight-protac-1l-1aa-88061/

It's been a fairly decent light, although the ability to use an AA battery or cr123 gives kind of mixed results. I primarily use AA batteries for convenience, but that means less brightness over CR123. I've also noticed that an alkaline AA battery doesn't perform as well in cold conditions. My father also carries this light, but has stuck with CR123 batteries and the light seems to work best if used with one.

That one caveat about performance with different batteries out of the way, I like the light. It's usually bright enough for most tasks, while not being too large. It can fit in a pocket, but I prefer carrying it in a holster on my belt since it's easier to access while wearing coveralls or in tight spaces.

The big thing I like about this light is the pocket clip design. Mainly because it allows me to clip it on the bill of my cap, which makes for an acceptable headlamp in a pinch. No matter what light you buy for him, I strongly recommend buying one that can be easily clipped to a hat bill (provided your father wears one). That has been so handy for working on equipment in the dark.

 

[sk farmer]

i have a rechargeable streamlight that is in my pickup on a charger all the time. the problem is it's goofy batteries that are hard to come by. i forget the number but about the size of 2 c cells.

honestly, if he has any cordless tools. one that works with his system would be great. i have 20 volt dewalt and have the small magnetic one, the hand held and the tall thin one that looks like a trouble light and has a hook on top. they all have a place. they also make spotlight version that i don't have.

but hey , i'm just a farmer. what do i know?

 

[tyyost]

I’m a fan of handheld flashlight, the work you’re describing doesn’t necessarily lead me to think something I will keep in the door of my truck. I bought a M18 search light and it is one of the most underrated M18 lights out there. Growing up I was always a fan of the stream light light boxes, like you see fire departments and EMS use. I have used this light to put brakes on cars in the dark, light up entire rooms in a power outage, the search feature to look for animals in the dark around my property, and tons and tons of other uses for a larger flashlight like this. In the form factor I can’t think of any other light I’d rather have in a farming situation. This is something you can toss in the truck, tractor, or hang up in the barn anything you need lit up to do some work on.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Lighting/Handheld-Lights/2354-20

 

[Wakefield]

No one likes big or small Maglites anymore? The 3 D cell LED heatsinked light or the Mag Charger with LED?
The wearable headlamp for doing work on machines at night is a good idea.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I like Fenix and Streamlight

my "good" flashlight is this: https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/ld41-fenix-flashlight/ but they make other types that I'd like if I were to upgrade (don't really need to upgrade though)

I would kind of like an 18650-powered one. Maybe I'll get a TK32 sometime.

on my keychain I use a Thrunite that's similar to this one https://thrunite.com/ti3/ $20 ish. SUPER useful indoors, and honestly not too bad outdoors either, though obviously nowhere near as bright as something like that Fenix. It is bright enough to do car work at night to a degree, but it (or at least mine) has no way to attach it to anything so it can be awkward.

Maybe a work light if for working on machines or something

 

[LeeG]

My FIL is a farmer. Home Depot occasionally has a 3 D cell, LED light with rear button. These are perfect on-equipment lights. They are bright, durable, easy to use with gloves on, don’t get accidentally switched on in the toolbox, fit easily in a toolbox, and have long runtime.

The ones I see on their site now use AA batteries, which is a step down in runtime, but still good. Personally I carry a Fenix LD30 or a Surefire E1B.

 

[M6erfan]

Don't bother with a flashlight, get a headlamp - it's like having someone else always there to hold your flashlight. I've got a Fenix HM50R, it's USB rechargeable and easy to turn on/off with gloves. If you sign up for email at https://www.fenixlighting.com/, they'll send you a 20% off coupon.

+1, this is really good advice. I use ZebraLight mostly but I have a Thrunite that is great too.

No one likes big or small Maglites anymore? The 3 D cell LED heatsinked light or the Mag Charger with LED?
The wearable headlamp for doing work on machines at night is a good idea.

I do. The newer Maglite 300 series are really good. I've had this one for nearly 5 years with no issues...

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

 

[rkevins]

Streamlight-Polytac-X-USB-Flashlight-88610-Black-Dual-Fuel-600-Lumen
I carry one of these every day, charge it about 1 time a month

 

[theoldwizard1]

Streamlight are good and not too expensive. I personally like the ProPolymer 4AA LED.

Sometimes, you can not beat a head lamp. Great when doing repairs that require 2 hands.

 

[sberry]

I have 5 flashlights that are on my tool batteries.

 

[plinker]

The Milwaukee M12 spot light is a great general purpose light I've found. Anything Streamlight is very good. Maglites may be considered outdated for the most part, but tend to be reliable IME, Battery leakage not withstanding*




*Doesnt matter what brand it seems, they all leak (except lithium). Some brands worse then others.

 

[loganb]

What we end up using first is what is available immediately, and that is the Streamlight Microstream that is in most pockets all day everyday. USB rechargeable, compact and bright enough to help see what broke

Then after its at least partially diagnosed, or you see what has to come off to get a better look you get the tools and a bigger light if needed. Hands free is nice, as are available batteries. Magnetic bases are handy, but most of the time the work requires power tools, so we have the cordless impacts and use the 18v Makita light since that's the power tool platform in use. If its tight quarters a headlight can be very handy...even if its not actually on your head. Again I prefer the ones with USB recharging as everything has a cable to recharge them

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[bbbarracuda]

wow, i'd never heard of the fenix ld30 before. $80.00 for a flashlight that will fit in my pocket? I'm really out of touch with flashlight prices.

 

[Kenstone1]

Don't bother with a flashlight, get a headlamp - it's like having someone else always there to hold your flashlight. I've got a Fenix HM50R, it's USB rechargeable and easy to turn on/off with gloves. If you sign up for email at https://www.fenixlighting.com/, they'll send you a 20% off coupon.

+1 on a rechargeable headlamp...
Wear it like a necklace, always there when you need it, just pull it up onto your head and it'll light-up where you look.

I always wear my head lamp neckless when traveling at night, gets strange looks in stores/fast food places though.

I bought this one off amazon and have used it for about 3 years:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NIOCZIK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Lots of options on amazon from $8 to over $1k:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NIOCZIK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Greenlawnracing]

Great thread!

Think it’s down to the Fenix E20 or the Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA.

Pros or cons of the two?

Fenix I believe is $32 with the 20% discount, and the Streamlight is $42 on Amazon.

Think they are both 350 lumen and can be worn on the hat unless I’m missing something.

I’m thinking about the last 48 hours. We broke down in a pitch black field and had to investigate the combine. Then we needed a light to look in this small spot the next day. I’m thinking the small lights you recommend really do need to be in your pocket most days, and a big *** Maglight needs to be under the tree so there is always adequate light in the pickup.


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[Olafur]

I was born and raised on a farm. I couldn't imagine better companion than a good Headlamp.
Petzl pixa 3 or equivalent would be my choice.
Uses two AA cells that last for days on "close work" setting. Meaning you can do close up work in pitch black darkness just as easily as in bright daylight. No waiting for recharge or such nonsense. Has decent long throw when needed.

Big knob to control, works great with gloves.
Drop it, step on it, submerge in water - doesn't matter.
My first Petzl Pixa 3 is still in use, bought 2013. It was a tad expensive when I bought it but when I think about the big pile of sub-par lights my coworkers have gone through during this time period it's virtually free. And as a bonus, all this time I have had the pleasure of fantastic light.

That's about as good as it gets.

 

[dogdog]

OP, if you have costo some where near you, they have their 2500lum flashlight that uses AA batteries on sale right now $18 comes with batteries..

Yes, I have that one , also the 1200 uses C size , and also the 1600 ( I think) uses C size. all are very bright... they have few head lamp as well that uses AA... why costco.. price is really great and performance compare to some other "tactical" lights...

https://www.costco.com/work-lights-flashlights.html

https://www.costco.com/duracell-2500l-flashlight.product.100686747.html

The 1600 one I tested can lite up the woods very bright. I haven't test the 2500L one yet since I just got it last week.

 

[Olafur]

Streamlight are good and not too expensive. I personally like the ProPolymer 4AA LED.

Sometimes, you can not beat a head lamp. Great when doing repairs that require 2 hands.

The "sad" thing is few people are ready to buy really good headlamps. I tried using few ~$15-20 headlamps and wasn't impressed. But then I got a professional one from a respectable brand based on recommendation here on Garage Journal. What a difference!

After using it for a while I would say it's extremely hard to beat a good headlamp. In most cases it's not possible.

 

[samss]

Whatever you get, also get him an LED cap. My MIL gave me one for Christmas and I've bought another just to have two.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Panther-Vision-POWERCAP-Lighted-Baseball-Hat-48-Lumen-LED-Cap-Light/3611822

Four CR2032 batteries and 48 lumens.

 

[gtcs]

I carry a Streamlight single AAA in my pocket at all times, when preparing to write this response I realized I don’t even know where all my other lights are...if you need brighter the CR123 is great, just not as easy to carry.
Other than that I use my tool flashlights (Makita at home/ DeWalt at work) for more illumination


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[Indexmill]

Originally Posted by paulsomlo View Post
Don't bother with a flashlight, get a headlamp - it's like having someone else always there to hold your flashlight. I've got a Fenix HM50R, it's USB rechargeable and easy to turn on/off with gloves. If you sign up for email at https://www.fenixlighting.com/, they'll send you a 20% off coupon.

+1 on a rechargeable headlight...
Wear it like a necklace, always there when you need it, just pull it up onto your head and it'll light-up where you look.

I always wear my head light neckless when traveling at night, gets strange looks in stores/fast food places though.

This is "the" flashlight to buy. If you want a real flashlight.

 

[IndyGarage]

I've gone almost exclusively to AA and AAA flashlights that cost between 10 and about 35 dollars. The CR123's are nice, but not that much nicer and the batteries are expensive and hard to find. They sit in the drawer unused these days.

A good two AAA LED flashlight is better than almost any flashlight from 15 years ago. I like the Streamlight stylus pro.

going up to two AA LED i have a couple of Pelican 2360's that are really nice.

I also have a couple of single AA LED's I bought at a boating store - I keep them in the car.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I've been pretty pleased with the MINI MAGLITE LED PRO. Runs about $30 at Walmart or any sporting goods store. Uses 2 AA batteries.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I don't get why anyone would get anything but a lithium ion based flashlight in 2020. The battery life and power output is phenomenal and they'll charge off the same charger you're using for pretty much everything else in your life now days.

 

[Jazz1]

I carry OLight SR11 in my pocket. It’s got excellent clip to mount on a cap, magnetic recharge cable, plugs into USB. Mine is used daily as I work steady nights

 

[jives]

The best brands are useless if you have to hold it in one hand while working with the other hand. Flashlights in the field -- e.g., in the tractor -- are there to shine light so you can work with hands free. For that reason the primary consideration is attachability and brightness. The recommendations for headlamps are good, but some may not be bright enough. The flashlight should have multiple mounting options, including magnets, stands, hooks, clips, or something else. Modifiable beam is good, more lumens the better.

 

[powertrip]

No reason to spend a small fortune. I carry something like this everyday Cheap and powerful with a magnetic tailcap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSS9XMZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As far as a more powerful one look at these 18650 powered versions.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG4B6U5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZYNX8G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Basically anything from Thrunite, Nitecore, Olight, Fenix or Streamlight in a 18650 battery version within your budget should work. The 14500 Thrunite I referenced is more of a pocket light where the 18650 lights are larger but more powerful. The Nitecore D4 charger is a excellent choice for charging. As far as battery type you need to see what the flashlight manufacturer recommends. Thorfire is a decent cheap light that lasts but it is not available that much on Amazon anymore. I have 3 of the Thorfires and they are excellent for the money. Amazon is full of decent cheap lights, just read some reviews. You can really waste a lot of time comparing flashlight features so don't over think it. Good luck.

 

[richfinn]

I like the rechargeable LED headlamps

The Streamlight Knucklehead is a tough useful outdoor handheld, had mine 10 years, strong magnet/hook
and puts light exactly where you need it

 

[Rinspeed]

I have a boatload of lights and one of my favorites is the Nitecore P12, they are a steal at $45.

 

[ace10]

Headlamp is the way to go for nearly any practical situation that involves using ones hands.

I like these for higher end.
Ptezl rechargable, using your cell phone plug.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RNMQC9Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These are cheap knock offs. Pretty good for the money.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KG5PDX9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But not available currently.


If you haven't tried using a headlamp, do it.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I say Mini or full sized Mag Lite they are great and last forever they are a little expensive but very worth it in my opinion. Also stream light is good but I prefer mag lite


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[XJSuperman]

As a one-man-show, I can vouch for the headlamp option. HERES THE PROBLEM: If he isn't used to carrying one around, or having it handy, getting him one won't do any good. I have friends who swear by them, and keep one in their EDC loadout in cargo pockets or hanging from the rearview mirror, but if its not on your person, chances are high that he'll just grab the cellphone light again. Trust me, Im that guy. I own a couple headlamps stored in open, easy-to-get-to locations, and I almost never end up using them. Headlamps are a habit that needs to be learned.

Now, Im a Maglite guy and keep them around. Love em, but don't need em very often anymore. I have moved to my magnetic rechargable LED light from SnapOn. Its fantastic. Several hours of runtime, and easy to stick/position to light up a large work area. It would turn the side of a combine at midnight into a daylight work zone. There are plenty of options besides SnapOn, but this one has a great battery, strong magnet, and is durable. Most of the others Ive played with have a weak magnet or sloppy positioning ability.

 

[Greenlawnracing]

No reason to spend a small fortune. I carry something like this everyday Cheap and powerful with a magnetic tailcap.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GSS9XMZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

As far as a more powerful one look at these 18650 powered versions.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MG4B6U5/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GZYNX8G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Basically anything from Thrunite, Nitecore, Olight, Fenix or Streamlight in a 18650 battery version within your budget should work. The 14500 Thrunite I referenced is more of a pocket light where the 18650 lights are larger but more powerful. The Nitecore D4 charger is a excellent choice for charging. As far as battery type you need to see what the flashlight manufacturer recommends. Thorfire is a decent cheap light that lasts but it is not available that much on Amazon anymore. I have 3 of the Thorfires and they are excellent for the money. Amazon is full of decent cheap lights, just read some reviews. You can really waste a lot of time comparing flashlight features so don't over think it. Good luck.

Yep and yep:

You can waste a year researching these. I feel like I already have.

Pulled the trigger on your first link because I think the magnetic back will be a game changer.

He already has a Coast headlight. Never carries it!

 

[Citation]

I'm a fan of Atactical/Wowtac.

I've got both the headlamp and both of the flashlights below. The ~$20 models are 550 lumen. The ~$30 models are about 2x as bright. However, the difference is not how far they shine. The difference is the bright spot is wider. So at a distance the spot on the side of the bar is bigger but no brighter to your eyes. However for up close work the better flood of light is helpful.

These all come with a USB chargeable battery. You have to remove to charge but it's still reasonably handy.

Flashlights
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M66564T/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y538XQV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Headlight
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072P1W1X6/?tag=atomicindus08-20