Which small but powerful LED flashlight?

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Juna

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So I'm in the market for a flashlight that is small, transportable, and intended for defensive/firearms-related use (not a picatinny rail light, but a stand alone LED flashlight). I have a few questions for the fine folks here on THR.

1. What are some important features to look for?

2. Which one(s) do you suggest?

3. What is a good price for one?

4. Are there any brands or models out there that I should stay away from, and why?

5. Where is a good place to get one?

Thank you in advance for your time and assistance in providing replies. :)
 
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When I moved out of Seattle last, I foolishly left a few flashlights behind in moving. The one I'd most like back of them is a single-AA model from Inova -- has a very good lens up front, and a long throw, like a tiny spotlight.

That's not for everyone or all situations -- often you want a bigger flood of light -- but I you can always sweep a small circle of light around, while you can't pinch together very well the more diffuse light of typical flashlights.

However, I've tried to calm my LED light obsession in the last few years, and haven't bought many -- but I'd be interested in one of those Fenix lights when next I'm in the market. Also, from what I understand Cree LEDs are the best current thing going, better brightness / watt than the Luxeons. (Can anyone confirm or deny?)

timothy
 
This one work with AA batteries, I use rechargeable Nimhs for guilt free use.

RAYOVAC SPORTMAN XTREME
2AA 3 WATTS LUXEON FLASHLIGHT

I found this one at Wal-Mart and a fortunate find it was, the light is about the size of a Surefire L-4 or Surefire E2L, it even has a switch similar in operation to the Z-52 switch of the Surefire, press once for momentary, and twist the tail cap for permanent.

The package claims 80 lumens and it probably is, but of course, due to the small reflector and being a diode, the light is diffused and doesn’t have good throw, but good enough to make it comparable with other Luxeon III’s that I have seen at much higher prices.

rayovxtreme.jpg

Yes, the price was $25.00 and therefore makes this light a bargain, and another great feature is while others lights consume the expensive 123’s, this one works with two AA batteries.

The body holds a nice clip that makes it unnecessary to carry the light in a holster. It even has a lanyard if you want to keep it with you when you open your hand to do any other task.

The run time is given at two hours, which is good and even better than others lights of this power can give even using 123 batteries.
If you need more runtime than this, you can buy the exact light in the 1 watt version with an output of 45 lumens and a runtime of five hours.
For a long time I have been using rechargeable Nimh AA batteries. I use them for all my power-hungry gadgets, GPS’s, two-way radios, cameras, etc. The Nimhs provide me no-guilt runtime and, at the same time, helps the environment.

Beam shot at 26 yards, camera at 18 feet from the target. I moved the deer up front a little, so the background and the leaves from my cherry tree will not interfere with the picture. I should cut the overgrown bushes that are taking over the fence, but the weather hasn’t cooperated lately for doing yard work.

xtreme80lumens.jpg

Cheers,

Black Bear
 
The Cree leds are roughly twice as efficient as the better Luxeon emitters. That means twice as bright w/ the same run time, or the same level of light for twice as long.

The Fenix lights are extremely good, w/ many features only found on lights costing quite a bit more.

The Surefires are very good, but are typically geared toward runtime more than brightness in the LED versions.
 
Pick the Fenix model that suits your needs and get it with the Cree. At least the last time I researched things, they were by far the best bang for the buck, have lots of useful features like multiple light levels, and great output. I don't think I would go any cheaper for your intended use.
 
Be sure to check out the TacTorch sold at Lowes. They sell a three watt model with adjustable beam.
They are very bright. I bought a smaller version first, and like it so much, I went back and bought the more expensive model
The more powerful one with adjustable beam I think is $39. or $49..
I have compared it to more expensive models at Bass Pro shop and it held its own against them.
 
another great feature is while others lights consume the expensive 123’s, this one works with two AA batteries.
Click to expand...

You know that seems great until you pull the light out, and it doesn't work because the batteries are dead. Lithium batteries though slightly more expensive will last for many years in your light even if you don't use it.

Anyways to answer the question, I believe a tail cap is required for a good tactical light, I also believe that it needs to put out at least 60 lumens of light.

Incandescent
Any of the two cell Surefire will work, though I suggest the E2D, and the G2.

LED
From Surefire I suggest any of them except the Kroma, the Titan, and the E1L. Of them I would take a look at the L1 (single cell 60 lumens), or the G2.

Pick the Fenix model that suits your needs and get it with the Cree. At least the last time I researched things, they were by far the best bang for the buck, have lots of useful features like multiple light levels, and great output. I don't think I would go any cheaper for your intended use.
Click to expand...

Fenix make great general lights (as long as you get a Cree model), but without a tail cap I think they aren't suited for tactical uses. Don't get me wrong I have a P1D Cree, it's a great light, but for tactical stuff I prefer my Surefire G2Z (with a Gene Malkoff Cree head).
 
Very happy with the 5W Luxeons also from Amondo Tech. Have have very good results ordering from that company. Will have to try out that 3W Nuwai QIII.
 
...without a tail cap I think they aren't suited for tactical uses
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Do you mean, a tail cap that allows the light to stand on its end? or another benefit/feature?

Why is that, or, in what situation does this provide the functionality you require?
 
Do you mean, a tail cap that allows the light to stand on its end? or another benefit/feature?

Why is that, or, in what situation does this provide the functionality you require?
Click to expand...

Tail Cap switch is what I mean.

Example of such:
http://www.surefire.com/maxexp/main...r/289/prrfnbr/24374/Click-On-Lock-out-Tailcap

These tail caps allow you to use your thumb and palm to turn the light on, they also allow you more precise control of the light vs twist on and lights with their switches on the body.
 
From you criteria I would suggest these lights.

Fenix L2T (or L1T) v2.0- These are the ONLY Fenix Lights I would suggest because they come with a momentary/forward clicky tail cap similar to the E-series Surefires. True AA alkelines aren't the most idea, however if you use the light much, you can get Nimh AA's or if not then you can get Lithium AA's. Also, these lights have an optional 'low' setting for times that call for less light.

The Rayovac that BB suggested. Its a good light.

Surefire G2L- Its Surefire so warranty is excellent, it is practically bullet proof, easy to use, good runtime.

Surefire 6PL- Same reasons as G2L

Surefire U2

Surefire E2L

Also check out Wolf-Eyes flashlights at www.pts-flashlights.com.

Really, almost any of the Surefire LED flashlights.

With a SD light you can spend anywhere from $20 to $300.

I would stay away from cheaper Chinese flashlights. Fenix is about the only chinese flashlight company would consider in this situation.

Fenix flashlights can be had at www.fenix-store.com

Surefire www.surefire.com or www.opticshq.com (I've used both)

Wolf Eyes and Fenix- www.pts-flashlights.com


:)
 
the little Nuwaii 3 watt is a decent light for the price , I like the Fenix 1lt as well , and of course my Surefires ( 6z old skool , e1e , e2e , 6P , G2 ) .
 
The RayOvac Sportsman Xtreme 2 AA batteries 3 watts LED is also available from Cabela's for $20.00
It is the same light, but is marked Cabela's.

Cheers
Black Bear
 
I'll cosign the Rayovac model for an inexpensive flashlight. If you're looking for a duty flashlight and will use it on a daily basis, perhaps you should spring for a higher-end light. But for the standard person who'll use it fairly infrequently, it works quite well. I've tested it around my house (~1700-1800 sq. ft.) and backyard and it works perfectly in all those areas.
 
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