Don't forget that you can use those Shadow flashlights on low or medium too. You don't have to get a flashlight that has max 150 lumens just because you don't need more in that specific situation. Sometime 5-6 seconds on high (800 lumens) is just enough to see what you had to see and back you are to 50 lumens for the next 5 hours, then 10 minutes on 300 lumen medium, and so on. And they are tough 6061 aluminum not plastic. and if you are afraid of explosions buy the IMR cells.
Home Depot has a 3 C cell Rayovac Engergizer (virtually) Indestructible light. It has an aluminum body with rubber protection on the head and tail. According to the specs, it is tested to survive 30ft drops, Hi 140/Low 45 lumens, ipx water-resistant, throws 138 meters, and a run time of 38 hrs / 85 hrs.
I bought one hoping it would have some mod potential, but returned it because the head can't be removed. The tail-mounted switch is nice and it seems like a pretty solid light for the $25. Performance wise, the high mode seems to be almost exactly the same as my Coleman Max Bubba.
I took the light apart when I got it and measured current. It has been a year, so my memory is a bit fuzzy...but I got 3 volts to the emitter and 250ma/900ma on low/high. So...with 3 energizer AAs you'll get a couple hours on high.
I haven't done runtime tests, but even if I did, it wouldn't help. The battery slot looks like it was designed for 4AA and they decided to add a (fixed) spacer. So, I removed the battery contact tab from that spacer, heated a razor with a torch, cut it off, then heated the tab and reinserted it in the plastic where I'd just cut the spacer...making it a 4AA light.
This made a slight increase in voltage to the emitter and raised current draw on high to 1amp. The light was noticeably brighter next to the unmodified version but it'd be tough to tell if they weren't side by side. It has at least 20 hours on it, usually 10 to 20 minutes at a time, and no issues - but, I don't recommend this mod for serious duty....
FYI, the emitter (I called the manufacturer and all they could tell me is its a Cree P4) is actually on an aluminum star and the star sits on an aluminum heatsink inside the head. It looks like a cup with a pedestal in the center, instead of just an aluminum cylinder (the shape allows the bezel to get close to the emitter).
As far as output - it seems like a hell of a lot more than the 130 lumens they claim, and it seems like a hell of a lot more than the lights I have w/ that much output (measured by other folks in their reviews). I'm not sure why, probably because of the lens design (more even than the typical hotspot/spill of reflector based lights). The color is more cool white than neutral but not blue/purple at all. I'd take a couple beamshot photos for you if somebody hadn't dunked my camera this summer, but I can tell you I have several multi LED work lights similar to what you linked and it is brighter than those on low, even the ones I modded to drive so hard I burned out a couple LEDs :)
I've spent hours and hours searching for clamp lights - there's a rayovac version of this light (actually, they make the B&D and it is just rebadged) but I've never found it for less than $25 - there's the stanley you mentioned, which I bought and returned (hate Cs and the clamp was awkward), and there is a very similar but less robust light available online at at sears locally, but it is also more expensive.
It can be used as an area light, but maybe not in a mine? For example, on full flood I clamp it at least 15 feet away to light up a space big enough to set up a 2man tent. I debated buying this light for quite some time because I thought it might be gimmicky - it is definitely my least visually appealling light - but it works great...
If you're on the fence, go to wal mart locally and buy one. If you like it, get one from Amazon and when it arrives return it to wal mart and get your $7 plus tax back. I'd bet a beer you keep both;)
My best area light
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/10w-750lm-6500k-high-power-flood-light-projection-lamp-12v-44176
I added bought a lens because stock it is super wide angle flood (but still use w/ original lens for some tasks).
I added a male 12V plug on a coiled/stretch cord. I plug it into a portable jump starter, or into a 7ah SLA that is in a little carry case and has a female 12V jack. FYI, the light actually draws 6 or 7 watts but can be modified (and sustain) 10W. VERY solid body on this thing.
more recent versions
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/10w-800-lumen-6500-7000k-white-led-light-bulbs-dc-9-26v-101461
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/10w-1-led-800-lumen-3000-3200k-warm-white-light-bulbs-dc-9-26v-94138
Well I just got the report from the crew on the Coleman Max Bubba (seen here: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-Max-Bubba/13848697 - rated 137 Lumens, 248m throw, 26hrs runtime on 6 AA's). They were only about 250' into the mine so there was daylight behind them. They were only sighting maybe 120 to 250 feet. The Coleman just couldn't light up the target bright enough (when stationed at the instrument man's setup) and it didn't light up the full 5.5 feet height. When the camera tripod with light was moved closer to the target it was brighter, but even narrower beam of course.
I'm a little surprised, because I thought according to my tests in my backyard that the light would be sufficient for these shorter distances. Well, I've received notice that both my KD and DX orders have shipped so it shouldn't be too much longer til we can test the KD C8 and modified Mag. (DX status went to "shipped" far quicker than KD. I expected KD to be quicker.)
Inope, that light looks/sounds nice, but I just don't think it has the output we need. I had been eyeing up a similar Rayovac Sportsman Extreme 3C , rated 180 Lumens for 22 hours, but it's only rated for 180 meters.
Garry
On full zoom, the B&D flex 360 is probably only good out to 100m - but inside of 40m, when needing more than a headlamp, especially if i need both hands, that's what I reach for...
dammit, now I'm going to order an xml and another one clamp lights of these and see what I can turn it into:)
These B&D clamp lights were on Woot 3 for 20$....For less than 7$ they were a steal .. they came with batteries too :P
First thing I'd be concerned about is quality and durability. The Shadows provide that. They also would provide long runtimes, and what I'd consider a perfect beam profile for your needs. The modes on them give you the options needed for any lighting situation.
Hands down the best option in my opinion. As far as I am concerned, its not worth messing around with sacrificing quality/runtime with a job that is based around underground work.
Fenix TK15. Tough-as-hell. Works. Waterproof.
My goto light when I absolutely need something that isn't going to bite me in the ass.
and maybe, when something is trying to bite you in the ass...
I would also go for a shadow light, see hikelite's replies.
What batteries do you want to run , AA ...
I just got me a Jetbeam PA40 , ok costs a little more , but its worth checking out ...
https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/4941 If you like AA batteries ...
Ooops , you already bought lights ...
Battery Type isn't too important. AA's are great, but I was thinking of going C or D or lithium Ion for high-output with runtime. I currently have U_235 guiding me with modding a Maglite with an XP-G for a high power thrower. I did buy a B&D clamp light to try myself.
Garry
I'd go with UF-H3 headlamps and C8 XM-L hand lights. One battery type (18650), good run times, and tons of light.
Well, it looks like I am going to get a once in a lifetime opportunity to actually go underground myself! And I am just about done with my prototype Modded Maglite which I've been building for this purpose! The Maglite is a 3C with the LED "rebel" reflector, neutral white XP-G R5, and driven by a 3mode Nangj 1.4A driver. Intention is to run it on 3 NiMh C cells for good balance of runtime vs. weight. I don't have the NiMh C cells on hand right now, so I'll be using NiMh AA's in C cell adapters. (I will likely do a build thread on this light.)
Reason I am allowed into this mine without having the usually required underground mine training (I have surface mine training) is that it's an abandoned and therefore inactive mine. It's "inactive" in terms of mining activity, however it is currently "active" as a mushroom farm (ventilated and has some lighting). I don't know the details what this mine is like compared to the "active" stone mines, but I expect it to be like my description in the O.P. (40' x 40' grid of corridors with 25' ceilings) except that this mine has some lighting in place. We will be getting into unlit areas of the mine. I'll try to remember to take my camera and get some photos (if possible). I'm all excited about this opportunity!
-Garry
Any updates on how that mine visit went? :)
Yeah photos please Garry, sounds interesting :)
Sounds like stuff on 28dayslater: http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=69764 can lose hours looking around this site!
The job was post-poned until next week, but I visited the site today. Met with the foreman and went over our intentions. We'll use golf carts to get around and haul equipment. We're figuring on 2 to 3 days to get our work done. I'll try to get pictures, but the foreman will be with us the entire time and I don't want to come across like I'm there to goof off. Will likely be Tues, Wed, and possibly Thurs next week.
EDIT: Forgot to say that the ceilings in this mine will be 15 feet high.
-Garry
Beamshots .
Take a tripod and shoot pics without flash. I'm looking forward to seeing them.