Which pocket flashlight?

[Stooge]

doesnt the original preon use the twist to turn on? i would prefer to have a one handed end cap button. the "memory" thing i mentioned was in one of the amazon reviews for the preon 2, maybe his was defective?

 

[WhiffySpark]

I carry a coast a20 and a stylus pro. A20 goes on belt stylus in shirt pocket. Also have a stream light stinger ds led

 

[PCMusicGuy]

Something with variable brightness. It makes your light 100x more useful.


I have this thing from Jetbeam, it's never blinding, 500 lumens when you need it.

Jetbeam has stepped up the quality over the years, but they still can't proofread their specifications correctly, lol. 50mA standby would eat batteries for breakfast. At least they got it right later in the flyer.

 

[Davefr]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but I always have an issue with led's flickering. I have tried about a half dozen different ones (including a couple mag 2aa) and they all do it eventually. I have one like this one pictured, but I don't think it was a pro+. Did they solve this problem with the pro series?

I've never noticed a flickering issue with this model. The only downside is the focusing is a little limited but still better then fixed beam.

I love the fact that it's a real switch with a very unique hi/lo method. I hate some of these lights that use momentary switches. That means a circuit is always on (ie consuming battery power) while monitoring the switch. Some of these really run down the battery fast. (like the 3 packs Costco used to sell!!)

 

[SC-AW11]

Jetbeam has stepped up the quality over the years, but they still can't proofread their flyers correctly, lol. 50mA standby would eat batteries for breakfast. At least the got it right later.

The flyer says uA, or micro amps

 

[slob]

Fenix LD22

 

[durallymax]

Four sevens Preon for a pen light.

Sunwayman V11R is my main light though, pocket clip has never failed me. Lost a lot of streamlights but this thing will not ever let go. Like being able to dial the light down too. Perfect size light for everyday use.

Preon is at the bottom in this pic. Tail switch on preon *****, too easy to hit. Best thing to do is replace it with a rubber one from streamlight. V11R is above streamlight.

 

[kiatech]

Only cheap lights flicker

 

[mikehaugen]

Only cheap lights flicker

That's what I would assume, but where is that line? I also have a 2d streamlight that flickers sometimes, but not as bad. I was just curious if the "new and improved" pro+ mags fixed that. Did they cross over that "cheap" line? Many of the flashlights talked about here aren't really all that expensive. I don't mind spending money, as i use a flashlight all the time. I was actually planning on buying a surefire eventually, but would rather stick with regular aa or aaa batteries.

 

[stikman56]

Streamlight for me, I don't know the number but it takes one AAA battery. Bright, takes a beating. Maglites; well you drop them once on the concrete, they're done. They never work right again after that. I have no less than 5 right now that are out in the garage on a shelf for that very reason. To me that's the biggest piece of trash for a flashlight there is.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I use a Streamlight stylus pro.
It is small and light and fits in my side pocket with ease.
I paid about $25.
Now what I do not like is that it is made in China.

 

[Dave455]

Only cheap lights flicker

Yep! Agree 100%!

I've tried a variety of these LED lights, and an awful lot of them seem to suffer from this flickering over time! It's seriously frustrating!

With the really cheap lights, the problem seems to be in the LED's themselves. Basically, the manufacturers don't care how long the thing lasts once they've got your cash! A typical 'made in China' situation!

Sadly, some other LED lights seem to suffer a similar problem. As far as I can tell the issue seems to be the switch contacts. They are often made of brass, and when they tarnish contact becomes bad and the light flickers! The problem is noticeable in the LED models because the heads are generally sealed and you cannot get in to clean the contacts!

The Mini Mag LED seem to be among the worst offenders here, and I got so frustrated with one that I ripped it apart and cleaned the switch contacts! Problem sorted, but it's basically a damaged item now!

I have never had any problems with Peak, Sure Fire or the US made Pelican (But be careful here as some of these are made in China) so if in doubt stick to these!

My all time favourites are the US made Inova's! Faultless quality and superb design. Sadly they have been bought out and the quality is nothing like it was.

Failing that, forget the whole LED thing and get a conventional light with a conventional bulb! Sure, it's not as bright, but there are no electronics to fail, you can clean the switch and it will work when you need it!

 

[Mastermind]

So I grabbed a new stylus pro off the Matco truck this morning, piece of junk. Switch flickers and shuts off, grinds my gears. Should I deal with my Matco guy or call streamlight?

 

[WhiffySpark]

So I grabbed a new stylus pro off the Matco truck this morning, piece of junk. Switch flickers and shuts off, grinds my gears. Should I deal with my Matco guy or call streamlight?

Matco. Mine would exchange it on the truck

 

[kiatech]

What did you pay for it?

 

[jd_1138]

I have about 10 of these that I get for free at HF. I give loved ones 2 -- one for their cars and one for their purses.

 

[kiatech]

I have about 10 of these that I get for free at HF. I give loved ones 2 -- one for their cars and one for their purses.

They work, for about a week.

 

[SCscoutguy]

These little Cree/Hausbell lights are awesome! They are cheap, great light and take a pretty good beating. We use them where I work.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CEOII9K/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have a nice Brinkman 1 Watt LED that is pretty nice.

These are absolutely, positively, hands down the best flash light ever invented for the $. They blow away every stream light I have ever owned. I carry one every day in my pocket and people are blown away when they see how bright it is and how it can focus its beam. I can easily light up the tree line 100+ yards away from me from my tree stand. It is brighter than my Q beam.

 

[Ruger_556]

Fenix LD22

Same ^^^

 

[Tarheelgarage]

forget what everyone has posted. This Blue Point light puts all of them to shame. A little pricey, but daym bright light...

http://store.snapon.com/Xenon-LED-L...t-High-Intensity-3-watt-LED-Blue-P646557.aspx

 

[rice rocket]

forget what everyone has posted. This Blue Point light puts all of them to shame. A little pricey, but daym bright light...

http://store.snapon.com/Xenon-LED-L...t-High-Intensity-3-watt-LED-Blue-P646557.aspx

Look at this guy...jumping in on page 3 with the "brightest light" at 100 lumens.

Maybe you should read the thread before posting.

 

[mikehaugen]

I find it interesting that on the tool threads everyone raves about coo, but no one seems to care when it comes to flashlights.

 

[rice rocket]

Because the only flashlights worth a damn made in the USA are Surefires, and their product selection is very focused. Who else makes lights here? Princeton Tec? Also very focused. Light and Motion? Ditto.

China/HK have both mainstream and specialty flashlights pretty well figured out, they're clearly the market leaders in innovation by a wide margin.

Only reason I'd buy a Surefire for a weapon light, or if I were in military and my life depended on one. Princeton Tec doesn't make anything inspiring. Light and Motions, I could see myself owning one, but they're very specialized and only satisfy scuba divers and mountain bikers needs.

 

[mikehaugen]

I understand what you are saying, but my point is that nobody seems to care. Someone finds a tool that they assumed was American made, but then find out it's made in China they come on here complaining and saying what a piece of **** it, and the company who's name is on it is. Someone comes and asks about a flashlight and everyone openly recommends chinese stuff without any mention of country (ok, maybe a couple of mentions on here.)

I understand you buy what you gotta buy, and what works for you, and sometimes American alternatives aren't available.

I was just pointing out the difference In coo loyalty between tools and flashlight (or most other things for that matter)

 

[Davefr]

Because the only flashlights worth a damn made in the USA are Surefires, and their product selection is very focused. Who else makes lights here? Princeton Tec? Also very focused. Light and Motion? Ditto.

I gave an example. Mag Lite Pro+ made in the USA.

Those that have never owned this specific light whine the most assuming it's the same as Grandpa's old incadescent Mag Lite or Mag Lite's first feeble attempt at LED technology. This one is truly a great light. If Mag Lite changed the name, added a made in China logo and doubled the price everyone would flock to it.

Amazon reviews are wonderful, it's around $20 and made in the USA.

This one has become my "go to" light and I have many of other others mentioned.

The big question is if this is Mag Lite's "last dance" in a very crowded field.

 

[bw77]

I gave an example. Mag Lite Pro+ made in the USA.

Amazon reviews are wonderful, it's around $20 and made in the USA.

Where do you see $20?

I see 30.95 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HNJ66C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Davefr]

Where do you see $20?

I see 30.95 on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007HNJ66C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks for correcting!

I think mine was in the mid 20's last year but it looks like the current price is around $30

 

[wagzilla]

I recently had my stream light stylus pro disappear during moving, was wondering what you guys prefer for your shirt pocket? It's been with me everyday for the last couple yrs, just wish it was brighter.

The new ones are even brighter C4 Technology

James

 

[n8n]

Because the only flashlights worth a damn made in the USA are Surefires, and their product selection is very focused. Who else makes lights here? Princeton Tec? Also very focused. Light and Motion? Ditto.

China/HK have both mainstream and specialty flashlights pretty well figured out, they're clearly the market leaders in innovation by a wide margin.

Only reason I'd buy a Surefire for a weapon light, or if I were in military and my life depended on one. Princeton Tec doesn't make anything inspiring. Light and Motions, I could see myself owning one, but they're very specialized and only satisfy scuba divers and mountain bikers needs.

You're forgetting Streamlight, I have a Night Com UV that I carry in a Surefire holster intended for a 6P. It's not a EDC light, but if I'm working at the shop it is a great light to carry because I don't have to carry a separate UV light for leak detection, if a customer complains about AC not working I can just thumb the little selector dial and do a quick scan while I'm doing the courtesy inspection.

Now my EDC pocket light is a Sunwayman V11R that I had modified with a higher current driver and a Nichia 219 high CRI emitter, and yeah, just based on the name alone you can probably guess where it's made... but what is the USA made equivalent of it? If it existed, I'd consider buying it.

I did try an EagleTac D25C but honestly, the Sunwayman is better. the EagleTac is still not made in the USA even though they are a USA based company, and the D25C's driver loses its modes on rechargeable cells unlike the Sunwayman.

Edit: you (and I) also forgot Pelican, I believe some of their lights are made in the USA as well. Basically Surefire seems to be aimed at law enforcement, Streamlight by the name you would seem to think would be aimed at outdoorsmen but I'm not really sure what they're focusing on, and Pelican seems to be aimed at industrial users. None of them really seem to make a good EDC pocket light, although the Streamlight Microstream would be OK if you carry in a shirt pocket (I prefer a smaller light clipped inside one of my front pants pockets however)

 

[n8n]

I'm not real familiar with the full surefire lineup, and especially not the weapons lights, but due to the form factor and surefire's preference for cr123 batteries, I'd say there is a good chance that your lights used cr123's which are lithium (not the same as li-ion) primary (non-rechargable) batts. Those are at least $1 or $1.50 even bought in bulk, and weapons lights I think run pretty bright at the expense of runtime, so battery costs can be expensive if you use those frequently. There is a Li-Ion rechargeable in that size (16350 I think?) but they aren't very good, they usually have fairly low capacities.

I'm using AW brand 13650/RCR123A protected cells in several lights... no problems.

Unfortunately some lights don't play nice with them, which I don't understand. (Li-Ions have a higher nominal voltage than a regular lithium cell, so the driver does have to operate over a wider voltage range than if just designed for lithium primaries.) Surefire sells a LiFePO4 cell and charger (actually a rebrand of K2 Energy) that works in those situations, but a Li-Ion stores more energy.

Some lights, example being the one in my pocket now, Sunwayman V11R, has a driver with a wide enough voltage range that it will work on anything from an alkaline to a Li-Ion. In its normal configuration it takes a CR123A or 16340, but with an extender tube it will accept an AA or 14500. I really like this flexibility as if I have the extender tube handy that means I can *always* make it work unless I have no access to either 123 format or AA format cells whatsoever. The caveat is that if you use an unprotected 16340 you could theoretically drain the cell to the point where it's damaged and dangerous, so as I said above I use protected AWs.

I would definitely use protected cells in any light that uses multiple Li-Ions. Really don't need to have a pipe bomb in my hand or hanging from my belt.

 

[n8n]

Alkaline AA's are cheap (at first) but add up over time. In my EDC light, I use a 14500 Li-Ion instead of AA - in the 4 years of heavy usage that I've owned this light, I estimate I've saved about $230 in battery costs by using 14500 Li-Ion over alkaline AA's. ($0.25/cell, one cell per day (I told you, heavy use) 250 work days per year, four years, minus $20 initial investment in Li-Ion batts).

You can get rechargeable AA's, but then you are in the same price range as rechargeable Li-Ion, and Li-Ion have a lot of advantages. The main (only) real advantage I see for AA format is availability - you can get new batts for your light anywhere, anytime. If you use Li-Ion, make sure to bring a spare or have access to a charger...

So many people here are willing to spend $150 for the snap-on ratchet instead of the $15 craftsman alternative, I'm not sure why you would want to spend $20 on a flashlight when there are such significantly better (better than the minimag and 3xAAA walmart light) options available for only about $60? You don't have to get the $300 surefire, but look at Zebralight, fourssevens, nitecore, Fenix, eagletac, etc. as quality lights at reasonable prices (those are brands I have personal positive experience with, there are others).

Alkaline AAs ****.

If you've spent Real Money on a flashlight that you actually like, the possibility of the alkaline leaking alone is enough to go to some sort of rechargeable solution. Neither NiMH nor Li-Ion are nearly as prone to leaking as alkalines.

Personally I prefer NiMH for general use, Eneloops are great. Fewer safety concerns for a non-savvy user than Li-Ion although lower performance. I'm using Eneloops in just about everything around the house; remote controls, general use flashlights, all my tools/meters/etc. The Li-Ions are for my own lights that I EDC and/or use for specific tasks and tend not to lend out.

The new Duracell Ion Core cells that are appearing in the grocery store are apparently relabeled Eneloop ** (AA format) or standard Eneloop (AAA format) and especially in AA format are a really good deal. Unfortunately I'm not aware of a good charger that is readily available in brick and mortar stores in the USA. Nitecore i4 v2 is a good budget charger however that will do both NiMH and Li-Ion although it doesn't have the **** features of the Maha C9000 (which is NiMH only.)

I've seen rumors over on CPF about a new charger coming out from SkyRC that has all the features of the C9000 and then some and will handle both NiMH and Li-Ion. Unfortunately it's not released yet, nor has anyone confirmed if it will run LiFePO4. (if it did, it would truly be One Charger to Rule Them All...)

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...kyRC-%97-IFA-2014-%97-MC3000-charger-analyzer

 

[n8n]

Didn't know they made them rechargeable, I ended up with about 15 surefire weapon lights in an auction a few months ago. Had to buy batteries for them, the only place I found them locally was walmart at about $10 for 2 of them. I was just reselling them so I wasn't crazy about dropping $150 on batteries for something I wasn't gonna keep. The lights with the rail mounts and pressure switches are stupid expensive ($400+) I sold all 15 to a guy for $60 ea.

Probably shoulda kept a few.

Damn, I woulda taken one off your hands. Also, I wish I'd known about your lack of cells, I could have offered some advice. For CR123A cells (primaries) your best bet is to go to your local gun shop or "tactical supply" you can get a 12 pack of Surefire brand cells for about what you'll pay at the drugstore for 2 Duracells. Seriously.

 

[n8n]

Not to hijack, but does anyone know of a decent light that I could easily switch to a red output?

I know they make filters, but I'm looking for an all-in-one I guess. I use a light daily and I don't want to have to add/remove a filter every time I need white or red.

I believe that Streamlight makes a few.

How about this one?

http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=164

Looks like the same form factor as the Night Com UV which I have, that means it'll fit in a Surefire 6P holster.

Unfortunately if it uses the same/similar driver as a Night Com UV it will go **** if you try to run it on a pair of 16340s; your choices then if you want rechargeable cells would be to use a 17670 or 16650 and accept a little less output, or use the Surefire/K2 LiFePO4s and accept a little less runtime. (I wrote a review/explanation of this over on CPF for the Night Com UV, I'll dig it out and post a link if you need an explanation of my previous statement)

 

[carbon]

HDS Systems lights are USA made. When I bought mine, the company was called Ra Lights. Very simple push button interface. CR123 battery. Very nice.

But for what I carry everyday in my pocket, these Photon keychain lights ROCK. Check their site for a full range of them; UV, hooded, red, etc.

 

[_Dock_]

I've owned many flashlights but I'm not really a flashlight geek so I can't say much about the technical specs but I love this light.

I finally broke down and bought a nice flashlight, couldn't be happier! Very bright if needed, most of the time I use it one the low settings. Battery life is the best I've ever had in a light.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00DR9GWX0?pc_redir=1413198411&robot_redir=1

 

[mrborohachi]

Alkaline AA's are cheap (at first) but add up over time. In my EDC light, I use a 14500 Li-Ion instead of AA - in the 4 years of heavy usage that I've owned this light, I estimate I've saved about $230 in battery costs by using 14500 Li-Ion over alkaline AA's. ($0.25/cell, one cell per day (I told you, heavy use) 250 work days per year, four years, minus $20 initial investment in Li-Ion batts).

You can get rechargeable AA's, but then you are in the same price range as rechargeable Li-Ion, and Li-Ion have a lot of advantages. The main (only) real advantage I see for AA format is availability - you can get new batts for your light anywhere, anytime. If you use Li-Ion, make sure to bring a spare or have access to a charger...

So many people here are willing to spend $150 for the snap-on ratchet instead of the $15 craftsman alternative, I'm not sure why you would want to spend $20 on a flashlight when there are such significantly better (better than the minimag and 3xAAA walmart light) options available for only about $60? You don't have to get the $300 surefire, but look at Zebralight, fourssevens, nitecore, Fenix, eagletac, etc. as quality lights at reasonable prices (those are brands I have personal positive experience with, there are others).

So what's a good single AA or AAA light that can take LI-Ion cells? I'm in the market for exactly that a SINGLE AA or AAA keychain light.
Thanks

PS is there a rechargable AAAA yet? I love the slim pocket lights from Streamlights and Pelican, but hate the price of batteries

 

[eurokid]

I have a few of the Stylus Pro lights that I always have in my shirt pocket at work, and a Strion which is a fantastic flashlight. The Stylus Pro is a good light but the switches sometimes go bad. Not really a problem though, most tool trucks carry replacement parts and they're covered under warranty.

 

[n8n]

So what's a good single AA or AAA light that can take LI-Ion cells? I'm in the market for exactly that a SINGLE AA or AAA keychain light.
Thanks

PS is there a rechargable AAAA yet? I love the slim pocket lights from Streamlights and Pelican, but hate the price of batteries

Not sure about your last question, but to answer the previous, I'd look at 4Sevens for an AA format light that can take a 14500; also Sunwayman V11R will take 14500 with the optional extension tube but as it is really a CR123A format light it is larger in diameter than a strictly AA light.

Note: I don't actually own any 4Sevens lights so I can't give you a firsthand opinion, although they seem to be well regarded.

 

[Skin]

forget what everyone has posted. This Blue Point light puts all of them to shame. A little pricey, but daym bright light...

http://store.snapon.com/Xenon-LED-L...t-High-Intensity-3-watt-LED-Blue-P646557.aspx

I bought one of these. The LED driver lasted all of 8 months then burned out.

 

[marnav1]

candlepowerforums.com but be careful if you get hooked like i did lots of money to be spent there lol