I need a flashlight

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  • Bountied

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 6, 2012
    7,151
    Pasadena
    Olight fan too and they are having a sale in the next couple of days.
    I have a couple Olights and they are both nice. The one is a little complicated with the functions. My favorite flash light has one mode, bright AF, it's a surefire so that is out of the question for this thread. I also have some cheapo Chinese ones that are OK too.
     

    johnkn

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 27, 2012
    2,158
    LOL, I just purchased my 4th Fenix last night, a PD32 V2 with multiple outputs up to 1200 lumens if needed. On sale -10% right now and free shipping. They have always been 100% perfect for me. Controls on the tail, and also tail stand.
    They run on (2) CR123 batteries or a single rechargeable. Also available in a single battery version and many others.


    I am trying to figure out what to do with my (2) traditional Maglite flashlights, a 4 and a 5 D cell. I’ve had them too long and they’ve been too trusty to just throw away. I think I put a LED conversion on the 5 cell.... but I just don’t need them any longer..


    .
     
    Last edited:

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,960
    Socialist State of Maryland
    LOL, I just purchased my 4th Fenix last night, a PD32 V2 with multiple outputs up to 1200 lumens if needed. On sale -10% right now and free shipping. They have always been 100% perfect for me. Controls on the tail, and also tail stand.
    They run on (2) CR123 batteries or a single rechargeable. Also available in a single battery version and many others.


    I am trying to figure out what to do with my (2) traditional Maglite flashlights, a 4 and a 5 D cell. I’ve had them too long and they’ve been too trusty to just throw away. I think I put a LED conversion on the 5 cell.... but I just don’t need them any longer..


    .
    That's my EDC these days with a 18560 battery. I have had mine since they came out and never had a problem with it.

    I did the same with my maglights. I keep one in each car rather than chucking them out.
     

    johnkn

    Ultimate Member
    Feb 27, 2012
    2,158
    That's my EDC these days with a 18560 battery. I have had mine since they came out and never had a problem with it.

    I did the same with my maglights. I keep one in each car rather than chucking them out.
    Ha! What’s your experience with the 18560? It looks like the rechargeable battery for the V2 model actually has a micro-USB connector on the side of the battery. This new purchase will be seldom used and I had planned on just using the CR123s. Thanks...

    .
     

    John from MD

    American Patriot
    MDS Supporter
    May 12, 2005
    22,960
    Socialist State of Maryland
    Ha! What’s your experience with the 18650? It looks like the rechargeable battery for the V2 model actually has a micro-USB connector on the side of the battery. This new purchase will be seldom used and I had planned on just using the CR123s. Thanks...

    .
    If you are not going to use it often, then just stay with the CR123 batteries. I use mine every day that is why I went to the rechargeables. The 18650 gives much longer run time than the two CR123's.
     

    mpollan1

    Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 26, 2012
    6,906
    Мэриленд
    LOL, I just purchased my 4th Fenix last night, a PD32 V2 with multiple outputs up to 1200 lumens if needed. On sale -10% right now and free shipping. They have always been 100% perfect for me. Controls on the tail, and also tail stand.
    They run on (2) CR123 batteries or a single rechargeable. Also available in a single battery version and many others.


    I am trying to figure out what to do with my (2) traditional Maglite flashlights, a 4 and a 5 D cell. I’ve had them too long and they’ve been too trusty to just throw away. I think I put a LED conversion on the 5 cell.... but I just don’t need them any longer..
    LED makes it a whole new animal. That said, if you ever tire of them, I'd like to throw my hat into the ring. I love maglites.
     

    Bountied

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 6, 2012
    7,151
    Pasadena
    If you are not going to use it often, then just stay with the CR123 batteries. I use mine every day that is why I went to the rechargeables. The 18650 gives much longer run time than the two CR123's.
    Might as well stick with the 18650s since they are rechargeable. Sometimes they have deals with a flashlight and charger for the 18650s.
     

    alucard0822

    For great Justice
    Oct 29, 2007
    17,709
    PA
    Flashlights like most things vary quite a bit, "general purpose" doesn't really help much. How it's carried, where it's carried, defensive use, mode settings, power, LED type, battery size/weight/diameter, they all might matter or they might not. For a light that you want to stash around the house in case of a power outage, it must have decent output in a wide radius for a long time, must be self standing, and must be able to be charged and ignored. I have Braun Lanterns from Harbour Freight, they are rechargeable, and have both USB input and output, so you can charge your phone with it, use it for light, use the flashlight on top, and can recharge from any USB outlet or portable power pack.

    For something in the car, or utility, I like a smaller light with a magnetic base, nice to stick it under a hood or under a car and not have to hold it, a strobe setting for emergencies is also nice, and the Olight baton series are awesome, also USB chargeable, side switch, magnetic base, available in a couple different sizes. Could also go with a Warrior mini, they have all that, but larger and a tail switch AND side switch, they are larger, still have a magnetic base, but easier to fall off of whatever they are stuck to.

    For a light you want in your pocket, something skinny with a AA sized Li-ion rechargeable or AA is ideal, Olight and streamlight make a couple

    For defensive use, Surefire is bulletproof, more expensive, less output, but reliable. You could go with an Olight/streamlight/Jetbeam/Fenix, but test it often, they work well, but have more failures in the electronics, and some odels with plastic lenses can melt if left on for a long time.
     

    Bountied

    Ultimate Member
    Apr 6, 2012
    7,151
    Pasadena
    Flashlights like most things vary quite a bit, "general purpose" doesn't really help much. How it's carried, where it's carried, defensive use, mode settings, power, LED type, battery size/weight/diameter, they all might matter or they might not. For a light that you want to stash around the house in case of a power outage, it must have decent output in a wide radius for a long time, must be self standing, and must be able to be charged and ignored. I have Braun Lanterns from Harbour Freight, they are rechargeable, and have both USB input and output, so you can charge your phone with it, use it for light, use the flashlight on top, and can recharge from any USB outlet or portable power pack.

    For something in the car, or utility, I like a smaller light with a magnetic base, nice to stick it under a hood or under a car and not have to hold it, a strobe setting for emergencies is also nice, and the Olight baton series are awesome, also USB chargeable, side switch, magnetic base, available in a couple different sizes. Could also go with a Warrior mini, they have all that, but larger and a tail switch AND side switch, they are larger, still have a magnetic base, but easier to fall off of whatever they are stuck to.

    For a light you want in your pocket, something skinny with a AA sized Li-ion rechargeable or AA is ideal, Olight and streamlight make a couple

    For defensive use, Surefire is bulletproof, more expensive, less output, but reliable. You could go with an Olight/streamlight/Jetbeam/Fenix, but test it often, they work well, but have more failures in the electronics, and some odels with plastic lenses can melt if left on for a long time.
    My tactical defense flashlight!
     

    OMCHamlin

    Ultimate Member
    BANNED!!!
    May 17, 2017
    1,115
    The Cumberland Plateau
    Hopefully this fits in The Depot.

    So many brands of flashlights come and go.

    Want:
    CR123 battery, 1 (or maybe 2) cell.
    Simple, small, reliable, pocket carry if needed.
    More flood than spot.
    Adjustable brightness, no need for max more than about 150 lumens

    I want on/off to be a clicky button on the side of the flashlight, not on the bottom.
    And it should remember its brightness setting.

    Can I get the above for less than $30?
    I want to buy 3-4 for general use.
    I am replying with many things you say you don't want, but I think that I get the overall gist that you want a good, reliable EDC pocket carry flashlight, and when I was, this is what I found, and I have one on both mine and my wife's keychains, because they are bright, compact and have proven to be very reliable. Just look it over and see if this might do the trick;
    Nitecore TIP SE
     

    Phoenix_1295

    Creature of Life and Fire
    MDS Supporter
    Oct 6, 2010
    1,669
    MD
    This is a nice light that is within your price preference. (Currently, on sale.)


    I have had this light for 2 years and it is still going strong. It is small, durable, has multiple light levels, turns on at the level that is was on when turned off, has a strong magnetic base, the head can swivel, and it's rechargeable.
     

    mpollan1

    Foxtrot Juliet Bravo
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 26, 2012
    6,906
    Мэриленд
    Truthfully for EDC I find the light on my phone perfectly adequate. If I am to be performing a particular task/project I will take along the appropriate light be it a headlamp or a lantern or multiple light sources. In my hut I have flashlights, spotlights, lanterns and headlamps laying all around. They get used and go back to the same spot every time. At my feet right now is a 3D Maglite, a 4D Maglite and a 590.
     

    Headedthere

    Member
    Jan 3, 2023
    52
    Howard
    Wow, this one kicked off quick!
    Thanks for the ideas so far.
    I'm fine with $50 if that's what it takes.
    I have a few of the brands previously mentioned.
    I prefer CR123 because of the shelf life of the battery. Throw one in the glove box, change battery every 2 years. AA/AAA and rechargables aren't as easy to ignore.
     

    rob

    DINO Extraordinaire
    Oct 11, 2010
    3,100
    Augusta, GA
    Harbor freight has a Braun 390 lumen rechargeable folding light that's pretty good and under $30.

    Bright. Magnetic base

    Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk
     

    adit

    ReMember
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 20, 2013
    19,697
    DE
    Harbor freight has a Braun 390 lumen rechargeable folding light that's pretty good and under $30.

    Bright. Magnetic base

    Sent from my SM-G990U1 using Tapatalk
    The 800 lumen ICON is on sale right now for $30.

    I keep on in my truck, paid $40 when they first came out a few months ago. Buying another this weekend.

     

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