any recommendations for flashlights

Norm Apter

OK, I admit this is kind of a mundane topic, but I'm looking to pick up a decently powerful flashlight. The power rarely if ever goes off here in SoCal, but I'd like to pick one up just in case.

I've been browsing Amazon and stumbled across a number of flashlights produced Maglite, which appear to be pretty sturdy and durable. The ones from the newer line are LED, but those seem to have gotten mixed reviews.

Uses: for use in case of power failure and for casting light on darkened areas around the apartment when necessary. Seemingly no need for nighttime outdoor use at present though I suppose that might be necessary at some point in the future.

Budget: maybe $30 or under if thats possible.

Any suggestions of brands/models based on personal experience?

SolidSqual

You can't go wrong with a quality MAG light.

brettw22

Norm Apter wrote: »

Uses: for use in case of power failure and for casting light on darkened areas around the apartment when necessary.

This is just me being me, but is this a definition you pulled from somewhere or did you actually sit there and type out what a flashlight is to be used for?

bigaudiofanatic

Mag light or surefire those things are really nice. The only con to them are special batteries.

Knucklehead

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Mag light or surefire those things are really nice. The only con to them are special batteries.

My maglite takes 2 AA batts

SolidSqual

Knucklehead wrote: »

My maglite takes 2 AA batts

I have a big mag light and a small one. They take 2AA or 2 Ds.

Norm Apter

brettw22 wrote: »

This is just me being me, but is this a definition you pulled from somewhere or did you actually sit there and type out what a flashlight is to be used for?

Yes, I actually concocted that on my own

Looking back at what you quoted, yeah my description is a bit wordy and perhaps superfluous-- just wanted to convey that I don't need something for walking around the neighborhood at night, camping, fishing or some other outdoor activity.

But point taken. :cool:

Tony M

SolidSqual wrote: »

You can't go wrong with a quality MAG light.

X1000

The Brand of choice for police, firefighters, rescue etc. etc. etc.

Polkersince85

I have a couple of the Coleman LED camp lanterns that work well for area lighting. Uses 4 D batteries. There are a lot of inexpensive LED flashlights sold on ebay that come from China and are as good quality as Surefire for a whole lot less. Most of them are rebranded from China anyway. I still like my old 1905 Rayo kerosene lanterns, for heat and light if needed.

jimmydep

This is one I use for work, it's very bright for it's size (about a mini maglight size) it uses regular AA batteries and has a very focused long range beam with a bright white light (not that bluish tint that some LED's have), and it's about $35.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-E20-Performance-Adjustable-Flashlight/dp/B001GAOO8M/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1263947815&sr=8-8


Jimmy

halo71

LED are the way to go imho.

Tony M

jimmydep wrote: »

This is one I use for work, it's very bright for it's size (about a mini maglight size) it uses regular AA batteries and has a very focused long range beam with a bright white light (not that bluish tint that some LED's have), and it's about $35.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-E20-Performance-Adjustable-Flashlight/dp/B001GAOO8M/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1263947815&sr=8-8


Jimmy

That one looks interesting. Hope to own one, one day.

Demiurge

Knucklehead wrote: »

My maglite takes 2 AA batts

SureFire lights don't.

packetjones

As mentioned before you can nto go wrong with a Mag lite. The larger ones could double as a weapon in an emergency. LOL

Rivrrat

I got one of these as a gift a couple of years ago, and I love it.


http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-95-112-Tripod-LED-Flashlight/dp/B000CC2KP4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1263952334&sr=8-2

rallyshark

They are kinda new, but I own 2, and have given them as gifts as well. It's a little more than $30, but a damn fine light, and VERY BRIGHT when needed. I have a company account at batteries plus, LOL!

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_306&products_id=1656

I also like Streamlight to. The warranty is pretty damn good when you have a dealer close by for both 4sevens and streamlight. They upgraded my stinger LED for FREE(batteries plus). The good 'ol maglite LEDs are decent to, and can be had within your $30 budget. I have one in the bottom of one of my tool bags, and it hasn't had an easy life, but it's still kicking. The maglight won't come close to the steamlight/surefire/4sevens etc. in brightness though.

I also agree than LED is the way to go. Most anything with the newer CREE LEDs in it will be pretty good. I hope that helps, and good luck shopping. There are A LOT of choices these days:)

TNRabbit

I think you should get one of these; I have one and they kick ****$:



http://www.amazon.com/15-Million-Candlepower-Hand-held-Rechargeable-Spotlight/dp/B0028MGLDI/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1263954394&sr=8-11

bigaudiofanatic

Knucklehead wrote: »

My maglite takes 2 AA batts

I am talking about the surefire lights. :rolleyes:

Knucklehead

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

I am talking about the surefire lights. :rolleyes:

:rolleyes:wasnt familiar with that:rolleyes:

Knucklehead

Demiurge wrote: »

SureFire lights don't.

Maglites do.

Ricardo

Not to threadjack...but I'm looking for some black paint. Any ideas?

ben62670

LED's are the way to go for emergency lighting. Maglight's are nice for a good ranged spotlight. Maglight's are a great weapon for sure.

Ricardo wrote: »

Not to threadjack...but I'm looking for some black paint. Any ideas?

Right next to the air holes at WalMart.

I-SIG

jimmydep wrote: »

This is one I use for work, it's very bright for it's size (about a mini maglight size) it uses regular AA batteries and has a very focused long range beam with a bright white light (not that bluish tint that some LED's have), and it's about $35.00.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-E20-Performance-Adjustable-Flashlight/dp/B001GAOO8M/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1263947815&sr=8-8


Jimmy

Don't waste your money on dim Maglites or way overpriced SureFires. SureFires are good, I own several, but too much cash for what you get. No more SF's for me.

The Fenix E20 is an excellent recommendation.

Also check out this LumaPower: http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapowerf1.html

Check out these (2)-AA lights: (2)-AA LED Light Comparison

Wes

Ricardo

Damn. There's a forum for flashlights.

Knucklehead

Ricardo wrote: »

Damn. There's a forum for flashlights.

I know right...:p

That Eagle Tac looks pretty impressive.

Gadabout

Maglites are great. I keep them in the vehicles and keep one in the garage. They throw lots of light.

For power outages and work around the house, I picked up something lighter. A Stanley 3 in 1 Tripod LED flashlight. splits into 3 separate flashlights or one large flashlight with tilt heads.

For longer than normal power outages, I also have a Coleman StormBeam. It has a hand crank so no batteries are needed. Has a radio and cell phone chargers.

LED's are great for long battery life. Maglite's have lots of light output and are perhaps more durable.

Demiurge

Knucklehead wrote: »

Maglites do.

You obviously missed what he said in his post. Being familiar with SureFire flashlights (weapon lights, mostly) I was correcting you. Sorry.

Knucklehead

bigaudiofanatic wrote: »

Mag light or surefire those things are really nice. The only con to them are special batteries.

From his initial post it sounded like he was saying both brands took special batteries. Sorry for the confusion.

Polk addict

Dude, I'm assuming this is something you want to keep at home only... In that case, you don't really want to get something too large, because you're gonna run outa batteries... But you should probably get something at least the size of the maglite if you have a family... But if you're using the maglite personally, there is no need for anything bigger.

I would like to suggest getting a led headlamp, as those are equally powerful compared to the maglite, and they last longer...

I-SIG

Knucklehead wrote: »

I know right...:p

That Eagle Tac looks pretty impressive.

My next light purchase will be a Jetbeam M1X. It looks like a good dog-walking light. FWIW, I walk in the dark, but don't appreciate being a car target. :cool:

Jetbeam M1X Review

Wes

RyanJoz

Get a 2 or 4 cell mag lite that takes D size batteries. The LED is nice, but not necessary. It will also double as a beater should someone try to enter your home. Police officers in our area no longer carry nightsticks (sp.?) but flashlights instead. The flashlight does double duty.