I'm new to BLF and could use a advice on a flashlight
I am looking for a c8 style light that I will mount to my bow for bowfishing. I just purchased a solarforce l2 with a manafont u2 drop in and it works great, but i am looking for a light that does not have all the strobe modes, and has a little bit more throw. I need the light to be compatible with a pressure switch/tactical switch mounted to my bow, and it can run off 1 or 2 18650 batteries. It also needs to be somewhat waterproof and durable. Also, id like it to have a u2/t6/t5 emitter. I'm looking for around 1000 lumens.
c8/similar style light
around 1000 lumens
1 mode preferred, but will go with 2 or 3
MUST be able to connect to a pressure switch easily (like my solarforce), (a pressure switch for under $20, but the cheaper the better)
waterproof/resistant
moderately durable, wont take a ton of abuse but tougher is preferred.
this one caught my eye, but i am not sure if i can hook up a pressure switch and i dont know what the lumens rating is. I like the xinTD but again am not sure about the pressure switch
I can, I was thinking on just mounting it to the sight, it is a little less hastle than lights mounted to the stabalizer. I have flashlight mounts for my bow sight. i am kinda copying the ams tactical ops bowfishing light.
Just a couple of thoughts from someone who has done a lot of bowfishing over the years.
The further out the light is from the bow, the more of an impact it will have on the balance of the bow. If it's mounted to the sight, it will probably make the bow feel a bit 'top heavy'. When bowfishing, we hold the bow for a long time. It could make it hard holding over the long haul. Not saying you shouldn't do it; just be prepared.
I would offer similar advice for going with a larger light. A 2X18650 light is just going to add more weight to the bow. I would limit it if I were you.
I wish I was a bit more of a light expert to help you with the lighting aspect. Unfortunately, others will have to help you out there. I can tell you what I use, though.
I have an EagleTac T20C2 MKII mounted on my stabilizer hole via a weaver style stabilizer that I got off of ebay a couple of years ago. I don't remember the exact drop-in I use, but it's a good balance between throw/spill (might be an XP-G R4). I've also used an XM-L T6 which for short distances worked really well! It's a 1X18650 or 2X123 light. I have a pressure switch that is velcroed to the riser right in front of the grip and is VERY easy/convenient to use.
If you come up with a better solution, I'd love to hear about it. Always looking to improve my setup.
Good point about the top heavy part! what did you use to secure your pressure switch? I just zip tied mine, it dangles. It works but id rather secure it, and my grip is not straight enough to just glue it on. My u2 isnt even driven to 3a and it lights up the whole river by me, and is plenty bright for the lake. Im looking for something with more throw when i am on a boat though, Im thinking on a manafont 1 mode t6 generic p60 drop in, the samsung c8 from manafont, or any t6 c8 with a pressure switch that is 1 or 2 modes.
I hate multi-mode for weapon lights. On my XRE green was using AMC7135 @ 1400ma single mode driver . Your XML could be run on one of the 8 chip AMC7135 drivers @ 2800ma. The 105C or equivalent are mode selectable with a solder bridge for many options. Most tape type remote switches have high resistance and can lower light output. I just finished some mosfet button cell powered remote switches for a couple of my modded positive ground high amp (12A) PT red lights. Sure it could be done and someone over on CPF makes a ”fetie” switch. I don't know who has the best remote switch but some of the China switches are real stinkers.
I got a remote switch off of manafont for my 501a/b's and the amount of pressure that has to be applied is enourmous. Either I received a bad one or either i am not using it correctly. This is my first type of this kind of swtich.
If I recall correctly, the pressure switch on my EagleTac came with a strip of velcro that I attached to the switch. I also took a larger piece of velcro and attached it to the front of my riser just in front of the grip. All I have to do is squeeze lightly with my middle or index finger and I've got great light.
If you're fishing from a boat at night, is the boat set up for bowfishing with permanent lights mounted below you? If so, you might not need as much throw. I primarily bowfish from shore or wading at night in the water. My EagleTac adequately handles the task. I'd love to go with something brighter, but I'm just not willing to add the weight. After holding a bow for a few hours, those few ounces start feeling likes dozens of pounds.
If I can be so bold, I might also suggest something else. I bowfished with a sight for several years. I did okay. When I finally dropped the sight and started shooting instinctive, my success ratio went WAY up. I found I was able to get shots off much more quickly, and I also discovered that I actually judged my distance and angle better when I had an open field of view rather than attempting to look through a hood with pins. Surprisingly, it didn't even take me much time to adjust. I'd never do it any other way now.
Please don't think I'm telling you how to enjoy the sport. Furthest thing from my mind. Just sharing my personal experience.
BTW, we were out yesterday along the Wabash River in northern Indiana. River is WAY low, but we didn't see many fish. A few small gar. Got a couple of carp.
While I don't bowfish (it's a bit harder to catch-and-release that way ) that was also my experience when hunting with a bow.
Go GET those f@#$*&% carp !!! The Asian carp are on the verge of destroying Lake Michigan's fishery. The Illinois river has already been decimated, and good luck if you want to go boating/skiing - you need body armor and a crash helmet !
A good friend of mine has bowfished the Illinois. He said it's unbelievable. I'm guessing it's only a matter of time before the Asians have polluted most of the basins in the midwest. They, unfortunately, are a hearty booger!
I cannot emphasize enough the financial and environmental impact these invasive species represent.
They are on the brink of attacking a multi-BILLION-dollar sport fishery, which in-turn affects the local pocketbooks. This can be ill-afforded in today's slowly recovering economy.
Seriously, you saw something sexual? Perhaps get your libido checked, for your own well-being. That way you won't have to complain about what's in your own mind. I saw a compliment in a welcome to the fellow with his new username, and nothing more.
) that was also my experience when hunting with a bow.
