Looking for a all around work light.

shane1 · February 5, 2020, 3:56pm

New guy here, looking for a light recommendation. I mostly work during the day, but many times we get called out fo emergency power restoration for the utility companies. I am looking for a light that i can use around the trucks as well as light up the top of poles to see damage. Any suggestions? I do not like cool white/blueish tints. Thanks,

shane

Jack_Kellar · February 5, 2020, 6:04pm

Hey Shane, welcome to BLF!

Would you have to use the light to illuminate the poles during the day too, or only when the sun’s not out? If it’s the latter, a thrower like a Convoy C8+ with XP-L HI LED would work best; otherwise, you can save size and weight and go with an S2+ with smooth reflector and SST-20 emitter, very balanced beam profile. If you are REALLY averse to cool white, 4000K steers far from that band but not so far it becomes incandescent-like, if that’s not your thing.

Natewar · February 5, 2020, 6:38pm

I would say go for a convoy S2 or S2+ with a SST-40 (what I use for work) to give good output 2000+ lumens and good flood for around the truck with enough throw to reach the top of the tallest pole but it only comes in 6500k which is too cool for what you want so I would still go with a convoy s2/S2+ but with a 4000k XPL HD still good output ,XPL HI similar output more throw, SST-20 decent output good cri good throw and with a clip you can put it on your belt or pocket and not no it there and can even use the small body tube 18350 to make it even smaller

middle_age_man · February 5, 2020, 6:55pm

You might also consider the Astrolux FT03 with XHP50.2, neutral white, for a balance of brightness and decent throw - Astrolux FT03 Cree XHP50.2 Flashlight Review - ZeroAir Reviews The Sofirn C8F is also worth looking at - Sofirn C8F Flashlight Review - ZeroAir Reviews

Jack_Kellar · February 5, 2020, 6:59pm

NOTE: The S2 has a way deeper reflector than the S2, so the spill is considerably tighter. This could be an issue for an all-arounder. Parts like pill and reflector are also not compatible with the S2.

Otherwise, it’s a teeny tiny bit longer, has no grooves around the tailcap switch, and tends to be very slightly cheaper than the S2+.

malkoff_junkie · February 5, 2020, 7:18pm

clemence H04 RC

shane1 · February 5, 2020, 7:39pm

Thanks for the response. All set during day, only needed at night.

shane1 · February 5, 2020, 9:13pm

Where can I find this light?

malkoff_junkie · February 5, 2020, 9:29pm

get in before it ends.

shane1 · February 5, 2020, 9:59pm

Ended yesterday.

Sirstinky · February 5, 2020, 10:10pm

I built a S2+ and C8+ both with 5000k SST40’s and they were great. More brightness than you’d need with good drivers and a good battery. C8+ had a great throw for distance and the S2+ had more flood and less throw for lighting up big areas. As said the S2 has more throw, but not as much as a C8. I recommend a warmer color temperature for inspection work, max 5000k since it’s closer to daylight and your eyes are more accustomed to picking out details. You can get Convoy lights from Simon’s Aliexpress store for around $25.

rrc2020 · February 6, 2020, 1:15am

Fellow electric utility worker, although not in the emergency crew. I was walking my dog last January 18 when I lighted up the 50kVA DT on our street corner and I thought, my little Sofirn SP31V2 can light this up pretty well. But the tint might be more white than you like, although I didn't observe any bluish shade.

For work light, I would still recommend the Sp31V2 above if you need only one.

As an aside, the Bosch 12V GLi-330 work light served me well with its magnet. However, knowing how large basket trucks, cranes and ladder-pickups are, this might be too small. The 18V cordless version Bosch GLi 18V-1900 might be more suited.

shane1 · February 6, 2020, 2:30am

Nice, thanks for the photo.

Oli · February 6, 2020, 4:35am

I would also say to start with S2+ with SST20 2700k. You often have to order the clip separately. And you’ll need a battery and a way to charge it. At about 4.5 inches it will slip into almost any pocket or clip in. If you want something faster and somewhat simpler and a complete package, try the Wowtac A1S neutral White from Amazon at $26 it’s 1 in longer but still a good all-around work light with enough throw for what you’re doing.

malkoff_junkie · February 6, 2020, 6:16am

I think there has been some extra time added.
PM clemence.

shane1 · February 6, 2020, 2:57pm

Sent him a PM, thanks.

agent80 · February 6, 2020, 4:05pm

You may want to look at a light with built-in USB charging and a battery indicator. With the USB interface you can charge the light with any cellphone charger or car charger.

https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Flashlight-Battery-Included-Camping/dp/B07WJWZ9P8

puglife2 · February 6, 2020, 4:09pm

I have the same emitter in 2700K, it’s my most used light, the quality is unbelievable (98 CRI)