Newbie choosing flashlight

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

Hey guys. I started using the humble Fenix E01 a decade back, then upgraded to a E05 and bought some entry flashlights. Never really thought about upping the game until a month ago.

I always thought Fenix is one of the best chinese company, but it seems that while their products are quite reliable, somehow there are indeed some other companies that make really interesting product that perform better in some way.

I am looking to purchase another tactical flashlight with enough output to deter. I consider 1000 lumen to be sufficient, and the longer run time the better. I read review saying that the Nextorch TA30 Max consistently output ~2000 for 10 minutes, as opposed to the ~1-2 minute from the Fenix line up.

Comparing total run time and throw, it seems to me that the Nextorch TA30 Max is a huge bargain, and it surprised me. I wonder if my observation is correct and my purchase decision would be right. Thanks.

2

It does a look a bit overpriced that light, 100$ for that ? i think its not worth it.

3

How tactical does it need to be?

Convoy makes great products for reasonable prices, and if you buy from the official Convoy store, Simon is always willing to make custom products.
Maybe something like this or something Like this for example ?

4

Thanks for the response. I could purchase some brand at almost wholesale price, that’s why I am going for them.

FWIW Nitecore H20i is probably the highest consistent output light but I want to use generally available cells as possible. That’s why I don’t have much choice.

My question, put bluntly, would be that I somehow think the Nextorch offerings are very competitive and sometimes actually edge out Fenix - and Fenix had always been considered the best from china. I wonder if others share the same sentiment.

5

For that price you can try 4 Convoys

6

Welcome!

I, too, came to forums to get help with my first "modern" flashlight.

"Tactical" brings its own special set of requirements. Most of the time, when folks say they need a "tactical" flashlight, they are just repeating advertising phrases. When the term is more fully explained, they realize that's not what they want. I'm not sure if that describes you, but for the general reader, let me explain.

Some in law enforcement require a rear switch that is momentary only. That means you've got to press down and hold to get light. As soon as you release, the light goes off.

A "forward-clicky" switch is not good enough. That's a switch you can press half-way (and hold) for momentary operation. When you press all the way down, however, the flashlight clicks on, and stays on after you release. Cops don't like that because they don't want to be surprised if they press too hard, and their flashlight suddenly clicks on, exposing their position.

In addition, some in law enforcement want only one mode when they press the rear switch. They want full power only. Once again, they don't want to be surprised to find their flashlight is in the wrong mode when they go to use it in an emergency. A side switch might provide other modes, but the rear switch must always go to full power.

Another requirement is to have a protruding rear switch. The switch should not be recessed inside a guard or tail-standing rail, even if the rail only blocks half of the flashlight's circumference. Cops don't want to be fumbling when they reach for the switch.

There may be other concerns affecting LEO. Proven durability comes to mind. Some of the pros on this site may be able to explain further. Since I am not a cop, however, I have probably said as much as am qualified to say (which is not a whole lot!).

So now, the question: is this the kind of tactical flashlight you are seeking?

One other thing: for longer run-times, consider a flashlight that takes a 2170 battery rather than an 18650.

Good luck in your search!

7

Thanks KeepingItLight, indeed that’s what I am after, a light with blinding output and toughness, tail switch and 21700 battery.

1. Holding a good 1000+ lumen for extended period of time: Fenix mostly last for 1-2 minutes, dropping from 2800 to 800 and stay there. Nextorch TA30 Max gave lower initial output but stay at around 2000 for 10 minutes.
2. Rear switch: there are no time to for choosing mode in emergency, and holding the tail switch also allow it to be a blunt, impact defense tool. Also plus for the ring selector.
3. Toughness: IPX7+ is good, IP68 ideal. Protruded head is required, Ceramic balls are luxury. Stainless is nice to have.
4. Charging: optional but very nice to have. Since I have charger around, and the battery could take a Type-C connection directly, this is less of a problem.
5. Mount on gun if needed: so a 25.4mm/1 inch diameter would be nice.

Considering these requirement, I actually wanted to pick the Fenix TK22 Tac over the Nextorch TA30 Max, but somehow the Fenix dropped from Turbo far too soon and the latter got 12 minutes! Also very similar feature. Think I will have to grab my first Nextorch next week, and the Fenix UT30R too.

8

I personally recommand the Convoy M21B GT FC40 :smiley:

9

Interesting enough my source don’t have the FC40, but the XHP70.2 version is ~25, let me take a look.

10

A ha! A man who understands tactical!

It sounds like you have studied the category more than I have. My requirements are less specialized, so I don't know anything about current brands and models. Are there many that take a 2170 battery and also have a 25.4 mm diameter?

Please let us know what you settle on.

11

I got the Fenix TK20R v2.0 already, and as the review on 1Lumen said, it is one of the very best tactical light with USB-C charging and IP68. Aside from that disappointing 1 minute turbo, you can’t ask for more.

It is very doable to for a 21700 light to have a 1 inch diameter, and while most mount specify the 1 inch standard, something a couple millimeter should be okay as long as the mount has the tolerance, since we don’t need to zero the light like optics do.

My original post was a bit cryptic - but it just appears that Nextorch is almost as good as Fenix but cheaper and better, if one could sacrifice a bit here and there. Nextorch also make some of the most sensible tactical holster. Or we could say Fenix is one of the very best chinese light if not the best, but it orients towards reliability than raw performance. I think my question could only be answered with real life hands on experience, which I should be doing around next week.

12

I’d be pleased if my balls were made of either of those materials.

13

Pull out your saggy pants in preparation for those balls ;-)

14

Done :smiley:

15

I’ve trained with Vickers and Blackwater. The training changed the way I looked at tactical lights. I sold off my blinding tactical lights after my first night of training.

16

I very much agree so. However said, not every one is privileged as an American to have access to firearms - the requirement would be very different.

Would be very glad to learn your opinion on how to choose a gun light.

17

Sorry, I didn’t think about that. When I think tactical, it usually involves a firearm. You are correct, very different light for firearm vs non-firearm vs edc. The basics I was taught for a firearm related light was:

1. Not too powerful. Just enough to identify your target. High quality. Too bright will mess up your night vision and you can blind yourself from the light or light bounce.
2. Preferably your main light is not mounted to your pistol. (Secondary okay).
3. Ease of use. Single output with momentary switch.

I use a single output surefire when I carry at night.

Good luck with your search.

Shane

18

Awesome, that’s what I have in mind as well. Of course the best way is to illuminate the threat from a third source - motion activated light or else.

Thanks and have a great day mate.