Posted: 10/21/2013 8:46:47 PM EDT
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Anyone have the 640 lumen?
If so, what do you think? Worth the money? Will the battery last in AZ in the summer in your vehicle? |
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It runs off of 3 sub C NiMH (or NiCad) cells, so you not really using something all that common.
640LM, is nothing for smaller lights, but it does have decent runtimes. I'm seeing $155 on Amazon for that HL model and well...that's a lot of scatch, IMO. What do you need the light to do for you? I just googled the Fenix PD35 at 840LM on 2xCR123s or a 18650 Li-Co cell, for $75 shipped. Fenix PD35 Much smaller, replaceable battery, dual battery option, 5 outputs with a strobe, water proof to 2m for 30 min., so what's not to like? You could get the PD35, for example, along with two protected Panasonic NCR18650Bs, an Xtar WP2 II charger and still have money left over for a steak dinner, or another light. That's just one example out of many I could provide. Check into EagleTac, Klarus, JetBeam, ZebraLight, Orlight, NiteCore and/or Xeno, for some nifty, not so large lights. Chris |
| Though I have been a Streamlight fan for years, the Stinger and Strion both had repeated charger failures for me, so bad that I ended up selling both lights. Each was replaced 3 or 4 times under warranty, plus I tried to keep the Strioon because I loved it so much, so I bought a couple previously used and proven chargers on eBay, however all of them had a short lifespan. Tried the charging cradles adapted to 12VDC or the AC wall wart, same results, they just died rather quickly. Multiple vehicles as well as 12V power supplies, tried AC outlets at home and at work...no difference, the chargers just stopped working. I am not sure if this says something about newer Streamlight products, but it left a bad taste in my mouth so to speak. |
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I want a rechargeable light for my truck. It would get the most use when going camping, setting up in the dark, etc. I do like having a powerful light for other task as well. This light was recommended by a friend, and I found one with two different chargers for $133. That is a lot of money to me. I was looking for a quality rechargeable light that would stand up to the AZ heat in the summer keeping it stored in your vehicle.
The charger failures sound like a bummer. I would hate to spend that much and have that happen. I don't mind the size for what I want it for, but you have listed some other good options I will check into. Thanks for the info. |
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Unless you just can't live without the ability to have the flashlight being constantly float-charged in your truck, a good ordinary flashlight and one or two sets of rechargeable batteries will give you a lot more bang for the buck.
Also, there are NiMH and Li-Ion battery chargers that can be operated from a 12 volt lighter socket - which means that recharging batteries in your truck isn't completely out of the question, as long as you don't mind removing them from the flashlight first. |
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I've had a Stinger for almost 20 years - when they were first brought out, I bought one. It went though hell and back with me through my LE/Corrections years, doesn't have much finish left on it, but still works like a charm - especially with the Malkoff upgrade LED (340lm). I've never had a charger go bad on me. It didn't seem to be bothered by FL heat when I lived there.
I've had 2 problems with it: Cracked lens - Streamlight mailed me a new one no questions asked, they had redesigned the lens/bezel with a better lens. Worn out switch cover - I think that cost me less than $5 to fix, and I doubt it would have been warrantied anyway. I've replaced the battery couple of times, but that's going to happen anyway - regardless of the light. Not really a problem. It's not a Surefire, but if it can handle my abuse for as long as I've had it, it has earned it's keep. |
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Quoted:
Anyone have the 640 lumen? If so, what do you think? Worth the money? Will the battery last in AZ in the summer in your vehicle? Its a great light.The strobe feature is excellent in close quarters.I ambushed my daughter coming out of the bathroom one day. 
She was never able to lay a hand on me.  .I found mine on the side of the road run over by a car. The head and body were separated and both a little out of round but I banged it back together.The daughter bought me a charger and cord for Christmas.I leave mine at home, so sorry about not really answering much I've had it 2 or 3 years now.
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Can you leave those rechargeable lights connected to the chargers for long periods without damaging the batteries? As an example could I leave one plugged in in the car and only use it infrequently for roadside emergencies and the few instances where I need a light and I'm near the vehicle? This is the way that I envision using a light like this but without knowing too much (or much at all) about electronics I would be worried that I would cause damage to the battery by over-charging. |
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Quoted:
Can you leave those rechargeable lights connected to the chargers for long periods without damaging the batteries? As an example could I leave one plugged in in the car and only use it infrequently for roadside emergencies and the few instances where I need a light and I'm near the vehicle? This is the way that I envision using a light like this but without knowing too much (or much at all) about electronics I would be worried that I would cause damage to the battery by over-charging. Yes yu can leave them charging. I have 3 and love them. The bigest problem with charger is the where the wire connects to the base. The contacts in the base get to where they dont make a good contact but they are easily replaced. This is usually caused by constantly moving the charger or unplugging it from the base. As long as you mount it solit to your vehicle you should not have a problem. |
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Quoted: Yes yu can leave them charging. I have 3 and love them. The bigest problem with charger is the where the wire connects to the base. The contacts in the base get to where they dont make a good contact but they are easily replaced. This is usually caused by constantly moving the charger or unplugging it from the base. As long as you mount it solit to your vehicle you should not have a problem. Quoted: Quoted: Can you leave those rechargeable lights connected to the chargers for long periods without damaging the batteries? As an example could I leave one plugged in in the car and only use it infrequently for roadside emergencies and the few instances where I need a light and I'm near the vehicle? This is the way that I envision using a light like this but without knowing too much (or much at all) about electronics I would be worried that I would cause damage to the battery by over-charging. Yes yu can leave them charging. I have 3 and love them. The bigest problem with charger is the where the wire connects to the base. The contacts in the base get to where they dont make a good contact but they are easily replaced. This is usually caused by constantly moving the charger or unplugging it from the base. As long as you mount it solit to your vehicle you should not have a problem. Thanks |