Undead Forums of ZS

Prepping Tools and Gear Discussions (incl. reviews) => Let There Be Light! => Topic started by: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:17:28 PM

Title: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:17:28 PM
A cheap and handy little light.

I was in Northern Tool the other day and came across these cheapo PRC sourced lights. They were $3 each and I bought the 2 that were left just to play test them and all I can say is "Wow where can I get a couple more of these?!".

https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/Mini-Multifunctional-Aluminium-Pen-Clip-Magnet_60803746329.html?spm=a2700.galleryofferlist.normal_offer.d_title.cc6c6792NyTwUl

(https://www.bluestarempire.com/files/product/large/418529.jpg)


First of all I consider these to  be in effect a disposable and niche type devices they will never meet QC of Fenix, Maglight, etc or be EDC. That is not their purpose. Their purpose is to provide cheap and effective emergency lighting in a room for a short duration event.

Pros:
1. It uses a single (just 1) AAA battery. While the run time will be limited the cost of that run time is negligible.
2. They are small and light weight, even more so if you ditch the screw driver bits.
3. It has a very strong magnet.
4. It is very bright COB for the size and battery.
5. Low price point so they a good giveaways to others who are not prepared.

Due to the light weight and magnet you can attach these to the top of door hinges to light corridors. They can attach to any light fixture on the ceiling that has ferrous metal in it. Since it is so light weight it will stay attached providing a large area of illumination by doing this.

Cons:
1. Cheap construction and IMO typical PRC QC.
2. Run time with a single AAA battery is less than 2 hours.
3. Need for a supply AAA to feed the light.
4. They have only the COB type LED so area lighting only.
5. Availability - I have yet to find a source in quantities of less 18. They are handy but I cannot recommend buy 18 (2 or 4 yes ... 18 no).

If you run across these and they are priced below $5 I would suggest buying a couple. That is why I attached the display box that you may see.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:18:31 PM
A couple of things:
I was on Amazon and found these on sale for $9.92 assuming they are not counterfeit they look like good deal.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002IO2A4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Never mind they found their error and changed the price. Damn I should have bought a dozen. :evil:

Also I purchased this item.
There are 5 flashlights and it came in a foam packed plastic box (a mock pelican type case not water proof) that can repurposed along with 5 of these lights.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C9YXXLL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ordered them for the COB light and singe AA light. I tested them and an enerloop in the COB will last about 5 hours before the light shuts off. It likely has a chip in it that compensates for the low voltage and suckes every bit of engery it can get from the battery. I say this because when It shut off at the 5 hour mark it would not illuminate despite the fact it had been working.

In short for $20 and $5 for a pack of cheap AA alkalines you have decent power outage lights for several nights
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:19:19 PM
(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41sAmbyl2iL._AC_.jpg)

I am really not sure this can be considered a flash light it does need  USB power to work. That said this is a light that really impressed me with it's versatility and build quality. It has a 8 foot long flexible usb cable and the weight is minimal. It allows you to hang it from a wide variety of things. It is extremely bright but what impressed me was that fact that it could be dimmed (or brightened) by simply touching the lens. That and the dim settings are not the typical High/low but rather it is variable based upon how long you touch it. So you can go down to ~ a single candle of output to a claimed 200 lumens.

They claim IP67 water proof ness but I have not tested that. The USB cable does come with what appears to be a proprietary male end that attached to the light. All in all a very versatile light. I picked several up for $9.99 but I see they raised the price.

That said as long as you have a USB power bank this light can provide a lot of light for a long time.
https://smile.amazon.com/Voltaic-Systems-USB-Touchlight-Waterproof/dp/B00CWHQEWM/ref=b2b_gw_d_bia_1?pd_rd_w=k3AYy&pf_rd_p=e3cacf2f-b655-4992-8629-8eb728a4fbad&pf_rd_r=1H8XF5628NF4A2CJJ1QN&pd_rd_r=f1e68cba-cfb2-4efc-83a4-3bdc80ab7d09&pd_rd_wg=ENaDR&pd_rd_i=B00CWHQEWM&psc=1

Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:20:48 PM
I picked this up on Amazon for $8. At that price it is a very good light. Do not expect Maglight or Streamlight quality but for $8 they put out a lot of light with 4 AA rechargeable batteries.

The beam unless focused is a flood light without a hot spot. On low and focused it will illuminate a reflective street sign 3 blocks away. On high it illuminates my back yard almost as well as a PAR 38 flood light.   
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B088PGJQJW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Rednex on June 09, 2021, 05:27:25 PM
On the USB light, i go surf fishing a good bit and been using some butterfly lights ( looks like 2 wings when open ) magnetized to the roof of my truck. In the next week or so me and the miss are going to get some new items one being a 20,800 mhz?( said it can give an extra 77 hours to cell phones)  USB battery bank. I'm wondering if this light would work hooked to the bank and hung as an area light on the dark beach for bating and stuff.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: boskone on June 09, 2021, 06:30:25 PM
I'm thinking about something along the lines of these (https://www.lowes.com/pd/FrogLeggs-160-Lumen-LED-Miniature-Flashlight-Battery-Included/1000572417) for my trucks.

They're probably not super-bright, long lasting, nor tough.  However, they're cheap and the flashlight/COB combo is really handy for a general-purpose light.

I have a couple similar lights (a no-name larger one I've had for years, and a Nebo Slyde King (https://www.nebotools.com/p/SLYDE-KING-(2nd-Gen)/596) I received as a gift a year or two back.  Both are USB-chargeable; the Nebo uses a 13650 and the battery can be manually changed, but the "barrel slide" gets loose and...annoying.  However, having both options for lights with the tail magnets has proved utterly invaluable a few times.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NapalmMan67 on June 10, 2021, 10:11:02 AM
In the market for a wind up torch to toss in the tornado box in the basement.  We had one (forget the brand) years ago, but it would only illuminate for a few minutes after winding.  So looking for something that would last potentially 30 mins or longer after winding, if that animal exists?


Suggestions?
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on June 10, 2021, 10:38:33 AM
Quote from: NapalmMan67 on June 10, 2021, 10:11:02 AM
In the market for a wind up torch to toss in the tornado box in the basement.  We had one (forget the brand) years ago, but it would only illuminate for a few minutes after winding.  So looking for something that would last potentially 30 mins or longer after winding, if that animal exists?


Suggestions?
I would suggest any of the good new USB rechargeable lights.  They have long battery life in storage and can be recharged from a variety of sources including hand-crank radios and power banks (which usually have built-in lights too).  Amazon has a bunch.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NapalmMan67 on June 10, 2021, 10:51:29 AM
For a basic $12-15 light, we've had a few of these knocking around the vehicles the last 5+ years.  A bit on the heavy side and no belt clip or lanyard hole, but has two beam modes.  Nice and bright on the first setting.


https://www.rayovac.com/products/lights/metal-flashlights/diy3aaa-workhorse-pro-3aaa-led-virtually-indestructible-flashlight.aspx


.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NapalmMan67 on June 10, 2021, 10:53:51 AM
Quote from: NT2C on June 10, 2021, 10:38:33 AM
Quote from: NapalmMan67 on June 10, 2021, 10:11:02 AM
In the market for a wind up torch to toss in the tornado box in the basement.  We had one (forget the brand) years ago, but it would only illuminate for a few minutes after winding.  So looking for something that would last potentially 30 mins or longer after winding, if that animal exists?


Suggestions?
I would suggest any of the good new USB rechargeable lights.  They have long battery life in storage and can be recharged from a variety of sources including hand-crank radios and power banks (which usually have built-in lights too).  Amazon has a bunch. 

Will investigate those.  Thanks.


.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on June 10, 2021, 11:53:04 AM
Quote from: Rednex on June 09, 2021, 05:27:25 PM
On the USB light, i go surf fishing a good bit and been using some butterfly lights ( looks like 2 wings when open ) magnetized to the roof of my truck. In the next week or so me and the miss are going to get some new items one being a 20,800 mhz?( said it can give an extra 77 hours to cell phones)  USB battery bank. I'm wondering if this light would work hooked to the bank and hung as an area light on the dark beach for bating and stuff.

The beam is directional but it is incredibly lightweight and has a light output more than a 25 watt but less than a 40 watt bulb. The nice thing is with a USB extension cable you use the included strap to affix it in any direction you may want.

I have become a huge fan of USB lights. with the addition of a USB hub and extension cord the offer a lot of versatility.

This also great USB light and more omni directional.

https://www.amazon.com/TRENDS-Brightness-Customizable-Portable-Emergency/dp/B0926NST1Y/ref=sr_1_21?dchild=1&keywords=usb+light&qid=1623343857&sr=8-21

These are also great if you plug them into a USB hub you can have a light of light for a low price.
https://www.amazon.com/Telesky-Reading-Light-Protable-Night/dp/B08QTNT5QL/ref=sr_1_45?dchild=1&keywords=usb+light&qid=1623343914&sr=8-45
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: the_alias on June 11, 2021, 11:24:25 AM
Just want to share a tint photo from my lights.

Most here are Emisar brand which are great with tint options but they are not very robust at all. The most flame like is my bedside light because it disrupts the least and the whitest is my current EDC

(https://i.imgur.com/0yMlFApm.jpg)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 12:11:19 PM
This flashlight is mine and is my favorite of all the flashlights we own, but it's also Handy Kid's favorite (the wear around the back edge is mostly from him holding it with his teeth while working) and I've been trying for years to find him one of his own just like it.  If anybody has any idea where I can find it (got this one at Walmart, no go there, hasn't been on Amazon in a while, also is not on the Coleman website), I would be most appreciative.  The precise shape and weight of specifically this model are perfect, its light production is excellent, and it has a sturdy feel to it. 

(https://i.imgur.com/HP7Nyfj.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/lkupZy3.jpg?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/e6QJsG7.jpg?1)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on June 11, 2021, 12:27:25 PM
Not quite the same, Ani, but maybe close enough?


eBay link (https://www.ebay.com/itm/233707962837?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D232899%26meid%3D3964cf537c424d1ab899545ab778eb88%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D174240106835%26itm%3D233707962837%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseUnbiasedWeb%26brand%3DLifeGear&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A2337079628373964cf537c424d1ab899545ab778eb88%7Cenc%3AAQAGAAACELBYvhhcX6pptvIOjcjs%252BtfPr9H5FOqCN07JvOIbj9wwnPAFN7XY3r7mDjq%252BdjUn99ffSThqGGnKKEjXkmeCO34EwjNQT8GGSppzPFUVFzRFJ1hyjvY5CFulIELyfmakNdOcB5u6a%252FntJptL9W6vp2fbknxkjQC%252BQGoqFJ6c2ezApIH0Me%252FjjrmDPdmArEmSNpevra7VGnMIhB7TNx0k1xQBk9iwNIV8v%252BdcnCqllmcu4%252FiRxRJhATxKkzMHhVUqHMsj1YMzHaMIumi2ceO4sr%252FkjzlBDMAn3Ag3v2l0Pmovf2hoe2hWyaOZ3zFBhIJ%252Bpa%252Bq7AeUQX4kTQ7b53QcbfZFM5cLsEc0Fl6xSciGgYKLBftmlDSzEythPvmfwIiUvlwa4M6FoJ%252BzE8xMRox6fCr7YOPyD66QNv90LnAUh2fYlgY7S05DcZXL9oveqVoRS0%252FzbnmqKv9XoyfDhQY2UukTqLgP9B844IH%252Fzq4qfWCr6rNADqiyUZGl8bjbTZGzrFOwSOX%252F3hDmDeZI%252Ft82b4PbNe7%252FUjESFc4x1008cvY5rz4VfLxVYzljkjS46X%252Fj6KCDrX8shkodSgLXwO1RB1PX%252B75acM3JubZX79mgd%252FKdHY1x5JmTuuyPsp4ABikg6yiQ9wdEVmKgYhaqGW1XggTQUbJwAgXxpV9TrknGkg70JF2EAkojZWiMDc%252BhpexycA%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on June 11, 2021, 01:56:42 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 12:11:19 PM
This flashlight is mine and is my favorite of all the flashlights we own, but it's also Handy Kid's favorite (the wear around the back edge is mostly from him holding it with his teeth while working) and I've been trying for years to find him one of his own just like it.  If anybody has any idea where I can find it (got this one at Walmart, no go there, hasn't been on Amazon in a while, also is not on the Coleman website), I would be most appreciative.  The precise shape and weight of specifically this model are perfect, its light production is excellent, and it has a sturdy feel to it. 
Looks like it hasn't been sold in a while, but here's the old page on Walmart which has the specs for it.  That might help with finding something which is a similar size/form factor:  https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-765826-3AAA-Ultra-High-Power-LED-Flashlight-Black/13848694 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-765826-3AAA-Ultra-High-Power-LED-Flashlight-Black/13848694)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 03:42:13 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on June 11, 2021, 01:56:42 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 12:11:19 PM
This flashlight is mine and is my favorite of all the flashlights we own, but it's also Handy Kid's favorite (the wear around the back edge is mostly from him holding it with his teeth while working) and I've been trying for years to find him one of his own just like it.  If anybody has any idea where I can find it (got this one at Walmart, no go there, hasn't been on Amazon in a while, also is not on the Coleman website), I would be most appreciative.  The precise shape and weight of specifically this model are perfect, its light production is excellent, and it has a sturdy feel to it. 
Looks like it hasn't been sold in a while, but here's the old page on Walmart which has the specs for it.  That might help with finding something which is a similar size/form factor:  https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-765826-3AAA-Ultra-High-Power-LED-Flashlight-Black/13848694 (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-765826-3AAA-Ultra-High-Power-LED-Flashlight-Black/13848694)

Ah, it's good to find the model number, thank you!  I found some more old listings with that, but all out, unfortunately.  Looks like they were selling in 2013/2014.  Such a shame!  We love this flashlight so much.  Might have to become a family heirloom.  😂

I am trying to contact Coleman and see if there's any chance they bring it back, but their contact form has no box for actually asking a question!  Guess I have to upload my question in document form. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 03:43:38 PM
Quote from: NT2C on June 11, 2021, 12:27:25 PM
Not quite the same, Ani, but maybe close enough?


eBay link (https://www.ebay.com/itm/233707962837?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D232899%26meid%3D3964cf537c424d1ab899545ab778eb88%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D174240106835%26itm%3D233707962837%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv9PairwiseUnbiasedWeb%26brand%3DLifeGear&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A2337079628373964cf537c424d1ab899545ab778eb88%7Cenc%3AAQAGAAACELBYvhhcX6pptvIOjcjs%252BtfPr9H5FOqCN07JvOIbj9wwnPAFN7XY3r7mDjq%252BdjUn99ffSThqGGnKKEjXkmeCO34EwjNQT8GGSppzPFUVFzRFJ1hyjvY5CFulIELyfmakNdOcB5u6a%252FntJptL9W6vp2fbknxkjQC%252BQGoqFJ6c2ezApIH0Me%252FjjrmDPdmArEmSNpevra7VGnMIhB7TNx0k1xQBk9iwNIV8v%252BdcnCqllmcu4%252FiRxRJhATxKkzMHhVUqHMsj1YMzHaMIumi2ceO4sr%252FkjzlBDMAn3Ag3v2l0Pmovf2hoe2hWyaOZ3zFBhIJ%252Bpa%252Bq7AeUQX4kTQ7b53QcbfZFM5cLsEc0Fl6xSciGgYKLBftmlDSzEythPvmfwIiUvlwa4M6FoJ%252BzE8xMRox6fCr7YOPyD66QNv90LnAUh2fYlgY7S05DcZXL9oveqVoRS0%252FzbnmqKv9XoyfDhQY2UukTqLgP9B844IH%252Fzq4qfWCr6rNADqiyUZGl8bjbTZGzrFOwSOX%252F3hDmDeZI%252Ft82b4PbNe7%252FUjESFc4x1008cvY5rz4VfLxVYzljkjS46X%252Fj6KCDrX8shkodSgLXwO1RB1PX%252B75acM3JubZX79mgd%252FKdHY1x5JmTuuyPsp4ABikg6yiQ9wdEVmKgYhaqGW1XggTQUbJwAgXxpV9TrknGkg70JF2EAkojZWiMDc%252BhpexycA%253D%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675)

We may try it, but we've tried so many similar flashlights and haven't found anything near what we like about this one.  I guess we'll just have to get over it.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:36:42 PM
Anianna, I frequent a lot of thrift stores in my area, so it'd be no problem for me to look for that light for you.

Folks in my area tend to toss their old lights into the donation bins whenever a new model comes out, so it's likely I might find another light like that at one of the thrift stores out here.

If I do find one, I'll let you know.  :)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 06:39:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:36:42 PM
Anianna, I frequent a lot of thrift stores in my area, so it'd be no problem for me to look for that light for you.

Folks in my area tend to toss their old lights into the donation bins whenever a new model comes out, so it's likely I might find another light like that at one of the thrift stores out here.

If I do find one, I'll let you know.  :)

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me!
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:48:27 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 06:39:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:36:42 PM
Anianna, I frequent a lot of thrift stores in my area, so it'd be no problem for me to look for that light for you.

Folks in my area tend to toss their old lights into the donation bins whenever a new model comes out, so it's likely I might find another light like that at one of the thrift stores out here.

If I do find one, I'll let you know.  :)

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me!

No problem. I tend to look for flashlights and other prepping gear whenever I'm at thrift stores anyway, so this will just add a purpose to my browsing.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on June 11, 2021, 06:54:50 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 06:39:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:36:42 PM
Anianna, I frequent a lot of thrift stores in my area, so it'd be no problem for me to look for that light for you.

Folks in my area tend to toss their old lights into the donation bins whenever a new model comes out, so it's likely I might find another light like that at one of the thrift stores out here.

If I do find one, I'll let you know.  :)

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me!
Just make sure Handy Kid washes it well before sticking it in his mouth.  :o
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 07:01:47 PM
Quote from: NT2C on June 11, 2021, 06:54:50 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 06:39:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:36:42 PM
Anianna, I frequent a lot of thrift stores in my area, so it'd be no problem for me to look for that light for you.

Folks in my area tend to toss their old lights into the donation bins whenever a new model comes out, so it's likely I might find another light like that at one of the thrift stores out here.

If I do find one, I'll let you know.  :)

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me!
Just make sure Handy Kid washes it well before sticking it in his mouth.  :o

I'd be hitting that thing with the aqueous ozone and the UV light before giving it to him!  😂
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: boskone on June 11, 2021, 07:20:08 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 07:01:47 PM
Quote from: NT2C on June 11, 2021, 06:54:50 PM
Quote from: Anianna on June 11, 2021, 06:39:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 06:36:42 PM
Anianna, I frequent a lot of thrift stores in my area, so it'd be no problem for me to look for that light for you.

Folks in my area tend to toss their old lights into the donation bins whenever a new model comes out, so it's likely I might find another light like that at one of the thrift stores out here.

If I do find one, I'll let you know.  :)

Thanks for keeping an eye out for me!
Just make sure Handy Kid washes it well before sticking it in his mouth.  :o

I'd be hitting that thing with the aqueous ozone and the UV light before giving it to him!  😂
From experience, he should also wrap the base in something softer than metal.  Or get a non-metal flashlight.  I have a pretty decent amount of wear on my incisors from doing things like that.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: flybynight on June 11, 2021, 07:52:20 PM
Step right up to  Flybynights house of budget lights .  Only the winners  here at deep discount prices..

Literally have bought about a hundred of these in the last   six or seven years.  They are in the cars, different places on our property, Hand them out to friends and family.  Not the brightest, but not that bad at all

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01FSGZN7K/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

We use  145000 batteries in them  . Makes them much brighter than AA , and of course rechargeable

Only been using this one for three months . Bought two for son and wife. So far so good ( hesitated to include this one since  has not been even a year of use )  Nice and bright, small , ramp brightness ( up and down ) with memory  to last setting when turning  on.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZZ2YFKD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1


My go to EDC.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0779M5VHJ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I love this light The first one I bought lasted one week before it  stopped working. Contacted the manufacturer , who contacted the seller who had a replacement in my hands in two days. Two years and never failed me. Bright , memory function for intensity . Wife started taking mine to use, so got her her own. She loves it too.

   My two cents





Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on June 11, 2021, 08:45:31 PM
Coast makes a pretty decent polymer flashlight that might be a good alternative to the Coleman one Anianna posted.

It's got a steel (or aluminum, I'm not sure) core surrounded by a polymer shell. Walmart sells them in the Sporting Goods department and I think they're like 15 to 20 bucks. I'll have to check the next time I see one. I'll also have to see what the exact model name is too.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Rednex on June 12, 2021, 08:19:17 AM
Ani i have these from Amazon they do ok

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018OUWQO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I still prefer my Streamlight and my Olight

Streamlight https://smile.amazon.com/Streamlight-MicroStream-Ultra-compact-Aluminum-alkaline/dp/B00143JZ08/ref=sxin_9?asc_contentid=amzn1.osa.1bee6633-6e5b-477c-be97-b07f9a3c5534.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&asc_contenttype=article&ascsubtag=amzn1.osa.1bee6633-6e5b-477c-be97-b07f9a3c5534.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&creativeASIN=B00143JZ08&cv_ct_cx=streamlight&cv_ct_id=amzn1.osa.1bee6633-6e5b-477c-be97-b07f9a3c5534.ATVPDKIKX0DER.en_US&cv_ct_pg=search&cv_ct_we=asin&cv_ct_wn=osp-single-source-earns-comm&dchild=1&keywords=streamlight&linkCode=oas&pd_rd_i=B00143JZ08&pd_rd_r=a1713c57-fbad-44f6-97f4-ba7ad0100522&pd_rd_w=mCVvb&pd_rd_wg=XgvFY&pf_rd_p=2a3243ce-188f-426b-9a7c-cd22d207971e&pf_rd_r=ARK6N3WR5C7M5EE3R0XJ&qid=1623503872&sr=1-3-64f3a41a-73ca-403a-923c-8152c45485fe&tag=spyonsite-20   Holly cow that's a big link. Only problem with the stream light is the pocket clips can get hung up on stuff.

Olight https://smile.amazon.com/Olight-I3T-EOS-Lumens-Dual-Output/dp/B07DLRK7Q5/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=olight&qid=1623503839&sr=8-5
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: flybynight on June 12, 2021, 03:59:56 PM
Yea that reminded me.  Olight offered these for the price of shipping couple years ago.

https://www.olightstore.com/i3e-eos-black-test.html

Super small size that is amazing bright  Under ten bucks regular price
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NapalmMan67 on June 15, 2021, 02:38:45 PM
We've had a couple of these around the last few years.  Mostly use when fishing in Canada- as their boating regs require a watertight/floating flashlight when boating there.  Have been good performers for us.  Has an integrated carabineer clip in the tail so it can clip to a pack or fishing bag etc.

I also like them because they have the button on the side of the body, not in the tail.


https://www.dorcy.com/shop-now/flashlights/55-lumen-yellow-floating-flashlight


.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on June 21, 2021, 09:34:50 PM
Quote from: flybynight on June 12, 2021, 03:59:56 PM
Yea that reminded me.  Olight offered these for the price of shipping couple years ago.

https://www.olightstore.com/i3e-eos-black-test.html (https://www.olightstore.com/i3e-eos-black-test.html)

Super small size that is amazing bright  Under ten bucks regular price
I've got some lights like that (including that one from Olight), but I prefer switched lights rather than twisty.  I've lost too many parts of twisty lights over the years, going back to several of the old Maglite Solitaires.  I'll look at my keychain and realize that I only have half of the light, with the rest of it having gone AWOL, never to be seen again! (also had that happen recently with a peanut lighter. Grrr...)
 
A few years ago I bought a RovyVon Aurora A1 to try out.  I liked it and have picked up several more since then.  Today I ordered another one during the Amazon Prime Day sale, this time the updated A1x model:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0832Y18WH  Now I'll finally have one for each keychain.  They're about the size of an AA battery and use an internal, rechargeable battery.  Multiple modes, including momentary high, with high being 650 lumens!  They're great little lights, just don't put them in the washing machine (guess how I found that out! - although they did replace it for me under warranty).  I also have one of their models with the UV sidelight in it, which is sort of fun to play with! 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on July 07, 2021, 03:40:58 PM
These are on sale for $10.19. I purchased two of these and they are good buy for a bright flashlight @ this price.

They use 4 AA batteries so nothing exotic is needed battery wise. I use these with rechargeable batteries and it works well.

https://smile.amazon.com/High-Powered-Flashlight-RECHOO-Upgraded-Flashlights-Resistant-Flash/dp/B08BNNNP25/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rpt_comp_bia_alters_1/143-9969403-1154168?pd_rd_w=WocwM&pf_rd_p=cfafa29f-2d34-4feb-b297-fff281f16bdd&pf_rd_r=RGCE5Y45VHKYQX1YQA2S&pd_rd_r=a8446467-c989-496a-8205-424cd69243c8&pd_rd_wg=UU39l&pd_rd_i=B08BNNNP25&psc=1#customerReviews

The build quality is decent and the battery holder is not cheap thin plastic but seems durable. This not a Streamlight, Fenix or Maglight but for the price is a decent very bright light. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on July 25, 2021, 12:47:11 PM
Just bought another one of these Letour lights to use in a closet at my house.  Most of the battery-operated "closet lights" are cheap, dim crap from what I could tell, but I've had good luck with these in the past (I keep one in each of my vehicles).  No, it's not 4000 lumens like it says, probably more along the lines of 400-500, which is good enough for a closet the size of mine.  The closet is in the kneewall space on the 2nd floor and is about 5ft wide, 4ft high, and around 5ft deep at the farthest point (slanted ceiling, sloping toward the back).  The light comes with metal plates with glue backing and I'll put those on the wall just inside the door for it to stick to. I really wish that when the previous owner had remodeled the room that they'd just put a light or at least an outlet in there to begin with...

Let there be light!  :))
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074QLJMW6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: RoneKiln on July 25, 2021, 11:06:03 PM
I spent all day Friday and Saturday under my parents house replacing plumbing with a little petzel tikkina with the petzel rechargeable battery. It was perfect. Saturday was a long rough day. I'd estimate I had the lamp on medium power over 10 hours and it didn't dim or weaken at all.

I'd probably want something more powerful for search and rescue operations or searching my property after a bump in the night. For everything else though, that cheap little pretzel is my go-to.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: boskone on July 26, 2021, 10:40:45 PM
Olight's running a summer sale, for anyone looking for a light.

I think maybe they've got some sort of free keychain light for new accounts.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Mr. E. Monkey on July 27, 2021, 10:47:19 AM
I've been carrying one of these pretty regularly lately:  https://coastportland.com/products/g20

It's not incredibly bright, and it doesn't have amazing throw.  It's very handy, though, runs on two AAA batteries, and is just about perfect for little tasks like taking the dog out for a walk, finding my way around the house without turning on a light and waking everybody up, and other mundane stuff.

It's NOT a tactical light.
It's NOT a spotlight.
It's NOT the best light for a lot of things.  But it has been surprisingly decent.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: boskone on July 27, 2021, 11:18:00 AM
That looks like a 2AAA version of my favorite light, a little 1AAA light.

Not everything needs to be a million candle-power light with 18 modes; just getting light is often enough.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Mr. E. Monkey on July 27, 2021, 11:41:04 AM
QuoteNot everything needs to be a million candle-power light with 18 modes; just getting light is often enough.

Sometimes it's nice to have a flashlight that is useful, but doesn't summon Batman.   :awesome:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: boskone on July 27, 2021, 11:48:36 AM
It is a bit startling when you're trying to find which breaker to reset, and from over by the crepe myrtle suddenly hear a gravelly "You called?".
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: flybynight on July 27, 2021, 01:05:55 PM
Quote from: Mr. E. Monkey on July 27, 2021, 11:41:04 AM
QuoteNot everything needs to be a million candle-power light with 18 modes; just getting light is often enough.

Sometimes it's nice to have a flashlight that is useful, but doesn't summon Batman.   :awesome:

Just remember 8 out of 10 flashlight users , also need a utility belt.  :smiley_knipoog:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on July 27, 2021, 05:38:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. E. Monkey on July 27, 2021, 11:41:04 AM
QuoteNot everything needs to be a million candle-power light with 18 modes; just getting light is often enough.

Sometimes it's nice to have a flashlight that is useful, but doesn't summon Batman.   :awesome:

My preference is for reliable light; I can at least use that to find a brighter light if I need one.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Mr. E. Monkey on July 28, 2021, 08:47:20 AM
Quote from: boskone on July 27, 2021, 11:48:36 AM
It is a bit startling when you're trying to find which breaker to reset, and from over by the crepe myrtle suddenly hear a gravelly "You called?".
:smiley_crocodile:


Quote from: flybynight on July 27, 2021, 01:05:55 PM
Just remember 8 out of 10 flashlight users , also need a utility belt.  :smiley_knipoog:
The other 2 just haven't come up with a good excuse to justify getting one yet.  :awesome:


Quote from: Raptor on July 27, 2021, 05:38:57 PM
My preference is for reliable light; I can at least use that to find a brighter light if I need one.
That's a really good point.  Lumens and candelas mean nothing if it won't turn on when you need it.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Raptor on July 29, 2021, 09:46:59 AM
Quote from: Raptor on July 07, 2021, 03:40:58 PM
These are on sale for $10.19. I purchased two of these and they are good buy for a bright flashlight @ this price.

They use 4 AA batteries so nothing exotic is needed battery wise. I use these with rechargeable batteries and it works well.

https://smile.amazon.com/High-Powered-Flashlight-RECHOO-Upgraded-Flashlights-Resistant-Flash/dp/B08BNNNP25/ref=pd_rhf_ee_s_rpt_comp_bia_alters_1/143-9969403-1154168?pd_rd_w=WocwM&pf_rd_p=cfafa29f-2d34-4feb-b297-fff281f16bdd&pf_rd_r=RGCE5Y45VHKYQX1YQA2S&pd_rd_r=a8446467-c989-496a-8205-424cd69243c8&pd_rd_wg=UU39l&pd_rd_i=B08BNNNP25&psc=1#customerReviews

The build quality is decent and the battery holder is not cheap thin plastic but seems durable. This not a Streamlight, Fenix or Maglight but for the price is a decent very bright light.

This is a very similar one that bought and the price is even cheaper @ $8.99
https://smile.amazon.com/LETMY-High-Powered-LED-Flashlight-S2000/dp/B088PGJQJW/ref=b2b_gw_d_cbia_4/145-4148639-6199308?pd_rd_w=2zWZ2&pf_rd_p=e7cb245b-bb8d-4b28-ae8c-8f503c190f1f&pf_rd_r=XTM7V157TZ7CKSXNHNTM&pd_rd_r=55fd9a97-3c5b-438b-9df1-fe047d61cde2&pd_rd_wg=Yq9U6&pd_rd_i=B088PGJQJW&psc=1
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on August 06, 2021, 11:29:31 AM
Got myself a brand new model of Olight flashlight!  An X9R... cell

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVEZ6W3fl.jpg&hash=e0ffd2b49a5cf14214ffeef45ba05b7c57da8ca4) (https://imgur.com/VEZ6W3f)

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUbEMEarl.jpg&hash=fbbdd2002137eb18a2f0dc238607b2e7cb5109a6) (https://imgur.com/UbEMEar)

Ain't it just the cutest lil' thing!   :smiley_crocodile:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Nyte on August 06, 2021, 01:00:29 PM
Quote from: NT2C on August 06, 2021, 11:29:31 AM
Got myself a brand new model of Olight flashlight!  An X9R... cell

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVEZ6W3fl.jpg&hash=e0ffd2b49a5cf14214ffeef45ba05b7c57da8ca4) (https://imgur.com/VEZ6W3f)

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FUbEMEarl.jpg&hash=fbbdd2002137eb18a2f0dc238607b2e7cb5109a6) (https://imgur.com/UbEMEar)

Ain't it just the cutest lil' thing!   :smiley_crocodile:

D'awww
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on August 06, 2021, 01:15:34 PM
I have to admit that a CR425 battery was a new one on me.  I'd never heard of it before, but apparently it's pretty well known in fishing circles for use with floats / tip lights.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: wolf_from_wv on August 31, 2021, 12:27:19 PM
Quote from: Mr. E. Monkey on July 27, 2021, 11:41:04 AM
QuoteNot everything needs to be a million candle-power light with 18 modes; just getting light is often enough.

Sometimes it's nice to have a flashlight that is useful, but doesn't summon Batman.   :awesome:

It's hard to read from a book with a 300 candle-power light...  Then, there was the time I was helping someone back a trailer up after dark, and someone commented that I "had a flashlight that could be seen from space".  I try to carry a couple lights, one for small tasks and one to light the place up.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AM
I recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

1,000 lumens max with a 535m throw and a square beam (yes, square, okay it's a rectangle but that's a square too) down to a 5 lumen moonlight mode it has run times as long as 200 hours.  Easily fits in your hand at about the size and weight of a full-size double-stack 9mm magazine and with a really nice belt holster and magnetic charging it's a good value for the $69.95 sale price I got it for and not a bad deal at the $99 regular price.  About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlpCsBi.jpg&hash=29c1756377f640289f01a89c9c0e0e957db64f91) (https://imgur.com/qlpCsBi)

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: RoneKiln on October 22, 2022, 01:35:26 AM
Ya'all finally got me on the olight train.

I ordered a javelot that was 25% off and for another buck I got one of the little rechargeable keychain lights. 

I think I'd like one of the Warrior 3S lights too.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on October 22, 2022, 07:03:33 AM
Quote from: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AMI recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.
It's a thing of beauty!  I'm going to wax philosophic for a moment about quality for the sake of quality.

I think the thing that some people don't understand about spending $70 or $100 on a flashlight or $200 on a pocket knife or chosing a DeWalt drill over a Ryobi is there's a certain undeniable satisfaction that comes from owning a really fine quality product.  Something made to a very high standard and aimed at someone who can appreciate that. It's an intangible that's often mistaken for snobbiness or conspicuous consumption.  It's not that at all.  It's a genuine appreciation for owning and using something built to work and work well. And there's a certain inherent beauty that accompanies products like that.  Form flowing from function, if you will.

And I'm not talking about a Rolex Submariner or a Bentley Grey Ghost here.  I'm talking about attainable premium products versus trophies of obscene luxury. 

I have a friend who does a lot of baking and had casually mentioned on and off about someday getting a real stand mixer to replace this anemic hand held model she used.  She's a working mom and her family has done a lot for me over the years.  For her birthday, I got her one of those KitchenAid heavy duty stand mixers in Aqua Blue.  The really nice model with an all metal gear train and beater attachements that don't just spin, but revolve in an oscilating, orbital pattern.

She couldn't quite fathom why I had spent so much to get her something that nice when all she was thinking of was a consumer grade Sunbeam stand mixer. "Sometimes it's just nice to have really nice things" is what I told her. 

I think something like the Olight Archer must be like that.  Would a Everready flashlight get the job done?  Probably.  But it likely won't last as long and definitely won't perform anywhere near as well in extreme situations. And knowing Olight, I bet it just exudes quality and craftsmanship.  I was about to suggest adding some friction tape around the body to improve the grip, but maybe that'll take away that satisfying feeling of sleek build quality.  :smiley_bril: 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NapalmMan67 on October 26, 2022, 02:54:46 PM
Quote from: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AMI recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

1,000 lumens max with a 535m throw and a square beam (yes, square, okay it's a rectangle but that's a square too) down to a 5 lumen moonlight mode it has run times as long as 200 hours.  Easily fits in your hand at about the size and weight of a full-size double-stack 9mm magazine and with a really nice belt holster and magnetic charging it's a good value for the $69.95 sale price I got it for and not a bad deal at the $99 regular price.  About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlpCsBi.jpg&hash=29c1756377f640289f01a89c9c0e0e957db64f91) (https://imgur.com/qlpCsBi)

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.

Maybe a few strips of strategically placed grip tape would help?
.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on October 26, 2022, 09:12:57 PM
Quote from: NapalmMan67 on October 26, 2022, 02:54:46 PM
Quote from: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AMI recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

1,000 lumens max with a 535m throw and a square beam (yes, square, okay it's a rectangle but that's a square too) down to a 5 lumen moonlight mode it has run times as long as 200 hours.  Easily fits in your hand at about the size and weight of a full-size double-stack 9mm magazine and with a really nice belt holster and magnetic charging it's a good value for the $69.95 sale price I got it for and not a bad deal at the $99 regular price.  About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlpCsBi.jpg&hash=29c1756377f640289f01a89c9c0e0e957db64f91) (https://imgur.com/qlpCsBi)

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.

Maybe a few strips of strategically placed grip tape would help?
.
Possibly, but you're limited on where/how due to the way it slides into the holster. It would have to be a narrow strip down the center of the front or back of the light (and you'd have to choose then if you wanted to carry with the switch out or the light turned around to protect the switch) and not be able to change after that.  Truth be told, Olight should have knurled a strip down the front and back, slightly below the surface, for just this purpose.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NapalmMan67 on October 27, 2022, 04:37:22 PM
Ahhhh, I wasn't aware it had a holster.  I see now.

Pine tar?  j/k.
.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: RoneKiln on November 01, 2022, 12:46:35 AM
Holy crude the Javelot has some range to it. I think olights claim for 600 meters is BS, but it still has a heck of a range!

I'd say it very clearly lights up an area 100 yards away, and somewhat lights up an area 200 yards away. I'm impressed.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 26, 2022, 12:04:13 PM
I'm dangerous around flashlights when I have money.  :icon_crazy:

I pulled the trigger this morning on a NITECORE TIKI LE (https://www.ebay.com/itm/303401813968) for $20, which isn't so bad, but then I saw the Nitecore NU07 LE 5-Color Rechargeable Signal Light (https://www.ebay.com/itm/303791579003) and had to get a pair of them (one will be a gift to a friend) for $30 ea.

Okay, still under $100 so not bad.  Then I saw...

The Sofirn Q8 Plus (https://a.co/59zBifA) and I'm Jonesing for it.  $127 (20% off coupon though which gets it down to the actual price on the Sofirn site) and 16,000 lumens.  Confirmed in a lot of reviews and tests.  That's a 527m beam. 

Fuck it, it's Christmas and I was a good boy all year.  :greenguy:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on December 26, 2022, 09:22:30 PM
EBuff75 recommended these GearLight TAC LED flashlights (https://smile.amazon.com/tactical-led-flashlight-pack/dp/B09Q4H25DR?th=1) to me as an inexpensive option after I said I preferred not having to click through settings.  It came in a two pack, so I gave one to Handy Kid and he is oohing and ahhing over the zoom feature which is apparently great for working in tight spaces at work (he's an electrician).  They have a good weight and a solid feel to them and seem like a good choice.  They are pretty similar in some ways to the Coleman I was longing for.

Thanks, EBuff75!
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on December 26, 2022, 09:30:05 PM
Quote from: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AMI recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

1,000 lumens max with a 535m throw and a square beam (yes, square, okay it's a rectangle but that's a square too) down to a 5 lumen moonlight mode it has run times as long as 200 hours.  Easily fits in your hand at about the size and weight of a full-size double-stack 9mm magazine and with a really nice belt holster and magnetic charging it's a good value for the $69.95 sale price I got it for and not a bad deal at the $99 regular price.  About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlpCsBi.jpg&hash=29c1756377f640289f01a89c9c0e0e957db64f91) (https://imgur.com/qlpCsBi)

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.
You can get some silicone grip wrap or Re-Grip for it.  The grip wrap comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on December 26, 2022, 09:40:46 PM
Quote from: Anianna on December 26, 2022, 09:22:30 PMEBuff75 recommended these GearLight TAC LED flashlights (https://smile.amazon.com/tactical-led-flashlight-pack/dp/B09Q4H25DR?th=1) to me as an inexpensive option after I said I preferred not having to click through settings.  It came in a two pack, so I gave one to Handy Kid and he is oohing and ahhing over the zoom feature which is apparently great for working in tight spaces at work (he's an electrician).  They have a good weight and a solid feel to them and seem like a good choice.  They are pretty similar in some ways to the Coleman I was longing for.

Thanks, EBuff75!
Glad to hear it!  Hope that they give you as much use as that old Coleman!
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 26, 2022, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: Anianna on December 26, 2022, 09:30:05 PM
Quote from: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AMI recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

1,000 lumens max with a 535m throw and a square beam (yes, square, okay it's a rectangle but that's a square too) down to a 5 lumen moonlight mode it has run times as long as 200 hours.  Easily fits in your hand at about the size and weight of a full-size double-stack 9mm magazine and with a really nice belt holster and magnetic charging it's a good value for the $69.95 sale price I got it for and not a bad deal at the $99 regular price.  About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlpCsBi.jpg&hash=29c1756377f640289f01a89c9c0e0e957db64f91) (https://imgur.com/qlpCsBi)

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.
You can get some silicone grip wrap or Re-Grip for it.  The grip wrap comes in a variety of colors to choose from.

Unfortunately, then it won't go into its belt holster.  :(
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on December 26, 2022, 10:59:02 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 26, 2022, 10:34:43 PM
Quote from: Anianna on December 26, 2022, 09:30:05 PM
Quote from: NT2C on October 06, 2021, 12:06:40 AMI recently picked up an Olight Archer and holy cow is this thing a sweet little bundle of lumens!

1,000 lumens max with a 535m throw and a square beam (yes, square, okay it's a rectangle but that's a square too) down to a 5 lumen moonlight mode it has run times as long as 200 hours.  Easily fits in your hand at about the size and weight of a full-size double-stack 9mm magazine and with a really nice belt holster and magnetic charging it's a good value for the $69.95 sale price I got it for and not a bad deal at the $99 regular price.  About the only thing I wish is that it weren't so slick in the hand.  The hard anodized coating on it and tapering shape make it almost jump out of your hand when you first try it, especially if your skin is dry.  With gloves on it may well prove impossible to hold and it lacks any provision for a lanyard.  Olight would be well advised to consider adding a lanyard hole to future models, and maybe some knurling.

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FqlpCsBi.jpg&hash=29c1756377f640289f01a89c9c0e0e957db64f91) (https://imgur.com/qlpCsBi)

Oh, and my wife liked it so much she went back and bought two more, one to put in each of our vehicles.
You can get some silicone grip wrap or Re-Grip for it.  The grip wrap comes in a variety of colors to choose from.

Unfortunately, then it won't go into its belt holster.  :(
I don't know how attached you are to that specific holster, but there are ways around that, as well.  A little paracord work and you have a custom holster or work it into the silicone grip to make a lanyard hook.  Plus, are you even going to use a belt holster for the ones your wife got for your vehicles?  The silicone grip can handle extreme temps, so it would be an ideal solution for those ones if you're not going to use the holster for them. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 27, 2022, 08:01:19 AM
Yes, we are pretty attached to that holster, especially in the vehicles because it covers and protects the activation switch.  These things get really hot if left on and I'd rather not have one activate in a closed glovebox.

The holsters really are kinda nice, very durable, and allow the light to be charged while in the holster using the magnetic charger.

I just took some photos to show what I mean, if you want to see them.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on December 27, 2022, 01:13:58 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 27, 2022, 08:01:19 AMYes, we are pretty attached to that holster, especially in the vehicles because it covers and protects the activation switch.  These things get really hot if left on and I'd rather not have one activate in a closed glovebox.

The holsters really are kinda nice, very durable, and allow the light to be charged while in the holster using the magnetic charger.

I just took some photos to show what I mean, if you want to see them.
Sure. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 27, 2022, 01:27:15 PM
Quote from: Anianna on December 27, 2022, 01:13:58 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 27, 2022, 08:01:19 AMYes, we are pretty attached to that holster, especially in the vehicles because it covers and protects the activation switch.  These things get really hot if left on and I'd rather not have one activate in a closed glovebox.

The holsters really are kinda nice, very durable, and allow the light to be charged while in the holster using the magnetic charger.

I just took some photos to show what I mean, if you want to see them.
Sure. 

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FFNlMnay.jpg&hash=c8d157830d1bf5552bd6137d726eb9c6206d4b85) (https://imgur.com/FNlMnay)

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F4v1njwI.jpg&hash=3917143c89a308e2bdd91541161cb259e0c8f70e) (https://imgur.com/4v1njwI)

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FiYH4kPQ.jpg&hash=47b9c7111779b763c03c627a6807fc04ad3218f8) (https://imgur.com/iYH4kPQ)

(https://ufozs.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FvFtiP7I.jpg&hash=07cdfb3351c7f44ccd6f7c3bd052ec4081f0cb0b) (https://imgur.com/vFtiP7I)

See how it has that little shallowed out area for the switch to go into?  The light very gently friction fits into the holder.  There's an opening and recess on the bottom to attach the magnetic charger.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on December 27, 2022, 04:27:43 PM
I don't remember what they are called, but you can get tiny little stick on dots for grip you can probably put a few lines of down that strip that doesn't touch the holster.  My dad use to use them, but I've never bought them myself. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 09:48:17 AM
So, about my new Sofirn Q8 Plus...



I have been blessed by Ra, God of the Sun, to wield His Mighty Power on Earth!

Or something like that.  :awesome:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on December 29, 2022, 10:00:14 AM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 09:48:17 AMSo, about my new Sofirn Q8 Plus...



I have been blessed by Ra, God of the Sun, to wield His Mighty Power on Earth!

Or something like that.  :awesome:
That Olight Archer is oh so yesterday :smiley_hearteyes:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:28:19 AM
Quote from: majorhavoc on December 29, 2022, 10:00:14 AM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 09:48:17 AMSo, about my new Sofirn Q8 Plus...



I have been blessed by Ra, God of the Sun, to wield His Mighty Power on Earth!

Or something like that.  :awesome:
That Olight Archer is oh so yesterday :smiley_hearteyes:
16,000 lumens!  I'm loving it.  :awesome:

And on their website, in the description, they tell you that with the right batteries it's capable of 24,000.  CHALLENGE ACCEPTED.

Except... those batteries are extremely rare and hard to get, and three of them would be more than twice what I paid for the light.  :smiley_chinrub:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AM
What kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on December 29, 2022, 11:48:49 AM
16-24 thousand lumens? Does that beast come with water cooling? :smiley_chinrub:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on December 29, 2022, 12:01:04 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.
Would these work?  https://www.zebralight.com/ZebraLight-INR21700-40T-21700-size-Li-ion-Flat-Top-Unprotected-Battery-for-SC700-Flashlights_p_234.html

Edit:  Ah, just saw that you need button top.  Although I've heard of people using small neodymium magnets on batteries to turn flat tops into button tops.  Not sure that I'd want to risk it with such high power draws though!
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 12:57:42 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.

That's an expensive battery. :eek1: 

And here I thought I was getting reamed for buying CR123A's at 8 bucks a pair.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: tirls on December 29, 2022, 02:02:33 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.
https://www.nkon.nl/de/rechargeable/li-ion/21700-20700-size/molicel-inr21700-p42a-4000mah-45a-button-top.html (https://www.nkon.nl/de/rechargeable/li-ion/21700-20700-size/molicel-inr21700-p42a-4000mah-45a-button-top.html)
Would those work? 7.50€ in Europe, but there Taiwanese so should be available in the US.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 03:01:20 PM
Quote from: tirls on December 29, 2022, 02:02:33 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.
https://www.nkon.nl/de/rechargeable/li-ion/21700-20700-size/molicel-inr21700-p42a-4000mah-45a-button-top.html (https://www.nkon.nl/de/rechargeable/li-ion/21700-20700-size/molicel-inr21700-p42a-4000mah-45a-button-top.html)
Would those work? 7.50€ in Europe, but there Taiwanese so should be available in the US.
Yes, those would work but I'd be a little worried about using them since they're unprotected.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 03:05:09 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on December 29, 2022, 12:01:04 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.
Would these work?  https://www.zebralight.com/ZebraLight-INR21700-40T-21700-size-Li-ion-Flat-Top-Unprotected-Battery-for-SC700-Flashlights_p_234.html

Edit:  Ah, just saw that you need button top.  Although I've heard of people using small neodymium magnets on batteries to turn flat tops into button tops.  Not sure that I'd want to risk it with such high power draws though!
One site had a link to an AliBaba listing for stamped metal buttons you could add to a flat-top
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 03:11:27 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 12:57:42 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 11:46:09 AM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 11:42:48 AMWhat kind of batteries will bump that new light up to 24,000 lumens ?
21700 Li-Ion button tops with a 10C rating.  More likely to find IMR21700 35A or 45A but those are rare in a BT version.  Might have to have them made.  ~$50 ea.

That's an expensive battery. :eek1: 

And here I thought I was getting reamed for buying CR123A's at 8 bucks a pair.
You're getting reamed on those.  I'll send you some of my stash in with your Xmas gift but here's a good price for you, as cheap as under $3 a pair if you buy two dozen. https://a.co/4VKqAT8

Also, you should read this: https://photonphreaks.com/exploding-flashlights-and-how-to-prevent-it/

Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 03:31:08 PM
Well, crap. Looks like I need to check where my CR123A's come from now.

ETA: Just checked all my CR123A batteries and they all say "Made in USA" on them.

Still, I'm now looking for alternatives for my weapon lights since most of them use CR123A batteries (at least my TLR-1s, PolyTac and the Bushnell light on my shotgun do. The light on my AK uses regular AAA batteries.)

ETA 2: Did a little digging and apparently Panasonic makes the CR123A batteries for Streamlight and SureFire. They just mark them with each brand name sort of like how Sears or Western Auto did with guns back in the day.

So I'm probably in clear regarding using those batteries,  but I'll still check them every so often to make sure they're in good working order.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 29, 2022, 04:42:41 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 03:31:08 PMWell, crap. Looks like I need to check where my CR123A's come from now.

ETA: Just checked all my CR123A batteries and they all say "Made in USA" on them.

Still, I'm now looking for alternatives for my weapon lights since most of them use CR123A batteries (at least my TLR-1s, PolyTac and the Bushnell light on my shotgun do. The light on my AK uses regular AAA batteries.)

ETA 2: Did a little digging and apparently Panasonic makes the CR123A batteries for Streamlight and SureFire. They just mark them with each brand name sort of like how Sears or Western Auto did with guns back in the day.

So I'm probably in clear regarding using those batteries,  but I'll still check them every so often to make sure they're in good working order.
Just a few little safety rules, as outlined in the article, will go a long way to reducing the danger.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on December 29, 2022, 06:15:55 PM
After experiencing a bunch of failures with Duracell batteries leaking, I'm always checking my batteries and making sure they're in good shape.

That reminds me, I need to check the little touch light in my gun safe and make sure those batteries are still good. Probably wouldn't hurt to swap them out just in case.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 04:44:07 PM
I'll be damned if I can get this Sofirn Q8 Plus to go into the advanced UI mode.  It uses Andúril 2 and to get to the advanced UI from the simple UI is supposed to be 10 clicks and keep holding on the tenth until it enters the advanced mode, but how the hell do you know when that happens?  The manual is pretty sketchy on a lot of the details about this light, like what the colors and blinks of the power button mean, but the worst is that nowhere do they say how long to hold the button when what you're doing requires a certain number of clicks and then hold the button down.  How bloody long?!?

I know with other lights that I have they'll tell you things like "hold for 1 second for this mode or hold for 5 seconds for this other mode" and that's clear and easy to understand.  This thing is gonna drive me to drink.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on December 30, 2022, 05:27:08 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 04:44:07 PMI'll be damned if I can get this Sofirn Q8 Plus to go into the advanced UI mode.  It uses Andúril 2 and to get to the advanced UI from the simple UI is supposed to be 10 clicks and keep holding on the tenth until it enters the advanced mode, but how the hell do you know when that happens?  The manual is pretty sketchy on a lot of the details about this light, like what the colors and blinks of the power button mean, but the worst is that nowhere do they say how long to hold the button when what you're doing requires a certain number of clicks and then hold the button down.  How bloody long?!?

I know with other lights that I have they'll tell you things like "hold for 1 second for this mode or hold for 5 seconds for this other mode" and that's clear and easy to understand.  This thing is gonna drive me to drink.
My flashlight has 2 settings: "on" and "off". It functions flawlessly.    :icon_crazy:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 05:31:42 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on December 30, 2022, 05:27:08 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 04:44:07 PMI'll be damned if I can get this Sofirn Q8 Plus to go into the advanced UI mode.  It uses Andúril 2 and to get to the advanced UI from the simple UI is supposed to be 10 clicks and keep holding on the tenth until it enters the advanced mode, but how the hell do you know when that happens?  The manual is pretty sketchy on a lot of the details about this light, like what the colors and blinks of the power button mean, but the worst is that nowhere do they say how long to hold the button when what you're doing requires a certain number of clicks and then hold the button down.  How bloody long?!?

I know with other lights that I have they'll tell you things like "hold for 1 second for this mode or hold for 5 seconds for this other mode" and that's clear and easy to understand.  This thing is gonna drive me to drink.
My flashlight has 2 settings: "on" and "off". It functions flawlessly.    :icon_crazy:
:smiley_thefinger:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: flybynight on December 30, 2022, 05:35:08 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 04:44:07 PMI'll be damned if I can get this Sofirn Q8 Plus to go into the advanced UI mode.  It uses Andúril 2 and to get to the advanced UI from the simple UI is supposed to be 10 clicks and keep holding on the tenth until it enters the advanced mode, but how the hell do you know when that happens?  The manual is pretty sketchy on a lot of the details about this light, like what the colors and blinks of the power button mean, but the worst is that nowhere do they say how long to hold the button when what you're doing requires a certain number of clicks and then hold the button down.  How bloody long?!?

I know with other lights that I have they'll tell you things like "hold for 1 second for this mode or hold for 5 seconds for this other mode" and that's clear and easy to understand.  This thing is gonna drive me to drink.
Does this help

https://youtu.be/Is1R3ccqk-c
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on December 30, 2022, 05:38:57 PM
Touche, NT2C. :smiley_crocodile:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on December 30, 2022, 06:41:45 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 04:44:07 PMI'll be damned if I can get this Sofirn Q8 Plus to go into the advanced UI mode.  It uses Andúril 2 and to get to the advanced UI from the simple UI is supposed to be 10 clicks and keep holding on the tenth until it enters the advanced mode, but how the hell do you know when that happens?  The manual is pretty sketchy on a lot of the details about this light, like what the colors and blinks of the power button mean, but the worst is that nowhere do they say how long to hold the button when what you're doing requires a certain number of clicks and then hold the button down.  How bloody long?!?

I know with other lights that I have they'll tell you things like "hold for 1 second for this mode or hold for 5 seconds for this other mode" and that's clear and easy to understand.  This thing is gonna drive me to drink.
I bought my first Sofirn light this fall and one of the first things that I did was to find the full-sized image of the UI and print it off.  That tiny little thumbnail in the owners manual is useless and that Andúril 2 UI is probably the most complex flashlight UI that I've ever seen.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 09:19:51 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on December 30, 2022, 06:41:45 PM
Quote from: NT2C on December 30, 2022, 04:44:07 PMI'll be damned if I can get this Sofirn Q8 Plus to go into the advanced UI mode.  It uses Andúril 2 and to get to the advanced UI from the simple UI is supposed to be 10 clicks and keep holding on the tenth until it enters the advanced mode, but how the hell do you know when that happens?  The manual is pretty sketchy on a lot of the details about this light, like what the colors and blinks of the power button mean, but the worst is that nowhere do they say how long to hold the button when what you're doing requires a certain number of clicks and then hold the button down.  How bloody long?!?

I know with other lights that I have they'll tell you things like "hold for 1 second for this mode or hold for 5 seconds for this other mode" and that's clear and easy to understand.  This thing is gonna drive me to drink.
I bought my first Sofirn light this fall and one of the first things that I did was to find the full-sized image of the UI and print it off.  That tiny little thumbnail in the owners manual is useless and that Andúril 2 UI is probably the most complex flashlight UI that I've ever seen.
I've got it, and it still doesn't answer the question of just how long to hold the button.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 13, 2023, 09:57:53 PM
So, I got a package today from Sofirn in China.  It contained the pair of silicone diffusers I'd ordered for use on my Q8 Plus.  They turn it into a very nice (and bright!) standing lantern, just the thing for power failures.  They were cheap enough at $3.29 each that I bought two of them. In the lowest illumination setting it will still light up a small room.  On the highest setting, well, it makes a wonderful beacon to summon the ISS.

IMG20230113222837.jpg

The package also contained something else, something I'd entirely forgotten about ordering, a Sofirn IF19.

<insert squee here>

This thing is CUTE!  It's a little bigger than a D battery very broad at the lens and narrow in the body, and it has the thickest, most optically complex lens I've yet seen on a flashlight.  That would be because this little guy is designed strictly as a "thrower", with a sharp center circle of max brightness and very little spill.  It runs on a single 18350 battery (slightly larger than a CR123A), charges via USB-C port and has a low of 1 lumen and a turbo mode of 2,000 lumens,  It will run for 45 minutes in turbo mode, or 200 hours in moonlight mode.  It has a maximum throw of 461 meters!

IMG20230113223513.jpg
IMG20230113223532.jpg
IMG20230113223854.jpg   

Price was $32 with battery and I definitely got my money's worth!

Sofirn IF19 web page (https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/sofirn-if19-2000lm-long-range-throw-flashlight-mini-rechargeble-rechargeable-edc-18350-light?spm=..collection_404f2e1a-368c-467b-98dc-bd5e9aad1780.collection_detail_1.16&spm_prev=..collection_4f5e1272-b131-43db-bf36-b82da9c2c547.header_1.1&variant=d202f5f8-df34-4e21-8c7b-6fd3b1e5d874)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Rednex on January 14, 2023, 08:39:19 AM
Ok so I like things symmetrical, even , the same. Now with having 30 bazillion flashlights and they are all different I want to standardize things. My favorite EDC is Stream light micro stream small , 1 AAA, 1 mode off and on ,smooth body ( less shredding of my pants ) ,pocket clip I can use on my hat.

Now what I want is 3 of the same lights with 1 mode on and off, pocket clip I can use on my hat, use AAA or AA regular or rechargeable batteries , and more light output then my EDC , and $20 bucks or less each for the vehicles. I may get more for the go bags too.   

Surprisingly enough I like the bedside flashlight's. I've  had a Fenix ,O Light, Energizer, Surefire, Maglite, and knockoff's I don't like for EDC and vehicle lights. What are recommendation since the one's in this thread I looked at but didn't feel a spark yet.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 14, 2023, 12:54:05 PM
Quote from: Rednex on January 14, 2023, 08:39:19 AMOk so I like things symmetrical, even , the same. Now with having 30 bazillion flashlights and they are all different I want to standardize things. My favorite EDC is Stream light micro stream small , 1 AAA, 1 mode off and on ,smooth body ( less shredding of my pants ) ,pocket clip I can use on my hat.

Now what I want is 3 of the same lights with 1 mode on and off, pocket clip I can use on my hat, use AAA or AA regular or rechargeable batteries , and more light output then my EDC , and $20 bucks or less each for the vehicles. I may get more for the go bags too.   

Surprisingly enough I like the bedside flashlight's. I've  had a Fenix ,O Light, Energizer, Surefire, Maglite, and knockoff's I don't like for EDC and vehicle lights. What are recommendation since the one's in this thread I looked at but didn't feel a spark yet.
Olight i3T ticks all the boxes but "single mode", ditto for the Sofirn SP10Pro (https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/sofirn-sp10pro-aa-flashlight-anduril-2-attiny1616-version-lh351d-led-90cri?spm=..collection_eea4d417-4338-4a86-ba3e-1a41b66cb32b.collection_detail_1.4&spm_prev=..product_58a44127-330a-4a7c-a0ca-1d188cf81b98.header_1.1) and the Sofirn SP10V3.0 Mini EDC (https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/sofirn-sp10v3-0-mini-edc-flashlight-1000-lumens-with-lh351d-led?spm=..collection_eea4d417-4338-4a86-ba3e-1a41b66cb32b.collection_detail_1.14&spm_prev=..product_58a44127-330a-4a7c-a0ca-1d188cf81b98.header_1.1), and a host of other lights.  The problem is in wanting single mode that isn't junk.  (BTW, that last one I listed is on a 56% off sale right now)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 14, 2023, 01:14:02 PM
Quote from: Rednex on January 14, 2023, 08:39:19 AMOk so I like things symmetrical, even , the same. Now with having 30 bazillion flashlights and they are all different I want to standardize things. My favorite EDC is Stream light micro stream small , 1 AAA, 1 mode off and on ,smooth body ( less shredding of my pants ) ,pocket clip I can use on my hat.

Now what I want is 3 of the same lights with 1 mode on and off, pocket clip I can use on my hat, use AAA or AA regular or rechargeable batteries , and more light output then my EDC , and $20 bucks or less each for the vehicles. I may get more for the go bags too. 

Surprisingly enough I like the bedside flashlight's. I've  had a Fenix ,O Light, Energizer, Surefire, Maglite, and knockoff's I don't like for EDC and vehicle lights. What are recommendation since the one's in this thread I looked at but didn't feel a spark yet.
Lumintop PK27 Flashlight (https://zeroair.org/2022/11/01/lumintop-pk27-flashlight-review/) (just three modes)
Wurkkos WK01 Flashlight (https://zeroair.org/2021/10/07/wurkkos-wk01-aaa-4000k-high-cri-flashlight-review/) (again, 3 modes)
Acebeam M20 (https://zeroair.org/2019/11/26/acebeam-m20-flashlight-review/) (3 modes)


But...  look what I just found in one of my office drawers: IMG20230114141221.jpg

Single mode, hat/pocket clip, AAA, ~90 lumens

Okay, one lost its clip and is a little pocket worn, but the other two are new, never used.  Now to just figure out where I got them.

Edit: 2xAAA model https://a.co/cSw2M2h
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 14, 2023, 01:27:13 PM
BAM!  Got 'em!

https://a.co/gEbZrxY
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Rednex on January 15, 2023, 03:26:58 PM
So I checked them out, ordered a set of the last ones and see how they do. I also found a Coast HX5 little over the $20 each but anyways . It runs off a single AA battery with 360 lumens to try.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TNOSF3I/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: flybynight on January 15, 2023, 03:43:48 PM
We bought this pack of five last year and they have worked out well
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HQTXSWF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Two aaa .single mode .Trust me they are not 1000 lumens. But they are pretty bright
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on January 15, 2023, 06:25:12 PM
I gave Handy Kid one of the little Olight keychain lights.  He told me to stop giving him flashlights and said he had enough now.

 :zomg:

I think there's something wrong with my kid. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 15, 2023, 06:33:18 PM
Quote from: Anianna on January 15, 2023, 06:25:12 PMI gave Handy Kid one of the little Olight keychain lights.  He told me to stop giving him flashlights and said he had enough now.

 :zomg:

I think there's something wrong with my kid. 
Mixup at the hospital maybe?  :smiley_shrug:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 15, 2023, 07:20:01 PM
Quote from: NT2C on January 15, 2023, 06:33:18 PM
Quote from: Anianna on January 15, 2023, 06:25:12 PMI gave Handy Kid one of the little Olight keychain lights.  He told me to stop giving him flashlights and said he had enough now.

 :zomg:

I think there's something wrong with my kid. 
Mixup at the hospital maybe?  :smiley_shrug:

Maybe he's been replaced by an alien copy ala "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" ?
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on January 15, 2023, 07:27:30 PM
At Christmas my brother told me that he could use another keychain flashlight.  I gave him one (a Lumintop Tool AAA (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DJ3FK2C)) several years ago, but it's getting a little battered and the switch is wearing out, so he'd like a replacement.  His birthday is in March and I'll probably get one for him then.  I'm thinking that it'll be a RovyVon Aurora of some type (I have 5-6 of them and I've given a bunch as gifts too).  Now I just need to figure out which one!
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on January 15, 2023, 07:52:24 PM
Quote from: Anianna on January 15, 2023, 06:25:12 PMI gave Handy Kid one of the little Olight keychain lights.  He told me to stop giving him flashlights and said he had enough now.

 :zomg:

I think there's something wrong with my kid. 
Wash the little shit's mouth out with soap and make him repeat in front of a mirror:

"Two is one, and one is none, and three or more is just sensible prepping."  :smiley_crocodile: 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 15, 2023, 08:32:02 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on January 15, 2023, 07:27:30 PMAt Christmas my brother told me that he could use another keychain flashlight.  I gave him one (a Lumintop Tool AAA (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DJ3FK2C)) several years ago, but it's getting a little battered and the switch is wearing out, so he'd like a replacement.  His birthday is in March and I'll probably get one for him then.  I'm thinking that it'll be a RovyVon Aurora of some type (I have 5-6 of them and I've given a bunch as gifts too).  Now I just need to figure out which one!
Lumintops have a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.  The switch is possibly just loose (retaining ring inside loosens over time) but Lumintop will happily send a replacement.  And by replacement I mean the entire light.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: Anianna on January 15, 2023, 08:42:00 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 15, 2023, 07:52:24 PM
Quote from: Anianna on January 15, 2023, 06:25:12 PMI gave Handy Kid one of the little Olight keychain lights.  He told me to stop giving him flashlights and said he had enough now.

 :zomg:

I think there's something wrong with my kid. 
Wash the little shit's mouth out with soap and make him repeat in front of a mirror:

"Two is one, and one is none, and three or more is just sensible prepping."  :smiley_crocodile:
He's an adult now and bigger and meaner than me, so I'm just going to let him make his own mistakes and learn the hard way.  :icon_crazy:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on January 16, 2023, 12:24:16 AM
Quote from: NT2C on January 15, 2023, 08:32:02 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on January 15, 2023, 07:27:30 PMAt Christmas my brother told me that he could use another keychain flashlight.  I gave him one (a Lumintop Tool AAA (https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01DJ3FK2C)) several years ago, but it's getting a little battered and the switch is wearing out, so he'd like a replacement.  His birthday is in March and I'll probably get one for him then.  I'm thinking that it'll be a RovyVon Aurora of some type (I have 5-6 of them and I've given a bunch as gifts too).  Now I just need to figure out which one!
Lumintops have a lifetime warranty and excellent customer service.  The switch is possibly just loose (retaining ring inside loosens over time) but Lumintop will happily send a replacement.  And by replacement I mean the entire light.
From their warranty page (https://lumintop.com/product-warranty/) (bolding and underlining mine):
QuoteLumintop warrants our flashlights to be free from defects in workmanship and materials, including any LEDs housed within, for the lifetime of the original owner. We will repair, replace, or refund your original purchase price of these products, at our discretion, if it is determined by us to be defective. Electronics, chargers, and rechargeable batteries are covered for a period of two years with proof of purchase. Normal wear and tear (including lamps burning out, headbands and headpads wearing out, batteries draining, and switches wearing out) is not covered, nor is damage resulting from misuse, abuse, neglect, battery damage, use of incorrect batteries or accessories, or altering these products from their original state. Parts and accessories for illumination tools are not covered by this warranty .
I could suggest to him that he reach out to them and see what they have to say, but he'd have to give up the light in the meantime.  While that wouldn't be an issue for me (because I have dozens of lights), I'd guess that they have fewer than five in their entire household and probably the only other keychain light is the one I gave to my sis-in-law a few years ago (I'm the official "flashlight pusher" in the family).
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 16, 2023, 04:11:50 AM
I gave a Tool AA 2.0 to my best friend one year. A few years later he said the button stopped working. I contacted customer service by email and after a couple of messages back and forth they emailed me a replacement light. After I gave it to him I looked at his old one and the collar on the switch had come unscrewed. Screwed it back in with a pair of jeweler's pliers and gave it to his wife. She still has it.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 21, 2023, 08:00:57 AM
My Sofirn IF19 came with an 850mAh Li-Ion (Li-CO) battery installed but all the specs in the manual refer to a stock 1,100mAh Li-Ion battery being stock and the basis for all the ratings.  That bugged me a bit so I reached out to Sofirn and found that they were having problems getting the higher-capacity batteries in quantity (they're not even listing any 18350s on their site) so they shipped it with what they had.  Looking around on Amazon the only 18350 batteries with a higher than 850mAh rating was a pair of IMR18350 Li-Ion (Li-MN) rated at 1,450mAh.  While still being Li-Ion batteries the chemistry is Lithium-Manganese, rather than Lithium-Cobolt, which makes them safer in one sense, gives them a higher capacity, but also less power.  It's a really weird kind of battery and it requires a device and charger with proper safety systems because the battery itself has none.  It will be interesting to see how the light does with one of these installed.  The light does have the proper safety settings in its software to protect these batteries from any dangerous operation, so at least that won't be a concern.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight Thread
Post by: NT2C on January 23, 2023, 07:19:37 PM
I like the IF19 so much I just ordered another, and two extensions to allow them to use more standard 18650 batteries.  I also grabbed an IF22A (in red) while I was there.  The IF22A is the big brother to the IF19 with 100 more lumens, 236m greater range, and it runs on a 21700 battery giving it longer runtime and the ability to be used as a powerbank.  Expect a full review on it when it arrives.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on February 08, 2023, 02:17:18 PM
I got a package from the fine folks at Sofirn today. :ups:

Inside was the second IF19 I'd ordered, my red IF22A (pics will be in the review), extension tubes for both IF19s to allow them to use the bigger 18650 batteries instead of 18350s, pocket clips for the IF19s, and a pair of 3,000 mAh 18650s...shipped inside two free flashlights.  :awesome:

Okay the freebies were just a pair of cheap zoomables but they can use the 18650s or 21700s, so not too shabby.

I installed one of the extension tubes on my IF19 and it turns it from a cute little mushroom of a flashlight to a palm-spanning barbell shape that really feels nice in the hand.

The red IF22A looks pretty nice and has a great beam.  I can't wait to test it tonight.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on February 21, 2023, 10:17:40 AM
Imalent SR32 120,000lm (https://www.reddit.com/r/flashlight/comments/117wsow/imalent_sr32_120000_lumens_photos_taken_outdoors/)


Surpass the 100,000 lumens the brightest flashlight IMALENT SR32 (https://www.imalentstore.com/blogs/news/surpass-the-100-000-lumens-the-brightest-flashlight-imalent-sr32)

(https://preview.redd.it/45kv5szjmhja1.png?width=526&auto=webp&v=enabled&s=14363c988532faf4d8096dbd024e094df12a3dbf)

Good gawd...  :smiley_shock:













I want one.  My birthday is in August, maybe it'll be for sale by then.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: flybynight on February 21, 2023, 12:19:24 PM
Isn't that the one you can ignite fires with?
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on February 21, 2023, 12:29:33 PM
Quote from: flybynight on February 21, 2023, 12:19:24 PMIsn't that the one you can ignite fires with?
It's the world's most powerful so...
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on March 04, 2023, 05:34:19 PM
Picked up a couple cheapo Ozark Trail LED flashlights on clearance at my local Walmart yesterday.

For 74 cents a pop, they're not bad little lights. Just swap the crappy factory batteries for better ones and they'll last a good while.

Not sure how many lumens they're putting out. I think it's 50 lumens, but I'm only assuming that due to the '50' on the body of the light. Either way, they're bright little suckers.

I also picked up a little two LED magnetic hook light at a yard sale and all it needed was some new batteries. The old batteries were pretty much dead, so I popped in some new AAAs, put the cover back on, turned it on and was rewarded with bright light.

The magnet on the back of it was a joke, so I popped it out and now it's holding up a picture on my fridge. The weight of the light dragged the magnet down and it didn't stick very well because of that.

I've never heard of this company "PT Power", but I'm assuming it's a cheapo brand from China. Which is fine with me because this won't be a primary light. I've got others for that. Namely my Bushnell Pro 100 light I use as part of my EDC set up.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: Rednex on March 04, 2023, 05:50:45 PM
While back i picked up a pair of the rechargeable Ozark trail ML750 lights. I like them bright enough to light up the back pasture. They sit on the night stands.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: Rednex on January 07, 2024, 08:51:09 AM
Ok so in my never ending search for the perfect edc gear i have gone through some flashlights both battery, rechargable, and hybrid. These are just the flashlights i carry in my jeans pocket , never get out of bed without it. I have others for other things. All prices were at time of my purchase over the last few years. Sorry it got longer the i thought it would be.

Benchmark:
The Streamlight Microstream AAA.

Has 1 mode ( i like on and off) no need to click 5 times to get the right amount of light,pretty small. Sit low in pocket ( front left jeans pocket) and don't fall out. Double sided pocket click can clip to my hat. Pocket clip clips onto light, has gotten caught on seatbelt in truck and popped off. Does it for me at $19.99 on Amazon.

Contenders:

OLIGHT I3T 2 EOS
Might be the new benchmark i like this light. Runs off 1 AAA.Double sided pocket clip is screws on with the tail switch so it dont pop off. 200 lumens bright on high , multi mode but it just tail click on on high when ever i click it. Size is same as Streamlight Microstream AAA, sits low in pocket, hasn't gotten caught or fell out of pocket yet during testing.  Used it to walk a dark room, and had it clipped to my hat yesterday when working on my truck. Ran 4 hours non stop on high ( last 30 min it switched to low) on the factory Alkaline AAA. Also In addition to an AAA alkaline battery, I3T 2 is also compatible with a rechargeable battery, which can boost the maximum output to 300 lumens. Not sure if my Amazon rechargeable AAA can give it that kinda boost. Thinking of buying 6 more to replace all of my truck,car,edg lights for me and Mrs Rednex if i can go 2 more weeks without issues.  This does it for me at $19.99 on Amazon.


Streamlight Microstream rechargeable.

Multi mode was an issue having to keep clicking for mode. Little longer then the AAA version.Sits higher in my pocket, falls out when sitting. Pocket clip same as the AAA version, with same small issue. Didn't like the just slide head to open for charging port. Didn't do it for me at $33.99 on Amazon.

OLIGHT I3T EOS

About same size as the Streamlight Microstream AAA. Multi modes. Pocket clip is lower on flashlight so it sits higher in my pocket. Pocket clip is a clip on style and falls off, gets caught. Is double sided pocket clip to clip to my hat. Didn't do it for me at $17.99 on Amazon.

KunHe AAA

The big thing i didn't like was the head slides up and down to concentrate the light very easy. About the same as the Streamlight Microstream AAA. Didn't do it for me at $16.99 for a 6 pack, might be good as gifts.

ThruNite Archer Mini rechargeable

Nice light but to big for pocket carry, has a screw down cover for charging port.Multi modes with a lock out messed with me. Good for a truck light, except can't switch to off the shelf batteries . Mixed feelings at $19.99 on Amazon.

ThruNite Archer Pro rechargeable

Nice light but to big for pocket carry bigger than the mini, has a screw down cover for charging port.Multi modes with a lock out messed with me. Very brite probably good for a truck light, except can't switch to off the shelf batteries. Mixed feelings $24.99 on Amazon.

Had a Fenix LD02 it stopped working fairly early, pocket clip brock and was not double sided.
Had an Energizer Tactical to big, the tactical cuts on the body ripped jeans.
Have a Coast G19 not bad , but not to bright. No spill nice tight dot for inspections. Not double sided pocket clip.
They just didn't do it for me.




Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on January 23, 2024, 08:08:56 PM
Wurkkos TD02 Flashlight Review 

I recently bought a Wurkkos TD02 (https://www.wurkkos.com/products/%E3%80%90new-release%E3%80%91wurkkos-td02-tactical-flashlight,-2000lm-254m-pocket-rechargeable-edc-torch-with-type-c-charging-port,-tail-switch-ipx8-waterproof?VariantsId=11040) on sale (50% off) at Amazon, just to try it out.  I figured that spending $20 for an 18650 flashlight with an included battery and onboard USB-C charging was worth the experiment.  I've played around with it a little, and here's my take. 

Picture of what came with the light:
WurkkosTD02_Unpacking.jpg

The flashlight comes with a lanyard, spare o-rings, USB-C charging cord, a 3000mah 18650 battery, and a simple instruction manual.  It's 0.8 x 4.8 inches and weighs 3.9oz, according to the Amazon listing (https://a.co/d/gRiP1Z6), and it claims to have IPX-8 water resistance (1m submersion for 30mins).  There are a number of complaints on Amazon about the battery draining quickly or failing completely, but it's a standard 18650 so it's easily replaced if it fails. 

The build quality seems quite good and the anodizing is very nice and grippy.  In fact, the knurling on the body is some of the best that I've come across on any flashlight!  The pocket clip is very strong and despite the temperature warning on the head, it only got up to about 107F during extended testing on turbo, which is barely enough to feel warm.  The threads for the endcap are squared off and work smoothly.  The button isn't great, but I have other lights which are worse.  There are "wings" around the button on the tail which allow the light to tail stand. 

Thermal image of the light after running it for about 5 mins on turbo:
WurkkosTD02_Thermal.jpg

There are five modes, moonlight (10 lumen), low (100 lumen), medium (400 lumen), high (1000 lumen), and turbo (2000 lumen), plus a strobe.  I can barely see any difference between high and turbo and the testing that I found online (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WApgWiBR7hY) for the light shows that while the lower three levels are pretty close to their claim, the two highest ones underperform the manufacturer claim by about 25%. 

The button is a reverse clicky switch, so there's no momentary activation.  You must fully click it for the light to come on.  After that you can half-press it to change through the modes. A double-press from any level will activate the strobe.  The tint is a nice white, with no color shift into green or pink that I noticed, even at lower outputs.  There is a clean hotspot in the center (the light has a TIR lens), with good spill to the sides.

The picture below doesn't really do the brightness/spill justice, but at least you can see the color/tint
WurkkosTD02_Beam.jpg

Overall, this is a nice flashlight for $20 (with discount).  Even if I have to replace the battery, I've got many more and decent 18650 batteries aren't too expensive (I can usually find good ones for $6-8 each).  The onboard charging is nice if you don't have a dedicated lithium-ion capable charger.  The size is good for pocket carry and the excellent knurling makes it quite secure in your hand (although it might abraid your pocket if you clip it on frequently).
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 04:57:20 PM
So I was doing a functions check on my supply of flashlights and I noticed one of them (a small, no name brand light I'd gotten from NT2C a few years ago) was exhibiting some funky issue with the light blinking and then coming on.

I swapped the battery with another of the same brand (a Voniko Ultra alkaline AAA), tightened down the little aluminum collar holding the tail cap switch in place, and the light did the same thing. It blinked a bit and then came on.

Which leads me to believe the problem isn't the battery, but something in the light itself. Something I'm probably too dumb to figure out since electronics aren't my strong suit.

The light itself is a good little light and I'd hate to have to toss it because I'm unable to figure out how to properly fix it.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on January 26, 2024, 05:08:56 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 04:57:20 PMSo I was doing a functions check on my supply of flashlights and I noticed one of them (a small, no name brand light I'd gotten from NT2C a few years ago) was exhibiting some funky issue with the light blinking and then coming on.

I swapped the battery with another of the same brand (a Voniko Ultra alkaline AAA), tightened down the little aluminum collar holding the tail cap switch in place, and the light did the same thing. It blinked a bit and then came on.

Which leads me to believe the problem isn't the battery, but something in the light itself. Something I'm probably too dumb to figure out since electronics aren't my strong suit.

The light itself is a good little light and I'd hate to have to toss it because I'm unable to figure out how to properly fix it.
Before you start contemplating bad LED driver boards or cracked solder traces, eliminate the low hanging fruit of potential problems first.  Clean the battery contacts.  If there's spring contact in there it may have become compressed and isn't making a reliable connection - try stretching it out. 

I've found that the eraser on a #2 pencil is useful for cleaning hard-to-reach contacts at the bottom of narrow battery compartments. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 05:16:22 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 26, 2024, 05:08:56 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 04:57:20 PMSo I was doing a functions check on my supply of flashlights and I noticed one of them (a small, no name brand light I'd gotten from NT2C a few years ago) was exhibiting some funky issue with the light blinking and then coming on.

I swapped the battery with another of the same brand (a Voniko Ultra alkaline AAA), tightened down the little aluminum collar holding the tail cap switch in place, and the light did the same thing. It blinked a bit and then came on.

Which leads me to believe the problem isn't the battery, but something in the light itself. Something I'm probably too dumb to figure out since electronics aren't my strong suit.

The light itself is a good little light and I'd hate to have to toss it because I'm unable to figure out how to properly fix it.
Before you start contemplating bad LED driver boards or cracked solder traces, eliminate the low hanging fruit of potential problems first.  Clean the battery contacts.  If there's spring contact in there it may have become compressed and isn't making a reliable connection - try stretching it out. 

I've found that the eraser on a #2 pencil is useful for cleaning hard-to-reach contacts at the bottom of narrow battery compartments.

I didn't even think of that. :gonk:

ETA: Tried the pencil thing and it seems to have worked, but I'll have to check the light again later and see if that actually did fix my issue.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on January 26, 2024, 05:42:48 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 05:16:22 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 26, 2024, 05:08:56 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 04:57:20 PMSo I was doing a functions check on my supply of flashlights and I noticed one of them (a small, no name brand light I'd gotten from NT2C a few years ago) was exhibiting some funky issue with the light blinking and then coming on.

I swapped the battery with another of the same brand (a Voniko Ultra alkaline AAA), tightened down the little aluminum collar holding the tail cap switch in place, and the light did the same thing. It blinked a bit and then came on.

Which leads me to believe the problem isn't the battery, but something in the light itself. Something I'm probably too dumb to figure out since electronics aren't my strong suit.

The light itself is a good little light and I'd hate to have to toss it because I'm unable to figure out how to properly fix it.
Before you start contemplating bad LED driver boards or cracked solder traces, eliminate the low hanging fruit of potential problems first.  Clean the battery contacts.  If there's spring contact in there it may have become compressed and isn't making a reliable connection - try stretching it out. 

I've found that the eraser on a #2 pencil is useful for cleaning hard-to-reach contacts at the bottom of narrow battery compartments.

I didn't even think of that. :gonk:

ETA: Tried the pencil thing and it seems to have worked, but I'll have to check the light again later and see if that actually did fix my issue.
I'm full of ideas.  I make no promises that any of them are any good.  :icon_crazy:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 26, 2024, 05:55:03 PM
The light seems to be working normally now, but I'll check again tomorrow and see if the problem resurfaces.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 11:58:09 AM
Well, the problem I was having with my light popped up again. :gonk: 

Which leads me to believe the issue is the bulb itself, which doesn't appear to be replaceable.

So it looks like I'm now in the market for a similar sized EDC light to replace this one. 

ETA: I think I may have found the replacement for this light.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: Rednex on January 27, 2024, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 11:58:09 AMWell, the problem I was having with my light popped up again. :gonk: 

Which leads me to believe the issue is the bulb itself, which doesn't appear to be replaceable.

So it looks like I'm now in the market for a similar sized EDC light to replace this one. 

ETA: I think I may have found the replacement for this light.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600
Chimp that Stream light has been my sec pocket light for umm 7 or 8 years I guess. If you look a few post back in this thread I did a rundown of all my current sec pocket flashlights. The newer Plight T3 gen 2 is probably replacing the Stream light for me.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: flybynight on January 27, 2024, 06:40:21 PM
Quote from: Rednex on January 27, 2024, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 11:58:09 AMWell, the problem I was having with my light popped up again. :gonk: 

Which leads me to believe the issue is the bulb itself, which doesn't appear to be replaceable.

So it looks like I'm now in the market for a similar sized EDC light to replace this one. 

ETA: I think I may have found the replacement for this light.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600
Chimp that Stream light has been my sec pocket light for umm 7 or 8 years I guess. If you look a few post back in this thread I did a rundown of all my current sec pocket flashlights. The newer Plight T3 gen 2 is probably replacing the Stream light for me.
I would second the Olight. Much more flashlight for same price ($ 19.99 at Olight store).

Excellent Capacity: A single AAA battery offers the i3T 2 a max power of 200lm output; 10440 rechargeable li-ion battery (not included) is also supported and can boost the light's max output to 300 lumens.

More Backup With Lower Temp: Compared with the i3T, this 2nd generation gets 31% more battery life, and 71% more runtime in High mode. We optimized the circuit to ensure its surface temperature less than 113*F even during long-time work.


https://www.olightstore.com/i3t-2-small-edc-flashlight
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on January 27, 2024, 06:47:54 PM
Quote from: flybynight on January 27, 2024, 06:40:21 PM
Quote from: Rednex on January 27, 2024, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 11:58:09 AMWell, the problem I was having with my light popped up again. :gonk: 

Which leads me to believe the issue is the bulb itself, which doesn't appear to be replaceable.

So it looks like I'm now in the market for a similar sized EDC light to replace this one. 

ETA: I think I may have found the replacement for this light.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600
Chimp that Stream light has been my sec pocket light for umm 7 or 8 years I guess. If you look a few post back in this thread I did a rundown of all my current sec pocket flashlights. The newer Plight T3 gen 2 is probably replacing the Stream light for me.
I would second the Olight.

Thank you for translating.  I was thinking: Plight?  Plight?  Another high-end flashlight company I have to keep track of?  :headbang:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 06:50:25 PM
Quote from: Rednex on January 27, 2024, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 11:58:09 AMWell, the problem I was having with my light popped up again. :gonk: 

Which leads me to believe the issue is the bulb itself, which doesn't appear to be replaceable.

So it looks like I'm now in the market for a similar sized EDC light to replace this one. 

ETA: I think I may have found the replacement for this light.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600
Chimp that Stream light has been my sec pocket light for umm 7 or 8 years I guess. If you look a few post back in this thread I did a rundown of all my current sec pocket flashlights. The newer Plight T3 gen 2 is probably replacing the Stream light for me.

I've carried a Streamlight Stylus Pro pen light for about that long.

And after I posted that link, I found an Olight I3T EOS light for a couple bucks less than the Streamlight.

If I can swing it, I'll probably buy both lights. Never a bad idea to have backups.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: flybynight on January 27, 2024, 06:51:33 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on January 27, 2024, 06:47:54 PM
Quote from: flybynight on January 27, 2024, 06:40:21 PM
Quote from: Rednex on January 27, 2024, 05:55:17 PM
Quote from: 12_Gauge_Chimp on January 27, 2024, 11:58:09 AMWell, the problem I was having with my light popped up again. :gonk: 

Which leads me to believe the issue is the bulb itself, which doesn't appear to be replaceable.

So it looks like I'm now in the market for a similar sized EDC light to replace this one. 

ETA: I think I may have found the replacement for this light.
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1013250033?pid=168600
Chimp that Stream light has been my sec pocket light for umm 7 or 8 years I guess. If you look a few post back in this thread I did a rundown of all my current sec pocket flashlights. The newer Plight T3 gen 2 is probably replacing the Stream light for me.
I would second the Olight.

Thank you for translating.  I was thinking: Plight?  Plight?  Another high-end flashlight company I have to keep track of?  :headbang:
I seem to be in a translate mood tonight . Lego itaque translate
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: Rednex on January 28, 2024, 06:31:30 AM
Sorry :(  i fat fingered my tablet while typing.  I did see i typed Plight then fixed it to Olight, it ended up as Plight again. Thanks Flybynight for the assist.

Looking back i have another spelling error in there sec should be edc. I need to wear my glasses and need a big keyboard for my tablet.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on January 28, 2024, 08:12:12 AM
Quote from: Rednex on January 28, 2024, 06:31:30 AMSorry :(  i fat fingered my tablet while typing.  I did see i typed Plight then fixed it to Olight, it ended up as Plight again. Thanks Flybynight for the assist.

Looking back i have another spelling error in there sec should be edc. I need to wear my glasses and need a big keyboard for my tablet.
No problem.  Just having a little fun.   :smiley_blink:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on February 14, 2024, 02:14:18 PM
Quote from: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:19:19 PM(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41sAmbyl2iL._AC_.jpg)

I am really not sure this can be considered a flash light it does need  USB power to work. That said this is a light that really impressed me with it's versatility and build quality. It has a 8 foot long flexible usb cable and the weight is minimal. It allows you to hang it from a wide variety of things. It is extremely bright but what impressed me was that fact that it could be dimmed (or brightened) by simply touching the lens. That and the dim settings are not the typical High/low but rather it is variable based upon how long you touch it. So you can go down to ~ a single candle of output to a claimed 200 lumens.

They claim IP67 water proof ness but I have not tested that. The USB cable does come with what appears to be a proprietary male end that attached to the light. All in all a very versatile light. I picked several up for $9.99 but I see they raised the price.

That said as long as you have a USB power bank this light can provide a lot of light for a long time.
https://smile.amazon.com/Voltaic-Systems-USB-Touchlight-Waterproof/dp/B00CWHQEWM/ref=b2b_gw_d_bia_1?pd_rd_w=k3AYy&pf_rd_p=e3cacf2f-b655-4992-8629-8eb728a4fbad&pf_rd_r=1H8XF5628NF4A2CJJ1QN&pd_rd_r=f1e68cba-cfb2-4efc-83a4-3bdc80ab7d09&pd_rd_wg=ENaDR&pd_rd_i=B00CWHQEWM&psc=1


It's not back to $10 yet, but it is down to $12 after having peaked at $23 last year!
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on February 14, 2024, 06:47:04 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on February 14, 2024, 02:14:18 PM
Quote from: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:19:19 PM(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41sAmbyl2iL._AC_.jpg)

I am really not sure this can be considered a flash light it does need  USB power to work. That said this is a light that really impressed me with it's versatility and build quality. It has a 8 foot long flexible usb cable and the weight is minimal. It allows you to hang it from a wide variety of things. It is extremely bright but what impressed me was that fact that it could be dimmed (or brightened) by simply touching the lens. That and the dim settings are not the typical High/low but rather it is variable based upon how long you touch it. So you can go down to ~ a single candle of output to a claimed 200 lumens.

They claim IP67 water proof ness but I have not tested that. The USB cable does come with what appears to be a proprietary male end that attached to the light. All in all a very versatile light. I picked several up for $9.99 but I see they raised the price.

That said as long as you have a USB power bank this light can provide a lot of light for a long time.
https://smile.amazon.com/Voltaic-Systems-USB-Touchlight-Waterproof/dp/B00CWHQEWM/ref=b2b_gw_d_bia_1?pd_rd_w=k3AYy&pf_rd_p=e3cacf2f-b655-4992-8629-8eb728a4fbad&pf_rd_r=1H8XF5628NF4A2CJJ1QN&pd_rd_r=f1e68cba-cfb2-4efc-83a4-3bdc80ab7d09&pd_rd_wg=ENaDR&pd_rd_i=B00CWHQEWM&psc=1


It's not back to $10 yet, but it is down to $12 after having peaked at $23 last year!

Personally, I find these lights (https://a.co/d/0rbkW66) to be pretty handy, and scarcely more expensive.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ZkfxP-SZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KRVzvQ4eL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on February 14, 2024, 07:35:34 PM
Quote from: NT2C on February 14, 2024, 06:47:04 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on February 14, 2024, 02:14:18 PM
Quote from: Raptor on June 09, 2021, 04:19:19 PM(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41sAmbyl2iL._AC_.jpg)

I am really not sure this can be considered a flash light it does need  USB power to work. That said this is a light that really impressed me with it's versatility and build quality. It has a 8 foot long flexible usb cable and the weight is minimal. It allows you to hang it from a wide variety of things. It is extremely bright but what impressed me was that fact that it could be dimmed (or brightened) by simply touching the lens. That and the dim settings are not the typical High/low but rather it is variable based upon how long you touch it. So you can go down to ~ a single candle of output to a claimed 200 lumens.

They claim IP67 water proof ness but I have not tested that. The USB cable does come with what appears to be a proprietary male end that attached to the light. All in all a very versatile light. I picked several up for $9.99 but I see they raised the price.

That said as long as you have a USB power bank this light can provide a lot of light for a long time.
https://smile.amazon.com/Voltaic-Systems-USB-Touchlight-Waterproof/dp/B00CWHQEWM/ref=b2b_gw_d_bia_1?pd_rd_w=k3AYy&pf_rd_p=e3cacf2f-b655-4992-8629-8eb728a4fbad&pf_rd_r=1H8XF5628NF4A2CJJ1QN&pd_rd_r=f1e68cba-cfb2-4efc-83a4-3bdc80ab7d09&pd_rd_wg=ENaDR&pd_rd_i=B00CWHQEWM&psc=1


It's not back to $10 yet, but it is down to $12 after having peaked at $23 last year!

Personally, I find these lights (https://a.co/d/0rbkW66) to be pretty handy, and scarcely more expensive.

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ZkfxP-SZL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)

(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61KRVzvQ4eL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
I have a number of the older version of the light (both the physical switch and the ones which are dimmable / color shiftable).  I like them, but it doesn't hurt to have a couple of lights that are waterproof. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on February 25, 2024, 06:18:32 PM
Because I don't have enough flashlights  :icon_crazy:  I just ordered two more!  These are both pretty nice ones (one from Zebralight and another from Acebeam) that I'd been eyeing for a while.  Today I broke down and ordered both of them.  Until these, I'd only had one flashlight that uses a 21700 battery, my Sofirn IF25a.  Depending on how these work out, I may have to pick up a few more batteries as backups.

My EDC light is a Zebralight that I've had for 8 years.  The one I just ordered won't replace it though, as this new one is too big for EDC.  It's basically for those times when I'd like to have even more output, such as walking at night, without needing to remember a different UI than what I'm used to.

The Acebeam is just because I don't have a "tactical" light that has stupid levels of output yet!  :greenguy:  This will officially be the highest output light that I own (4900 lumen) once it arrives!

Yes, I have a problem...
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: majorhavoc on February 25, 2024, 06:37:13 PM
Anyone know a good deal on a weapon light to replace my aged Olight M2 Warrior?  This must have been the original M2 from way back when ~ circa 2011.  Back then, state of the art was maybe 400-500 lumens.  My M2 puts out something like 250 lumens which I was fine with because I got a really good deal and thought: "Who the hell needs more than 250 lumens?  That's blindingly bright!  I shall rule the night."

Fast forward today and I think I've followed my personal LED mantra about not chasing the latest and greatest light output long enough.  250 lumens in 2024 is laughable, so it's time for an upgrade.  I am not a slave to brand names and I don't need a pressure switch. I'm just looking for something that's weapon-grade reliable and has a more up-to-date light output.  FYI: my AR forend is a Magpul MOE.  I'm not feeling any need to update to M-Lok. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on February 25, 2024, 06:42:08 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on February 25, 2024, 06:18:32 PMBecause I don't have enough flashlights  :icon_crazy:  I just ordered two more!  These are both pretty nice ones (one from Zebralight and another from Acebeam) that I'd been eyeing for a while.  Today I broke down and ordered both of them.  Until these, I'd only had one flashlight that uses a 21700 battery, my Sofirn IF25a.  Depending on how these work out, I may have to pick up a few more batteries as backups.

My EDC light is a Zebralight that I've had for 8 years.  The one I just ordered won't replace it though, as this new one is too big for EDC.  It's basically for those times when I'd like to have even more output, such as walking at night, without needing to remember a different UI than what I'm used to.

The Acebeam is just because I don't have a "tactical" light that has stupid levels of output yet!  :greenguy:  This will officially be the highest output light that I own (4900 lumen) once it arrives!

Yes, I have a problem...

What you have, padawan, is weakness!

4,900 lumens?  That's a child's flashlight, man!  At least get over 5,000, preferably over 10,000!

Here, let me help you, little one.  A link to the Sofirn SC33 (https://www.sofirnlight.com/products/sofirn-sc33-edc-flashlight-5200lm?spm=..index.classic_feature_collection_1.3) that is currently $30.99 and has 5,200 lumens.  Break that 5,000 lm barrier... do it... doooo iiiiitttt...  :greenguy:
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on February 25, 2024, 06:47:12 PM
Quote from: majorhavoc on February 25, 2024, 06:37:13 PMAnyone know a good deal on a weapon light to replace my aged Olight M2 Warrior?  This must have been the original M2 from way back when ~ circa 2011.  Back then, state of the art was maybe 400-500 lumens.  My M2 puts out something like 250 lumens which I was fine with because I got a really good deal and thought: "Who the hell needs more than 250 lumens?  That's blindingly bright!  I shall rule the night."

Fast forward today and I think I've followed my personal LED mantra about not chasing the latest and greatest light output long enough.  250 lumens in 2024 is laughable, so it's time for an upgrade.  I am not a slave to brand names and I don't need a pressure switch. I'm just looking for something that's weapon-grade reliable and has a more up-to-date light output.  FYI: my AR forend is a Magpul MOE.  I'm not feeling any need to update to M-Lok.
Crimson Trace CWL-202 (https://www.crimsontrace.com/products/tactical-lights/rail-equipped-long-guns/cwl-202-tactical-light-for-rail-equipped-long-guns/01-8770-1.html#prefn1=mountStyle&prefv1=Under%20Barrel&start=1) 900 lumen, switch pad, free batteries for life, all mounts included, $100
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on February 25, 2024, 06:50:48 PM
I'm not going to be much help on the weapon light front considering all my lights are either two Streamlight PolyTacs or a single Coast TX40.

The only other weapon is a Streamlight TLR-1s that's on my G21 right now.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on February 25, 2024, 09:36:52 PM
I bought an ultra-cheap weapon light (AIM Sports branded) many years ago that is just sitting in a drawer.  Otherwise, I have a few different Olights: a couple of PL-2 Valkyries, a PL Pro, and a PL-mini.  They work for me, but I wouldn't put them on par with things like Surefire or Streamlight. The lever lock on the Olights is very nice though, as it only takes a second and requires no tools to take them off / put them back on.  And FWIW, I actually prefer the PL-2 to the Pro, as they're much brighter. 

ETA: To clarify why I think that the Olights are only "okay":  

The switch on the PL-Mini is terrible.  It's a metal switch that has to be pushed down to activate the light and it's really, really stiff and ends up leaving a temporary divot in my finger when I use it.  The mount for this light is very good though, with solid lockup.  I believe the output is 400 lumens.  It uses a built-in battery though, so remember to charge it on a regular basis.

The PL-2 rail mount isn't firmly attached to the light and shifts slightly when pressed side-to-side (which can result in a "double" click when pressing the switch - one "click" for it to shift all the way to the side and the second when you actually click the switch).  Output is very good and very bright white (I think it's either 1000 or 1200 lumen) once it's on.  The switch itself is good, once the light has settled on the mount.  Of course, if you click the other side, it'll shift back again.  This light uses 2x CR123a batteries (or RCR123a rechargeables).  The battery door has a quirk though - the release is on the hinge side and has to be held open in order to re-latch it, which is quite awkward (think of it like a car trunk with the lock / handle to close it being up by the rear window, instead of by the tail lights). 

The PL-Pro has the best switch and mount, but the worst light color (sort of a urine-tinted yellow/white).  It's rated for 1500 lumens, but can only deliver that for 1.5 mins before dropping down to 600 lumen.  It uses a built-in battery, so if you don't charge it regularly, the battery will discharge enough that you'll start at the 600 level and drop from there.  (when I pulled mine out while writing this, it was discharged enough that it was at the lower output)  Not something which instills a lot of confidence, unless you commit to charging it regularly.

I have a Streamlight TLR-1 HL on my "to-buy" list, but haven't gotten around to it yet.  A Surefire X300 would be nice, but I don't know that it's really worth 3x the price of the Streamlight. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on March 01, 2024, 03:04:38 PM
One of the new flashlights is here (the Zebralight) and I'm currently charging the batteries for it.  I might post a quick review later this weekend.  The other light should arrive next week (the last shipping update showed that it's awaiting pickup in Jamaica, NY).

I did buy a couple of batteries (Samsung 50E cells, which are only 9.8a, barely enough to run the light on high) at the same time as the light, so I have some for it.  However, I want to get some higher-drain cells for it to help keep the batteries from overheating.  Unfortunately, the two that I'm looking at (Samsung 50s and Molicel P45B) are sold out everywhere right now!  Guess I'll just have to keep an eye out for them to come back in stock.  I do have one high-drain battery (a Sofirn branded battery that's rated for 40a draw) that came with my Sofirn IF25A that I can use for testing.  Not sure on the exact specs of the battery that's coming with my Acebeam next week.

Batteries are a lot more complicated once you make the jump to lithium-ion! 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: 12_Gauge_Chimp on March 01, 2024, 05:42:39 PM
While wandering the automotive section of the local Walmart Supercenter, I found this interesting little light.

It's a Hyper Tough brand pen light.

20240301_172949.jpg

It's basically a cheap (and I mean that literally as this thing only cost me 2 bucks) clone of a Streamlight Stylus Pro.

Here it is compared to my Streamlight Stylus Pro I bought a few years back and made part of my EDC.
20240301_173003.jpg

They're about the same size, with the Streamlight being just slightly longer.

Both use a tail cap button to turn on, but only the Streamlight has a momentary on function. The Hyper Tough doesn't. It's just click on/click off only.

The Hyper Tough pen light puts out about 25 or so lumens, so it's not amazingly bright, but it'll do a fair job of lighting up small areas like you'd expect a pen light to.

On the other hand, the Streamlight Stylus Pro puts out about 100 lumens and is much brighter (of course it's brighter, it's about 75 percent higher lumens than the Hyper Tough).

It's not a bad little light for $1.97 and if I happen to lose it or it breaks, I'm only out a couple bucks.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 03:02:10 PM
Okay, I tried to get some pictures last night, but juggling the flashlights and camera was too much.  So, I took the next step with flashlight pics and bought a clamp that fits onto a tripod.  Now I can swap the lights out easily and don't have to try and hold them in one hand (or my mouth) while I take pictures!  :D  I'll give it another try tonight once it gets dark.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on March 03, 2024, 03:33:28 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 03:02:10 PMOkay, I tried to get some pictures last night, but juggling the flashlights and camera was too much.  So, I took the next step with flashlight pics and bought a clamp that fits onto a tripod.  Now I can swap the lights out easily and don't have to try and hold them in one hand (or my mouth) while I take pictures!  :D  I'll give it another try tonight once it gets dark.
Umm... shutter timers are really easy to use and let you concentrate on aiming the light.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 03:40:36 PM
Quote from: NT2C on March 03, 2024, 03:33:28 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 03:02:10 PMOkay, I tried to get some pictures last night, but juggling the flashlights and camera was too much.  So, I took the next step with flashlight pics and bought a clamp that fits onto a tripod.  Now I can swap the lights out easily and don't have to try and hold them in one hand (or my mouth) while I take pictures!  :D  I'll give it another try tonight once it gets dark.
Umm... shutter timers are really easy to use and let you concentrate on aiming the light.
I was just using my phone's camera in manual mode (the only other camera that I have is a simple point-and-shoot).  I'm not doing full reviews like the ones you see on YouTube where I need to do all sorts of complicated shots.  I'm in the suburbs and I don't even know a good place near me where I can get away from outdoor lights.  I just wanted to try to get a few 'beamshots' that showed the relative brightness of a few different lights.  

I do have some clamps that will work with a camera, but that was the one part that I'd rather just have in my hand, so that I can quickly adjust settings as needed.  Easier to clamp the light in place, then take the picture.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on March 03, 2024, 04:03:05 PM
I meant use the timer function of your phone camera.
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 08:53:41 PM
I've got a bunch of pictures now, of a number of different lights.  This included some pictures against the headlights of my car, to show how a powerful flashlight can overcome even very bright direct light to light up an area that is beyond or beside bright lights.  I also took thermal readings of the new Zebralight (spoiler - it gets HOT!) compared to my older one. 

It'll take a bit to do a write-up and I'm tired right now.  You'll have to wait until later this week!

Oh, and the new clamp (https://a.co/d/anwcvIs) worked out quite well for holding the lights while I took pictures.  It opens up wide enough that I can even fit in an old-school D-cell Maglite.  Here it is holding my Wurkkos TD02 during the testing tonight. 

Wurkkos_TD02_in_tripod.jpg
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: NT2C on March 03, 2024, 09:08:35 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 08:53:41 PMI've got a bunch of pictures now, of a number of different lights.  This included some pictures against the headlights of my car, to show how a powerful flashlight can overcome even very bright direct light to light up an area that is beyond or beside bright lights.  I also took thermal readings of the new Zebralight (spoiler - it gets HOT!) compared to my older one. 

It'll take a bit to do a write-up and I'm tired right now.  You'll have to wait until later this week!

Oh, and the new clamp (https://a.co/d/anwcvIs) worked out quite well for holding the lights while I took pictures.  It opens up wide enough that I can even fit in an old-school D-cell Maglite.  Here it is holding my Wurkkos TD02 during the testing tonight. 

Wurkkos_TD02_in_tripod.jpg
I have that exact tripod.  I use it for my Nikon B600
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 10:34:23 PM
Quote from: NT2C on March 03, 2024, 09:08:35 PM
Quote from: EBuff75 on March 03, 2024, 08:53:41 PMI've got a bunch of pictures now, of a number of different lights.  This included some pictures against the headlights of my car, to show how a powerful flashlight can overcome even very bright direct light to light up an area that is beyond or beside bright lights.  I also took thermal readings of the new Zebralight (spoiler - it gets HOT!) compared to my older one. 

It'll take a bit to do a write-up and I'm tired right now.  You'll have to wait until later this week!

Oh, and the new clamp (https://a.co/d/anwcvIs) worked out quite well for holding the lights while I took pictures.  It opens up wide enough that I can even fit in an old-school D-cell Maglite.  Here it is holding my Wurkkos TD02 during the testing tonight. 

Wurkkos_TD02_in_tripod.jpg
I have that exact tripod.  I use it for my Nikon B600
I was pleasantly surprised when I bought it last year.  Fairly inexpensive, but it's got a lot of adjustments, is well-built, and even comes with a really sturdy case/bag.  

My old tripod dates back to the mid-90s and this one is much sturdier, even if it is missing a few features the older one has (levered cam lock for the tripod head plate, crank handle for height adjustment, and a pan handle).  But the greater adjustability (including having a ball head, which the old one lacks), and increased height (I got the 81-inch version, whereas my old tripod is something like 55-inch) make up for it.  I've only used a few times so far and I always forget how nice it is until I get it back out. 
Title: Re: The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread
Post by: EBuff75 on March 04, 2024, 06:20:42 PM
I'm a weak, weak person...  Well, there's yet another flashlight on the way.  This one is a Sofirn SC33 (https://a.co/d/jaEye3a), which is currently on sale on Amazon.  *sigh*

Oh, and given that this one is 5200 lumen, it only took a week for me to break the 5000 lumen barrier.  And the 4900 lumen Acebeam hasn't even arrived yet!  :D