Post by: davgdavg on September 21, 2016, 10:13:12 AM
Post by: macsak on September 21, 2016, 10:16:10 AM
I'm thinking about picking up a Fenix PD35 and maybe a couple of others. I like the 18651 batteries because they are rechargeable. Expensive though! Anybody got any suggestions or flashlights they like?
henry at prime sports has fenix for pretty good pricing
Post by: davgdavg on September 21, 2016, 10:23:11 AM
henry at prime sports has fenix for pretty good pricing
I'm on Kauai :shaka:
Post by: macsak on September 21, 2016, 10:32:47 AM
I'm on Kauai :shaka:
ah, ok
some websites (like amazon) do not send the batteries due to fire/explosion risks
you can usually find an ebay seller that will do it
:thumbsup:
Post by: kekoa on September 21, 2016, 02:25:47 PM
http://www.foursevens.com/products/flashlights/Regen
Post by: dafrtknocker on September 21, 2016, 04:16:16 PM
http://www.fenix-store.com/
Post by: dustoff003 on September 21, 2016, 05:49:50 PM
Okay now seriousness I have a close to if not 10 year old Streamlight Strion with a C4 LED and it is good for me. It cost about $150 new if I recall correctly, however it has a rechargeable battery so you don't need to buy $1 a pop CR123A batteries. The light has a charging cradle that has a 120v AC wall plug and a 12v DC car plug. It's been on 2 deployments now and is my daily usage light at work. All the best!
Streamlight 74301 Strion LED Flashlight with AC/12-Volt DC Charger and 1-Holder, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001T7F3KA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-134xbPRDQ5DM
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Post by: eyeeatingfish on September 21, 2016, 05:59:15 PM
I am not a fenix fan but there are a lot of good quality chinese lights in the $50 range. Nitecore, Jetsam, Olight are all good names.
Depends on features you want. Some batteries are rechargeable in the body with the use of a USB plug. You looking for a pocket light to carry all the time or what? Give few more parameters. For example if you want a long term storage then go with a mechanical switch not an electrical switch to avoid vampiric drain on the battery.
I often purchase from battery junction.com or brightguy.com. I prefer to purchase american but there aren't as many options. Brightguy lets you search made in america lights. Candlepowerforums.com is a good place to talk and read flashlights. My most recent one was a nitecore MH20 and I am satisfied with that.
Post by: Silenus on September 21, 2016, 08:52:03 PM
Don't worry about the cost of the 18650 cells, they will last you a long time. And buy good brand name ones that have built in protection, not some cheap no name cell, unless you want to risk a fire in your flashlight.
I am not a fenix fan but there are a lot of good quality chinese lights in the $50 range. Nitecore, Jetsam, Olight are all good names.
Depends on features you want. Some batteries are rechargeable in the body with the use of a USB plug. You looking for a pocket light to carry all the time or what? Give few more parameters. For example if you want a long term storage then go with a mechanical switch not an electrical switch to avoid vampiric drain on the battery.
I often purchase from battery junction.com or brightguy.com. I prefer to purchase american but there aren't as many options. Brightguy lets you search made in america lights. Candlepowerforums.com is a good place to talk and read flashlights. My most recent one was a nitecore MH20 and I am satisfied with that.
I second all of this. I'd add Illumn as another very good place for lights and batteries. Avoid Amazon for batteries. Almost everything there are cheap crap batteries that are literally dangerous to use. Good quality cells with built in protection circuits are worth the money (unless the light has built in protection circuit, then you can use unprotected cells). The forums mentioned have tons of info and battery recommendations. I'd throw in r/flashlight too.
For sure give some more info on what exactly your use and needs for the light are. There are a LOT of good lights out there now. Also aside from the common things you might look at for comparison like size, battery type, lumens and run time...consider also tint (neutral white tints are far more popular now) and CRI rating. High CRI lights, particularly ones with newer Nichia emitters are the new hotness apparently. I haven't tried one yet but my next light will probably be high CRI to see what all the fuss is about.
Post by: davgdavg on September 22, 2016, 02:38:07 PM
Don't worry about the cost of the 18650 cells, they will last you a long time. And buy good brand name ones that have built in protection, not some cheap no name cell, unless you want to risk a fire in your flashlight.
I am not a fenix fan but there are a lot of good quality chinese lights in the $50 range. Nitecore, Jetsam, Olight are all good names.
Depends on features you want. Some batteries are rechargeable in the body with the use of a USB plug. You looking for a pocket light to carry all the time or what? Give few more parameters. For example if you want a long term storage then go with a mechanical switch not an electrical switch to avoid vampiric drain on the battery.
I often purchase from battery junction.com or brightguy.com. I prefer to purchase american but there aren't as many options. Brightguy lets you search made in america lights. Candlepowerforums.com is a good place to talk and read flashlights. My most recent one was a nitecore MH20 and I am satisfied with that.
Mahalo for the replies.
I am looking for a flashlight (s) that have at least a high and low power setting, use 1 or 2 18650 batteries, and I will be recharging them either via ac outlets to USB or solar to USB. Basically all purpose survival lights, if the power goes off, gotta leave home, or whatever. I would prefer to keep it under $60 per light.
Post by: sa594 on October 17, 2016, 11:38:54 PM
Mahalo for the replies.
I am looking for a flashlight (s) that have at least a high and low power setting, use 1 or 2 18650 batteries, and I will be recharging them either via ac outlets to USB or solar to USB. Basically all purpose survival lights, if the power goes off, gotta leave home, or whatever. I would prefer to keep it under $60 per light.
Just my $.02, if you're looking for an EDC flashlight or something that will be used quite often then the rechargeable batteries are great. If you're looking for a survival light, I would rather just stuff a couple extra batteries in my bag then have to worry about finding a power supply or sunlight to charge the flashlight.
Post by: tim808 on January 17, 2017, 09:28:42 PM
They can use 18650 or typical rechargeable 3a batteries
$24 for 900 lumen
I use them for general use but also have streamlight polytacs when a working light is important
99/100 I use the flashlight on my phone since it is practically on me 24/7
Anker is known for their phone charging cords, portable batteries, decent quality and good customer service.
Post by: changemyoil66 on February 04, 2017, 10:19:36 PM
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Post by: jaynick on February 05, 2017, 09:54:22 AM
Im looking for a edc light that will blind an attacker. Gonna research more on anker. Was gonna go with Fenix 960lumin, but anker is way way way cheaper.id go with something besides anker. those lights can be had for mere dollars direct from china off something like fasttech or banggood. they just slap their name on junk.
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if you want something on a budget then id get a convoy or some other high quality knockoff. buying brand name flashlights is kinda pointless to me now because they require you to pay shipping and even pay for parts most of the time. for instance i have a $100 zebralight that will cost about $40 to fix n ship and they said could take a month but i dont want to send it in because it still works mostly and there is a gen2 that is much brighter and smaller now. i also sent in a 4sevens light and it took over a month and arrived dusty as hell and with more marks than when i sent it. i still rock a 4sevens on my keychain tho. i have yet to find a better keychain light.
http://www.banggood.com/Convoy-S2-Blue-XM-L2-71358-35-Modes-EDC-LED-Flashlight-p-994206.html?rmmds=category
http://www.banggood.com/NEW-Convoy-C8-AK47-71358-35-Modes-Integrated-Head-LED-Flashlight-p-980285.html
the above lights are leaps and bounds better than an anker in build quality, output, throw, useability etc. you have lo mid hi plus hidden strobe and sos modes, and you can choose the led's tint color on personal preference. they are digitally regulated from an amc7135*8 board which is like having a honda gx motor in a generator, they are reliable and efficient. you can even user upgrade the boards chips for more or less power like how 2a member 841gun posted before. although i personally do not recommend building your own light from parts. it is not worthwhile at this point in time. i stopped building 2-3 years ago because of improved designs and cheap prices. same reason i dont reload 9mm. its cheap and plentiful and not worth the time for most people.
Post by: jaynick on February 05, 2017, 09:59:47 AM
Post by: solidjohnny on July 03, 2017, 03:39:56 PM
Post by: drck1000 on July 03, 2017, 03:45:36 PM
I have some "off" branded ones, but many are pretty crappy and fragile. One drop and they are done.
Post by: AWS-GTAW on August 04, 2017, 11:15:24 AM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on August 04, 2017, 12:02:32 PM
I had bad luck with fenix products. I bought a few of there products from the gun show/blaisdell few years ago. There was a,local fenix dist there. I tried to contact him about the defective lights i bought with no solution and a empty gesture. Ended up throwing them away. I rather buy cheap flashlights from costco. And good streamlights/surefire for more serious use.
I ordered all of my Fenix lights from 2 online dealers. I have about a dozen -- all the TK (tactical) models: TK15, TK22, and TK35. I try to use the rechargeable batteries most of the time. Occasionally I use the primary lithiums instead.
So far, I have had zero issues with them. I even have one mounted on a shotgun with a mounted pressure switch.
I stayed away from the other Fenix series. The TK line looks like the best quality.
YMMV
Post by: oldfart on August 04, 2017, 12:08:46 PM
I'm really fed up with alkaline batteries. The Costco AA batteries leak in no time.
So I bought Duracell. Same thing. Just about everything that I own that uses alkaline batteries has leak damage.
About a year ago I started playing with 18650 and 14500 batteries. So far so good.
BTW my edc light is a little "hausbell" running on a single 14500. I've been using them for over a year.
Quite smàll but very strong light output. Seems very solid.
Post by: 808shooter on August 04, 2017, 09:04:02 PM
Re. Batteries.
I'm really fed up with alkaline batteries. The Costco AA batteries leak in no time.
So I bought Duracell. Same thing. Just about everything that I own that uses alkaline batteries has leak damage.
About a year ago I started playing with 18650 and 14500 batteries. So far so good.
BTW my edc light is a little "hausbell" running on a single 14500. I've been using them for over a year.
Quite smàll but very strong light output. Seems very solid.
Post by: RSN172 on August 04, 2017, 10:24:16 PM
Same here went through that. So far, the AA / AAA Eneloop rechargeables have held up very well btw. No leaking at all, and i leave em in the car hot places etc. I wouldnt get rid of or swear off aa or aaa flashlightsThey all suck compared to 18650s. Actually, there is no comparison.
Post by: oldfart on August 05, 2017, 05:26:10 AM
Same here went through that. So far, the AA / AAA Eneloop rechargeables have held up very well btw. No leaking at all, and i leave em in the car hot places etc. I wouldnt get rid of or swear off aa or aaa flashlights...
My little edc light has a pretty good chip driver that will take one standard 1.5v alkaline or one 3.6v lion 14500.
I wanted a smaller light that clips on to my pants pocket and won't drag my pants down. It's a good compromise of size, weight, power, features and price.
Post by: drck1000 on August 07, 2017, 01:20:19 PM
Same here went through that. So far, the AA / AAA Eneloop rechargeables have held up very well btw. No leaking at all, and i leave em in the car hot places etc. I wouldnt get rid of or swear off aa or aaa flashlightsA friend gave me a set of Eneloop AA batteries and charger and they have help up well. Which reminds me, I need to recharge the set that I have in the light that I have in my car's glove box.
Post by: dv808 on August 07, 2017, 04:24:25 PM
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Post by: 808shooter on August 07, 2017, 07:28:51 PM
A friend gave me a set of Eneloop AA batteries and charger and they have help up well. Which reminds me, I need to recharge the set that I have in the light that I have in my car's glove box.
Post by: drck1000 on August 08, 2017, 07:03:43 AM
Yea i dont mean that AA flashlights can compare to 18650s, they dont. Im jus sayn dont give up on your AAs jus cuz they leak. I EDC a Thrunite Ti3 and use a AAA eneloop and its been great. 18650 lights are too large to EDC.Think you're responding to the wrong person. I wasn't comparing AA to 18650s nor do I have a problem with AAs that leak (believe that was Rocky). I mean I've had batteries leak on me, but I don't really hold a grudge against the batteries.
Post by: RSN172 on August 08, 2017, 06:40:54 PM
Yea i dont mean that AA flashlights can compare to 18650s, they dont. Im jus sayn dont give up on your AAs jus cuz they leak. I EDC a Thrunite Ti3 and use a AAA eneloop and its been great. 18650 lights are too large to EDC.
Here is a pretty small 18650 flashlight.
Post by: 808shooter on August 08, 2017, 10:45:55 PM
:geekdanc:
Post by: 808glocker on October 07, 2017, 11:05:43 AM
Post by: dv808 on October 07, 2017, 09:53:40 PM
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Post by: hepcat96821 on October 08, 2017, 10:15:02 AM
Post by: 2ahavvaii on October 10, 2017, 08:13:47 AM
Re. Batteries.
I'm really fed up with alkaline batteries. The Costco AA batteries leak in no time.
So I bought Duracell. Same thing. Just about everything that I own that uses alkaline batteries has leak damage.
About a year ago I started playing with 18650 and 14500 batteries. So far so good.
BTW my edc light is a little "hausbell" running on a single 14500. I've been using them for over a year.
Quite smàll but very strong light output. Seems very solid.
quality of duracel isn't what it used to be. Try energizer, they used to be a step behind duracell, but isn't the mess that duracell is nowadays, at least IMO.
Post by: oldfart on October 10, 2017, 09:40:47 AM
quality of duracel isn't what it used to be. Try energizer, they used to be a step behind duracell, but isn't the mess that duracell is nowadays, at least IMO....
Re. My EDC hausbell lights. Update...
They are still working great but apparently some Amazon customers have defective lights so I think quality control is an issue.
I would not buy them for super critical use. Eg. Police or emt
Post by: Bota-CS1 on October 10, 2017, 10:19:54 AM
https://youtu.be/SfFMAtmWb5s
Post by: oldfart on October 10, 2017, 10:26:00 AM
Post by: drck1000 on October 11, 2017, 07:41:25 AM
Seriously though. When I hang out with a couple of buddies of mine, they have kids and they know I have lights in my car and often ask for them when they play around the house at night. I have a couple of cheaper lights in the glove box and I let them play with them often. Well, one of the older boys got the idea of testing one to see how waterproof it was. He started with some dunks in the cooler. Later, I found out that it was in there for probably a couple of hours and it worked fine when it came out. That and they aren't really careful when they play with the lights and it gets tossed around, dropped, etc. Both have surprisingly held up well.
Post by: Drakiir84 on October 11, 2017, 09:21:19 AM
Surefire 6P :shaka:
I've had the same surefire 6p for almost 20 years. Bought an LED replacement bulb for $10.00 on amazon about 5 years ago. Most of my weapon lights are Surefire, all of them run on 123A's and I've had a Surefire Titan Plus(AAA) on my key chain since January of 2016, great rugged little light. Like drck1000 I've got a bunch of cheapy lights scattered around my cars and the house... The wife tells me I have a flashlight fetish.
Just picked up a HSP Inforce WMLX 400/800 for my primary rifle, would like to take it through a class to see how the new generation holds up, my first gen WML was damaged after one outing to the range...
Post by: 2ahavvaii on October 12, 2017, 08:09:55 AM
One trick I learned about ordering from Amazon... if there is a kit or flashlight bundle you like, and shipping direct from Amazon is denied, try selecting other sellers of the same product. Sometimes this works. Even the products that say "ships and sold by ______ but fulfilled by Amazon" is still covered by prime and will still ship to Hawaii. Using this method doesn't always work, but it's definitely worth a shot. I think the company I had the most success with was edisonbright
you can also try buying through ebay. Amazon wouldn't ship the following item to hawaii, but a ebay seller did. Only cost me $2 more. Tetra Gun Cleaning Pack Limited Edition w/DVD Instructional Video 802iX
A lot of ebay sellers will ship what amazon won't. I think it's because amazon has sellers categorize their products into certain areas, if it meets certain thresholds or categories, it's auto denied for shipment to hawaii. I'm pretty damned sure most ebay sellers won't refuse to ship a flashlight to hawaii. Super irritating, but that's the shit we deal with, one of the perks of living in hawaii-nei
Post by: drck1000 on October 13, 2017, 07:44:09 AM
you can also try buying through ebay. Amazon wouldn't ship the following item to hawaii, but a ebay seller did. Only cost me $2 more. Tetra Gun Cleaning Pack Limited Edition w/DVD Instructional Video 802iXI've been buying a lot more stuff on eBay lately, particularly for lights. I just bought an X300 Ultra for a long gun. I'm getting sick of Amazon's buy, then wait maybe 7-14 days to ship. While I'm still more wary of counterfeit stuff on eBay, I've found more than a few legit/solid sellers.
A lot of ebay sellers will ship what amazon won't. I think it's because amazon has sellers categorize their products into certain areas, if it meets certain thresholds or categories, it's auto denied for shipment to hawaii. I'm pretty damned sure most ebay sellers won't refuse to ship a flashlight to hawaii. Super irritating, but that's the shit we deal with, one of the perks of living in hawaii-nei
Cost of shipping is a huge pet peeve for me. With any vendor really. Midway USA used to have some ridiculous shipping costs, so I stopped even browsing there beyond price checks. I've heard they have cleaned that up some, but I still don't really shop there.
Post by: 2ahavvaii on October 13, 2017, 11:27:59 AM
I've been buying a lot more stuff on eBay lately, particularly for lights. I just bought an X300 Ultra for a long gun. I'm getting sick of Amazon's buy, then wait maybe 7-14 days to ship. While I'm still more wary of counterfeit stuff on eBay, I've found more than a few legit/solid sellers.
Cost of shipping is a huge pet peeve for me. With any vendor really. Midway USA used to have some ridiculous shipping costs, so I stopped even browsing there beyond price checks. I've heard they have cleaned that up some, but I still don't really shop there.
mainly need to look for sellers that are in the business of selling that particular item and check their feedback. If they're hawking fakes, people will out them as fraudsters. Those ebay sellers a lot of times are actually mainland dealers without a dedicated website.
RE: midway - Not sure about cleaining up their shipping prices, it's still super expensive unless you wait for their random "free shipping" events, which actually costs $10 to hawaii. I currently have a few hundred $ of stuff that is waiting on the shipping discount. Overall their prices tend to be better than a lot of the other retailers like cabelas or wherever.
Product Total $333.92
Shipping Total $31.99
Base Shipping $21.99
AK/HI/US Territory $10.00
Post by: oldfart on October 09, 2018, 01:12:57 PM
Thanks to Duracell.
Post by: changemyoil66 on October 09, 2018, 01:24:30 PM
Another one of my better flashlights bit the dust.
Thanks to Duracell.
For lights that I don't use often enough to change periodically, I don't leave the batts in. So for my lantern, I leave them next to it.
My EDC, I change every other month, or when it gets dimmer.
Post by: oldfart on October 09, 2018, 01:36:58 PM
For lights that I don't use often enough to change periodically, I don't leave the batts in. So for my lantern, I leave them next to it.===========
My EDC, I change every other month, or when it gets dimmer.
This was my "bump-in-the-night" flashlight.
Almost never gets used, but better frickin' work when I need it.
I just got another LI-ON flashlight in the mail today. It will be replacing the ruined light.
It runs on 18650.
Post by: Bushido on October 12, 2018, 07:49:15 PM
Another one of my better flashlights bit the dust.
Thanks to Duracell.
Try Lithium batteries instead of alkaline. Cost a little more but way better.
Post by: hvybarrels on October 13, 2018, 12:22:28 AM
Post by: hvybarrels on October 13, 2018, 12:23:24 AM
Post by: drck1000 on October 13, 2018, 02:23:18 PM
mainly need to look for sellers that are in the business of selling that particular item and check their feedback. If they're hawking fakes, people will out them as fraudsters. Those ebay sellers a lot of times are actually mainland dealers without a dedicated website.Yeah. I tend to go with the power sellers and those that have eBay storefronts. Avoid the lower feedback ones, even if the prices are better. Usually the sellers I choose aren’t that much higher than the questionable lower sellers anyways.
RE: midway - Not sure about cleaining up their shipping prices, it's still super expensive unless you wait for their random "free shipping" events, which actually costs $10 to hawaii. I currently have a few hundred $ of stuff that is waiting on the shipping discount. Overall their prices tend to be better than a lot of the other retailers like cabelas or wherever.
Product Total $333.92
Shipping Total $31.99
Base Shipping $21.99
AK/HI/US Territory $10.00
Midway also shafted is when I was staff on another gun forum. They offered to sponsor and we put their ads up and they never lived up to their end of the deal. So F Mr. Potterfield.
Post by: drck1000 on October 13, 2018, 02:25:39 PM
Another one of my better flashlights bit the dust.Sadly, I’ve lost many a old school Maglights like that. Most of my lights are now are CR123. I still have a few on alkaline, but yeah, need to watch those for leakage. At least until I can rotate out to lithium batteries.
Thanks to Duracell.
Post by: RSN172 on October 16, 2018, 12:49:18 PM
Post by: changemyoil66 on October 16, 2018, 01:20:39 PM
Sadly, I’ve lost many a old school Maglights like that. Most of my lights are now are CR123. I still have a few on alkaline, but yeah, need to watch those for leakage. At least until I can rotate out to lithium batteries.
Maglights are lights of the past. Tech now is way better so they can make a smaller light that's brighter. I remember when cops used to carry Maglights. Damn thing was bigger than the billy on their belts and way heavier.
I remember 1 Halloween my friend dressed as a cop. Maglight, shades, and mustache. He would tell people on the Waikiki strip who were just standing around to "keep moving" while shining the light in their face. And all night people moved. Was super entertaining.
Post by: oldfart on October 16, 2018, 01:23:57 PM
I only use flashlights that take 18650 batteries....
About 8 to 10 years ago when LED lights started getting brighter, I bought some lights that took 3AAA batteries in a cluster.
The lights are still pretty good but those 3 battery clusters keep giving me leakage headaches. Ref my post from 10/9.
So I googled the topic and discovered that there is a 18500 battery which should be just the right size to replace those 3AAA clusters.
I ordered a few to try out and they should be arriving in a couple of days.
Post by: oldfart on October 20, 2018, 12:00:53 PM
Same diameter as 18650 but 15mm shorter.
You might need to make a little spacer to hit the contact...minor stuff.
No more Duracell leaks!
The ah rating claim is 1600 mah which could be bs,