The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread

[flybynight]

Well, the problem I was having with my light popped up again.  

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? 

I seem to be in a translate mood tonight . Lego itaque translate

[Rednex]

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.

[majorhavoc]

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.

No problem.  Just having a little fun.  

[EBuff75]

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!

[NT2C]

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 to be pretty handy, and scarcely more expensive.

[EBuff75]

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 to be pretty handy, and scarcely more expensive.

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. 

[EBuff75]

Because I don't have enough flashlights    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!    This will officially be the highest output light that I own (4900 lumen) once it arrives!

Yes, I have a problem...

[majorhavoc]

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. 

[NT2C]

Because I don't have enough flashlights    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!    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 that is currently $30.99 and has 5,200 lumens.  Break that 5,000 lm barrier... do it... doooo iiiiitttt... 

[NT2C]

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.

Crimson Trace CWL-202 900 lumen, switch pad, free batteries for life, all mounts included, $100

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

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.

[EBuff75]

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. 

[EBuff75]

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! 

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

While wandering the automotive section of the local Walmart Supercenter, I found this interesting little light.

It's a Hyper Tough brand pen light.

You cannot view this attachment.

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.
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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.

[EBuff75]

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!    I'll give it another try tonight once it gets dark.

[NT2C]

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!    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.

[EBuff75]

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!    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.

[NT2C]

I meant use the timer function of your phone camera.

[EBuff75]

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 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. 

You cannot view this attachment.

[NT2C]

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 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. 

You cannot view this attachment.

I have that exact tripod.  I use it for my Nikon B600