Flashlights

[Master-Pull]

Not really sure if this should go in the camping section or here, but I consider my flashlights 'tools.' I am looking for a few new flashlights, for the tow rig, trail rig, around the house etc.

I would like to have a good small flashlight that is reliable and powerful and easy enough to fit in my pocket and carry around camping or where ever, probably around 3 inches or so long? I would also like a larger flashlight for the tow rig to keep when I need to do walk arounds when i stop at rest areas at night and check on the straps, I would also use this camping but I want something powerful and very bright.

So do you guys have any suggestions for good quality flashlights that can take a fair amount of abuse before they stop working? I need something that will handle extreme conditions and stupid use.

-Alex

 

[ddog45]

Check out the led flashlights at home depot. You can get a some nice flashlights for cheap prices.

 

[Rallyroo]

For a pocket EDC [Every Day Carry] I use a Fenix PD30 (2 x CR123). It's has long since replaced my Surefire E2e-HA Executive Elite.

If you'd prefer to stick to AA's I'd recommend the Fenix LD10 (1 x AA).

 

[southpier]

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/portal/index.php

bring your credit card

 

[matthewp]

If you're willing to pend a litle investment on a solid, long lasting, powerful flashlight that's small, look at SureFire. http://www.surefire.com/

I've had these through everything including a combat zone. They run about $60 and up, but they are the best I've ever used, especially for their size!

 

[Wes Craiglow]

If you're willing to pend a litle investment on a solid, long lasting, powerful flashlight that's small, look at SureFire. http://www.surefire.com/

I've had these through everything including a combat zone. They run about $60 and up, but they are the best I've ever used, especially for their size!

Been using this for more years than I can remember. It has been thoroughly abused, spending a year outside the wire strapped to the outside of my LBE during a tour in Baghdad. I've been through countless sets of batteries, but never had to replace a bulb. It's been in freezing temps and scorching alike. And submerged. And impacted over and over and over.

I think it's indestructible. And it's less than $75.

 

[Wyowanderer]

If you're willing to pend a litle investment on a solid, long lasting, powerful flashlight that's small, look at SureFire. http://www.surefire.com/

I've had these through everything including a combat zone. They run about $60 and up, but they are the best I've ever used, especially for their size!

I'll second that, so long as you're willing to carry a spare bulb and plenty of batteries. My Sure Fire is great; people that I camp with joke that I could weld with it. But the bulbs and batteries aren't cheap or easy to get, so I carry my own spares. That's normal, though.

 

[Corey]

I have the Surefire G2 Nitrolon LED at 80 lumens I bought two seasons ago from Cabelas.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Surefire-G2174-Nitrolon174-and-G2-Nitrolon-LED-Flashlights/734443.uts

In the new Fall issue of Overland Journal on page 21 is a new Surefire called the 6PX Pro and G2X Pro LED lights.
Dual output lets you select from 200 lumens down to 15 lumens.

I think I am going to order the G2X Pro today.
The output on it is almost triple what my current Surefire is.
One can never have to many flashlights, I must have thirty or more dating back several years including headlamps.

6PX™ Pro
Dual-Output LED

Features

* Virtually indestructible LED emitter regulated to maximize light output and runtime
* Two output levels—high for maximum light, low for extended runtime
* Precision micro-textured reflector creates smooth, optimized beam
* Tough polycarbonate window resists impact
* High-strength aerospace aluminum body, Mil-Spec hard-anodized for extreme durability
* Dual-output tailcap click switch—press for momentary-on low, click for constant-on low, return to off then press or click again for high
* Weatherproof—O-ring and gasket sealed
* Includes high-energy 123A batteries with 10-year shelf life

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rOcwWMMjfI"]YouTube - SureFire 6PX Pro[/ame]

G2X™ Pro
Dual-Output LED

Features

* Virtually indestructible LED emitter regulated to maximize light output and runtime
* Two output levels—high for maximum light, low for extended runtime
* Precision micro-textured reflector creates smooth, optimized beam
* Tough polycarbonate window resists impact
* Tough Nitrolon® body, anodized aluminum bezel
* Dual-output tailcap click switch—press for momentary-on low, click for constant-on low, return to off then press or click again for high
* Weatherproof—O-ring and gasket sealed
* Includes high-energy 123A batteries with 10-year shelf life

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHp6u_tlGyg"]YouTube - SureFire G2X Pro[/ame]

Here is a good source too for getting the 123 batteries for these lights.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/SureFire-SF12-BB-FBA-Surefire-Batteries/dp/B00063SN6E/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1286203480&sr=8-3"]Amazon.com: Surefire Batteries: Electronics[/ame]

 

[SilverBullet]

Well I am not normal apparently, I have used mag lights for years and still have most of them. My truck light is a mag that is over 15 years old, handed down from Dad's camping stuff when all us kids were gone. 2 AA batteries, and I am ready to go, and the spare bulb is under the spring, so no issues.

 

[Equipt]

I have a few really nice flashlights too, but day to day pocket flashlight I have been using lately is the Streamlight Stylus Pro. LED, AAA, about 3" long, durable, and inexpensive. Very bright for the money. You can get them for under $20. So, for the same cost as some of the others, you could buy several of them for different vehicles.

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=133

Cheers,

 

[soonenough]

Another vote for SureFire. I have an E2E Executive Elite incandescent and a G2 LED Nitrolon. Both are very nice flashlights; the E2E is a perfect size for EDC, and I keep the G2 in my truck at all times.

If I buy another one, it will definitely be LED, even though I prefer the color temperature of their incandescents. IMO the batteries are just too expensive to be using their incandescent flashlights for everyday use; the LED lights make a lot more sense. If it was only to be used as a weaponlight then I can see the justification for the incandescent.

I'd buy one of the lights that has selective output; the new G2X and 6PX LED lights look promising. I remember seeing that one of them was a 15/200-lumen selective output, which would be great for all-around everyday use.

Another option would be to get a Mini Maglite and use one of the Nite Ize LED conversion kits. I have one and have been using it quite a lot lately. The Nite Ize IQ click switch is nice; it gives you 3 levels of intensity and 2 different strobe patterns.

 

[Corey]

I went to place my order at REI for the poly GX2 Pro, but it is on back order.
Amazon does not have them yet, so I may order directly from Surefire.

200 lumens is quite bright.
I thought my 80 lumen G2 was bright...

 

[x32792]

X2 led

Check out the led flashlights at home depot. You can get a some nice flashlights for cheap prices.

X2

Got a nice LED from Lowe's. Longer battery life, smaller size, bright enough to be useful.

 

[Corey]

Just placed my order for the G2X Pro.
Should be here in a few days, and I will try to get a picture of a side by side beam comparison shot with my other Surefire light that puts out only 80 lumens.

 

[kai38]

Flashlight hack [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnkjvEdeIlc"]YouTube - $10 Police Flashlight Hack![/ame]
We tested this earlier this summer and its amazingly bright with a good light pattern.
We tested against a surefire & maglights and they, lost to this flashlight mod