SIGforum
Any Flashlight Experts?

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October 14, 2018, 08:14 PM
ridewv
Any Flashlight Experts?
I have to think some here are and I would appreciate any suggestions.
I've been searching for a flashlight to replace one I lost. I really liked it and want to replace it with something similar or better. What I liked about it was its long distance spot pattern. The person I bought it from (at a gun show) said it had a "5 degree reflector enabling it to illuminate something 300 meters distance". It was relatively small around 1" tube, 1 1/4- 1 1/2" head, x maybe 6-7" overall length. No brand name on it but I'm sure came from China, in fact who I bought it from was Chinese. Aluminum tube for sure, maybe all aluminum. It took one rechargable lithium battery. The light, battery and charger totaled around $70 as I recall.
As far as budget I'd like to stay under $100 but could pay more if necessary. Do want the reflector spot pattern.


No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
October 14, 2018, 08:37 PM
beltfed21
Ridewv, look at the reflector in a flashlight. If its smooth and shiny, its a spot beam. If the reflector is textured looking its for a wide short beam.

I would suggest looking into Fenix (online). They have a wide range of choices, good prices and well with in your budget.


********************************************
"On the other side of fear you will always find freedom"
October 14, 2018, 08:43 PM
jimmy123x
The Duracell ones from Costco that take C batteries, will illuminate quite well to about 300 meters, they have an adjustable beam and come in a 2 pack with batteries and everything for about $25
October 14, 2018, 08:47 PM
MikeinNC
I replaced the reflector in my cop issued Streamlight SL20 with a Malkoff light before they went to LED bulbs

it was so bright I could see 300m, and it would blind drivers (hehe) best thing I ever spent on work stuff for myself

Malkoff makes lights now..check them out

the smooth reflector will throw light!!



"Violence, naked force, has settled more issues in history than has any other factor.” Robert A. Heinlein

“You may beat me, but you will never win.” sigmonkey-2020

“A single round of buckshot to the torso almost always results in an immediate change of behavior.” Chris Baker
October 14, 2018, 09:06 PM
djinco
Fenix makes really good lights at a very reasonable cost.


Cheers, Doug in Colorado

NRA Patriot Life Benefactor Member
October 14, 2018, 09:08 PM
cparktd
Following...
Ridewv, I hope you don't mind the piggy-back.

My "free" for renewing 1000 lumen NRA light was ALMOST good enough for me but it's getting flaky now.

I really would love a push pull or twist beam adjustment like the NRA one has. And prefer only one mode please... on or off.



Endeavor to persevere.
October 14, 2018, 09:10 PM
229DAK
+1 on Fenix.


_________________________________________________________________________
“A man’s treatment of a dog is no indication of the man’s nature, but his treatment of a cat is. It is the crucial test. None but the humane treat a cat well.”
-- Mark Twain, 1902
October 14, 2018, 09:13 PM
Chowser
Fenix has been around for awhile and puts out good stuff. I keep a Fenix UC30 in my car as the car light.



Not minority enough!
October 14, 2018, 09:43 PM
ridewv
Thanks guys, this Fenix seems to fit the bill. other than I don't think it incorporates the 5* reflector

https://www.fenixlighting.com/...argeable-flashlight/

Or this one...

https://www.fenixlighting.com/...argeable-flashlight/


No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
October 15, 2018, 02:31 AM
Aeteocles
You are looking for the Nitecore P12GT (not the newer GTS).

I did alot of research looking for the best long distance thrower in the 1" reflector form factor, a tactical tail switch (light illuminates on the forward press of the tail switch, before the click), and had a tactical grip ring.

This checks all the boxes with an advertised 350 meter throw distance and 1000 lumens. Nitecore is reputable, and this is my third flashlight from them. Their Customer Service is great too-- mailed me replacement parts free of cost when I had broken a tactical grip ring on my SRT-7.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Aeteocles,
October 15, 2018, 03:12 AM
White Phosphorus
I have a Fenix LD09 that I've been trying to destroy for 4 years. I turn it on and off +/- 50 times a day.

Very tough light!

V.
October 15, 2018, 05:06 AM
charlie12
I have two Fenix and have been carrying them everyday for a long time good light for the money


_______________________________________________________
And no, junior not being able to hold still for 5 seconds is not a disability.



October 15, 2018, 06:06 AM
TBH
I have a Fenix PD35 that I just bought to replace the one I lost. Well made! The light, rechargeable battery, and charger cost me $100 at Cabelas.


P226 9mm CT
Springfield custom 1911 hardball
Glock 21
Les Baer Special Tactical AR-15
October 15, 2018, 07:42 AM
Skins2881
Fenix PD32 or PD35 is what you need.



Jesse

Sic Semper Tyrannis
October 15, 2018, 08:03 AM
snidera
I really like my Fenix flashlights (have 7-8, given away probably double that), but for in-light recharging, a USB port isn't on my list.
I like Olight's magnetic charging port (uses a USB on the power end & a proprietary connector on the flashlight end). I have the PL mini rail-mount light & it is nice & small.
The S30R looks like it might fit what you want.
October 15, 2018, 08:51 AM
BurtonRW
Fenix, O-Light, or Nitecore. I have a collection of all three and they’re all excellent. You’ll be able to find something you like in their offerings for sure.

-Rob




I predict that there will be many suggestions and statements about the law made here, and some of them will be spectacularly wrong. - jhe888

A=A
October 15, 2018, 09:04 AM
signewt
Solarforce L2P has performed extremely well for me over the last 3-4 years.

Worth taking a look, meets OP specs pretty well.

The vendor set mine for 'only 3' intensity levels, moonlight/middle/BRIGHT that spots the distant end of my triangle shaped 1 1/4 acre property over 100 yards distant.

Fits shirt pocket well, about thumb thick.

I sound like a shill. Actually a very pleased end-user that got way more than expected for very reasonable cost.


**************~~~~~~~~~~
"I've been on this rock too long to bother with these liars any more."
~SIGforum advisor~
"When the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change, then change will come."~~sigmonkey

October 15, 2018, 09:20 AM
henryaz
 
For hand held (as opposed to pocket or key ring sized), I love my Tiablo ACE-G. It is about 10" long with a thin tube, and takes two 18650 Li-Ion batteries. Though described as a flood light, its center spot throws 300ft. It appears this model is no longer made, but you might check out their other models with similar specs. The tube is 1" so it can be mounted on a rifle, and it their lights come in 1 or 2 battery models (with an extension for 2). They are well made and mine has worked well for a number of years.



When in doubt, mumble
October 15, 2018, 11:53 AM
ridewv
Thanks everyone. I researched the ones you all mentioned, which brought up others, which in turn produced more.... Anyway I stumbled upon this one which seems to have everything I was looking for; small, rechargable, long throw beam, bright neutral white LED, with various modes. Should have it Wednesday.

http://www.thrunite.com/thruni...argeable-flashlight/


No car is as much fun to drive, as any motorcycle is to ride.
October 15, 2018, 06:36 PM
signewt
5000 MAH???? wowwzza!!!!


**************~~~~~~~~~~
"I've been on this rock too long to bother with these liars any more."
~SIGforum advisor~
"When the pain of staying the same outweighs the pain of change, then change will come."~~sigmonkey