Carry Flashlight

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Skribs

Skribs

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I'm not looking for a weaponlight, but rather a handheld flashlight. Specifically, I want:

Size: 4.0-5.0 inches long, 0.75-1 inch wide, roughly uniform width
Color: Black
Output: Single Mode LED, 120+ lumens
Control: Push button on rear of light, click once for on and once for off
Features: Belt clip on rear of light (holding the button end of the light up), that will hold it well in place but is easy to pull off the belt or out of the pocket (whichever I decide to carry) when I need it.

I do NOT want variable power or extra features like strobe or multiple colors. The problem is it seems every light I find that looks about the right size and output also has a strobe function or the 10 Lumen 3000 hour mode.

Price: as cheap as I can get while meeting the requirements above and having something that won't break easily.
 
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I'm a long-time flashlight junky, but I haven't followed what's new for some time. You should check out candlepowerforums, them boys are into they flashlights !!!
The closest thing to your criteria that I can think of at the moment is something like a Surefire G2, but I don't think they come with any pocket clip.
Check out the other Surefires, as well as Inovas, Streamlights, Fenixlights. Heck, seems I recall a Pelican that might be in the neighborhood.
But, I agree with you about the mulitple modes, those things annoy the hell about of me, ESPECIALLY a stupid strobe feature !! But I am sometimes a fan of just a high, and an economical, long-running low power.
 
I don't believe the Sure Fire G2 and 6P push/click on, they have a push momentary on, and a twist tail cap for on, but they are very good lights. The biggest advantage to these lights is they are basically the industry standard, and you can find a light holder from them from just about any maker.
 
I have just what you need, trouble is it's discontinued. The trend these days is to pack as many features in as possible. I'm not a fan at all of strobes, or sos flashes. But I am a big fan of variable brightness. My first really decent light is a Fenix L1T. It is exactly what you are asking for save one thing. I has two brightness levels. But you select them by tightening/loosening the head, not through clicking the switch. I believe it was rated at 120 lumens on high, and 60-70 on low. Which is handy, because you will use it if it's in your pocket, and low is plenty for most things, and saves alot of battery. I am searching for a light that is what you asked for, that is still in production. But I will be busy most of this evening, so give me a minute. I am a member at CPF, and will post there if I can't find it myself.
 
I looked at some of those brands, but didn't really see anything that lines up with what I want. I'll take a look at candelpowerforums, MIL-DOT, and see if I can't find something closer to what I want.
 
There are loads of lights without the extra features, but they are nearly all twist heads instead of tail switches. To get both in one light these days will be tough. I just searched CPF 10 different ways with no leads. A quick call to Lighthound might be in order.
 
Check Streamlight, they are also pretty common.
http://www.streamlight.com

I do caution you on finding the "oddball" light, while it may be great, you'll need to find somebody that will make a holder for you, unless you plan to carry it in your pocket.
 
A stock-from-the-factory single-mode flashlight is hard to come by these days (unless you go for an old fashioned incandescent). Although there are plenty of fantastic Chinese brands out there making good quality lights, and even 1 or 2 American brands, Surefire is really still the leader when it comes to mass-produced lights. They come with a lifetime warranty, and have very good customer service. The new "X" line from Surefire offers the Surefire name, quality, and warranty, at a much lower price then their more sophisticated older models.

For a very rugged single-mode light, I would look at the Surefire 6PX or G2X Tactical. However, they come with a push-for-momentary/twist-for-constant tailcap. This is the traditional "tactical" tailcap configuration that is preferred by many instructors who teach handgun/flashlight tactics. You can always buy a forward-clicky tailcap from them but it adds quite a bit to the total cost.

A more roundabout way of getting EXACTLY what you want is this; buy a Solarforce L2 (P60) host (the flashlight body, head, lens, and tailcap), choose a model with a forward-clicky switch. This will run you about $15 on lighthound.com. Then order a Malkoff M61 drop-in (around $55-65). You now have a robust, all-metal flashlight body with forward-click switch, and a single-mode virtually indestructible LED that can generate at least 260 lumens, AND can run off of both primary CR123 batteries, or rechargeable cells, if you want another hobby : ). If I had to take 1 single flashlight into a nasty dark situation, it would be 1 of my many Surefire models, followed in a close 2nd by a Surefire 6P body and Malkoff LED drop-in module.

As for a clip, lighthound also sells a Solarforce L2 clip that can go between the tailcap and body, for bezel-down carry.
 
I have carried a Fenix PD30 for years and now it is about the only light that I will seriously consider as it is rock solid. It is about 4", perfect size for my pocket carry, but it is variable power...which I prefer. Kobalt makes a light that goes for about $30 that is variable but when clicked on, it goes to the 145lumen mode and then the next click takes it down to a lower setting and it is about the size that you want. It is a nice little light, my son that is in college carries one and it has been a good light.
 
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I have carried a Fenix PD30 for years
Click to expand...
I always carry one of these or a PD31. Sure, they do have some of the additional features but you don't have to use them. I've had so many folks wanting to get one after seeing mine that I should buy stock in the company.
 
I just remembered another light that fits your criteria - the Streamlight Polytac LED. I actually keep this light by the bed because of it's very simple operation. Click once - 130 lumens, click again - off. No other modes, outputs, strobes, etc. It's just barely over 5 inches long, very light weight (it's a completely plastic body, head, and tailcap) and it can be found for around $35 online. The only thing missing is a clip, but there are some solutions out there, check lighthound.com.
 
I'm a fan of the SureFire Defender lights. I would like to hear if people have been allowed to carry on planes or had to leave them at security.
 
The solarforce appears to be 820-880 lumens...is that correct? That is insanely bright for what I need.
 
my favorite

This sounds like what you are looking for. I was on a search awhile back--I wanted a simple on/off switch, decent lumens, and a common battery source--not those fancy expensive batteries. This thing is great, lights up my path as well as having some good reach out to distances. Very lightweight. I advise not to look directly at the light....

http://www.amazon.com/Brinkmann-809...r=1-1&keywords=brinkmann+flashlight+armor+max

oh, and it fits easily into a shirt or jeans pocket. Pretty indestructible too.
 
That's about 0.25" too wide and doesn't have the belt clip.

I ordered the Pro Tac 2L. Pending arrival.
 
I was, but that wasn't the only constraint I had. The 2L fits better.
 
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