Flashlight Freaks Only

Ok, so I admit that I am a flashlight freak. I have way more flashlights than I really need, but, one never knows when you might need another flashlight. Most all of mine are Fenix flashlights. I even have Fenix whistles, but that's another story. I will list all of mine tomorrow, too late tonight, but wanted to start a thread on flashlights because I use them a lot.

Pap

Here's some of mine from the home base, have one in both vehicles, Kabota and golf cart. The Emergency Bulb is quite the invention. It has a lithium battery built in, so when the power goes off, it comes on and will stay bright for 8 hours. It also comes with a screw on hook with an off/on switch. I have 8 of them scattered around the house. Once the power is off, you can unscrew the bulb if you don't need the light. Highly recommended.

Pap

Didn't realize how many I had. Whew about as bad as knife collecting.
The big Thor-X came from Costco at least 12 years ago. I think it was around $40. It'll cost more to replace the small motorcycle battery now. I got my money's worth from it searching for downed deer.
On the left are two Nebo's.
Center, Surefire M6, Surefire M4, Surefire Kroma, Surefire Digital 2 Ultra with flip up red lense, Kobalt rechargeable.
Right side, Lux-Pro, Streamlight Scorpion with flip up red lense

Wow, I'm not listing as someone may call for an intervention. There are 3 in my patrol bag plus an old "stylus" of some such sure fire (small red led) and a sure fire for duty. And others scattered around the house and vehicles.
Warren, you are so right! They can become a real problem.
Walker

My EDC is a Nitecore EC30. Tough as nails, great battery, 4 settings up to 1800 lumens.

My new go to night light is a Fenix Model LR40R, 12,000 lumens spot goes a mile, plus flood and signal. It's the larger one in my picture, but still fits in your hand nicely. Comes with rechargeable batteries and USB port. A truly amazing flashlight. My smaller Fenix models are 1200 lumens and most use the 124 lithium battery but one has a magnetic USB connection.

Pap

Nice piece of equipment Pap. Pricey but lots of great features. LED technology sure has come a long way.

I'm on the Fenix web subscription and they had a 40% off on that model if you purchased it before it was available and I did. At night on my deck, i can really see across the meadow below me.

Pap

not a big flash light guy....I've got some, however I could not tell who made the....My dad was a big flash light guy...so, I've got his...I suppose, unless the grand kids got them....

:-)Rocky

The rechargeable lights are great but I like those that use 123A batteries especially for field use. I have a waterproof Surefire spare battery case that goes with me in my pack.

I had 124, but they are 123a lithium batteries.

Pap

Yeah, well I had to look it up myself. I couldn't remember either.

I like the old-school Mag-lite flashlights (AA "Mini-Mag" and AAA "Micro-Mag").

Other than that, I have some of the "Lux Pro" flashlights from Lowe's.

Most others (cheap things) have failed me and ended up in the trash.

All that said, I do have a few of these left:

Remember when Mag Lite first hit the scene? It was the law enforcement flashlight for civilians and put all others to shame. Then came the LED and put the past to sleep for good.

So something has to be the NEXT right? Battery technology is going to improve and maybe a new something to go along. Quick charging solar is my initial thought.

Mag now has LED, but they're way behind the curve, sadly.

I'm thinking next generation will be sealed rechargeable units with (carbon nanotube?) batteries that last 50yrs.

So true on maglites. I have a "tactical" model of theirs and the sure fire and others blow it away. I really wanted to love it because it was a maglites.
Walker

I'm with you Pap. Got my first Fenix flashlights 5 years ago, two PD35s. One for me, the other for my son.

Was amazed from the get-go. Crazy bright and those were 850 lumen models. One rechargeable Li-ion battery or two CR123As - makes it so easy to have it always ready with plenty of power.

Got a third recently, same PD35 model, but now 1000 lumens at max. With the 5 power settings, using level 3 or 4, the thing just keeps working forever, even while using full power occasionally.

And it's so small and light. About the same size as the old mini-maglights we all used to think were so cool, but 100 times brighter. LED tech is nuts. And the lithium-ion batteries these days are remarkable. Light-weight, but so powerful and long lasting.

Fenix. Best value out there.

(Both of the flashlights I purchased 5 years ago are still in great shape and working perfectly - and we have put them through the wringer).

Gary

Thanks for this thread.

If you can't tell from all of my other posts, I am old school. I owned Maglites for 40 years. Several have lasted 30+ years. The first part to fail is usually the on/off switch.

I have bought four in the last two years and they look just like every other one I have had. But they don't last until the water gets hot.

Is it just me getting some defective Maglites or has anyone ealse had this happen?

How many of us "old school" guys had one of these massive Maglites/ Billy Clubs sitting near our beds for years? Or between the seat and console in our truck or car?

Gary

do they have led upgrades for them?
I have one under my bed too 5 'D" cells

upgraded all my lights on my Classic Rode King
I like the white light so much more than incandescent

Sharpi

My oldest Fenix is 6 years old and still as good as the day I bought it. One of the first LED flashlights.

Pap

Sharpi,

Much to my surprise they do. Google Maglite LED.

I have tried the LED conversions for Maglights. They are not great.....

Thanks for this thread. I am thinking it is time to look for an updated flashlight. That world passed me by pretty darn fast.

The 3D cell is the largest one I've had. There's one clipped to the seat of my Jeep Wrangler.

Tom,

Think I had the same one at some point. It came as a duo with a Mini from Costco, maybe
$30?

Good topic, indeed! I am not a "junkie" but put the brakes on each and every time I pass a flashlighter set up at the shows. Here's my EDC. One in each console, one of each of my 4 tackle boxes, one in my nightstand here and at the hunting camp and, of course, one in a my hunting rucksack!
The one shown here is over 10 years old..."NOTHING" has malfunctioned. It takes 2 ea. 123's and the "only" on-off switch is a push-button, enclosed and weather-tight in the butt end! You can ask, Billy, Ken or James...I seldom have a flashlight on me, indoors when I need it! Of course, I never "really" need it cause:
A) I've got one in my Filson bag
B) I've got one in my briefcase
...&...C) I've got James, Ken or Billy right there, sometimes all "3"!
Warren: I gotta' get one of those battery holders...Awesome.
Best, Capt. Chris
PS: I cannot tell you the amount of "Lumens" the Scorpion has but I'm sure before the electronic ink dries on this post, somebody will tell us! I can tell you this: It will stay shining and bright, trailing whitetail in the woods, for 2 hours straight. The shelf life on the batteries is 10 years and I can pick up:
* Blood
* Hair
* Bone
...@ close range (10-15 yards)

* "&" a dead deer's open eye at 100 yards in the woods. All I would ever ask for.
Stay sharp, Capt. Chris

Cap
The "Randall" of flashlights is Fenix. Far superior to anything on the market today. Other may come close, but Fenix is top of the line, IMHO.

Pap

Cap,

Scorpion was my first holy sheet light. Its awesome, only fault is the bulb life; I've had one dark out. The LED flashlights that replaced it are much better.

I'll edit to say I still use it. It doesn't have low levels of power options. It's now a backup light and still a bright one for sure.

Pap-N-Warren,
A) I never said mine was the best
B) I have not had a "bulb" problem but would agree LED's are better.
C) If I need a flashlight/Randall comparison, I'll rig up a Model #18 with a flashlight in the handle...(Ha-Ha!)
Kiddin' of course, Capt. Chris
PS: My point to my Scorpions is that they are hearty, work perfectly and are...(are you ready?)...ALL I NEED! That's all...CCS

Cap,

So I just checked my Scorpion and don't you know there's a spare bulb behind the main bulb facing the battery. Replace it now IMO and use yours as a spare. They do burn out.

I sold one of the older Surefire setups on eBay last year: a bulb light and not LED so I thought to let it go since I have other LED lights. Had the nylon case, along with the red and blue lens covers--which made me post here thinking about the blue helping the Captain track blood in the dark--probably should not have sold it when I did.

Now have one of the nylon composite Surefires and a bunch of maybe outdated 123 batteries.

Bought a multi-function 4-Sevens LED light at Blade some years back, keep it at hand bedside--which reminds me I better check the charge. Then bought extra of the longer batteries it uses.

Also a smaller AA-powered LED that carries easy in a pocket, and any size bag.

And...Mag lights are setting by other beds = 2-D cell, and a 35-year-old 6-D cell setting by a key door.

They do add up.

Oh, and in Florida (as well as given to various friends) the inflatable solar chargeable lights that light up large areas for long times-per-charge. But...I had to remind a lady who plans to ride out the hurricane that she has one and maybe to charge it early!

And...a really bright flashlight app on my Samsung phone...probably a real battery drain, so somewhere there is a battery pack to recharge it.

Larry

Got All my flashlights out for Hurricane
Found batteries with expiration dates from 2010
Holy Charlie, Gene & Francis

Got 3 Maglites for truck carry

My 4 D cell works fine but the batteries exploded
took a day to fix had to drill it like a Dentist does a root canal and then fill it with Coke a Cola

Works great again

Don't know much about serial numbers but one is 2014 one has to be 20 years old

Sharpi
Whatever you do, don't look at a new LED ,it will blow you away. Even a small 1000 lumens flashlight will fit in you palm.

Pap

Mike,
Does your Fenix-Folks make a straight "on & off" button flashlight? I am sick and tired of having to go through several steps to get where I want to be and then off again...only to start all over again the next usage...
Capt. Chris

Yes they do. The main button is generally at the end and the different magnitude lumens is by the head. Once you select the lumen beam, when you shut it off, it stays at that setting. You might try Model PD35 TAC. It uses 2 123a lithium batteries.

Pap

Yeah Pap
what a bunch of crap
But the Maglite will get your attention especially 4 D cells

Sharpi

Pappy:

That is a Fenix on my shotgun by the door.

Coach

Coach
What model? I just ordered a HC42 1600 lumens and should be here any day now. The biggest problem with these newer high lumen flashlights, is not blinding someone.

Pap

https://www.facebook.com/285707801484612/posts/2187534807968559/

2nd the recommendation on the Fenix PD35 flashlight.

These are both PD35s, but the one on the right is the V2 version, the other is from 2014.

The V2 version (currently available) is 1000 lumens max vs. 850 on the old one. (But it's honestly hard to tell the difference - both are REALLY bright).

As I mentioned, my son and I both have had the old models for years and they still work like new. The case is built to last. Strong but light aluminum. And the lenses are strong too. Impact resistant and water resistant.

The button you can see on the top there on each controls the power level. But on/off is a rubberized thumb switch at the bottom and it remembers where you last left the power level.

They come with lanyards, spare O-rings, and spare on/off button. Good to go for years and years. (Haven’t had to change on O-ring or button on either of the old ones and we use the heck out of them—and other than a few scratches, they still look like new).

Uses one rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery or two CR123A batteries (both shown).

You can get them with package deals that include a Li-ion battery charger like the one shown here. And I bought a pack of spare rechargeable 18650s. But even with near daily use, I only recharge the batteries like every other month or so, if that – these batteries really last. And the great thing about Li-ion batteries is that they don’t have the “memory” characteristic the older rechargeable batteries had – no worries about running battery all the way down or topping off or even short-charging – they pretty much don’t care.

Good luck! Gary

So just this morning I checked on my big Thor spotlight from my original post. Had it charging for several days and DOA. New battery is under $20 much to my surprise. This light is awesome. It throws an extremely wide bright beam. Two power levels and great battery life.

Pappy:

TK 32 2016 upgrade.

It is a perfect shotgun light. The beam and the buckshot pattern are just about the same.

Coach

A little bit of light pushes away a lot of Darkness.

I have this one too. 1600 lumens and about the size of your thumb. Has a magnetic charger. Too cool.
https://www.facebook.com/285707801484612/posts/2930368867004583/

Pap

Eric--

That looks like "a pair and a spare."

Larry

Larry,

LOL, My Winter BSA Beanie has a great LED built in, I left it out.

Eric,

My walk to spot camo baseball style cap has 2 LED's built in. I really like being hands free. It's plenty bright enough. Came from Lowes as I recall. I also have a beanie which I use to wheel out the garbage cans for winter. Yeah I forgot about them as well.

Mitchell, I ordered a EC30 after your post. Had not heard about Nightcore. Works great. I owe you one.

Warren, I originally bought this beanie for my youngest son (John) but he preferred the headband lamp he already had. So I use it to take out the trash in the winter. Works great when your hands are full.

Lastly....an EBay find....#10-3 in Ivory Micarta.

Just received a Fenix HC52 3100 lumens, very nice "in between" from my 1600 and my big light. Some cool features including read out of amount of battery left.

Pap

Is that a Fenix HC52 or UC52 - when I google, I get pictures of UC52.
Thanks!

My bad, UC52 is correct.

Pap

If you want to get your freak on..... this may be it. WTF?

I googled them and apparently there is a thing for these.

https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/gear-accessories/flashlights-and-lighters/392273.html

Way too freaky for me. $2,200 for 1,000 lumens?? No way.

Pap

Here's a dandy.

https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/fe...e+Visitors+LD30

Warren
Thanks for the Maglite LED upgrade
got two for $11 for my 4 cells
Much Better took a couple weeks from Singapore ebay
350 Lumens
sometimes you need to sacrifice Lumens for Lumps

Sharpi

Nice get. That's a decent amount of light for not alot of money. Any idea what the battery life will be?

Sharpi, I like that message about lumens and lumps! I put a module in my maglite but I cannot remember the guy's name. He is well known.
Walker