Household flashlight for bedside?
- Thread starter mr_dove
- Start date
- Status
ZeSpectre
Member
Confirmed flashaholic here (and flashlight reviewer).
Expensive but good...
-Surefire, especially the multi-level LED based ones.
Less expensive but good
Inova brand lights. The T4 rechargable is a great light
Relatively inexpensive but good
The new maglights with the LED bulbs built in, especially the 3 "D" cell version which will run freakin' forever on a set of batteries.
Now you have to decide for yourself if you want larger, smaller, rechargable, alkaline batts or lithium batts.
If you decide you want a lithium battery powered light do NOT buy them in the local store (2 for $15) Buy from surefire or thomas distributing where you can get a pack of 12 for $20 or thereabouts.
If you really want to get detailed, here's the checklist from the candlepower forums... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96884
=========================================================
Recommend a Flashlight Checklist:
(Don't worry about all the questions, just the ones you feel strongly about!)
Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
____I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
____I am in North America. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in South America. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Europe. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in the Middle East. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Africa. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Asia, Japan or Micronesia. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Australia. More precisely I am in _______________.
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____I only want to pay $1-10.
____I can spend $15-30.
____I could spend $40-60.
____I am willing to spend $80-$120.
____I have no limit!
2) Format:
____I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a portable spotlight.
3) Length:
____I don’t care.
____1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
____2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
____4-9 inches. (Holster carry)
4) Width:
____I don’t care.
____I prefer a long narrow light.
____I prefer a short wide light.
5) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
____I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
____I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
____I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)
6) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
____I want to read a map, or find a light switch, in a dark room. (5-10 lumens)
____I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
____I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
____I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
____I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)
7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an “X” on the line below.
Throw (distance)----------------------|----------------------Flood/close-up
8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
____20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
____60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
____240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
____360+ min. (More than 6 hours)
9) Durability: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A “night-stand” light.)
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood.)
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)
8) Switch Type:
____I don't care.
____I want a sliding switch. (Stays on until slid back.)
____I want a "clickie” switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
____I want a momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
9) Switch Location:
____I don't care.
____I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
____I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
____I want a rotating head switch.
____I want a rotating end-cap switch.
____I want a remote control.
10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
____A simple on-off is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
____I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
____I don't care.
____I want a metal-bodied light.
____I want a plastic/composite light.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
____Red (night vision preserving) filter
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
____Waterproof – how deep: _____________
____Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
____Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
____Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
____Belt/Jacket clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Kobuton/self defense features
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
Expensive but good...
-Surefire, especially the multi-level LED based ones.
Less expensive but good
Inova brand lights. The T4 rechargable is a great light
Relatively inexpensive but good
The new maglights with the LED bulbs built in, especially the 3 "D" cell version which will run freakin' forever on a set of batteries.
Now you have to decide for yourself if you want larger, smaller, rechargable, alkaline batts or lithium batts.
If you decide you want a lithium battery powered light do NOT buy them in the local store (2 for $15) Buy from surefire or thomas distributing where you can get a pack of 12 for $20 or thereabouts.
If you really want to get detailed, here's the checklist from the candlepower forums... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96884
=========================================================
Recommend a Flashlight Checklist:
(Don't worry about all the questions, just the ones you feel strongly about!)
Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
0) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
____I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
____I am in North America. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in South America. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Europe. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in the Middle East. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Africa. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Asia, Japan or Micronesia. More precisely I am in _______________.
____I am in Australia. More precisely I am in _______________.
1) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
____I only want to pay $1-10.
____I can spend $15-30.
____I could spend $40-60.
____I am willing to spend $80-$120.
____I have no limit!
2) Format:
____I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a portable spotlight.
3) Length:
____I don’t care.
____1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
____2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
____4-9 inches. (Holster carry)
4) Width:
____I don’t care.
____I prefer a long narrow light.
____I prefer a short wide light.
5) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
____I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
____I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
____I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)
6) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
____I want to read a map, or find a light switch, in a dark room. (5-10 lumens)
____I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
____I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
____I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
____I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)
7) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an “X” on the line below.
Throw (distance)----------------------|----------------------Flood/close-up
8) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
____20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
____60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
____240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
____360+ min. (More than 6 hours)
9) Durability: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
____Not Important (A “night-stand” light.)
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood.)
____Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)
8) Switch Type:
____I don't care.
____I want a sliding switch. (Stays on until slid back.)
____I want a "clickie” switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
____I want a momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
9) Switch Location:
____I don't care.
____I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
____I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
____I want a rotating head switch.
____I want a rotating end-cap switch.
____I want a remote control.
10) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
____A simple on-off is fine for me.
____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
____I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
11) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
____I don't care.
____I want a metal-bodied light.
____I want a plastic/composite light.
12) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
____Red (night vision preserving) filter
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
____Waterproof – how deep: _____________
____Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
____Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
____Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
____“Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
____Belt/Jacket clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Kobuton/self defense features
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
MudCamper
Member
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/surefire_l4.htm
Insanely bright. Very nice size. Good battery life.
Insanely bright. Very nice size. Good battery life.
doofus
member
I'd recommend against a dedicated rechargeable light. As someone else pointed out, if your power is out, you're done. Aside from that, the constant charge/discharge cycles will eventually wear the battery out. IMHO, it makes more sense to get a standard flashlight and a set of good rechargeable batteries.
As far as an actual light, I'm a big fan of the Inova X5. It's simple, indestructible, and can be had for <$30.
As far as an actual light, I'm a big fan of the Inova X5. It's simple, indestructible, and can be had for <$30.
bogie
Member
Well, since I tactical-sleep in the nude, my plan is to jump outta the tactical bed, and start throwing tactical flash-bangs into each room as I clear it with leaping tactical shoulder/belly rolls... Then I flip on the tactical disco lights via my tactical X10 remote, and... well, it ain't pretty...
I figure that the combination of disorientation and whatever pharmaceuticals are in the intruder's system will result in a Very Bad Trip...
Know where a flashlight is. It doesn't need to cost a bundle. In fact, if you score a dozen or so $1.98 jobbies, that's even better... Just stash 'em around where you can reach 'em. Know where matches and candles are. Know where the boomstick is. Make damn sure of your target before you start blowing holes in it.
I figure that the combination of disorientation and whatever pharmaceuticals are in the intruder's system will result in a Very Bad Trip...
Know where a flashlight is. It doesn't need to cost a bundle. In fact, if you score a dozen or so $1.98 jobbies, that's even better... Just stash 'em around where you can reach 'em. Know where matches and candles are. Know where the boomstick is. Make damn sure of your target before you start blowing holes in it.
lee n. field
Member
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2002
- Messages
- 4,311
I picked up a Maglite AA LED flashlight last week. This is not a retrofit onto the incandescent Maglite, it's a unit designed to use an LED.
Local Shopko was clearancing them out for a ridiculous price. Pretty darn bright. Surprisingly bright. No tactikal switch. No lanyard ring either, which I don't like.
Local Shopko was clearancing them out for a ridiculous price. Pretty darn bright. Surprisingly bright. No tactikal switch. No lanyard ring either, which I don't like.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/nuwai_tm301x5.htm review
Check out the Nuwaii lights at flashlight reviews. I have a couple of their lights. They make lights for other companys. They give you a lot for the money and are good lights. I have the one the link goes to. It is BRIGHT!!! and floods a room with light. Get the batteries off the web for $1.25 apiece. The lithium batteries have a 10 year shelf life and work real well in the cold which drains alkaline batteries.
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=981 301X-5
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=490 batteries
Check out the Nuwaii lights at flashlight reviews. I have a couple of their lights. They make lights for other companys. They give you a lot for the money and are good lights. I have the one the link goes to. It is BRIGHT!!! and floods a room with light. Get the batteries off the web for $1.25 apiece. The lithium batteries have a 10 year shelf life and work real well in the cold which drains alkaline batteries.
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=981 301X-5
http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=490 batteries
tydephan
Member
My vote would also go to the Streamlight Stinger. I have two and they have lasted me 10 years so far. I replaced the battery ($20) on one of them once. Have had no other problems. Great lights! Highly recommended.
asiparks
Member
There's a host of well made weather & waterproof aluminum LED lights for between $20 and $40 from Home depot, Lowes, Costco etc. I don't have too much faith in rechargables, I'd sooner just have a big stash of fresh batteries. I just picked up one of the 3XD cell Maglight 3 watt leds from Home Depot plus 2 twelve packs of D cells from costco which should see me through 95% of most eventualities...
One of the advertisers at Glocktalk offers a 20% off coupon and free shipping for an order over a hundred bucks - tacticalsupply, IIRC. I got a Surefire LED and saved a bundle as compared to most places.
I also have a Gladius by the bedside set on strobe for disco events.
I also have a Gladius by the bedside set on strobe for disco events.
I keep a surefire for blinding someone but for regular duty I have a cheapy 15 LED verison that is supposed to last about 14 days straight with new batteries - I use it all the time and keep a set of new batteries in the drawer in case we have an earthquake and lose power.
Have another one on my wifes nightstand - they sure come in handy not the brightest but they last a long time on one set of batteries.
Have another one on my wifes nightstand - they sure come in handy not the brightest but they last a long time on one set of batteries.
Glockamolie
Member
If you can wait a few days, how about the new Fenix L2D? It uses AA batteries (for which you could afford to buy rechargeables and a LOT of extra batteries), puts out 80 lumens for 4 hours (bright) or 135 lumens for 2.4 hours (really, really bright), will strobe, is about the size of a MiniMag, and is only $53.50 shipped? It will start shipping in a few days. I can't wait. Compare that light output to anything else out there at any amount of money.
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_50&products_id=195
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_50&products_id=195
tydephan
Member
Yeah but does it get Satellite Radio? What about Wi-fi?
Looks very cool. I may order one next week. Thanks for posting.I guess we have a lot of flashlights as well. I think of them as somewhat specialized, and try to find the right tool for the job.
I keep my tactical flashlights handy for situations where a bright light is needed, but not for a long time. I keep rechargable flashlights all around the house, so I always have one handy that will provide illumination, so I don't have to worry about dead batteries. An LED light on the keychain is a must (I got stuck in a dark stairwell when the power went out one time...)
I have a couple Surefire G2's, and also a Brinkmann Maxfire LX, which is similar, but a little cheaper. All the other ones are pretty cheap, odds-and-ends.
Surefire has cheap batteries on their website.
I keep my tactical flashlights handy for situations where a bright light is needed, but not for a long time. I keep rechargable flashlights all around the house, so I always have one handy that will provide illumination, so I don't have to worry about dead batteries. An LED light on the keychain is a must (I got stuck in a dark stairwell when the power went out one time...)
I have a couple Surefire G2's, and also a Brinkmann Maxfire LX, which is similar, but a little cheaper. All the other ones are pretty cheap, odds-and-ends.
Surefire has cheap batteries on their website.
Geronimo45
Member
Maglite. Normal LED flashlights don't burn batteries too fast - some of the high output models do it quicker. My converted AA Maglite runs a long time, plenty of light for normal work.
thebaldguy
Member
Try a 2 or 3 D cell Maglite. Price is cheap, they're rugged and bright, and the machined aluminum is pretty solid.
Market Garden
Member
i have two of the inova X03's, one X0 and one X1. my favorite is the X03, real nice and bright, ive had them for over a year now and have never had to change the batteries out on them and notice no difference in power.
i wouldnt mind owning a surefire, but for my needs i cant justify paying more than double what i paid for my inovas to buy a light that will give me nearly the same performance.
i wouldnt mind owning a surefire, but for my needs i cant justify paying more than double what i paid for my inovas to buy a light that will give me nearly the same performance.
kd7nqb
Member
I carry a Streamlight twintask 2L its got the super powerful Xeon that eats through batteries and then the 3led for more usual tasks. Its a good mix for me, also if you google the batteries you can find them for about $.89 each. By my bed I keep a 4c Maglite and 3d in the truck those applications a larger light is ok but a mag sucks to carry around all night so I like my streamlight.
larry_minn
Member
Why limit yourself to one light? Lets see I have $10 "First alert IIRC" by front door. It comes on if power fails and lights by exit. I have a $10 coleman 1 Million candlepower light by upstairs bed, Mini mag LED conversion on my belt, AAA solitare around neck, snakelight by work area, and a dozen D cell flashlights (including a 3d maglight that has not been used in months) and one (tactical) light that is also seldom used. (ASP version of surfire 6p) I use the LED mini mag EVERY DAY many times. I used to just put it on after supper nowdays I put it one before breakfast.
benEzra
Moderator Emeritus
FerFAL, good point about headlamps for power outages and such. I remember during a hurricane a year or two ago, we lost power, and I found myself preparing food two-handed while holding a traditional flashlight with my shoulder and the side of my face, like you'd hold a phone no-handed. Literally a pain in the neck. I finally rigged up a way to hang the flashlight from a cabinet above, but I picked up an inexpensive LED headlamp shortly thereafter...
I have two Fenix lights and they are top quality and resonable for what you get. Highly recommended.
I have the Fenix L1S in black, - Yea - the Fenix L2D should be bad.
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=104
and the Fenix P1 in grey.
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_51&products_id=77
Both outstanding lights!
Dirty Bob
Member
I'd choose two (or three!):
All my best,
Dirty Bob
- A modest AA or AAA LED light for power failures, finding the bathroom at night, etc. Cheap to run and simple, and you can afford more than one. I like the River Rock 2AAA from Target, the CMG Infinity, and the UK 4AA eLED. This last has 10 hours of fairly bright light, and a total of an 80-100 hour battery life!
- A modified MagLite 2C, with a 5-cell Krypton bulb or a 6-cell Xenon bulb (do NOT use a 5-cell Xenon -- it will pop when the light's turned on!), powered by 3 CR123A lithium cells. A cheap piece of plastic tubing (mine from Lowe's cost about $1.20 per foot) slides into the light as a battery holder. None of these mods are permanent, but this makes a very bright, inexpensive light. It's also lighter than a regular MagLite with 2 C cells onboard. I can provide more info if needed, but maybe a picture will help. This light out-performs many of the expensive "tactical" lights and costs under $30. Indoors, it puts out a "wall of light." Outdoors, it lights up yards three houses away.
- I also pocket carry an Inova T1. It splits the difference between tactical and utility, and it makes an outstanding daily carry light.
All my best,
Dirty Bob
Attachments
Last edited:
Night-Ops Gladius Flashlight
This will rival anything out there including Surefire. I am in love with mine. It has all the tactical combinations plus a strobe feature that I love. It is also adjustable from pen-light brightness to over 80 lumens with just one hand control. Check it out.
http://night-ops.com/Gladius-6V-LED.html
Here's a link to virtually the same flashlight with an added lock-out feature. I have ordered one of these but have not tried it yet. It's made by Insight and was featured at the shot show. Price is $129.95 without the batteries.
http://www.botac.com/inh2xtyfl.html
This will rival anything out there including Surefire. I am in love with mine. It has all the tactical combinations plus a strobe feature that I love. It is also adjustable from pen-light brightness to over 80 lumens with just one hand control. Check it out.
http://night-ops.com/Gladius-6V-LED.html
Here's a link to virtually the same flashlight with an added lock-out feature. I have ordered one of these but have not tried it yet. It's made by Insight and was featured at the shot show. Price is $129.95 without the batteries.
http://www.botac.com/inh2xtyfl.html
Last edited:
ZeSpectre
Member
Yeah, the price hurts but the Gladius is one of my favorites.
A real-world review I wrote a while back when it was new.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=104699
A real-world review I wrote a while back when it was new.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=104699
I have two lights by my bed
One is a 3 cell maglight, it puts out a nice bright light and is heavy enough to whack something if necessary. The other light is one of the shake and bake lights that are out now.
For the vast majority of my needs the shake and bake light fills the bill. Cheap (realitively), the kids can't run the batteries down, no batteries for SHTF needs, and it puts out a decent amount of light. For looking under the bed for a lost sock, or back in the cupboard for batteries, or for wandering the house for night time personal needs without flooding the entire house with light.
If I hear a bump, or feel like I need a lot of light for someother reason I grab my maglight, otherwise its a shake and bake for me.
George
One is a 3 cell maglight, it puts out a nice bright light and is heavy enough to whack something if necessary. The other light is one of the shake and bake lights that are out now.
For the vast majority of my needs the shake and bake light fills the bill. Cheap (realitively), the kids can't run the batteries down, no batteries for SHTF needs, and it puts out a decent amount of light. For looking under the bed for a lost sock, or back in the cupboard for batteries, or for wandering the house for night time personal needs without flooding the entire house with light.
If I hear a bump, or feel like I need a lot of light for someother reason I grab my maglight, otherwise its a shake and bake for me.
George
- Status
