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Posted: 2/1/2017 1:11:05 AM EDT
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Hey all, I'm a couple months away from my first AR15 and as I continue to wait, I'm looking at accessories. One of the things I want is a good flashlight. I've formulated a plan that I believe will work fine for me, but there's one thing that gnaws at me a little bit.
My plan is to purchase a flashlight (normal, handheld) and use it primarily as an EDC. However, it also needs to work reliably as a weapon light when needed. This is where the scary part comes in. Every single flashlight (LED) that I've used has one problem, even one I shelled out 40 bucks for. None of these lights are more than a year old before they begin to exhibit this, btw. When on, in any direction, they like to dump down about half on their overall brightness sporadically, even with new batteries. I treat my things well, so this isn't a case of abuse. None of these lights were big brands, however. The most expensive LED light (and coincidentally the last one I bought) was a $40 Guidesman from Menards. It was aluminum and I stuffed D cell Duracell batteries inside. Right out of the package it did this same flicker thing. I returned it and got an exchange for a different one. A couple months later, same thing. I wound up beating this one to pieces out of frustration several months after I bought it. Needless to say, I don't want to dump a good chunk of change on a maglite or surefire just to do the same thing. I suppose the question would be: is this just a thing with off-brand lights or do all LED lights exhibit this? I'm strongly considering a maglite, as they're the first company I think of for good quality lights. That being said I'm not opposed to trying a surefire or another good brand light. |
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Not to sound like a dick, but don't buy crappy no-name lights and you won't have a problem.
Pick up a Surefire G2X Tactical for $40-$50 bucks and you'll be golden. I own three and have been using the same one as my handheld duty light for years without issue. Attached File |
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Quoted:
Not to sound like a dick, but don't buy crappy no-name lights and you won't have a problem. Pick up a Surefire G2X Tactical for $40-$50 bucks and you'll be golden. I own three and have been using the same one as my handheld duty light for years without issue. https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/294984/IMG-1005-137793.JPG |
| The G2X is a great light, but I use a SureFire 6P with a Malkoff P61 high module. The bigger springs will keep the batteries from bashing into the module under recoil and the beam from the Malkoff is great for searching as well as room clearing. Both can be bought for under 75.00. Pair it with a Vltor 1" quick detach ring to use it on your AR picatinny rail or quickly remove the ring for your EDC carry. If your looking for a dedicated EDC compact light the SureFire EB1 with a momentary tactical switch around 90-100 is a great choice. It has a 1/2 press low of 15 lumens and a full press 350 and the same for the twist to stay on. |
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Quoted:
@RJeff21: Sounds like sound advice to me.  I'll have to check that light out. I've only been looking at maglites. Something about those I really like.IME, newer Maglites are absolute junk (they're also definitely not made for weapon mounting). Stick with Surefire (or some of the other well known, quality brands) and you'll be fine. |
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Like the other dudes said, you get a cheap light and it won't last long. There a very few exceptions to that rule.
Stick with a major brand, you can't go wrong with them. Or get a custom built light from somebody reputable...a lot of custom high quality lights can be had for under $100 if you find the right builders. |
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