I’ve done quite much reading on the forum, but I’m still confused about choose for a new flashlight. So I hope to get some advices, which will regard to my preferences.
Right now, I have 2 lights:
- Fenix E11, running with a single Sanyo Enelooop AA NiMH 1900 mAh;
Fenix TK35, running with 2 unprotected Sanyo 18650 2200 mAh.
I’m very happy with both flashlights. Quality and output is just great for the size. However, I start looking for some more power - at least 2000 lumens OTF. I prefer 18650 cells (I write in this section), but it’s not a must.
I checked on eBay, that Nitecore TM26 starts around 310-320$ and Fenix TK75 ~ 190$. Both are compact, good quality and nice output. In my case, size doesn’t matter much (I can always use TK35) and the price is a bit high. I would rather pay 50-100$ (incl. shipment to Poland). I could cross this budget, but then it could be better to save for TK75 or TM26.
Light won’t be used under extreme conditions. However, I like to spend summer at the lake - it’s possible I will want to swim with it (no diving) in the late evening - in this case, operating conditions will get a bit tough. So far I had no problem with using Fenix in water. Bad heatsinking or poor waterproof rating would be disqualifying.
At the moment, my choice would be Blackshadow Darth 3xT6. Magnet control is nice, but output could be better. 3 emitters seems to be minimum with expected at least 2000 lm OTF, 5 - 9 LEDs is also OK with me. I’m waiting for your opinions!
My first choice for you was a Skyray King right off the bat until you mentioned wanting to swim with it. I wouldn’t take the King or the Terminator for a dip, I don’t care what ratings you’re hearing. The TM26 does all that but that’s a real jump in the money this early in your collection.
This does around 1500 lumens and is pretty waterproof-
I also doubt in most “waterproof” ratings. Nitecore or Fenix seems to be reliable, but it comes with a cost. Anyway, I will forget about swimming for now. There is some difference between playing in water with small/relatively cheap flashlight and a big/expensive one. It’s both psychical comfort and the convenience…
I will probably go for Sky Ray King. I’ve seen also the black version for just a few bucks more
Unfortunately, I don’t have any pics of flashlights in water. Maybe there will be something after the summer. However, it may be difficult. I’m not to much into photography, especially in the rain or under similar conditions ;p
Playing with even little lightbeam on trees from water (best, if it rains) is fun. I’m not pushing any limits. It’s more like coming from village to the tent and going to catch a soap cube, which someone dropped from a little bridge. I used for this my E11 about 2 meters underwater and everything was OK. Anyway, this would be the hardest test I can perform on my toys.
Maybe next time I will look a “diving light” just to swim with it comfortably.
I don’t really need a diving light - fun in water would be just an addition. The main field use is camping (without electricity) in the woods. I don’t look for a thrower. I just bought SRK from FastTech: http://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10003058/1234001
I know - it may not be the best version of SRK, but for 36$ shipped (with BLF coupon) it’s half price of SRK from FFL/CNQG. It should be the best lumen/$ offer. Anyway, I need the black one - FFL/CNQG don’t have now real black SRK.
How long will you be running it on turbo or high.
Lights that have that kind of output for extended periods of time can cook your hands.
If it’s heatsinked properly, the heat will transmit through the body quickly.
I got the BlackShadow Terminator for that very reason.
When I go on my camping trips, the handle on the light helps to keep my hands cooler longer.
If you want a SRK be aware that the black ones are IMO iffy at best, just got one from FT and it’s a mess. I have an original one and the colour actually grows on you. The SRK is a great light even the more expensive ones are worth it real VFM if you get a good one.
At the moment it looks like the non black ones are the way to go. Situation might change in the future who knows!
