So, I am looking for a flashlight for my camping trips. I don’t want to spend for a Fenix, so I am looking for something more budget minded.
I had a pelican 1920, but the batteries leaked and ruined the circuits.
I currently got a Ultrafire LED MINI and CREE Q5. They both work well, but aren’t the form factor I am looking for.
I am looking at something similar to the 1920 in length (2*AA) so I can hang it on my belt gear and access it easily (so no bell? ends). I was looking at convoy S3, but got lost with all the circuit and led options.
Do you want to invest in the lithium battery world or stick with AA’s? Quality 18650 batteries will cost about $12/pair, and quality chargers start at about $6.
Hey, zoomable is not a necessity, but a nice addition. Brightnesswise I’m not picky, I usually work around the instrument. I’m not too technical with lumens, but around 10 meters, 120+ lumens?
Budget <35$ all in? Also I am in Canada, so some US brands aren’t available
Yup. The 3D is many people’s favorite tint overall. Outdoors, you usually want something a bit warmer (higher number) like in the 4 range. (although some people prefer much warmer than that even.) For comparison, a typical incandescent light bulb would be close to the 7 range.
Long term rechargeable cells are cheaper. Much of the work done here at BLF in the last few years has focused on lights that run at 3.6v and up so that means 3 x AA or more. Single cell rechargeable nimh lights(1.2v) are around but much less choice in programming. Super cheap single AA would be an sk68 clone. eBay or our favorite guy here RMM has an online store Mtnelectronics that carries them. It’s a zoomie, meaning by sliding the head you can alter the beam from focus to flood. Similar to Maglites but a much better beam. Works with AA alkaline, AA nimh, and some also work with AA lithium ion(usually referred to as 14500 14mm diameter by 50mm long, the extra 0 means a cylindrical cell).
I have a sk68 clone, its marked cree q5 on mine. I was looking for a more longer light, more of a “pen style”. The light is to be suspended so a shorter body will tangle more and be less comfortable for me.
I’m debating getting the convoys s2. The rechargeable cells are cheaper in the long run if you use them a lot. I’m still using the same AA on the flashlight I got 6 month ago, its more of a emergency tool then a regular use for me.
Modern led lights are bright but can also suck a cell dry quickly which is why the come with multiple modes as well as having built in strobe and SOS modes. The thrunite t10 is a nice slim single AA light. Twist on, low, med, high. Very lightweight but tough, mines been much abused and is run with a 14500 but works great. There’s lots to choose from though and you may prefer a 2 x AAA if super slim is your ticket.
On Banggood's site, use code: BLF for an extra 8% discount.
While the Convoy may seem more expensive at the start in reality it is not and even though you do not use you light often now you may find that the newer lights are a bit more versatile with the newer form factors and multiple mode levels, and may be the last light you buy for a long time. As for Li-ion batteries, there are many tempting cheap batteries out there. All I will say is that unless recommended by forum members stay away from them or buy at your own risk. The battery chargers made by Nitecore will also charge Ni-MH and Ni-Cd, and not just Li-ion, unlike the single Xtar.
They will keep their charge for 5yrs and not leak. If you need your light on for an extended period of use pull the lithiums out and toss some alkalines in to use up, then when your done put back the lithiums so it’s ready and loaded for an emergency.
