Not sure if this is the right forum to post this in. Let me know if there is a better option.
I have a Streamlight ProTac HL, that ran out of batteries. I’m waiting for my CR123A replacements to come from Amazon.
I’d like to get a flashlight similar to the ProTac HL or 2L but in a rechargeable format.
One thing I like about the ProTac HL, is that using the Ten-Tap Programming I can choose to run the flashlight in high only mode using the momentary switch. Nitecore UI has a similar feature.
I’m currently looking at the Nitecore MH25, MH2C, and MH1A. I like that they use a standard micro USB for recharging and that the charging port is protected by metal (not just a silicon flap like the MH10 and MH12).
Are there any other flashlights I should consider?
Hey man. First welcome to the forum. No worries about the wrong sub-forum, were nice at BLF!
No time to make a long post but I wanted to share one thing- stop paying to much for batteries! Most of us (who even still need CR123 at all) buy them for $1/ea from BG Micro- http://www.bgmicro.com/cr123a-battery-by-panasonic.aspx
(Buy 10 for a discount, comes to about $13 for 10pcs shipped)
Now having said that, and before anyone makes any Li-ion suggestions have you used Li-ion before? If not there is a learning curve, Li-ion safety is a serious concern and you have to know what your doing!
Instead of cr123 batts see if the body can take an 18 mm diameter cell. If it can you can rock that light with a 18650.
That streamlight looks a lot like the BLF X6 but the X6 is less expensive and puts out more light while running the 18650 battery. I gave up CR123s with SureFire. Too much money.
A lot of cheap Chinese lights are built very well and have much better heat sinking than the big name lights.
I have several Nitecore lights and like them. Their sibling or parent company Jetbeam makes some nice lights that I have in my collection as well. All have served me well. None of them are my EDC. If I could program a powerful light as easily as my venerable Jetbeam Jet Pro 1 than that would be my EDC.
It’s nice to be able to swap batteries, also nice to just plug your light in on your nightstand to charge up overnight. Can you swap batteries out on those Nitecore that have an integral charger? If programming your light is a requirement that sure does shorten the list unless you build it. Not too hard to build or have a light built. Also probably less than what the Nitecore lights will cost. Check out Mountain Electronics Richard is a member here and can put together an amazing light for you at a really nice price.
The specs on the Streamlight site say “Two (2) 3 Volt CR123A Lithium batteries.” so the drive may not work with the voltage from a single 18650 cell. I’m sure someone who knows more about these things than might chime in.
@ Cereal_killer
Thanks for the advice on where to buy the CR123As. I paid $1.56 per (shipping included) for Streamlight CR123As. I’ll check out BG Micro Electronics next time.
@ scottyhazzard
I’ll check out mountain Electronics. Thanks!
I don’t know about the HL model, but my 2L is only 19.5mm on the OUTside. No way to even bore it w/o making the tube too thin.
Given what it costs to feed this thing (even at the $1.19/each level) I only wish…
OTOH, it’s thin and quite bright, with a clip and a Momentary-ON switch and always starts in High, so it’s worth the spendy batteries. IMNERHO, of course.
… not disparaging any brand, but I’m reminded that there’s more to a high-end flashlight than just punching holes in the darkness.
I got my 2L as a gift because the PO had dropped it on a rock & smashed the lens. When I asked SL for instructions as to how I should go about replacing the lens, they replied with an RMA. The light I sent them was rough in addition to the smashed lens!! The light they sent back (I didn’t record the original S/N) appears in every respect to be Brand Spankin’ New!!!
That’s pretty impressive, again IMNERHO…
When I get tired of feeding it Primary Lithiums I’ll be happy to switch to 4x RCR123s and a 2-cell charger. (Standard rotation: 2 in the charger, 2 on the job). No LiIon terror from me — primaries are much worse, in every meaningful way except shelf life.