Date: 28 March 24, 04:01 AM
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 LED Flash?



Bill


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Are you carrying a light these days.  Do you have a recommendation for a small, bright LED?  I have the Rayovac Industructible you suggested a couple of years ago, I'm looking for something smaller.
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scuzzy


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  • In an emergency, 9-1-1 calls ME.

My favorite remain Fenix, although their prices begin in the 50-ish range for something small. Give me some time and I can give you some good recommendations.

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Bill


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Batteries really don't matter although I'd guess not rechargeable ones.  I find LEDs most helpful when looking for something even in broad daylight, they seem to focus the search.
One for my bag, I'm not out and about after dark much these days.  Amazon lists the top 5 or 10 purchased if you search the site and included in that list is a Fenix at $60 for 1000 lumens.

Amazon link: www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Home-Improvement-Handheld-Flashlights/zgbs/hi/2445457011/ref=zg_bs_pg_2?_encoding=UTF8&pg=2

If you could pick 1 or 2 from the list, that would be a big help.  Most of the brands listed are unknown.

LINK EDIT BY SCUZZY
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Bill


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Thanks.
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scuzzy


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As you may know, I have a love for tactical flashlights and I have quite a collection. My favorite is Fenix, followed closely by Olight. They make great tactical flashlights at a reasonable price. Having said that, another brand that should not be ignored is Surefire. I would put them in the premium quality category.

When I joined the SO we were required to use Streamlight flashlights, specifically the Stinger model. Streamlight tends to cater to law enforcement, and they take advantage of cops in organizations that require their use. They tend to be expensive and they are always behind the curve on innovation. Once we were no longer required to use Streamlight, I dumped them and I will never return to them.

Back to your needs, like anything else in life you get what you pay for. I can recommend two Surefire models that will treat you very well. I have two of this polymer model (one for home; one for the Harley): Surefire G2X Pro 320 Lumen. The extra CR123A batteries (total of 6) makes this a very good deal. Unless you use the high setting all the time, you should easily get 6 months to a year on a set of batteries. Fresh batteries have a 10+ year shelf life. This flashlight operates very similar to the Rayovac, with a single low and high setting. The flashlight always defaults to low, but a second tap on the switch easy sets it to high. There are no gimmicks such as strobe.

If you want to move up to something with more power, then this Surefire G2X-MV Maxvision will light up the town for you. Looks like it comes with 2 extra batteries, for a total of 4. Don't get too wrapped up on the amount of lumens. While 800 lumens is certainly a lot, the 320-lumen in my first recommendation will work well for most situations. But if extreme brightness is important to you, then nothing wrong with moving up in power. I would equate 800 lumens to a good quality spot light, such as something found on a cop car.

You only asked for 2 recommendations, so I'll stop there for now. Stay away from the cheap, gimmicky flashlights. They're garbage and you'll just be wasting money. Whatever you decide on, use only the amount of brightness you need for the job at hand. The lowest setting to get the job done is always best. It will extend the life of the batteries, the life of the LED, and it will reduce eye strain caused by reflected light.

FYI: I buy all my CR123A batteries at www.BatteryJunction.com as they have the best deal around. I buy Titanium Inovations at a buck a piece. This link is for the "2-pack" models, in which two batteries are shrink-wrapped end-to-end for convenience. They're available in singles if you prefer. Due to shipping costs, I recommend buying at least 12 at a time. Here's a 5% coupon code: THANKU5

Bill


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Thanks very much, I just ordered the Surefire G2X Pro 320 Lumen version.
Should be here Sunday!
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I hope you enjoy it as much as I do mine. I really like its quality and simplicity. I have no use for "strobe", "SOS", etc.

Too bad their top-end tactical flashlights (like this SureFire P1R Peacekeeper) are so expensive. Maybe someday I'll swing one, but since I'm no longer a cop I wonder, "What's the use?" Lol

Bill


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The Surefire G2X Pro arrived this afternoon and it seems to be everything you said it would.  Simple to operate and easy power selection. 
Thanks for your help.
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As I previously mentioned, I buy Titanium Innovations CR123A lithium batteries from BatteryJunction.com for the great deal that they are. I've been using them for well over 10 years now and they have never disappointed.

Since I have extra, I sent you a couple to try out. Looks like they will arrive tomorrow (Thursday): USPS Tracking

Bill


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Thanks, that's very thought ful, I appreciate it.
I will give them whirl.
Fractal Design R5 | Asus  Z170 Pro | Intel i5 6600k | 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws  DDR4 2133 | Seasonic 650w PSU | eVGA GTX 550 TI | Samsung 960 M2 500 GB | Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB | ASUS Burner | Windows 7 64-bit

Bill


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Seems I'm not the only one "full of surprises."  Thank you very much, a very generous gift.  Looks to be head and shoulders above the Surefire G2X Pro.  I'm looking forward to using them both.  I think the Surefire will wind up in the car.
Fractal Design R5 | Asus  Z170 Pro | Intel i5 6600k | 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws  DDR4 2133 | Seasonic 650w PSU | eVGA GTX 550 TI | Samsung 960 M2 500 GB | Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB | ASUS Burner | Windows 7 64-bit

scuzzy


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You're welcome. I forgot to mention that I threw a flashlight in with the battery samples. Lol.

I trust you will enjoy both the Fenix and the Surefire. Both are excellent in their own right. Besides, you can never have too many flashlights.

Bill


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I agree, like having too many guns!  Thanks again.
Fractal Design R5 | Asus  Z170 Pro | Intel i5 6600k | 16 GB G.Skill Ripjaws  DDR4 2133 | Seasonic 650w PSU | eVGA GTX 550 TI | Samsung 960 M2 500 GB | Samsung 850 EVO 500 GB | ASUS Burner | Windows 7 64-bit