My 3D Maglite broke recently and went to Costco to get a replacement. Instead I saw a package of 3 small black metal led flashlights with batteries for $10.00 and bought it. The package said that they have 150 lumens but I have no idea. When I saw how much brighter they were compared with the old Maglite I was amazed. That got me the itch for tactical flashlight so I got another from Nebo, model 5615 for about $30. Then I found a flashlights fanatic’s forum called candlepowerforum and became sad and disappointed when I learned that the Nebo is a piece of crap (not to mention how they bash the costco ones). Problem is that they are recommending flashlights that cost $250, $400 even $700 or more and that's way over my budget. Then I found this forum and was glad to learn that I can’t get a decent flashlight for a reasonable cost. Problem is that there is so much information that I can't decide and don't know what to do. So I need you help and feedback. My budget is $150 and a charger and supply of rechargeable batteries must be included (I have no idea of which one to get either). I’m looking for a flashlight in the style and shape like:
I don’t know if they are all the same size and I know those are not in the same price level but it is just to give you an idea of the type of flashlight I’m looking for. I want the highest brightness/lumen/throw that budget can get me (no zoom or my glowing friend switch please). At this moment it will be used as my do it all/gadget/showoff flashlight. Later one I will like to get something bigger.
Hello and welcome to BLF, 3d1l. Glad you found BLF. Nothing wrong with the lights you bought at Costco or the Nebo. Lots of us started out this way. One of my first flashlights was the Nebo Redline. Still have it and use it. Kind of expensive compared to some of the cheap China lights, but mine has held up well.
You are going to get lots of suggestions, so here's some questions to help narrow down the search for you:
What is your primary use?
Need flood or throw?
Battery type you would prefer? (There is an investment cost for Li-ion, but it's usually worth it)
Good news is your budget gives you tons of flexibility. You should be able to get 2 or three good lights (flood + throw), batteries and a decent charger for that price. So sit back and wait for suggestions and ask plenty of questions.
I'm betting you go over that $150 budget real fast if you hang out around here long enough, though. :D
With that price range you should be able to get several decent budget lights or maybe a couple of good lights along with batteries and chargers. You'll just have to do a lot of reading though. A big decision is whether you want to try lithium-ion batteries and all of the vigilance that goes along with using them wisely and avoiding some potential hazards with them. They open up a lot higher performance and more options, especially in the budget range.
Get something with a Cree XM-L just because that is a really bright, but power hungry, LED. Don't be afraid to get something with a Cree XP-G which is also bright but uses less power.
To me, you are starting off the right way by using budget lights to get an idea of what you like and don't like. Then once you have all that figured out, you can plop down some serious money and hopefully end up with exactly what you want. If you become like people here, you will find you "need" a lot more than just one light.
First off, Welcome to the REAL flashlight fanatic's forum. For a $150 you will easily be able to get flashlights, charger, and batteries. This kit form Solarforce is but one of many options. Doesn't even use half of your budget which means you can buy more flashlights and batteries.
What I like best about that kit is that when you buy Solarforce direct from SF, you pay a fair price for a value oriented product, but you get something that is lacking from most other venders. Something that is just as important as the product itself... reliable customer service. I'll add here that you can't go wrong any number of lights from Shiningbeam either.
Of course I like a predictable and safe buying experience, even it it costs a bit more. If you are a gambler who likes the thrill of hunting down a great bargain that might bite back, 3d1l, excitement and risk can be found along with truly great bargains if you shop around. Every time I try that I get some more gray in my beard from the stress of it all.
With a $150 budget you need to figure out how many lights you want...
You can get some nice stuff for that much money, like a Tk41 and a XIN TD C8, two absolutely amazing lights. Or you can get 5 nice $30 lights...lots of good options.
Below is a quote from this guy over on EDCF named T.H. Cone. No relation, BTW. :glasses: In response to a thread about someone wanting to spend just $80 on a single AA flashlight to replace a Fenix LD20. I'm sure he wouldn't mind me reposting it here. ;)
"$80 on a flashlight? Why stop at just one? The following are all AA, though not all fit the LD20 format to a tee.
Any combination that gets you to $80. Have fun shopping. The first four are all from Shiningbeam, so any combination of those would be a single $2 charge, not $2 each; I think they ship internationally for $7. That Caveman, Spark, and JETBeam are every bit as good as the Fenix IMHO."
If you like BLF trivia, there is at least one other BLFer in that thread, anyone know who it is? Hint: same user name as here.
Thanks for all your suggestions. With what you had said I can reduce my budget and still get a good deal. Since I already have the Costco's and the Nebo I will get just one more for the moment, save a little bit more and then get a bigger one. I like the idea of buying the complete kit directly from the manufacturer like the Solarforce. I have been looking but can not find another one like that so far.
A questions, What's all the fuzz with the crenelated bezel?
In theory, it's to make the light a better improvised weapon. In reality it only does two things. First, it makes you tacticool . And second, it will tear up your pants pocket a lot faster than a light that has a smooth bezel. The P60 hosts like the Solarforce allow you to switch from on to the other so you aren't stuck with one style. This one looks bad a$$, but I wouldn't want to pocket carry it anywhere. Ouch!
FYI, you've likely noticed, but in case you haven't, there are other combo kits at Solarforce that use slightly different hosts.
There may be better threads out there, but I recalled this one being fun and informative:
It should get you thinking about different kinds of lights in terms of throw/flood, size (small - carry with you everywhere, medium - easy to carry when you actually plan to use it, large - you're willing to tote it because it's so satisfying to light up the night that carpel-tunnel is a side issue) and battery type (AA, various size Lithium battery, etc).
I strongly suggest that you try to find beamshots of any light you're considering. Being a data-oriented geek, I'm a bit sorry I can't tell you to just look at numerical summaries of lights, but I can't. Those tables of measurements are helpful but still won't tell you what the light looks like. Sorry. It's a pain because you can only compare two lights if they've been photographed under the same conditions at the same exposure settings etc etc etc. Sigh.
If you're unsure about Lithium batteries, you might consider a "transition" light that works with BOTH AA & lithium. If your happy using it with NiMH batteries, then you're set. If you want to experiment with Lithium cells, you can now - or later (and if later, in the meantime you still have a good light). For example, here's one that uses 3 AA's or a 26650 lithium cell:
I just picked it because it's MY transition light, and I like it, but I'm NOT very knowledgeable. I have a handful of lights. Some guys here have dozens and really understand how to modify them, how they compare, etc..
There are several lights that use a single AA or 14500 lithium cell if you would prefer a smaller light.
Don't worry about the people at CPF, many of them are there simply to criticize, chastise and give generalized grief to anyone who fails to buy only lights sold by their sponsors. You'll see comments most of the time regarding lights that will possibly make you happy but other people with deeper pockets and much higher expectations will give you the stink eye for even mentioning "That Light !!!"
Its all very subjective as far as what constitutes a " Good Light " After you understand the criteria you are seeking, the price your are expecting and what is available, you'll then fill in the blank. I think that its really not rocket science to figure out if you've got a good light and if it was a good deal. If you stick around here, you'll find the most friendly and most honest people who are happy to give advise without any hidden agendas or over bearing, elitist look down thy nose at thee Bovine Scatology.
There are a great many people who are incredible at creating outstanding informative and helpful reviews. I've learned so very much recently by actively participating within this forum. You will too. Its a great place and in my opinion it happens to be the best flashlight forum on the internet. You simply will not find a better place to be. Enjoy it.
Nice thing about Solarforce is interchangeability of parts. If you don't like the stock bezel, you can order one of these, these or these. Many BLFers have one (or more) of this light, charger and batteries. The Xtar WP2 II suggested above is another great charger. You can pretty much mix and match.
The Solarforce is a great light if you plan to tinker with it. It's awesome to see what individuals here do modifying those lights. However, if you're just going to use it as is, there are simply better lights that cost a comparable amount or even less. I've gone the solarforce route only to find that I am more satisfied with other lights. The $45 Cyclone I mentioned above blows away my Solarforce. Maybe that's because I don't (yet I hope :)) have the time, inclination or knowledge to build my own drivers etc. But until I do have that inclination, the nice Solarforce sits on the shelf while I take my night time walks with the Cyclone.
The $30 XinTD C8 looks more similar to the Solarforce than the Cyclone, and may also beat it (sorry I don't own a XinTD - yet :)).