But the real question is: Convoy S2 with XP-L HI and a head strap, or Thrunite TH10?
But the real question is: Convoy S2 with XP-L HI and a head strap, or Thrunite TH10?
Crelant ch10 is one of my favorites
Wow, so many great response. I hadn’t really thought about buying a couple different lights for all the different emergencies that happen but I think that I might have to start. I was brought up in a one flashlight household, so whatever happened Dad went out with the big flash light( that was pretty beefy at the time) an would solve whatever problem it was with only that light and maybe me or my brother holding it over his head. I used some headlamps when I was younger and worked pipe lining in Canada that I thought were garbage so that skewed my feelings towards headlamps but some of the ones listed seem really good. I think I will be looking at getting a Thrunite TH20 headlamp as I can chuck some AA in there, as well as an ML300X Maglite to serve as a light-up club for those coyotes (that my partner keeps saying are foxes. Foxes shouldn’t be this big…). Thanks again for all the great advice everyone!
Personally, if i was after an emergency light, I’d prefer it to be multi cell (longer runtimes and standby times) as a good mix of flood and throw (to cover most scenarios)
And of course a tried and trusted brand. There are some excellent suggestions in this thread thus far, but if you’re happy to spend the money (like you said in the OP) I’d seriously consider a Fenix TK75 and possibly an extended run time kit.
Here is the light and here is the extended run time kit.
Doesn’t need high drain cells, so you can put 3500 mah cells in it for crazy long run times (over 8 days on low setting with only 4 cells)
First welcome to BLF!
Yes. you’ll be amazed at how much better a good LiIon LED flashlight is compared to the old stuff, even better than the usual LED lights at retail stores. And while the initial cost to get set up isn’t really cheap, what you end up with is essentially many years worth of light at no more cost which makes it cheap in the long run. There is a learning curve with LiIon cells, and when stored at full charge their total lifespan will be shortened somewhat but I still feel they are your best choice.
I’d recommend starting with some good 18650 cells, a good charger, and a couple of good lights which use these cells. The BLF A6/Astrolux S1 (same light) is a good all-rounder which can fill a room with near-normal light for a while or last many hours on lower settings which still give plenty of light. Coupled with a Convoy C8 for long range light you have everything covered. Both these use a single 18650 cell so 2 cells equals 2 lights or one light lasting twice as long. 18650’s are reasonably priced so extra cells are very possible. Chargers are usually powered with a USB cable so in a pinch a car adapter can get you through longer power outages. Lights, cells, charger, and USB power supplies for home and car could go for under $100 US in total with good shopping involved. In return you have all the light you need whenever you need it for as long as long as you’ll need it for many years to come.
There are other approaches that could be better but I think mine will give you the most for the least and will handle your needs well. Regarding a headlight I’ll let others handle that as I have no experience with them but they might be a great choice too. Just choose one cell type for all lights to get maximum usability and you’ll be fine.
Phil
Headlamps are the best solution for working on a farm. Or if the power goes out and you just want to light a few candles, much nicer to point your head and have both hands free. You’re in for a treat, but make sure you research the downside of Lithium Ion. The things are dangerous if you don’t follow a few basic rules. For rechargeable AA and AAA, you have plenty of great options. Most of the major Mfg do something in them.
Anything from Convoy or Thorfire (as noted above) and a slew of other mfg (Zebralight, Olight, Klarus, Nitecore etc etc) are excellent. Here’s a couple of Fenix options:
https://www.amazon.com/Fenix-LD12G2BK-Flashlight-Upgraded-Black/dp/B00C8757EM
https://www.amazon.com/HL50-Headlamp-extension-EdisonBright-alkaline/dp/B00LGYO3SE
Although there are many good battery mfg, just stick to Panasonic or Sanyo batteries from a reliable source for you Lion Batteries. You DON’T want a counterfeit or cheap batteries.
Unfortunatelly AAA,AA,C and D battery are history.
Better use good 18650 as Samsung 30Q.
One Skilhunt H03 and Convoy C8 XPL HI will cover 90% of your needs.
If you add and one Eagle Eye X2R will be super.
your budget is high, so i will recommend a light that has a good efficiency(not the convoy s2 or c8 or something like that, there are all using linear driver), and a mechanical switch(not E-switch, you gonna store it for a long time)
Dewd, seriously, I highly recommend the Boruit RJ02 for a nice cheap-but-good headlamp. For like 8-9ux you can get a few, even as spares. I bought like 6 total, gave away a couple, and kept the rest.
They “unplug” from the headband easily and quickly, and can be palmed/handheld just fine.
Plus, they take interchangeable 20mm TIR lenses, so you can collect a few (look at uxcell’s offerings on Amazon) from 5° to 90° and swap them from spot to flood as you see fit (the retaining cap unscrews).
Takes a nice beefy long-running 18650, has a built-in usb charger, and has the magical wave-on/wave-off feature that still kinda tickles me. 
Get a nicer (ie, more expen$ive) light if you (still) want, but you cannot go wrong with the Boruits. Everyone I showed ’em to loved ’em, and didn’t believe me when I told ’em the price.
There ain’t many lights I go on and on about like a broken-record, but this and the DV-S9 are 2 lights I just can’t get enough of, and will keep on singing their praises to anyone who’ll listen (and even a few who won’t).
Oh yeah. Wear a headlamp, and just bring a club.
Swing away, Merrill. Swing away…
Yep, unless you need a Clydesdale of a battery like a 30Q, stick with a panny-B or sanny-A. Can’t go wrong…
At Lightbringers suggestion a few weeks ago in another thread, I bought two of the Boruit RJ02’s. I suggested them early in this thread and will now double down on my recommendation. I took them camping over memorial day weekend and used them for basically everything after dark. From dinner cleanup to evening bathhouse runs and snugging into the tent or hammocks. I will admit that the only other experience I have with headlamps is 3xAAA Energizers from the hardware store, but the RJ02 was very handy and has a simple enough UI that my Wife and Daughters could use it quickly. Truth be told I forgot to pack any of my other lights except a couple WeatherReady lanterns, so this all we used.
The ten dollar price point let me ease off on the worry about loosing them.
I’m also in the process of designing and 3D printing a bike mount for them, which works equally well (for lazy paved path /gravel trail riding, not woods bombing!).
There ya go…
Stock up now. Beat the rush.
And seriously, they’re not so pricey that you need to worry about any kind of warranty, either. Something goes screwy, try to fix it yourself, and if still no joy, toss it. (Or on my planet, scavenge it for parts†.)
I’d rather toss a 10buk light than a 30- or 50buk light.
† usb charging module, red/green backlit switch, TIR lens + retaining cap + case, IR emitter/detector, etc.
Not AA and AAA, for dang sure. Reason why? LSD NiMH. They’re good enough to be a trade-off against li-ion if you care more about long term useful life and safety than you do output and runtimes. Plus they’re excellent to lend to irresponsible non-flashaholics.
Yes, but AA flashlight with high lumens (1000) are not cheap at all. And they are bulky and heavy. Plus you must change and charge minimum 4 batteries instead one 18650.
For me only acceptable use is in high temperature condition like car use in hot summer.
Standard battery sizes aren’t going anywhere. Most people on this planet have never even seen a lithium battery outside of its case in a laptop or cell phone. We are exception on this forum. Plus, with a 3S - 4S AA nimh setup you can push just as much power as a standard 18650 (not high drain) for flashlight use.
Which is why I said:
If you have a standard cell light, it’s obvious you’re not gunning for lumens with it.
And besides:
Them’s the golden words right there. Flashaholics are a rare breed, no matter how you cut it.