Tactical light opinions (handheld)

Glowrdr

I've got a Veridian C5L for my EDC G19, and I kind of like it (kind of... a lot). I've always been interested in getting a tac light just to have. It really would just be a toy for me. I do some freelance security work, but it's only a couple times a year, and I'm not going to kid myself and say I need this for anything other than the coolness factor.

I'm currently considering the Surefire PX2 Fury Defender, and I'm wondering what some of you use, have, or can recommend. Some of my thoughts for the above model may help to determine my "likes"

- 500 Lumin (although 200 would be more than enough)
- Single output LED (I thought about the dual output, but I'd want the high first, not the low - so I've decided single would be the better choice)

I haven't been able to see, but I'm not sure if this has a normal reflector or the TIR lense (honestly, I really am not sure what the difference is, or if I would even notice)


So what can you guys tell me?

Syndil

I can tell you that the lights sold from Mertiline.com and Dealextreme.com are the same stuff you'll find here in the states with brand names and much higher price tags on them. I've got a Solarforce L600 from Dealextreme along with some of their Trustfire protected 18650 batteries and it's lasted me for years despite some heavy abuse. Gets hotter than Hades, but that's the nature of these lights. Definitely make sure you get Li-Ion batts with protection circuits in them, however. The first set of batteries I had did not have protection circuits and they died very quickly as a result of over-discharging them.

falconcry72

If your G19 is used for actual protection, I would discourage the addition of a light. It will just make you an easy target for the other guy.

Sherardp

I bought the Fenix TK45 and it is bada$$, but it probably won't work for your application. It has been a huge asset with these storms out here in Japan though.

steveinaz

I recently picked up a Jetbeam PC-20, I'm very impressed with it. I don't like weapon-mounted lights, so this one fills the bill.

zingo

I have the Pelican 7060 LED Flashlight and it's fantastic. It was developed in part with the LAPD, and includes a charger which can be used for 12v or 110v.

Glowrdr

I'll check some of these out when I get home from work for a comparison.

Not sure if I was 100% clear or not based on some of the responses - but I'm not actually looking for a weapon light. I do know some of them are mountable with an additional kit, but this is not my purpose.

How are some of the rechargables? I know cost wise, they are probably a bargain over the long run - but do they stack up in the performance catagory? One thing also, is that I can get the lithium batteries at cost (less than .75 apiece), so I'm kind of taking that into consideration as well. I have no problem with rechargeables, but it sounds like you're cutting the output to roughly 50% life? This is just what I've seen online though, so that could be comparing the same light with and without lithium batts.

Zeros

I have a few Solarforce lights in my collection. I have a L2P with a XM-L drop in (floody) and a L2i with a XR-e drop in (spot). I would look at them. You can get them fairly cheap and they all seem to work well and are well built. You can choose different drop-ins to get different modes, LEDs and voltages.

They are also always running specials on their Facebook page. Check out their sales page at http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/index.php.

I have no affiliation with them BTW, I just use and like their lights.

For instance, check out this L2T. 820 lumens and only $30. Keep in mind that you will have to invest in a 18650 battery and charger to see that type of output though. Even with the light, batteries and charger you will be way under the $165 price of that Surefire though.

http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/product_detail.php?t=LF&s=45&id=501


FYI I do not EDC my Solarforces because I find them too large, but I do EDC a Xeno E-03 XML. It is small - runs on one AA or 14500 lithium - and very bright.

Here's a review of the Xeno E-03

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/2574

brgman

Streamlight makes great stuff at any level you want to spend.

Syndil

Glowrdr wrote: »

How are some of the rechargables? I know cost wise, they are probably a bargain over the long run - but do they stack up in the performance catagory? One thing also, is that I can get the lithium batteries at cost (less than .75 apiece), so I'm kind of taking that into consideration as well. I have no problem with rechargeables, but it sounds like you're cutting the output to roughly 50% life? This is just what I've seen online though, so that could be comparing the same light with and without lithium batts.

Are you talking about an 18650 vs a pair of CR123s?

Glowrdr

It's the CR123's (and CR2's) that I can get at cost. Actually I believe it might be below cost (considered manufacture cost). The 18650 is the rechargeable? Or is that basically a replacement of 2 CR123's (with higher voltage?)

While I've done some research on these, I'm finding out that they are pretty customizable - which I never knew before. So I just kind of assumed that they all ran on the standard 123's. The Surefire P6 gets some high marks, but only for the body of it (not stock). This isn't helping my research any. I've been doing some reading on the CandlePowerForums website.

I think in my case, I will be looking for something that performs well in stock form. I may get into mods down the road, but I'm not purchasing this with it in mind.

Also, I know that Surefire has a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. Are flashlight warranty's not really an issue (moot selling point), or is this a pretty standard practice among the better brands? Maybe I need to head to Bass Pro Shop or Cabellas and have a saleman show me what they've got and explain some of the different features. (although I dislike "using" the salespeople when I'm probably not going to be purchasing from them)

steveinaz

My jetbeam is about the size of a fat magic marker, uses 2 CR123's and is far brighter than my 4-D cell old Maglite "club". It's quite crazy how bright these small lights are now. Even with my Jetbeam on "medium" output it shames the maglite. I never use "turbo" mode, only high. It's plenty bright.

CR123's can be bought quite cheap in bulk (apprx $1.25 each) vs $9.99 for 2 at walmart (ouch).

Syndil

Depends on the size of the light, but a rechargeable Li-Ion 18650 (there isn't a non-rechargeable version of the 18650) is probably the most common type of battery used in the high-end lights. A pair of CR123s can sometimes substitute for an 18650, but I don't think you'll see any advantage to doing that.

CPF is a great place to ask your questions. While "flashlight enthusiast" sounds pretty hilarious to me, this is the Internet, so there's a website for everything.

As far as the warranty... These lights are really simply constructed devices. Really the only part that can break is the bulb housing, which also houses the electronics driving the bulb or LED. You can pay more for a brand-name light with a warranty, or you can buy a cheap off-brand, and if it breaks, buy a replacement bulb housing (or two or three) and still have spent less than the brand-name light. And like I said, I've had my Solarforce for years and it hasn't broken.

IMO there isn't really a whole lot that can be done in the manufacture of these lights to differentiate them enough to justify the higher prices charged by the big-name makers. If the cheap ones were poorly constructed that wouldn't be the case, but my Solarforce L600 is very sturdy and tight as a drum. Haven't submerged it but I bet it's waterproof. The tailcap is weighted and knurled, for... you know... beating someone with, and I'm sure the flashlight could take the abuse.

Anyway if it were me I'd just find one with the features I liked from DX.com or Meritline.com, read the reviews to make sure there's no known issues with it, maybe ask about it at CPF. But ultimately this thread belongs over at CPF anyway.

Glowrdr

Thanks for all the input - gets me going in a good direction I think. And yeah, this probably is better suited for another forum - but I like to "keep all my friends in the same place" per say. I'd rather post here and get a half assed answer (and maybe help others along the way) - than sign up for forums so I can post once and probably never go back (or never really use the site)

Club Polk - Gotta love it!

Zeros

Glowrdr, once you find one you want, I would hit up the CPF Marketplace. Most of the people keep their light in pristine condition and you can usually find a good deal on the light you want.

Nhpm510

falconcry72 wrote: »

If your G19 is used for actual protection, I would discourage the addition of a light. It will just make you an easy target for the other guy.

Maybe a dumb question, but Wouldn't any light draw attention of the other guys?

[Deleted User]

This thread is a little over a month old, but I have to second the Fenix flashlight. I went on a camping trip two weeks ago and my cousin brought his Fenix flashlight. The build/construction quality and light intensity was incredible. There are many Youtube videos that show comparisons. I just ordered the Fenix E25, E35 and TK45. For the price, quality and light level, I do not think anything comes close.

By the way, the TK45 is a beast!

Halen

Glowrdr

That think looks awesome! Might have to add to my want list.

Just an update, I did end up getting the Surefire Fury Combat (with the rubber ring for grip). Great little light. I won't go as far to say that it's amazing, but it definately has not disappointed - and definately wet my whistle for more.

gdb

Get a 3pak at costco for approx. 25 bucks. Supposedly has "Cree" leds in them, 3-AAA batts. and these things are BRIGHT.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=off&sclient=psy-ab&q=techlite+lumen+master&oq=tech+lit&gs_l=hp.1.1.0j0i10j0j0i10.0.0.1.3372.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0.les%3B..0.0...1c.dEIE3pKkD30&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&fp=17400c5584592386&bpcl=36601534&biw=1280&bih=620

Hobbyguy

+1 on the Fenix.
I don't have the TK45, I have the TK35. Works incredibly well with Ultrafire LC 18650 3800mAh rechargeable batteries. For such a small flashlight the output is amazing

Syndil

They got over $10,000 in backers for a fancy rape whistle? Unbelievable. Some faith in humanity lost...

gdb

Legitimate ?

Glowrdr

I'm sure it is. I need to reinvent something. Put some numbers behind it and make people interested again.

Maybe I should do a study of the "perfect straw" and see if people will give me 20k for some straws.

[Deleted User]

Reading this thread has gotten me seriously interested in one of the Fenix lights (TK41 or TK45). I was in Home Depot and was checking out a brand that they carry called Coast. They seem to be decent quality but the thing that I noticed was that their model numbers are very similar to the Fenix line. I was wondering if these are a cheaper version of the Fenix lights ??? :cool:

trav0810

I have always had good luck with any of the Streamlight models I have owned. They seem to be well built and very durable,

MarcosGibson

Syndil wrote: »

I can tell you that the lights sold from Mertiline.com and Dealextreme.com are the same stuff you'll find here in the states with brand names and much higher price tags on them. I've got a Solarforce L600 from Dealextreme along with some of their Trustfire protected 18650 batteries and it's lasted me for years despite some heavy abuse. Gets hotter than Hades, but that's the nature of these lights. Definitely make sure you get Li-Ion batts with protection circuits in them, however. The first set of batteries I had did not have protection circuits and they died very quickly as a result of over-discharging them.

hello Syndil need some led flashlights for my camping purpose. I am not aware about good online stores so can you help me out. I am looking for affordable lights. Waiting for some help. Sorry for off topic reply.:)

jflail2

I've got a surefire x300 (170 lumen) since it quickly afixes to my G17, G34 or various AR's. I like it, and it's durable, but I'm still not sure if it's worth the price.

As others have suggested, I think Streamlight is going to give you much more bang for your buck (pardon the pun there) in comparison to surefire or the other fancy pants brands.

And Marcos, I'd suggest a headlamp for hands free usage, that also has the red led's that will not hinder your night vision. I picked up one of these for my nephew for his Boy Scouts camping trips recently, and he was very pleased with the results:

http://www.rei.com/product/814301/black-diamond-storm-headlamp

MarcosGibson

MarcosGibson wrote: »

hello Syndil need some led flashlights for my camping purpose. I am not aware about good online stores so can you help me out. I am looking for affordable lights. Waiting for some help. Sorry for off topic reply.:)

Thanks for providing some information I will now check it out..

Syndil

Just head on over to dx.com or mertiline.com and start browsing through their selection, reading reviews. I will second the suggestion of a headlamp though. I haven't used one for camping, but they are extremely useful when you need your hands. I bought a cheap Coleman one at Wal-Mart and it serves me very well. Wouldn't have thought they'd be that useful but now that I have one I find myself using it quite often.

For camping I'd probably look for something that doubled as a lantern. Search dx.com or mertiline.com for "lantern" and you'll find tons of them. However I will say that when I go camping, I bring an actual Coleman lantern that runs off of Coleman fuel. Was a Boy Scout when I was a kid, and IMO that lantern is part of the experience of camping. They are very bright and you don't have to worry about conserving batteries.

Zeros

I have one of these in my collection, and it is pretty handy. It also comes with a headband that I can use with my other similar-sized flashlights.


Ultrafire UF-H3

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/1074

Edit: Actually, I have the Ultrafire UF-H2, which is the smaller AA version.

http://budgetlightforum.com/node/1041

Here is a picture of the H2 and H3 (with a Tank007):