High End Flashlight (torch) inquiry

[shedlock2000]

Some time ago, in one of the 'pocket turnout' threads, I noticed some interest in flashlights that were displayed. I can mention some names, 'surefire, fenix and others.

It has recently come back to my attention again, as my father (a security guard) mentioned to me his dissapointment in his 5D cell Maglite.

He assures me, what he needs from a flashlight, is a long piercing beam, , capeable of traveling clearly long distances, but he is , for obvious reasons, not interested in a bulky spotlight type thing. He requires something similar, if not smaller to his mag, which is rugged, and dependable, but has a long beam and is fairly bright.

In my recent search, I have discovered beamshots on the internet, compairing flashlites of many different types and manufactorers, some of which are mentioned above. Many of them seem similar in effect, but the LED driven flashlights were obviously clearer, providing a 'whiter, more natural' light. The Mag, with incandescent bulb seems to provide a very yellow and overly narrow beam, compaired to the other surefire and similar LED beams

I was wondering if any of the TRF'ers would be able to suggest their flashliight of preference, and why.

From what I have seen, my PERSONAL favourite, is a maglite fitted with a malcoff m60f insert, though how this fares in regard to distance vision i am unsure. My dad was somewhat peterbed, that there was no way to 'narrow' the beam, and mentioned, that he had to sometimes look 'through' racking and the like, and flood, would produce too much reflected light to see clearly. I dont know if this is a drawback of inserts of this type fitted to mags?

So guys, whats your opinion??

I quite like some of the fenix and surefire stuff, but not the prices!! I am thinking of a birthday present for him,..... so nothing out rageous!, I also have to ship it to the UK, and my past experiance of that, is that it is not cheap!

Anyone have any experiance and comparrisons with the new Xenon bulbs for maglites?

Please bear in mind, I think he would like to have something fairly weighty and rugged, incase it needs to be used as a cosh, or similar?

I fall upon the vast and capaceous knowlege of my fellow TRF'ers

[seantk]

Maglite now manufactures an LED light.

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


Sean

[East Bay Rider]

I've heard good things about Www.wiseled.com

[Lion]

Steve, I am only familiar with the Fenix and Surefire brands of flash lights. They are light and strong for their size and produce a good strong beam of light. I know they are expensive but well worth it. Some police I know now use these flashlights over Maglites!!!

[larsr]

As Seantk points out Maglite does do LED bulbs. They are a bit pricey, but great. I have one in a 3D Maglite and it is really good. Extremely long beam, easily over 100 yards. I also have a little Maglite LED (2AA) that is great too if you don't want the heft of a larger light.

Highly recommend the Maglite LED. Only concern may be that they used batteries quicker, but I haven't tested it scientifically.

[rkot07]

http://www.productwizard.com/
we got great prices on surefire and other flash lights. We are a company dedicated to the security industry.

[larsr]

I should have added that I traded out my Xenon bulbs for the LED and there is no comparison in performance. Worth the upgrade. All in all, the 3d with LED is very good. Hope this helps.

[Jimbits76]

best light I have ever used is bicycle lights.

CatEye do some incredibly bright stuff...no good for whacking people with though....Maglites are best for that!

J

[Lamone]

I really like Surefire.
They make pretty good LED's (80 lumens) that last over 12hrs Vs 20mns on a 120 lumens incandescent lamp.

[daveathall]

You wont go far wrong with Surefire.

E1E Executive.

[Launch Mini]

I have a couple LED ones. NO idea on the manufacturer, but one of my clients supplies the Fire Departments with them.
Tough resin body, waterproof, have taken a real beating & keep on working.
Check your local Fire & Safety supplier.

[ColinB]

Another thumbs up for Maglite AA LED. I have been using mine since christmas (about 100 times a working day) and it is superb.
Don't look into the light though!

[Lamone]

Originally Posted by daveathall

Hey Dave,
What's the little black/red cylinder?
Looks pretty neat.

[Mike B]

Hands down the Mag Lite LED flashlight. All the cops in the district carry one. VERY bright, super durable, and dependable. Price, but you get what you pay for.

[Latrodectus]

Surefire is the way to go...mine is 15 years old...and you can not tell!

[scottschoe]

Surefire. I've used a few with one of my other hobbies...I'd never go back to mags.

[SirLoki]

surefire gets my vote, the best lights you can get and the prices are even better!

[daveathall]

Originally Posted by Lamone

Hey Dave,
What's the little black/red cylinder?
Looks pretty neat.

Thank you, its a wind proof lighter.

[shedlock2000]

Originally Posted by daveathall

Thank you, its a wind proof lighter.

Yeah, the black cylinder does look very impressive, especially for a lighter!

Thanks for the feedback so far, it seems to be between an surefiire and a mag LED. I have looked at the wiseLED brand, they went out of production for a while, but are back up and running now. I think they are definately impressive, but I need to not spend that much,....(it may be a christmas prescent to myself though !!)

Any of you surefire enthusiasts recomend a larger model type and number, he needs something faily substantial as mentioned.

[tinstar]

Surefire

A light I bet my life on.

[GBJIV]

I am very impressed with Surefire.

[LocoNBroko]

A Surefire with 120 lumen bulb is one of the most blinding small flashlights you can own.

[Mrdi]

I have several Surefire.
Rock solid performance

[Neoseikan]

You can also check the NEOFAB LEGION II, designed by myself. It's said the best single LED flashlight.

See this one.

[cyberone]

I have a pentagon 19 led flash light. compact and powerful you might whant to check them out.

[buhweet]

Hi Steve,

I am using a OLIGHT M20 Warrior at present.
It's a lot smaller than a 5-D Maglite, but I've swapped my 4-D Maglite for this without any regrets.


Tough. Versatile. Multi-functional. Easy to operate. Like the soldiers it’s made for, the Olight M20 Warrior is a carefully honed weapon of war. The M20’s rugged body structure, stainless steel striking bezel, blindingly bright strobe light, and multiple functions give it a strength and versatility never seen before in the hand-held lighting market. The M20 Warrior is all the lighting tool you need in the battlefield or on the job. Bright, rugged, and flexible, the M20’s multiple output levels and modes lend it a versatility and durability that make it the ideal tool for any task. The M20 Warrior is also a great choice for personal protection; the blinding light and crenellated striking bezel on both ends give added effectiveness when used for self-defense.



Specifications

Output

* 7 lumens, 150 hours
* 90 lumens, 12 hours
* 250 lumens, 4 hours
* Strobe

Batteries: 2xCR123A, 2xRCR123A, 2x16340, 1x18650, or 1x17670

Dimensions: Length - 140mm/5.5", Bezel diameter - 33.5mm/1.3", Body diameter - 24.80mm/0.98"

Weight: 120.50g (without batteries)

Accessories: Holster, lanyard, two spare o-rings, spare fluorescent rubber boot, battery magazine



Features



* World-class super bright Cree XR-E R2 (Premium)
* Throws 250 meters
* Tactical momentary-on forward switch
* Three digitally controlled constant brightness levels and strobe
* Auto memorization of specific function for instant access
* Linear functional adjustment for easy change of functions
* Front removable stainless steel striking bezel and rear striking bezel, removable for daily use, installable for close quarter combat
* Superior heat sink that disperses heat to protect LED and electrical components
* Ergonomic design with solid structure for easy operation
* Full orange peel reflector and perfectly centered light source for flawless beam with the longest shot
* Rugged indestructible aluminum body with anti-scratching type III Hard Anodization
* Advanced low battery indication, blink three times every 20 seconds when battery power is low
* Cutting-edge reverse polarity protection, with the right batteries, you can leave them in long direction for extended period, it will not burn the circuit
* Strong lanyard with quick release for easy access
* Mil-spec: MIL-STD-810F
* Water proof
* Anti-shatter, anti-scratch, anti-slip ultra clear lens
* Lock-out function to prevent accidental activation
* Metal ‘cigar hold’ ring optimally positioned to offer additional anti-roll properties and is pre-installed but removable for smoother body hold
* Engineered anti-slip body texture to give you a firm, tight grip
* Built-in steel pocket clip
* Advanced digital power management system for constant, even brightness through entire battery life
* Battery magazine to prevent 2xCR123A batteries from rattling in the battery tube


Hope this helps.
Cheers

[buhweet]

Check out this website for more info.

http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html

[Neoseikan]

Originally Posted by buhweet

Check out this website for more info.

http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html

Hi, Buhweet. How do you think about lights made in Ti?

[Gedanken]

Count one more vote for Surefire - a 6P LED Defender in my case:



The only disadvantage to the Mag is that it's too short to swing at someone's skull.

[DSJ]

I've used my Streamlight SL20 for over 10 years. Only on the second battery. I have a Stinger for backup.