Spyderco Forums

I seem to be way behind in the times when it comes to what's new in the world of flashlights.

My idea of a bright light is a 2AAA Mini Mag.

What got me thinking about this was my before daylight trek to a ground blind in a very swampy area last weekeknd.

What's a GOOD beginner light that won't cost a weeks pay, I've done some research on the net but I'm still confused.

HELP GUYS! Ron

Ron,

I personally like the new technology lights that use lithium batteries rather than AA's or AAA's. The CR123 Lith's are more expensive but have a great output and a 10 yr shelf life.

An alternative is to get a light that uses LED's with conventional batteries. LED's will go just about forever even on regular batteries, but the light is more diffuse and you don't get a focused beam or spot. For walking to a blind before light though, that sounds like it would work for you.

That being said, it's hard to beat the Surefire line - I have an Executive 2 Elite hard anodized and I love it. Of course (not knowing what's a week's pay in the knife biz <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) it's fairly expensive too. I got mine NIB at a gun show for $65, which is about as low as I've seen them. A less expensive Surefire is the G2 Nitrolon, which has a plastic body instead of aluminum. I've seen them for $32.

Streamlight has always made a good product too, and they've introduced the "Pro-Polymer" line which uses conventional batteries and LED's. I haven't used one, but they're in the $30-$40 range too.

There's a lot of good choices out there these days. I agree, the Mag Lite's dominance has passed for most things except a police baton. Heck I remember back before Mags the cops carried "Kel-Lites." Haven't seen one of those in 30 years lol

Good Luck,
Dan

ummm.. here are some contenders Ron :

Streamlight Scorpion
Underwater Kinetic 2L
Surefire Nitrolon G-2

Hope they measure up! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

Oh, and www.equipped.org did a pretty good review of LED lights at http://www.equipped.org/led_lights.htm

Ron, you could try an Arc-AAA Limited or Premium Edition. Or for less money, a CMG Infinity Ultra.
Both have regulated power (constant brightness), and use one AAA battery.
1SKS or Tadgear sell them both.

Ted

I don't know...isn't cost relative? If you know that you can depend on an expensive Surefire to last some years...cost is not that much, IMHO. I'll be gettin' an ARC as soon as the ole' lady lets me. But, I have the C-2 Surefire. Works every time. When I go out walking, I like to have a light that allows me to blind an attacker. Also, the intense beam allows me to track my dog when she jumps in the local lake in the dark!! Just my opinion!!

TAKE CARE

TQ

Ron,
I just picked up a surefire E2-BK from John F Jensen. He has some on closeout. The E2 is $48 and the nitrolon is $25.

When I received it at my office I tried it out and thought 'it doesn't look that bright' Then at home in the dark I compared it to my 2AA 'rayovac'. No comparison. I might even go for the 120 lumen head <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>
Chris

Be Excellent to each other.

Ron,

You might look at a Pelican M6. I had a chance to try one recently, and am very impressed - this comming from a guy who owns and E2e, a C-2, and a C-3. Powered by two 123 lithium batteries, it is a little brighter than a C-2 (or any of the two battery model Surefires) and according to the instructions and warrantee sheet, will run a little longer - about 75 minutes - and the bulb life is estimated at 75 hours vs about 20 hours for a Surefire bulb. You can probably find one for under $50.00, about half the price of one of the better Surefires. It might not be quite as rugged as a Surefire, but that is a relative term. It is very well built, probably better than most aluminum flashlights.

Good luck in your search. If you are interested in getting one, I can point you in the direction of a place where you can get one for $40.00 plus shipping.

Chuck

There is no right way to do a wrong thing

Ron,
The ones that have caught my eye, but I don't have one yet, are the Streamlight Twin-Task lights. They have LED's and a xenon bulb. Best of both worlds. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Check them out...
http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?SLSTR51002
They have a few different models with different battery and light set ups. That one is the 3C model. Some one over at Candlepower forums did a good review(forgot who).

Blades

<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Edited by - Blades on 6/19/2003 9:35:34 PM

I have Surefire, Princton Tec, Streamlight, and a number of others... It really is a personal thing, depending of what you want, and what you like for features. I bought a Inova X5 Tactical LED (lith batteries and 5 leds) It is now my EDC. Many places on the Web carry the Inova, even Sharper Image now carries it.
http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catal ... &catid=111
Take a look, it's a solid, beautifully made light. And Bright!!!!
Windy

Try countycomm.com for the ARC AAA 16.50.Great deal on a great light.

I learn something new everyday,even though I don't want to. Jeff

As an afterthought, if you are a flashlight freak as I am, you might also be interested in the "computer controlled" Eternalight Flashlight from Technology Associates. It is NOT a tactical light, but what a wonder it is!!! :-)
http://www.techass.com/el/el1.php
I have the eliteXray and am ready to order the eliteMax.
The one I have goes with me everywhere, secure in the leather hor mount best case they sell.
Take a look.... it really does work! Bright, and VERY versatile! This is also a good "emergency, current out, storm, etc." flashlight.

I have to agree with the suggestions of the ARC AAA. Fantastic little light.

I also have an Innova X5 which I thought was great until I used an ARC LS. The Innova is still cool, especially in the looks department, but the ARC LS is worth saving your loot for.

I bought my ARCs from Archie at www.gearoutsidethebox.com and he's excellent.

Hey Ron! I put my $$$ on Surefires! Check out the E2-O and the latest LEDs -- Lumamax L-1 (19.5 lumens) and Lumamax L-4 (67-lumens) These lights RULE! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Sam

have scars will travel..

Depends on what you're looking to do w/it. For the situation you describe,I'd recommend the Princeton Tec Aurora headlight. 3 bright LED's,3 brightness levels plus 2 blink modes,waterproof,long batt life from AA's,and hands free. Will run you about $20-25.

Another good all-rounder is the Streamlight Clipmate. 3 LED's,water-resistant(will handle rain),small/light,and you have multiple carry options. You can clip it to yourself or an object,wear it around your neck,or use the headband. Uses 3 AAA's and runs about $15-20.

Another nice Streamlight is their new ProPolymers. I've got the 4 AA,7 LED model. It's bright as all get-out,has a handy tailcap clicker switch,and is both waterproof and has a hazardous class rating. Should run you about $20-25.

The previously mentioned Arc AAA as well as the Photon make great keychain lights. Both are very bright and tiny. The Photons are smaller,have extra features,come in different colors,and are cheaper. The Arcs use cheaper batteries and they're easier to change.

Finally,if you're looking to get into tactical lights,I highly recommend grabbing an ARC LS second before they're gone. Website is http://store.yahoo.com/flashlight/closandspeco.html and you can read my review under the thread "OT...Arc LS vs Surefire E1e ".

For some great reviews I'd recommend the following sites:
http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/
http://thelightsite.cruxial.com/

All of the suggestions are great, especially the Arc AAA and Surefire E2E. But I think my favorite light based on its esoteric factor is a BadBoy 400 Q3 sandwich installed in a MiniMag. This is a mod which for $45 includes a circuit board with an LED bulb, and new lens which you just drop into the MiniMag. Light quality comparable to an Arc LSH-P and will run at full brightness for 1.5 hours, and moon mode for a lot longer. This is his website http://www.anlighten.com/shop/default.php though it seems to be down right now. Neat light.

Rick

Sounds like the mods from this site: http://www.inretech.com/

Been thinking of trying one. I've modded one of my MiniMags w/this: http://www.opalec.com/ and I'm pretty happy w/the results.

I'm not sure whether you are looking for incandescent or LED lights, and whether this is for EDC or outdoor use only.

If you are looking for an LED light for outdoor use, my choice for hiking is the same as Windwalker. I have the EternaLight Ergo Marine, which has a bright yellow case and comes standard with lithium batteries, so it floats. Some of the lighting modes it has are a little gimmicky, but it is lightweight, durable, and versatile. You can use all four LEDs at the same time for maximum brightness. You can also reduce the light level or the number of LEDs being used to save the batteries. It runs on AA batteries, which of course are inexpensive and easy to find in stores. Changing the batteries is a little difficult in the field, but with the long battery life, this should not be a problem.