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Posted: 9/29/2013 3:50:56 PM EDT
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I am looking to outfit my two daughters and wife with a decent flashlight for piece of mind, and first line protection if needed.
Criteria would include: LED 200 Lumens or more Strobe feature Click type tail cap Aluminum construction Defensive type bezel $75.00 or less Quality manufacturer Any help would be greatly appreciated! |
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Quoted:
I am looking to outfit my two daughters and wife with a decent flashlight for piece of mind, and first line protection if needed. Criteria would include: LED 200 Lumens or more Strobe feature Click type tail cap Aluminum construction Defensive type bezel $75.00 or less Quality manufacturer Any help would be greatly appreciated! You can get some of those things but I am not sure you will get everything on your wish list. If I were only going to buy one flashlight it would be an Elzetta. There are just not enough words to describe the quality of the Elzetta lights. They are pricy but perfection usually is. Behind that would be one of the Surefire Fury lights. http://www.elzetta.com/Webpages/Build%20Your%20Light/cs2s.htm http://www.elzetta.com/HighOutput.htm The Fury Defender is about as close as you are going to get. I don't keep up with the lights coming out of China. I am sure there is some light that meets all your needs but these are the only two companies I have experience with. http://www.bravocompanyusa.com/SureFire-P2X-Fury-Defender-Single-Output-LED-p/sf-p2xd-a-bk.htm |
I'd skip the "defensive" bezel. My experience with them is that they chew on everything and are basically a PITA for an EDC light. Besides, getting hit with a standard bezel should do the trick in a pinch...  I love Surefire, but Fenix also makes some great flashlights and are more bang for the buck. The Fenix PD35 would be my choice (based on your criteria).
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Quoted:
I'd skip the "defensive" bezel. My experience with them is that they chew on everything and are basically a PITA for an EDC light. Besides, getting hit with a standard bezel should do the trick in a pinch... I love Surefire, but Fenix also makes some great flashlights and are more bang for the buck. The Fenix PD35 would be my choice (based on your criteria).This has been my experience as well. Admittedly I am not familiar with the Fenix lights. I have been hearing about them for a few years now but I have never really checked them out. |
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Quoted:
Admittedly I am not familiar with the Fenix lights. I have been hearing about them for a few years now but I have never really checked them out. About a year back I purchased a Fenix TK60. It has been an incredible tool and is very well made. Due to that positive experience, I'll be buying more Fenix products. My son wants a Surefire G2Pro like the one I carry. Honestly, since it will be his only decent flashlight, the Fenix PD35 would be a more versatile choice. |
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Quoted:
This has been my experience as well. Admittedly I am not familiar with the Fenix lights. I have been hearing about them for a few years now but I have never really checked them out. Quoted:
Quoted:
I'd skip the "defensive" bezel. My experience with them is that they chew on everything and are basically a PITA for an EDC light. Besides, getting hit with a standard bezel should do the trick in a pinch... I love Surefire, but Fenix also makes some great flashlights and are more bang for the buck. The Fenix PD35 would be my choice (based on your criteria).This has been my experience as well. Admittedly I am not familiar with the Fenix lights. I have been hearing about them for a few years now but I have never really checked them out. The PD35 is what you want. Buy it from Amazon, if you don't like it or it doesn't meet expectations, you can send it back. It is a great light. |
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6px defender
http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/6px-defender.html has the sharp end, long run time, 320 lumens, alum. body. I know some people dont like surefire but i own about 10 surefire lights and have never been disappointed, cant say the same about other brands. or if you want 500 lumens http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/p2x-fury-defender.html basically the same thing but with a bigger lamp |
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Everything you want is here:http://www.lighthound.com/search.asp?keyword=solar force&sortby=0&page=1&catid=.
You will need to buy an L2T host, a 5 mode head (emitter assy) of the correct voltage range, a pair of batteries, and a recharging unit. The belt clip is a worthwhile accessory. Should be very close to your budget. |
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Check out the Fenix LD12, small, lightweight, and meets all your specs. I have been intending to get one for me and the wife for EDC, just haven't gotten around to it. We played with quite a few models in the store and these seemed to be the best bang for the buck.
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I am a certified flashaholic and had my fair share of flashlight addictions over the year. For what you need, if absolute compactness is not a big issue, look into the Klarus XT11. - 600 rated lumen (first hand experience says it puts out at least 400, if not close to 500, out the front. The XM-L bulb itself, is rated for 900+ lumen at full output. They likely detuned it due to heat issue. This sucker is bright for the money.) - Made in China but U.S. build quality. Not your "Ultra Fire" crap... I have a few, I know. I also own several Fenix lights, they are very good but I think Klarus is better. - One of the best (and most practical) switch arrangement, especially if it is for tactical use. It has a main clicky and a secondary momentary. The main clicky always turn the light on at full brightness, which is good for tactical use. The secondary switch is used to adjust brightness/mode, but the really clever thing is that it instantly activate strobe mode if the light is off. During an emergency nobody wants to turn the light on, fiddle with a bunch of half-press and double-click, just to activate strobe... You'd be shot by then. - $65 shipped 2nd day if you have Amazon Prime. I would also second ditching the "defensive bezel" idea... it eat your pants pockets or purse lining, and rarely actually help "defend" oneself. The standard bezel works well, so don't buy the obscene tri-fork optional bezel. Lastly, if price is no object and you want something smaller, look into HDS Systems. I've carried their EDC Ultimate every day since 2006; that little guy traveled all over the world and never had a single problem. The higher end HDS lights are extremely advance to a point that you can practically program every aspects of the light - One day I can have my light turn on at 60 lumen, double click to activate 200 lumen full power, triple click for 0.3 lumen night-time-map-reading mode, and click-hold to activate strobe. The next day I can re-program it to turn on at full power strobe, double click to enable SOS signal, and click-hold for 35 lumen search light. Basically you decide what you want it to do and you can change your mind in a whim. On mine you can even select if the light always turn on at the primary mode, or the last activated mode. However, programming steps are very complex and definitely require their reference guide - not something you would do in the field. And the fully programmable versions are pricy - $200+. Their more basic lights can be had for less if you are willing to give up programmability and stick to pre-set brightness. Oh and these lights are made in USA. Finally if you think the light will be used frequently, invest in some 18650 rechargeable. A single 18650 can run the XT11 for *hours* in 150 lumen mode. Whereas the smaller HDS EDC takes CR123, and even a good quality rechargeable RCR123 will only run my light for about half-hour continuous at 120 lumen. W. |
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Quoted:
I am a certified flashaholic and had my fair share of flashlight addictions over the year. For what you need, if absolute compactness is not a big issue, look into the Klarus XT11. - 600 rated lumen (first hand experience says it puts out at least 400, if not close to 500, out the front. The XM-L bulb itself, is rated for 900+ lumen at full output. They likely detuned it due to heat issue. This sucker is bright for the money.) - Made in China but U.S. build quality. Not your "Ultra Fire" crap... I have a few, I know. I also own several Fenix lights, they are very good but I think Klarus is better. - One of the best (and most practical) switch arrangement, especially if it is for tactical use. It has a main clicky and a secondary momentary. The main clicky always turn the light on at full brightness, which is good for tactical use. The secondary switch is used to adjust brightness/mode, but the really clever thing is that it instantly activate strobe mode if the light is off. During an emergency nobody wants to turn the light on, fiddle with a bunch of half-press and double-click, just to activate strobe... You'd be shot by then. - $65 shipped 2nd day if you have Amazon Prime. I would also second ditching the "defensive bezel" idea... it eat your pants pockets or purse lining, and rarely actually help "defend" oneself. The standard bezel works well, so don't buy the obscene tri-fork optional bezel. Lastly, if price is no object and you want something smaller, look into HDS Systems. I've carried their EDC Ultimate every day since 2006; that little guy traveled all over the world and never had a single problem. The higher end HDS lights are extremely advance to a point that you can practically program every aspects of the light - One day I can have my light turn on at 60 lumen, double click to activate 200 lumen full power, triple click for 0.3 lumen night-time-map-reading mode, and click-hold to activate strobe. The next day I can re-program it to turn on at full power strobe, double click to enable SOS signal, and click-hold for 35 lumen search light. Basically you decide what you want it to do and you can change your mind in a whim. On mine you can even select if the light always turn on at the primary mode, or the last activated mode. However, programming steps are very complex and definitely require their reference guide - not something you would do in the field. And the fully programmable versions are pricy - $200+. Their more basic lights can be had for less if you are willing to give up programmability and stick to pre-set brightness. Oh and these lights are made in USA. Finally if you think the light will be used frequently, invest in some 18650 rechargeable. A single 18650 can run the XT11 for *hours* in 150 lumen mode. Whereas the smaller HDS EDC takes CR123, and even a good quality rechargeable RCR123 will only run my light for about half-hour continuous at 120 lumen. W. Nice. Do you know of any good belt carriers that fit the Klarus XT11 that carries the light bezel down? I wonder if it will fit this. |
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Quoted: Nice. Do you know of any good belt carriers that fit the Klarus XT11 that carries the light bezel down? I wonder if it will fit this. Quoted: Quoted: I am a certified flashaholic and had my fair share of flashlight addictions over the year. For what you need, if absolute compactness is not a big issue, look into the Klarus XT11. - 600 rated lumen (first hand experience says it puts out at least 400, if not close to 500, out the front. The XM-L bulb itself, is rated for 900+ lumen at full output. They likely detuned it due to heat issue. This sucker is bright for the money.) - Made in China but U.S. build quality. Not your "Ultra Fire" crap... I have a few, I know. I also own several Fenix lights, they are very good but I think Klarus is better. - One of the best (and most practical) switch arrangement, especially if it is for tactical use. It has a main clicky and a secondary momentary. The main clicky always turn the light on at full brightness, which is good for tactical use. The secondary switch is used to adjust brightness/mode, but the really clever thing is that it instantly activate strobe mode if the light is off. During an emergency nobody wants to turn the light on, fiddle with a bunch of half-press and double-click, just to activate strobe... You'd be shot by then. - $65 shipped 2nd day if you have Amazon Prime. I would also second ditching the "defensive bezel" idea... it eat your pants pockets or purse lining, and rarely actually help "defend" oneself. The standard bezel works well, so don't buy the obscene tri-fork optional bezel. Lastly, if price is no object and you want something smaller, look into HDS Systems. I've carried their EDC Ultimate every day since 2006; that little guy traveled all over the world and never had a single problem. The higher end HDS lights are extremely advance to a point that you can practically program every aspects of the light - One day I can have my light turn on at 60 lumen, double click to activate 200 lumen full power, triple click for 0.3 lumen night-time-map-reading mode, and click-hold to activate strobe. The next day I can re-program it to turn on at full power strobe, double click to enable SOS signal, and click-hold for 35 lumen search light. Basically you decide what you want it to do and you can change your mind in a whim. On mine you can even select if the light always turn on at the primary mode, or the last activated mode. However, programming steps are very complex and definitely require their reference guide - not something you would do in the field. And the fully programmable versions are pricy - $200+. Their more basic lights can be had for less if you are willing to give up programmability and stick to pre-set brightness. Oh and these lights are made in USA. Finally if you think the light will be used frequently, invest in some 18650 rechargeable. A single 18650 can run the XT11 for *hours* in 150 lumen mode. Whereas the smaller HDS EDC takes CR123, and even a good quality rechargeable RCR123 will only run my light for about half-hour continuous at 120 lumen. W. Nice. Do you know of any good belt carriers that fit the Klarus XT11 that carries the light bezel down? I wonder if it will fit this. I doubt it... the XT11's head is "tapered" (wider at the lens) whereas if I remember correctly the Gladius is not. I think we will have a hard time finding kydex / polymer based "low-profile" holsters because of it. On the other hand, this guy might... http://helios-sys.com/commerce/product.jsp?prodId=1 |
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I've been using a 4sevens Quark Tactical 123^2 for over a year now. Dropped several times, still works. Waterproof, about $60-70. Lots of modes, good interface, plenty of options. Tactical has a press or click on tailcap. The Pro has only click.
4sevens Pro They also have thinner lights that come in colors. Haven't got one, and they don't quite come up to your requirements, but ladies might like having the smaller light size. Preon Other than that, Elzetta or Inforce lights are some good brands, from what I've gathered. ETA: This is a new one, and quite a powerful light. |
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I have been very happy with Olight. I have several of their lights. The M22 recently came out and can be picked up for about 70 on EBay.
When I want a flashlight question answered I look around at www.batteryjunction.com |
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