Firstly - wow - i have just spent three hours reading about flashlights on this site….
Essentially I am seeking some advice on getting a fairly decent model probably from gear best or bang good since suppliers in Australia are pretty limited when it comes to anything which is not a general torch for getting around the house with. (open to other suggestions however)
We live next to a large playing field type of space and are looking at some form of light that will allow any interlopers to be visible in an otherwise quite dark environment.
The distances are up to 400 meters although google earth says 300 - I would like some margin of error.
Earlier posts have saved me from buying a Heider so I am grateful for that.
Run time not that important as is only for 30-60 mins tops but generally only for a few minutes at a time
Throw and light are more crucial however! + recharge
I don’t wish to get a second mortgage to pay for it (and the wife would probably make me sleep in the garage) but am happy to spend a few $ to get something that will do the job.
Hey mate welcome!
Let the kids drink in peace
I would go for a Convoy C8 or an Eagle Eye X6 both about $25 Aussie dollars chargers can be had for cheap depending on what you want? Any cells will do in this light you do not need any thing special. have you ever used 18650s?
Budget is important on this one, and how pocketable you want the light to be.
Just got an Armytek Predator Pro V3 with the XHP35 in for quite an ok price. Impressive performance for a stock light of these dimensions.
Olight M3XS-UT is another good contender. But quite a bit bigger.
However I also +1 (pr 2, 3 whatever number we are up too… ) the Convoy lights.
BTW - 400 metres is an effing long way to see at night. I have lights rated to do this and more, but I’ll be honest, I can rarely see much more than 150-200 metres in most cases.
My immediate thought was the Convoy L2 also. I use it with 26650 cells and you can choose 1 or 2 cell configuration for runtime. But to keep weight down it’ll also operate with 1 or 2 18650s with reduced runtime.
Both of these lights are large with the UF being massive and heavy due to the lense that focuses the beam. But it’ll raise blisters on trees out at 500 yards just by sweeping the beam over them. OK, that might be a slight exaggeration. BTW, I don’t have one I just remembered reading about it. Big lights can be rigged with an over the head sling and one isn’t bothered by the weight.
UF-1405 is a good host, I have it. But needs modding. The driver is low power, and the leds are old fashioned. It is very hard to use stock. This is good if you will mod - like me. With MTN 5.5A driver, and an XPG2 or XPLHI.
If you are for a mod light then the UF-1503 is much easier for modding with XPLHI or XPG3 and a FET driver, because it is driven by only one cell. And the FET driver is much cheaper than MTN.
On the other hand the L2 comes with XPLHI, and with 3A driver. Which is a better bet for stock use, without modding.
wow - i just got schooled
it is 2am here and about to pass out
all of those are within budget and looks like they will do the job…although…
1. @everydaysurvival gear - thanks - not too worried about kids having a drink more there have been a few break ins lately and want something that will blind em if they get to close - well at least make them think an avenging angel has appeared and they are in deep trouble (insert whatever substitute suits you)
2. @everydaysurvival i think i like the convoy 8 better out of the two - is the L2 better than the C8? +lightbringer, wrathbringer, djozz, khas
3. i think the uniquefire might be a bit too large sry brianK
4. yeah @chicken drumstick it is a long way - i like the Armytek Predator Pro V3 - any other thoughts on that one or how it stacks against the convoy
5. i found ntiecore as well - any thoughts on them?
300m+ is a long way so I think you are going to want as much throw as is reasonably possible. The Maxtoch 2X shooter is probably the least expensive way to get a lot of throw (stock). Does anyone know where one can get this light?
The convoy L2 and UF-1504 or UF-1405 are good hosts with potential, but won’t be as impressive stock. That being said, if you can’t do any modding, the stock L2 with XPL HI will probably work for you.
Edit: the Olight M2XUT would also be a good option if you can find it on sale. I recall there being a sale recently. Does anyone know if there are any good sales/sources for this light?
To answer your question about the L2 vs C8. The L2 will generally throw better than the C8 because it has a larger reflector.
The Convoy C8 is a nice compact flashlight with good throw for it’s size, but like EasyB says the L2 has a bigger reflector. Another option would be a modded C8 with a FET+1, djburkes offers this service in this thread.
You will need something more powerful than a C8. My C8 XPLHI@3.5A is barely visible at 400m, and if someone in dark clothing or camo passes, it would be really hard to spot. I would look at something a lot more powerful.
Actually maybe even better if you can afford it? You should be able to get one for about $70 ish Aussie dollars Thorefire S70 you can message M4D M4X´s for a discount code. Does all that you want its more a bigger brighter light. The C8 are awesome because you can carry them so easy.
If you get a C8 the XML2 will be brighter then the XPL-HI throw difference is maybe a 100-150 meters difference the XML2 will still be good for about 300 meters and super bright!
1. my apologies for not replying sooner —— busy end of the week with work and a 1 year old with teething issues made the last few days interesting to say the least.
2. Thank you for all the input - it is greatly appreciated.
3. it seems that costs give you a fair bit of difference in quality, throw etc
4. below is my list in no particular order
5. ignoring costs - which really will do the job?
6. thoughts on where to get the final choice if better price that the link
7. yeah am familiar with recharge batteries for R/C planes so am happy to have advice on batteries for flashlight as well!
7. again really appreciate the help!
Cheers
If you really want the light to impress intruders vs actually see them with a scope (at >200m) I’d suggest a Convoy L6. Since you said it’s a large open area, this type of beam would be better than the typical pencil thin beams from dedicated throwers like the Maxtoch and then L2.
) the Convoy lights.