Top flashlights today

[10-Ring]

Flashlight technology has come a long way and I'd probably be happy w/ any of the top brands but now I'm curious if there is a hands down 'best' on the market today.
I personally have both Surefires & Streamlights, LED & incandesant & think they are the cream of the crop w/ the SF a smidge nicer...
comments? votes?

[esheato]

I decline to vote.

I'm typically a Surefire guy, but lately I've been impressed with Streamlights rechargeable stuff. Super bright and you don't have to purchase batteries.

IMO, they both have their merits.

Ed

[Sistema1927]

For what use? I have Sure-Fires, Streamlights, and Maglights for different purposes. However, the light that is with me as my EDC is a Fenix P1D Cree.

[8830]

I voted Streamlight as I use the Stinger series the most. I never like the Surefire rechargeables however their dedicated weapon lights are second to none.

[SDDL-UP]

Surefire!

Great stuff, made in America!

Streamlight... at least some of their stuff was made in China last time I looked. :(

[highorder]

custom lights rule the roost; Surefire is just behind for overall quality and robust construction.

though I do love my Ultrastinger.

[Kilgor]

Fenix offers a very good money/quality ratio.

[ZeSpectre]

Surefire
Fenix
Streamlight
Night-Ops
Inova
River Rock
the list goes on and on.

We have more quality light makers now than EVER before. It's a great time to be a flashaholic!

[charlie-xray]

I say Surefire and Fenix to go.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u289/cx4909/19112007259small.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u289/cx4909/19112007266small.jpg
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u289/cx4909/19112007265small.jpg

[Creature]

Wow. That Fenix is real blaster...I had not heard of it until your post, charlie-xray. I am definitely gong to have to check it out. 200+ lumens (P3D Q5 model) is pretty impressive.

[thegriz]

I am a huge fan of 2 lights:

1) For a very rugged light that throws an enormous 1000+ lumens, in a maglite 3D carrier, with a high quality rechargeable battery pack (which can be switched easily on the fly I recommend the Blackbear Borealis Flashlight

review: http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221091

website: http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/

It's expensive but worth every penny. This is amazing.

2.) Gladius night-ops by blackhawk.

A good solid "tactical" light. Customer service and warranty service have been terrific for me.

That's my 2 cents.

FYI - I don't own a surefire or streamlight and have never field tested them.

[351 WINCHESTER]

I've had a Streamlight Scorpion for several years now. It's super bright for sure and fits easily into a pocket. Those lithium batteries are kind of expensive, but I don't use the light every night either. It will only run about an hour and then it just goes dead, no warning.;

[toasterlocker]

There are a lot of "brand x" LED flashlights out there that make most of the Streamlights and Surefires look like overpriced, inferior garbage. Spend about 10 minutes over at candlepowerforums and you will know what I mean.

[jpwilly]

Can't wait to see what happens when fuel cells can power these babies!

[laocmo]

While I have a nice 2-cell Maglight that has been converted to LED for the cost of a $20 LED bulb, I agree, there are a lot of "brand x" LED flashlights out that seem as high a quality at 1/4 the price. The day I bought the LED update at Lowe's, I also found on "special" a set of 5 heavy duty aluminum double AA cell lights for $19.95. They each have about 6 LEDs and perform flawlessly. My local Gun Store has aluminum tripple AAA cell small 6 LED lights in a bin for $1.99 each. About 1 in 10 need to be re-soldered to work, but they make great tool box lights and freebees for the kids.

[OH25shooter]

I own several Maglights and got tired of replacing the batteries, so I just purchased a Streamlight Strion with a recharger. It's not cheap, but it is bright and the flashlight stays in the wall charger. I like the quick on/off button on the back or you can turn the cap to keep the beam on. Plus the front can be turned for beam width.

[Creature]

I just got my Fenix P3D Q5 and I am very impressed. While I do not like the fact that the switch is not a "instant/momentary on" type switch, led is indeed VERY powerful in turbo mode...and the multiple outputs are very handy. And all in a compact package that is much more conducive to pocket carry.

Sorry, Surefire...you just got replaced by Fenix as my carry taclight. Best if you get on the cree-technology bandwagon with a quickness.

[Jax]

If you haven't stopped off at CandlePower Forums (http://candlepowerforums.com/vb) yet, you might consider doing so. Lots of good info for flashoholics.

Personally, I'm a SureFire guy and my EDC is an A2 Aviator.

[outerlimit]

Custom lights and Sure-Fires. I'm looking forward to a compact 24/35W HID with a 4200K bulb. The current ones have a blue 6000K tint which is very yucky.