Happy to have stumbled on this forum! I’ve always enjoyed a good flashlight ever since I had my first AA maglite when I was a kid! Since then I’ve bought friends and family flashlights but never quite expanded on my own collection. I had a SureFire 6P that I loved (unfortunately, lost it) and the one I’ve managed to hold onto the longest is my SureFire E2D LED. I really love this light but am now looking for something a little more powerful and a little more for generic use.
I’m hoping to learn a bunch from all of the existing threads and members here.
My current search includes the following types of flashlights:
An EDC flashlight
A small flashlight like the RovyVon A3 (any thoughts?)
A searchlight with good flood/fill light (sorry, not good with the terminology just yet) maybe something like the Sofirn SP36 or ThruNite Catapult V6
Hello from another new member to this forum! Only reservation I would have about the Rovyvon is possible visible PWM. They do look great though, have been considering one myself.
I will recommend the Emisar D18 as a good flood light
Welcome,
If you have a particular budget in mind for each it could also help us with recommendations.
In terms, of flood/fill (do you mean throw/flood ratio?) how many feet would you need this to illuminate 100, 200 etc…?
What about batteries, do you have all kinds and a charger, or prefer just a simple USB chargeable model type light.
Regarding budget, I’d like to try to stay under $80 for each type of light if possible, or even less expensive for an EDC. I wouldn’t need the EDC to be anything too crazy but if its possible to maybe get 500 lumens or so for even under $50 that would be nice…
1. For the EDC, I’d like to try to stay under $50 but I would entertain up to $80
2. For the general purpose/emergency light I’d like it to have a decent throw but would like some it to be functional as a flood light as well. I might be asking for two different lights here and if that’s the case, I’m open to suggestions! I’d like to keep this one under $80.
As far as batteries, I don’t have anything at all. I’ve been using my SF E2DL and I’ve only ever used the SF branded batteries with it. Recommendations on batteries and chargers would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for the welcome! Bummer, though, as I’m down in Socal. Would have really liked to have gone to the show-room. Next time I’m up north I’m definitely going to have to swing by. Where is the show-room?
Hello from CA. I am here as well.
For the EDC there are countless options but I can recommend lights I own and use regularly:
the Wuben E05. at 900 lumens it’s very bright for a AA/14500 light. Coupon codes will get you that for around $23. The included diffuser is nice.
If you’re looking for a larger EDC 18650 light with more output, the Nitecore EDC23 is nice though pretty spendy. There are also options like the fitorch P20rgt.
One of my personal favorite lights is the Sofirn SP32A V1 and V2. They can be had for under $20 with discount code.
A flooder is more difficult to recommend because there are MANY options. I recently bought the Fireflies E07. Its a 7000 lumen multi-emitter light running a 21700 cell. It’s very well made and functions flawlessly.
A searchlight is also opening pandora’s box of options. In mid-sized searchlights I like the Lumintop ODL20C a lot. The Astrolux FT02 and FT03 lights are good economical options. I own all three of these and they are great lights. All three have beam throw ratings over 700 meters.
Lots of options to look at. Thanks for the reply! Hope you weren’t affected by that recent earthquake. That’s whats prompted me to start building a kit with a couple of lights and basically how I found this forum. Everyone has already been extremely helpful in looking at various options out there. So much to choose from…
Agreed! I picked this one up last year as its been a long time dream of mine to own. They’re nearly 20 years old by now but its definitely one of the best (imo) body styles BMW has ever produced. Its such a pleasure to drive as well. I came from a 1995 Acura Integra so this was a huge upgrade for me.
Is yours the 6 or 8cyl? I took a risk with the V8 given the known timing chain guide issues but I really enjoy the driving experience so I’m willing to do everything I can to keep it running in tip-top shape. I also went with the 6spd to really maintain the driving experience. Its such a great car.
I’m in Northern CA, between Sacramento and the bay. Didn’t feel a thing.
Earlier in the thread Illumn posted they have a showroom in San Jose. I’ve been to it. They have good pricing and decent selection. visit their site at Illumn.com.
Thanks for the welcome. I actually went ahead and ordered the A3 for my SO. I thought I bought her a SureFire G9X awhile back but I think she misplaced it. I’ll probably end up throwing this on her keychain. The light looks good and versatile for something so small.
