Flashlights

[MO_Soldier]

What's your opinion on EDC flashlights to accompany your EDC pistol?

I'm caught between what features I want or what brand.


I want:
MAX lumens
High/Strobe/Low(to increase run time while I use it regularly)
---I don't know about the features though...push button with multiple clicks, or with a separate selector for modes?
It has to be as rugged and reliable as my Kahr, as it could be equally as important when SHTF as the majority of shootings occur in low light conditions.
It also has to be compact, like a 2xCR123 length, and about a 1-1.5" diameter.

Watcha got for me KahrTalk?

[MO_Soldier]

This may help set a guideline.
This is new from 5.11 that I'm considering and fits pretty much all of my requirements.

My biggest issue with THIS particular model is just about the button. Strobe is 3rd/last I believe...and I'm not sure if that's tactically conducive.

http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Flashlights/ATAC-L2-Flashlight.html

[MO_Soldier]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fenix-PD32-Cree-LED-315-Lumens-Tactical-Flashlight-Fenix-Dealer-CR123A-/120829169823?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item1c21fad09f#ht_7135wt_1344

[wyntrout]

Waterproof and impact resistance ought to be high on the list of desired features, too. I bought some really bright, 150-Lumen Cree lights that seem pretty sturdy, but I dropped one from less than 4 feet onto concrete and it doesn't get very bright and dims quickly. The regular price at Costco is $19.95 for THREE and I got mine on sale for $4 or $5 less there, but cheaply made lights aren't good bets for tactical situations. These use 3 AAA batteries.

These lights really punch out a hundred yards or so and seem impressive, but the PD32 with over 300 lumens... good grief! And the prices aren't bad, either.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-PD32-Compact-Lumen-Flashlight/dp/B0062PVSGW

Amazon.com is a good place to look for stuff AND check out the user reviews, especially the first one by an LEO tester.

I've decided a lot of purchases, yay or nay, based on these reviews.

Wynn:)

[aray]

Here is what I look for in a flashlight:

1) Small, light, and portable - I want to carry it in my pocket without noticing it
2) Bright - I don't need to see across a football field but I do want to see clearly around the house, in my backyard, etc.
3) LED so I don't have to worry about bulbs burning out when I need it the most
4) Normal batteries so when they die it's easy to find & grab replacements anywhere
5) White and red LEDs so I can see "normal", or if need be protect my night vision as appropriate.
6) Sturdy - no plastic lights for me
7) Waterproof

And here's what I selected: http://www.amazon.com/LRI-PPRO-Proton-2-Colors-Flashlight/dp/B001CZ9CCO/ref=cm_cr-mr-title

It has all of what I want plus stuff I never use (e.g. all the blinky modes). One bonus I really like is the ability to smoothly dim either the red or the white LED to get just the right light intensity I want in any environment.

i never dreamed such a tiny flashlight could be so bright. But it is. I think very highly of mine.

[Thunder71]

Here's what I use:

Redline Nebo: Medium+, double the lumens and options and carryable
Maglite X50: Medium, 105 lumens
Streamlite ProTac 2AA: Small+, pocketable, great output, 140 lumens?

I'll google the specs later.

[Barth]

I got a SureFire G3 from Midway for $30 bucks (think they are all gone now...)
Then added a 460 lumen upgrade lamp.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/p60-dropin.html
And created a $60 Bat Signal.
http://www.parconline.biz/photoart/images/20060929110728_img_0023.jpg

[Rio Vista Slim]

I own four Surefire lights. Two of these are A2 Aviators, one WeaponLight, and an E2L Outdoorsman.

I find myself more often carrying the Outdoorsman than the other three, for a couple of good reasons. The Outdoorsman has a two-position end cap activation switch, which clicks on the 3 lumen low light first, followed by the 60 lumen beam with a second click. The LED light is bright enough for most applications, and would momentarily blind someone if pointed at the face.

It uses two CR123 batteries, and has a maximum run time of 6 hours on high beam. The body of the light is anodized aluminum, and the light is water-proof.

While admittedly expensive, Surefire flashlights carry a very good guarantee. I once dropped one of my A2 Aviators off a moving locomotive, damaging the end cap. Surefire sent me a new end cap, no questions asked.

The Outdoorsman doesn't have a strobe feature, but I've never found an application that would justify a strobe for my use. The flashlight does not have to be completely turned on (with the clicks) to activate the light, so momentary illumination can be achieved easily.

[Avenger]

About six months ago I purchased and started carrying a Q Mini 123 from 4Sevens.

Never realized how much I would actually use a flashlight until I started carrying one.

[MO_Soldier]

The Q Mini 123 seems too complicated:

Selecting Special Outputs

The MiNi has 4 special output modes: Strobe, S.O.S., Beacon (Hi), and Beacon (Lo). To access these modes, quickly switch through two full 'cycles' of the regular outputs, starting with Low. These two full cycles must be completed within 3 seconds:

Low -> Medium -> High -> Low -> Medium -> High -> Special Outputs
You can continue to cycle through the special outputs in the following sequence:

Strobe -> S.O.S. -> Beacon (high) -> Beacon (low)

I'm gonna be trying to light up my attacker while getting shot at...

[MO_Soldier]

So I've looked at your guys' recommendations, and along with those I've come across MANY more than I've ever even heard of.

I'm still preferring the 5.11 Atac L2 for size and 5.11 reputation with other tactical stuff, simple operation, super bright 222 lumens/13 lumens/strobe, and it's got everything I want without a bunch of stuff that I DON'T want and would just complicate the operation in a high stress environment.

For $63, I don't think I can beat it.

[Avenger]

It is not that difficult to operate. All those instructions seem to confuse people, but in practice it is pretty simple.

You do have to turn the bezel to activate it. You tighten it and it comes on in moonlight mode. I can do it one-handed but don't know how efficient I could do so in stressful situation.

If I thought that I would have a need, on a consistent basis, to quickly draw my weapon and a torch at the same time, I would go with a 'tactical' model that had the pushbutton clicker on the end. I just thought that was overkill for me at this time.

There are plenty of options out there and now is probably a good time to be purchasing one. 4Sevens has a sale going on right now and I bet some of the other brands do as well.

Good luck in your search.

[Thunder71]

$25 for the Nebo Redline.

[JFootin]

Don't make fun of me, but I bought one of these for $19.95 and it is bright, focuses, has aluminum housing and not a brand label or "Made in..." label anywhere on it. I am delighted with it! :D

http://www.heartlandamerica.com/browse/item.asp?product=tactical-led-flashlight&PIN=121181&GUID=81214828-E973-4DAA-AB43-1352185C73EF&BC=S&DL=SEH2

[Ressom]

I carry a 4Sevens Preon 2. I love it. So much so that I bought a bunch for Christmas gifts.

It's probably the smallest and brightest 2 cell AAA flashlight available.

[hss.strat]

Unless you're a police officer, in what scenario do you envision having time to get a flashlight out and make good use of it? With the exception of home defense, if you need a flashlight to find your target you're no longer in self defense now you're hunting.

Streamlight makes reliable lights that are rechargeable

Sent from my SGH-i917 using Board Express

[MO_Soldier]

Well I can anticipate when it will be dark, as the sun goes down reliably every day.
I'm not being a smart@ss...my point is this; When I'm leaving a building(commonly my work at 10 at night) and I know it's dark, I'll carry the flashlight in my hand. It lights up the shadows, lets me check my surroundings, inspect my back seat for someone who may have broken into my car, etc. Therefore, I ALSO already have it IN HAND should an attack happen.

While temporarily blinding or otherwise disabling the attacker, I have that much longer to pull my weapon out and get shots on target. Also, I have just gotten 100% target identification. There's no chance I'm going to be shooting my neighbor, wife, or coworker because I got startled and could only see a silhouette.

I also use the light for home defense as well.

[Chuck54]

I carry a "Photon" micro light on my key ring.



I also have a "Streamlight" strion that I like but would not consider it for carrying around all of the time.

[340pd]

I keep a Fenix LD20 handy. Small, Light, versatile, 2 AA batteries. This thing is great for a walk in the dark.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-LD20-180-Lumen-Flashlight/dp/B004CXNY3G

[Tnhillbilly]

I carry a Streamlight Microstream with me all of the time. Its small and very bright. I forget its in my pocket!

[O'Dell]

I seldom carry a flashlight of any type, but I sure don't want one attached to my pistol. If I know I'm going to be out after dark, and I'm worried about it, I just grab a gun with night sights.

[Mr. S]

I usually carry this one: There are lights that are brighter with 1 cr123 but I find this to be perfect for edc.

http://kahrtalk.com/showpost.php?p=45905&postcount=12



I also have a Streamlight Strion LED rechargeable:It is a great light.

http://policehq.com/Products/SL-STRL


Momentary on switch, starts on high power,hold down all the way to go to medium and low and doubletap for high.

Flashlights are addicting, you've been warned!

[Markis82]

These lights really punch out a hundred yards or so and seem impressive, but the PD32 with over 300 lumens... good grief! And the prices aren't bad, either.

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-PD32-Compact-Lumen-Flashlight/dp/B0062PVSGW



Wynn:)I just bought the Fenix PD32 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062PVSGW). It has all the features and electronics of a high end flashlight. Like: *Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness. *Intelligent memory circuit memorizes the last brightness level when you last switched off your flashlight and immediately powers on to that last mode. *Reverse polarity protection. *Over heat protection. It is easy to use. I especially like these features: *Strobe by one press of side switch. *Side slide switch for selecting the 4 brightness levels. *Tactical tail switch is used for momentary on/off. All for $66.95 shipped.

[TriggerMan]

I just bought the Fenix PD32 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0062PVSGW). It has all the features and electronics of a high end flashlight. Like: *Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness. *Intelligent memory circuit memorizes the last brightness level when you last switched off your flashlight and immediately powers on to that last mode. *Reverse polarity protection. *Over heat protection. It is easy to use. I especially like these features: *Strobe by one press of side switch. *Side slide switch for selecting the 4 brightness levels. *Tactical tail switch is used for momentary on/off. All for $66.95 shipped.
Good call, I just bought one as well...$61.95 shipped off the 'Bay. It got great reviews and the features made a lot of sense to me. Its an upgrade to a $40 S&W light on the night stand. I have a gun mounted light with a switch that allows me to quickly turn it on or off. No plans to carry that out side or clear my condo.

Gun mounted lights require a lot of thought and training so that you don't give away your position in a dark house where you already have the advantage of knowing the floor plan. You sure also don't want anyone using it as an aiming point against you. The last caution is that you must point a loaded gun at whatever you want to illuminate. That isn't always a BG, could be your dog, child or neighbor. Still, can be very handy. It allows both hands to be available and you never need to hunt for it. My GF has on occasion moved that separate S&W light from where I expect to find it.

[wyntrout]

The PD32 seems like a very good light. I don't like having to cycle through to the setting I want... and having only the end switch for that sucks. I might have to get one of those when I get back from Colorado.

You just wouldn't believe all of the stuff I'm buying and having shipped to my in-laws because I don't want to miss out on some deals... like buying sale and clearance stuff from Lands' End and getting 40% OFF the whole order AND free shipping!! We don't leave until next Thursday and I keep getting all of these offers... gun stuff and ammo, too!

Wynn:)

[TheTman]

I bought one of those cree led flashlights from LED Wholesalers, it was very bright but the on/off button quit working in about 3 months, I only paid 17.00 for it so I guess you get what you pay for. I just want one that switches on and off, no strobe or anything, just 1 button to push. maybe a rotatable bezel that will shift the bright spot width. I saw some of those "Tactical" flashlights going for $200 and up. I think I can find something a lot less expensive that will do the job, and blind the bad guy, and all that. I'd rather have nightlights throught the house so I don't advertise that I'm on the way with a high power flashlight. Those ropelights are cool and easy to string along where the wall meets the ceiling and provide plenty of light. Adds a Christmasy touch all year long. LOL

[yqtszhj]

This one may be slightly too big for EDC without noticing but it can replace every flashlight in the house. Bright as everything. different features. It is really cool.

http://www.maglite.com/maglite_xl100_led.asp

[Markis82]

I bought one of those cree led flashlights from LED Wholesalers, it was very bright but the on/off button quit working in about 3 months, I only paid 17.00 for it so I guess you get what you pay for. I just want one that switches on and off, no strobe or anything, just 1 button to push. maybe a rotatable bezel that will shift the bright spot width. I saw some of those "Tactical" flashlights going for $200 and up. I think I can find something a lot less expensive that will do the job, and blind the bad guy, and all that. I'd rather have nightlights throught the house so I don't advertise that I'm on the way with a high power flashlight. Those ropelights are cool and easy to string along where the wall meets the ceiling and provide plenty of light. Adds a Christmasy touch all year long. LOLThe camping products company Coleman has several flashlights that will fit your bill. I have one called the Coleman Max. It is like 175 lumens and has one on/off push button switch on the butt end. The have them at Walmart and they are reasonably priced.

[nksmfamjp]

IMO, you want simple with no blinky modes.

I have a Nitecore EX10, but it requires too much maintenance to keep it working right. It has to be clean to work 100%. . .otherwise it flips modes. Still, it is a great light

I would reccomend a 123 sized light with a high and a low mode. I use little of the in between modes, except at work. I think the quark tactical is like that. It has like 6 modes, but you set 2 to be the modes in use?? Enjoy.

Also, ideally you want a warmer LED. Your eyes are generally accustomed to 2900k around the house and more like 3200K for task lighting, if I remember correct. I think cree LED's are sometimes more like 4000K - 5000K.

[MikeyKahr]

I have the 4Sevens Preon 2 and the Fenix LD20 - love them both, highly recommended!

[Bawanna]

I have a Fenix PD31 but plan to get a different model I saw a the gun show last week. Same light put has a touch on tail cap so it doesn't click on and better brightness control.

I also have a surefire and you can't go wrong wrong with any of those.

[Gliderguy]

4Sevens TurboX. 450 Lumens max, up to 8 different modes available, but you pre program the two you want to use. tailcap clicky button with momentary function, and by either tightening the head full tight or loostening maybe a quarter turn you get access to either of your chosen modes. I use Max (450 lumens) and Medium (about 60 lumens) There are 5 constant brightness modes to chose from and three blinky modes. For a bit smaller head, Quark Turbo 123 or just plain Quark 123. Get the tactical model for the above interface.

If you prefer more bling and blitz they have a non tactical that doesnt have the momentary feature and you can cycle through the various modes by partially depressing the clicky button while on to break contact and change modes. Basically same 8 modes always available but have to cycle through 4 or so options for either head tight or head loose.

[chrish]

Been looking hard at Klarus, hard to beat the construction, features, controls. Guy I know got the XT11 and it's pretty sweet.

[growler17]

Check out the Olight m30 triton. Great light. 15 lumen on low. 125 lumen on medium and 700 on max. Great light

[midmo]

I have a surefire e1b backup, 80 high 5 low, mines old now they are like 130 high, e2d is really good basically anything surefire is awesome, they have the fury now for like $150 and its max lumens is 500...pretty ba

[yote]

Surefire 6P or G2, Have carried and used both for about ten years. About a year ago I had a problem with the 6P tailcap. Emailed Surefire and had a new one shipped within one week at no cost.

Never cared for lights attached to the pistol. A compact flashlight is more usefull since it can be used for shooting and for light.

[kahrnut1]

look hard at the surefire backup. it comes on bright first which is very important for a gunlight. has a long low run time. and clip allows bezal up or down carry.

[tv_racin_fan]

The camping products company Coleman has several flashlights that will fit your bill. I have one called the Coleman Max. It is like 175 lumens and has one on/off push button switch on the butt end. The have them at Walmart and they are reasonably priced.

I have a couple different Coleman lights. I like them.

[wyntrout]

If you want a small one, the PowerTac Cadet at 300 lumens for $60 or so is Tiny... uses one CR123 and has a clip for mounting light up on your belt or light forward on the bill of a cap. I got mine at a gun show for $60 with no tax and an extra battery. Rotating the hood while ON, allows choosing three light levels or the strobe. The end cap button controls ON/OFF at the selected light level or strobe.

The TechLite Lumen Master is now available in 200-Lumen power at Costco... THREE, that's 3! For $19.95, plus tax... for THREE! And they use 3 AAA batteries... which are ALSO INCLUDED... for $19.95... HEAVY Aircraft Aluminum, too.

Dang! I bought 3 when they were about 120 lumens... 15, I think, when they were 150-lumens... and on sale... THREE for $15!

All of these things are BRIGHT and really reach out... unbelievably STRONG and CHEAP!

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/wyntrout/IMG_2618.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/wyntrout/IMG_2620.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/wyntrout/IMG_2621.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/wyntrout/IMG_2622.jpg

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m620/wyntrout/IMG_2623.jpg

The small one is my PowerTac Cadet... 3.5" long... 300 Lumens from ONE CR123 and the end cap button controls ON/OFF of the selected light mode. The TechLite uses 3 AAA batteries and puts out 200 Lumens. The end cap button cycles through the two light intensities, strobe, and OFF... 4.5" long.

Wynn:)

[Dmitri]

PowerTac Cadet... 3.5" long... 300 Lumens from ONE CR123 and the end cap button controls ON/OFF of the selected light mode.

Damn that sounds (and looks) great!
I'm a bit of a flashlight nut and I've had a bunch of them over the years; the latest/current one, in my pocket right now, is Nitecore EZ AA R5 (http://www.nitecore.com/goods.php?id=3), which outputs 160 lumens (max) from a SINGLE AA battery. That is the brightest light I could find (after a LOT of research) that uses one standard AA battery, and is therefore very small. Very simple to operate/adjust brightness, it "remembers" your last brightness setting. And no silly switching/cycling through 500 various modes -- just the good ole' on and off, as the last "remembered"/preset brighness level.

Having read the above though, I might end up getting me the PowerTac Cadet... :cool:
I really like the button switch -- IME the screw-on switches (as is the case with the Nitecore and a lot of others) tend to gradually loosen while in pocket, eventually "falling apart" inside your pocket... so ya have to check the tightness from time to time. They should have all gone the Maglite route and had them turn on when you UNscrew the top, not the other way round, so that screwed-on would be its "OFF" position and it wouldn't be loose when in your pocket... Oh well.

P.S. Hate seeing these "Made in China" signs on so many of them... (my current one doesn't have it, but still...) But anyway, that's a whole different topic. :-X

[cesande]

I have a couple of Fenix PS30's and like them a lot.
Small and has multi levels SOS and Strobe.

[jcollins]

Try the EPLI from Brite Strike. High: 160 lumens Lo: 10 Lumens. Also strobe mode. Uses two AAAs. It look like a fat ink pen and is only a little over 5" long. I carry it every day with my PM9 and my wife carries one with her CM9. I sent one to my son, who is a Florida Highway Patrolman, and it is his primary flashlight. Not cheap, but well made.

http://www.brite-strike.com/epli.html