Your Favorite Flashlight

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by chroniekon

Shoot, I was going to ask what your favorite spotlight was, but that might be in the floodlight category.

I don’t have one, but check out the monster darb linked to in post #58.

Bruce

[quicky06]

Streamlight ProTac HL 4 With rechargeable batteries.

I have 4 sets of batteries. One stays in the flashlight which stays in the truck. One is in a 12v charger in the truck, another is in a charger in the house. Last set is in a charger in the camper.

Always have the truck and always have a second set of charged batteries no matter where I am. Maybe overkill but I’m a good Boy Scout.

[CurtPutnam]

I've been astounded by the Duracell flashlights from Costco. Very bright and functional. The question was not about lanterns but I need to add that Rockler sells a 2000 lumen item that can be turned on.off in 500 lumen increments for ~$18

[Jeff1968]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

I've been astounded by the Duracell flashlights from Costco. Very bright and functional. The question was not about lanterns but I need to add that Rockler sells a 2000 lumen item that can be turned on.off in 500 lumen increments for ~$18

+1. They have a 1000 lumen, if I remember correctly for under $20 that's fantastic. Batteries last a long time, and they're cheap enough where I don't have to worry about them getting lost or having to find custom batteries.

[babock]

The Lumen ratings on these flashlights should be taken with a Costco sized grain of salt. I have high lumen bicycle lights and one of my chinese lights has a lumen rating twice of a USA made light I own and the USA light is twice as bright as the Chinese light.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by babock

The Lumen ratings on these flashlights should be taken with a Costco sized grain of salt. I have high lumen bicycle lights and one of my chinese lights has a lumen rating twice of a USA made light I own and the USA light is twice as bright as the Chinese light.

If you can establish that the LED/s is/are made by CREE and the light requires batteries designed for a high amperage draw, you can be more comfortable in assuming that the flashlight will produce the advertised lumen output.

Bruce

[CurtPutnam]

Originally Posted by babock

The Lumen ratings on these flashlights should be taken with a Costco sized grain of salt. I have high lumen bicycle lights and one of my chinese lights has a lumen rating twice of a USA made light I own and the USA light is twice as bright as the Chinese light.

The OP's question really falls into the size range currently sold with the buzzword "Tactical." Except for MilSpec stuff or gunsight lights, I'm not sure what tactical means. I agree that the claims for all things Chinese should be carefully considered - and most especially when coming from Amazon or eBay.

I think a 100 watt lightbulb produces somewhere around 1500 lumens (??) That being the case the Rockler lantern is not outputting its claim. Still, it is a bright and compact area light running off AA batteries.

As mentioned above CREE LEDs from a reputable mfg stand the best chance of living up to performance claims.

All IMO & YMWV

[Freetyme]

Really like this pocket LED work light. Has a magnetic swivel clip that allows 180° position. Very bright, around $12 in sporting goods stores. Have had this one 6 years.

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

I'm not sure what tactical means.

When it comes to flashlights, “tactical” is really only an identifier for a flashlight that is best suited for defensive, police and military use.

Just as one example, one model of flashlight might come in a tactical version and a non-tactical version. The tactical version will usually only have one brightness setting — very bright — where the non-tactical version may have two or more brightness settings. The tactical version may also have a bezel with sharp edges to make it more useful as a fighting tool than the non-tactical version with a smooth bezel. There are other features that can make the two versions of the same light different, but these two things are the most common.

Bruce

[CurtPutnam]

Originally Posted by babock

The Lumen ratings on these flashlights should be taken with a Costco sized grain of salt. I have high lumen bicycle lights and one of my chinese lights has a lumen rating twice of a USA made light I own and the USA light is twice as bright as the Chinese light.

Originally Posted by nomad297

When it comes to flashlights, “tactical” is really only an identifier for a flashlight that is best suited for defensive, police and military use.

Just as one example, one model of flashlight might come in a tactical version and a non-tactical version. The tactical version will usually only have one brightness setting — very bright — where the non-tactical version may have two or more brightness settings. The tactical version may also have a bezel with sharp edges to make it more useful as a fighting tool than the non-tactical version with a smooth bezel. There are other features that can make the two versions of the same light different, but these two things are the most common.

Bruce

Very interesting. Thank you. The last "tactical" flashlight I had was a good 'ole Maglight of the 6 D cell size. It made a good, legal club. It disappeared at the car wash. Not having seen any more modern flashlights of the "tactical" variety, I'll refrain from further comment

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

Very interesting. Thank you. The last "tactical" flashlight I had was a good 'ole Maglight of the 6 D cell size. It made a good, legal club. It disappeared at the car wash. Not having seen any more modern flashlights of the "tactical" variety, I'll refrain from further comment

I suppose your 6-D cell Maglite could be considered tactical because of its size and how you intend to use it. Just as somebody mentioned earlier in this thread, they were trained how to use the Maglite in a defensive/offensive manner.

They also make for a good door knocker.

Bruce

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by CurtPutnam

Very interesting. Thank you. The last "tactical" flashlight I had was a good 'ole Maglight of the 6 D cell size. It made a good, legal club. It disappeared at the car wash. Not having seen any more modern flashlights of the "tactical" variety, I'll refrain from further comment

Here is a link to a more comprehensive explanation of some of the differences between a tactical and a pedestrian-type flashlight:

https://www.oriontacticalgear.com/ta...ar-flashlight/

Bruce

[NJKris]

Anybody who makes a flashlight that is black and small now calls it 'tactical'. The key feature of a 'tactical' light is the ability to illuminate momentarily with a slight press of the button. I noticed some of the cheaper Chinese lights do not have this ability, and worse yet, everytime you toggle the switch, it goes into another 'program', like low power, or flashing. Completely useless for social work.

[ManlyMan]

My previous favorite flashlight was great but I needed a caddy to carry it for me.

[filthy-Beast]

This thread got me looking at lights again. I really like this one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUIo...ature=youtu.be

[nomad297]

Originally Posted by filthy-Beast

This thread got me looking at lights again. I really like this one.

This version of the TK35 has been out for a couple of years now and has been extensively reviewed. It is a really nice flashlight if you are looking for something this “floody”. It produces a very wide beam with a great color, so it will turn night into day for a good distance and a wide area. It is also priced to sell (about half the price) when compared to similar flashlights made in the USA.

Good choice, though!

Bruce

[BriaBeck]

Dang it you guys...


I've got a flashlight thing too, but haven't ventured into the $$$ models yet... because I know how that would turn out. I don't know what the heck it is about flashlights...


I keep looking for the perfect relatively inexpensive flashlight that's bright, durable, and uses AA, C, or D batteries... Right now I'm pretty happy with this one for the camper:


Quantum 3D Flashlight


Just High, Low, and Off. No stupid strobe or SOS or any of that nonsense.

[NJKris]

I don't know what the heck it is about flashlights...

LOL, I have the same fetish with coolers. I think I have over a dozen coolers of all shapes and sizes and capabilities.

[BriaBeck]

Originally Posted by NJKris

LOL, I have the same fetish with coolers. I think I have over a dozen coolers of all shapes and sizes and capabilities.

You and the DW would get along great!! Now I know there is another with a cooler fetish!!

[NJKris]

My favorite cooler!