Looking for a good light
- Thread starter Zack
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jakeiscrazy
Member
What gun? How bright we talking here?
A pocket light. Yes Pretty bright.
What I am really trying to ask is anyone here have a bright light and if so please post a picture of how bright it is and add the light company name. I am trying to find a good light to buy. I saw two bright lights on a ar-15 once before (in a video, and no he didnt give the light brand) it was blinding when both came on.
Thanks
What I am really trying to ask is anyone here have a bright light and if so please post a picture of how bright it is and add the light company name. I am trying to find a good light to buy. I saw two bright lights on a ar-15 once before (in a video, and no he didnt give the light brand) it was blinding when both came on.
Thanks
jakeiscrazy
Member
Are you talking about something for a handgun to go on the rails? What gun do you have?
BADUNAME37
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Here's a bright light, the kind I would like:
This light is a little large for a handgun or AR.
It looks about right to mount on a TRAILER to also hold the necessary GENERATOR, WELDING MACHINE and FUEL SUPPLY.
You could make some serious money with this light!
Several hundred dollars for every 15 minutes of time lighting up the skies at new places of Grand Openings!
This light is a little large for a handgun or AR.
It looks about right to mount on a TRAILER to also hold the necessary GENERATOR, WELDING MACHINE and FUEL SUPPLY.
You could make some serious money with this light!
Several hundred dollars for every 15 minutes of time lighting up the skies at new places of Grand Openings!
Tim the student
Member
It will be pretty tough to get an idea of how bright the lights to compare to each other via photos. Basically, the more lumens, the brighter it is.
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a Surefire. The ones I have used have been quite durable. Even the low end ones are disorienting to a certain degree.
Personally, I don't think you can go wrong with a Surefire. The ones I have used have been quite durable. Even the low end ones are disorienting to a certain degree.
ldyates
Member
Lights
Not what the OP wants, but great info for all members. This is without question the best light I have ever owned. Waterproof, shock proof, burns forever, does not get hot, has a strap and will not roll away when you set it down. This little device can light up hogs at 100 yards in pitch black conditions.
Any dive shop will have it.
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Q40minieLed
Not what the OP wants, but great info for all members. This is without question the best light I have ever owned. Waterproof, shock proof, burns forever, does not get hot, has a strap and will not roll away when you set it down. This little device can light up hogs at 100 yards in pitch black conditions.
Any dive shop will have it.
http://www.scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Q40minieLed
jakeiscrazy
Member
That would be the best but that is out of his price range, right?
For a handgun look into Streamlight TLR-1s
The G2 nitrolon surefires are about $39.99 around here, rated at 65 lumens. I just bought a surefire G2Z combat light on clearance at Gander Mt. for $39.99, they are regularly $79.99, so I lucked out. It is also 65 lumens but can be upgraded to 120 lumens. So far a great light. Streamlight makes an excellent light as well.
Tim the student
Member
He didn't specify a price range. He did say "I heard there around $80-$150 for a good one".
Regardless, he can get a mount, a light, and a click on end cap for less than $150.
jakeiscrazy
Member
Yep, your right. I would spring for a Surefire Handgun Light. Assuming he wants it for a handgun. If it's going on a long gun the options are endless.
DFW1911
Member
I've gone from Surefire and Streamlight to Fenix: the most bang for the buck in my opinion.
My Surefires are now relegated to back-up lights. There's nothing wrong with them at all, I just like the performance of the Fenix lights that much more.
I do not have one that is a weapons light, but I have several others. They are my favorite flashlights, of which I have quite a few.
Of the three you've mentioned, though, I'm pretty sure you'd be happy with any. Remember that w/ flashlights, two is one and one is none, so you may be looking at a dual-mounting situation.
Have fun!
My Surefires are now relegated to back-up lights. There's nothing wrong with them at all, I just like the performance of the Fenix lights that much more.
I do not have one that is a weapons light, but I have several others. They are my favorite flashlights, of which I have quite a few.
Of the three you've mentioned, though, I'm pretty sure you'd be happy with any. Remember that w/ flashlights, two is one and one is none, so you may be looking at a dual-mounting situation.
Have fun!
Tim the student
Member
That is a pretty impressive testamonial. What can you say as to their (the Fenix) durability? I wasn't impressed with the Streamlights.
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I converted to Fenix three years ago. I have three of their lights. The PD3 with the Q5 head is the best light in their line up, and is very inexpensive for what you get. I've used my PD3 daily for three years and it is as good today as when I purchased it.
I haven't visited the Fenix website in a long time, but the last time I was there Fenix did not offer a set up that permitted mounting their lights on weapons. Too bad because they would be perfect candidates. They do offer a gizmo on their "tac" lights that facilitates the use of the "cigar" hold when firing a handgun. I personally prefer that to a mount on the gun. Unfortunately, their tactical lights, while more expensive than the PD3, are not quite as bright and certainly not as versatile.
I haven't visited the Fenix website in a long time, but the last time I was there Fenix did not offer a set up that permitted mounting their lights on weapons. Too bad because they would be perfect candidates. They do offer a gizmo on their "tac" lights that facilitates the use of the "cigar" hold when firing a handgun. I personally prefer that to a mount on the gun. Unfortunately, their tactical lights, while more expensive than the PD3, are not quite as bright and certainly not as versatile.
Surefire G2 is a solid, relatively inexpensive, name brand option that should suit most of your tac light needs.
As an aside, check your local wal-mart. If they sell the newer coleman branded tac lights, I will personally vouch for this model
( http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3AAA-XR-C-LED-Flashlight/dp/B00261HIOM )
They're about $20, run 75 lumens with CREE LEDs on 3 AAA batteries as opposed to halogen lamps and 123a's. I've had three of these for about six months without any trouble at all, and I've put one through a bit of torture testing. I ran over it, beat the hell out of stuff on the strike face to the point that the fairly thick strike face bezels were starting to bend inward, submerged it in water, and it just keeps on shining. The battery life is actually quite a bit better than advertised, and the output is, in fact, brighter than the G2s I've used. I'm not sure I'd trust it for a weapon light just yet, but from what I've seen these are incredible little torches, especially for the money! I've got one in my bedside table, car, and gave the beat-up one to my dad, who loves it as well. There's a quoted 137 lumen model in the $30 price range that's a little smaller than the 2d mag-lite that I'll probably pick up next to try out, and I've also seen a model with adjustable focus that I don't think I'd trust really. It looks a lot flimsier.
YMMV, etc, but I think they're definitely worth a look.
As an aside, check your local wal-mart. If they sell the newer coleman branded tac lights, I will personally vouch for this model
( http://www.amazon.com/Coleman-3AAA-XR-C-LED-Flashlight/dp/B00261HIOM )
They're about $20, run 75 lumens with CREE LEDs on 3 AAA batteries as opposed to halogen lamps and 123a's. I've had three of these for about six months without any trouble at all, and I've put one through a bit of torture testing. I ran over it, beat the hell out of stuff on the strike face to the point that the fairly thick strike face bezels were starting to bend inward, submerged it in water, and it just keeps on shining. The battery life is actually quite a bit better than advertised, and the output is, in fact, brighter than the G2s I've used. I'm not sure I'd trust it for a weapon light just yet, but from what I've seen these are incredible little torches, especially for the money! I've got one in my bedside table, car, and gave the beat-up one to my dad, who loves it as well. There's a quoted 137 lumen model in the $30 price range that's a little smaller than the 2d mag-lite that I'll probably pick up next to try out, and I've also seen a model with adjustable focus that I don't think I'd trust really. It looks a lot flimsier.
YMMV, etc, but I think they're definitely worth a look.
Greg Koziol
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MG P-rocket and MG X-thrower SST-50 flashlight, google them the MG P-Rocket has 800 lumens and fits in your pocket. MG X-thrower is a spot light, same design and the p-rocket but has a turbo head for long distance throwing, while the p-rocket is more of a flood light. Both are compact and run on one rechargeable 18650 or 2 cr123's... guess you'd have to see if they can handle the recoil though. But otherwsie for night hunting or self defense at night those are good. I'm gonna get one soon, both cost $75
I am looking at the Fenix brand. Does anyone have anything bad to say? are they good? I am looking at $120 or less< and any above 200 lumens.
Does anyone have the FENIX TK40 EXPLORATION LIGHT MC-E LED its 630 lumens. It has major flood and can be seen over 300meters. I know its steep $130 but it might justbe worth it.< Oh its big I did not see that, the photos make it look small.
Does anyone have the FENIX TK40 EXPLORATION LIGHT MC-E LED its 630 lumens. It has major flood and can be seen over 300meters. I know its steep $130 but it might justbe worth it.< Oh its big I did not see that, the photos make it look small.
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rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Be aware that the more lumen's you get, the shorter the battery life will be.
There is no sense buying more light then you need to do the job you need to do.
123A batteries are about $3 bucks a piece!
And LED's are good!
I have an old 60 lumen Surefire 6P incandescent. Batteries lasted about 30-45 minutes at most.
I replaced the bulb with a Malkoff M61L LED reflector assembly.
Lumen's went up to 175 and battery life went to about 5 hours.
It has way enough light output for any reasonable TAC light use, and batteries last forever.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/...ire-p-8.html?zenid=96s43h43k6kuk515op9ugj4sl2
rc
There is no sense buying more light then you need to do the job you need to do.
123A batteries are about $3 bucks a piece!
And LED's are good!
I have an old 60 lumen Surefire 6P incandescent. Batteries lasted about 30-45 minutes at most.
I replaced the bulb with a Malkoff M61L LED reflector assembly.
Lumen's went up to 175 and battery life went to about 5 hours.
It has way enough light output for any reasonable TAC light use, and batteries last forever.
http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/...ire-p-8.html?zenid=96s43h43k6kuk515op9ugj4sl2
rc
DoubleTapDrew
Member
I have a couple fenix l2d lights and they are bright and I like the fact they use AA Batteries instead of cr123 but I don't like the clicky rear tailcap for a defensive/investigative light (want to be able to flash and move with a pressure switch) and although they are rated at 160 lumens or something my surefire G2 seemed just as bright.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
Manufactures Lumen ratings are right up there with the Tooth Fairy and Santa in truthfulness.
The problem is that there is no set industry standard on where or how to measure them.
I will say though that Malkoff's ratings of their bulbs seem very believable to me if the one I have is any indication.
rc
The problem is that there is no set industry standard on where or how to measure them.
I will say though that Malkoff's ratings of their bulbs seem very believable to me if the one I have is any indication.
rc
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DFW1911
Member
I use one daily and have had no issues with it over the past 2 years, give or take. I habitually carry one next to my spare mag(s).
Two have been fly-fishing with me in Alaska and were exposed to all the elements of S/E: saltwater, rain, dirt, etc, and the conditions of the back country. Both performed exceptionally well.
I like the various "modes" of the lights as well. To that point, I had to use the slow strobe feature during a downpour in near-dark conditions to guide my two friends to shore on one of our Alaska trips. They were out in the Zodiak when then weather turned ugly - fast. It was dusk, then dark, and I noticed they were way off base on finding our camp.
I set the Fenix on a stump, turned it on slow strobe, and they made an immediate course correction. The rain was so intense that I left the light outside and went into the cabin to build a fire so we all could dry out and warm up.
Sure enough, when they came in they admitted that they were heading to the wrong island. "If it wasn't for this light, we would have been lost."
That's pretty powerful testimony. That specific light is one of my favorites to carry.
I hope this helps!
Thanks,
DFW1911
Greg Koziol
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Fenix Tk30
Tim the student
Member
DFW1911, how well do they stand up to a dunking in water, and short falls?
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