Flashlight for my wife

Status
Not open for further replies.
B

bdjansen

Member
Joined
Jun 19, 2007
Messages
262
Location
Olympia, WA
My wife tells me today that she would like to have a flashlight for her purse. As the days get shorter there will be one day a week when she has to walk a few blocks to her bus stop in the dark. She said she would like a flashlight for one hand and her pepper spray in the other.

So I'm looking for something purse sized, a light pattern that is good for walking, and enough light so that she's not getting surprised by anything or anyone up ahead.

As far as money, I don't mind spending a bit more to get something that will last a life time or at least a long time. The problem is, I'm under the impression that LED lights as evolving and are not done yet. So I worry that anything I buy now will be obsolete in a couple of years. And if that's the case I'd rather not spend too much.

Please, suggest away. :)
 
Got a $18 coleman led tac light from walmart. 75 lumens, 8 hours run time on 3 AAA. Got it at walmart, can't seem to find it on the website.

Has the newer Cree led. Super bright light, and a decent runtime for 75 lumens. And less than $20 makes it near disposable.

Scalloped bezel too. If you need to use the flashlight AND pepper spray.
 
I have three Insight flashlights ... two H2X Typhoons and a H2X Typhoon II. They're the best flashlights I've ever owned. They have three programmable modes. Absolutely, 100% worth the money. I bought them on Ebay for a lot less than the price shown in the link.

Insight H2X Typhoon II

By the way, all three of mine are the flanged type which I prefer.

:)
 
i'd imagine one of the big issues will be size... or lack thereof so it doesn't get discarded from the purse.

Fenix has some really nice but powerful smaller lights. you can get ones w/ different output levels so she can use one for walking but can beef it up to blind somebody, too. only turn off for some women can be if they think it's "too complicated" to deal with.

oh... i'd probably say go with LED for longer battery life, too.
 
A Gerber Infinity white LED should do the trick. You should be able to find one, delivered, for less than $16, or may be able to pick up one at Target.

Single AA. Press to illuminate, or screw the end down all the way for constant on. Small. Long battery life. Optimal for about 15 feet, with a very wide beam.

Add a strong lanyard completed with a carabiner, and you have a potential defensive tool, too.

John
 
MY better half confiscated my Fenix L2T (2xAA) and I havent seen it since. I even offered her the L1T (1xAA) body for it, but she likes the extra lumens and runtime.
 
They will never stop evolving so jumping into the LED purchase today will be no different than in two years in that two years after the purchase the next generastion bulbs will be out. Fortunately most LED lights can be upgraded if you choose. The people over at candlepower forums all do it, even with new lights. Look for a light with as Cree LED in it.

I'd say your specs for a defensive light like this should be something 65 lumens or greater, LED (won't break if dropped), clickie switch (momentary on preferred), and AA powered. CR123's as too expensive AAA runtime too short. AA is a good balance. One tip is to get either some rechargeable ones or spend the extra for the lithium. They are worth it in a high powered light for the flatter drain curve. All of the different types of batteries fall off fairly quickly to about the 80% level but rechargeable and lithium flatten off and stay at that level until they have a very sharp final drop to zero. Alkalines just keep right on dropping with no leveling off.

Another vote for Fenix. Since this will be carried in as purse or in her hand I would go for the 2 AA size. It fills the hand better than the single AA size and can be used to strike someone if necessary.
I think the Fenix Digital L2D CE Black Textured - $50.08 - https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_71&products_id=195 would be my choice. With it set in turbo mode it delivers 135 lumens when the tail is clicked, which is double the amount needed to be used as a defensive light. It also can be used as a 9, 40, 80 lumen light or an SOS strobe.

The Fenix L2T v2.0 Q2 Black - $49.50 is also worth a look. https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_71&products_id=335 It delivers either 135 or 16 lumens so the operation is a little simpler.

I have a Fenix L01 that I use as an everyday carry light. This is a 1 AAA 3 setting LED that I purchased two years ago. The low setting gets used the most for general illumination. The middle next, and the high setting rarely. Lumen out put for the three settings is 4.5, 12, and 30. For a general use light 9-12 is as very nice output level.
 
if you can find any the Uzi comes in a set of 2 - one is a single AA, and very bright and heavy built the other is a 3 AA and throws an unbelievably bright light from 4 led's.
I found the set at a discount store for 10$$. China made but about the best 'cheap' lights I've come across.
the big one is sturdy enough to use as a punching baton when held in the fist.
 
If she's going to carry it in her hand, but "store" it in her purse, I'd suggest something that fits both and won't get "lost" in the bottom of the purse so that it is easy to find just by reaching into the bottom of the bag.

I would also suggest AA's since the price on CR123s can be tough to deal with (although when on sale you can find them for under $1.20 each).

I would suggest something with a hot center spot and a wide cone around it. This gives the advantage of wayfinding while offering some blinding potential.

Fenixes come to mind for good lights, but you can also pick some things up at WalMart (3W leds) that can be had for good prices.

What are you willing to spend?
 
Last edited:
What are you willing to spend?
Click to expand...

I was thinking that a Surefire G2 LED might be one of those "higher quality last-a-lifetime" lights. So that is about $65 at REI, and the top of my price range.

A lot of people like the Fenix lights. Are they only available online?

As far as batteries, I like AAs because everything else I have takes them and I can buy a bunch. But I know a lot of lights take CR123 batteries and I am willing to get those if it is for a superior light.
 
Mine was insisting on a Surefire. I brought home a (ashamed to say it) tactical magazine. In it was an ad for the Night Hunter 3, from Xenonics. She fell in love, as it promises searing light out to 1500 meters.

Look it up, can only find the Night Hunter 2, for the paltry sum of $3200.:what:

Suddenly the $80 Surefire looks great.
 
I would also suggest AA's since the price on CR123s can be tough to deal with (although when on sale you can find them for under $1.20 each).

I would suggest something with a hot center spot and a wide cone around it. This gives the advantage of wayfinding while offering some blinding potential.

Fenixes come to mind for good lights, but you can also pick some things up at WalMart (3W leds) that can be had for good prices.
Click to expand...
+1 on the AA's; they are available most every where. In defense of lithium batteries (whether CR123, AA, CR2, etc.), they generally give longer runtimes, have a greater shelf life and are less affected by temperature.

I like the Fenix flashlight line. They are a good recommendation. JetBeam is also excellent and in the same price range. Ultrafire makes a decent 1AA 1 watt light and I've heard good thing about their other lights.

Now to Walmart. I highly recommend the Coleman MAX, Cree XLamp XR-E LED , 2 "AA", flashlight.. I have found it to be very bright with a beam pattern as quoted above. The build quality is equal/superior (IMO) to most popular lights in this class (IE Fenix, Surefire, etc). I was really quite amazed at the quality and output of this light. The light is just a little larger than a 2 AA Mini Mag and could serve well if pressed into duty as a kubotan/impact weapon. The switch will work as a momentary press switch as well as press on/press off.
It does not to my knowledge come in 'tactical black":rolleyes::)
2ivy4g9.jpg

Regards,
Greg
 
Fenix E20

Just got one of these on eBay for $35 with free shipping. Very nice light for a reasonable price.

fene20bk.jpg



http://www.lighthound.com/Fenix-E20-Cree-Q2-LED-Flashlight-2xAA-Batteries-Adjustable-Black-Finish_p_13-2446.html
 
Also consider she could get a taxi for those few blocks or lift from work colleague as an option.
 
Fenix & Lumapower & NiteCore Defenders are all nice lights that offer a AA option or two. I've edc'd a Fenix L1P for several years and just recently upgraded to a L1Dce Fenix light.
 
The Fenix L2D is a CR123 Lithium celled wonder. I have the 'Q5 Premium' variant - it puts out 180 Lumens on 'Turbo' - even will strobe at that level for really irritating someone. My f-i-l saw mine and had to have one. Be careful where you buy the cells - the Surefire CR123s are the best - and $21/12 plus s/h from Surefire, etc. The best source for the Fenix lights seems to be the 'fenixstore.com' - located outside of Atlanta.

Now, if money is no object, think about the US-made Surefires. I just added an E1b 'Backup' to my pair of 6P LED lights. All three put out 80 Lumens. The 6Ps are larger - run on two CR123s for '11 hours' total, probably ~5 hr at max. The Backup runs for over an hour on one cell - and has a 5 Lumen level, good for reading a map/newspaper/ad etc, for 37 hr, too. While the 6P LED runs ~$85 - the Backup was $110 - went to $149 recently. 'LA Police Gear' has them still at the old price - with free cells and shipping. I believe Lowes still carries the 6P LED in their front lock bin - get an associate to check. You can return it there, if she doesn't like it... don't try that elsewhere - you buy it - it's yours!

Oh, the Fenix L2D on 'Turbo' - and the 6P LED - and the 'Backup' - all get warm with use. As a comparison of their incandescent vs LED capabilities, contrast the 6P with the 6P LED. The former puts out 65 Lumens for less than an hour before flattening two CR123 Lithium cells. The 6P LED puts out a cooler (more blue) 80 Lumens for a useful life of 11 hr.

I still can't watch a CSI-type show without wondering... why don't they turn the room lights on - those cells aren't free!

Stainz
 
+1 on Romisen RC-G2. GREAT light.

Get the cobalt bluish color, big hit with females. Beautiful construction and nice light output.
 
battery-junction.com has "Titanium" cells which are universally considered great batteries for $1 each (plus shipping)

Also, the Fenix and Olights are regulated, meaning they don't get less bright the longer you run a certain battery in them.
 
Factory HotRodded Flashlights

Two of my favorites come from ShiningBeam.com:they have the latest Q5 LED emitter and are outrageously bright.
The Romisen RC-N3 Cree Q5 puts out 200+ lumens; runs on either 2-AA or 1-CR123A battery; costs $24.95 + reasonable shipping cost/arrives in less than a week.
Other favorite is brightest 2-AA flashlight I've owned or seen: a Romisen RC-F4 cree Q5,which also puts out over 200 lumens.$22.95 + shipping.

BatteryJunction.com is a great source for 'disposable' CR123A's for $1-$1.50 each; also a great place to buy reasonably-priced lithium rechargeables in AA or CR123A's and matching chargers.

Tools Aviation makes great battery caddies, for carrying spares in your bugout bag,backpack,glovebox,etc. (or her purse).

The two flashlights listed above caused me to give away my 3- and 4-D cell Maglites, incandescents,Xenons, etc.

But they were also the beginning of a "small light" addicti I mean collection.

----Gnarly :evil:
 
Gnarly, thanks for the info.

Funny how Romisen seems to be undercutting everyone and their lights are so great, yet they haven't caught on...I, for one, will keep spreading the word.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

Armored farmer
  • Locked
A knife for my wife
Replies
22
Views
716
JohnKSa
JohnKSa
M
  • Locked
Pepper Spray for Wife
Replies
8
Views
3K
Dr. Sandman
Dr. Sandman
Z
  • Locked
Taser anyone?
Replies
5
Views
526
Shadow 7D
S
D
  • Locked
Taser question?
2
Replies
26
Views
1K
Steve Raacke
S
T
  • Locked
Pepper spray - first hand opinions
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
33-805
3
Back
Top