SAG0282
Member
Surefire Z2 on my person, D cell Maglite in the car.
What is Your Choice of Personal Flashlight?
- Thread starter CAPTAIN MIKE
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Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Streamlight Strion
I prefer the 301 as it is ~5.125" as compared to the 7.000" of the 253. Maximum head diameter is also smaller at ~1.000" as opposed to ~1.375", i.e., the 301 is more compact, about the size of a Scorpion or 6P.
The tail swich on the 301 looks similar to the 6P but works like the Scorpion and requires less travel but more pressure to activate. Haven't had any problems of accidental activation. The 253 has a pressure switch similar to a MagLite but the switch is slightly recessed into the base of the head to prevent inadvertant activation and is stiffer than the ML.
The heavier knurling of the 301 is a little more secure to hold on to.
The beam of the 253 is a bit more defined with a definite edge between its bright spot at the center and the edges. The 301 being more diffuse, more so than the Scorpion and 6P. The 301 beam is more blue as compared to the 253 slightly red and the xenon yellow. (You really have to have the beams showing along side each other to note this.)
All of these flashlights' beams are painful to look at directly but the LED ones, IMO, are more so and quicker to discomfort as they are more white than the yellowish xenons. The effects of looking into the LED lights seem, to me at least, last longer than the xenon ones.
In short, the biggest selling point for my on the 301 over the 253 is its size. The 253 is still pretty good, though, IMO.
Terrierman
Member
DigMe said:
Wow, I had no idea I was living so far back in the dark ages. After reading a bit on that candlepower forum, I ordered three of those 7 watt hand sized flamethrowers, one for me, one for security tech son and one for a spare, along with 20 of the CR123A batteries. Sounds like an incredible light at a remarkable price according to the discussions. You switched me off the Nuwai I was going to order with that link. Thanks a lot, and I'll let folks here know how they work - though it is becoming painfully obvious to me and I assume others just how ignorant I really am when it comes to lights.
Terrierman said:
I'm going back and forth on whether or not I'm gonna buy one myself. Even though they're cheap I don't have much disposable income at the moment. Tough to beat that price though!
When you get them do a comparison on all three if you can and let us know if the beam is consistent among them. Someone just started a thread today at CPF who bought 3 in Hong Kong and they all three had different beams. Another guy bought two though and they both had the same identical awesome, white beams. Don't forget that they have adjustable beams/heads too.
brad cook
Streamlight Scorpion, a Mini Mag, a SureFire E2, a Streamlight Twin Task (3 x 'C'-cell). And an assortment of other lesser lamps down to the tiny keychain-type LED for general utility and mundane tasks.
I consider the Scorpion the best value for money for a lamp intended for serious business. They can be has for as little as $25 a piece I believe these days, are just the right size and work superbly.
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http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org
I consider the Scorpion the best value for money for a lamp intended for serious business. They can be has for as little as $25 a piece I believe these days, are just the right size and work superbly.
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http://ussliberty.org
http://ssunitedstates.org
I was a Maglight man for years.
Then I bought a Surefire G2 Nitrolon for $34. It was so good that my wife swiped it for her uses. Smart gal, she is.
So, then I bought the 6P for $56. I like the lock out tail cap feature.
I still have Maglights, but they (6D & 3D) are really clubs that also provide light.
Then I bought a Surefire G2 Nitrolon for $34. It was so good that my wife swiped it for her uses. Smart gal, she is.
So, then I bought the 6P for $56. I like the lock out tail cap feature.
I still have Maglights, but they (6D & 3D) are really clubs that also provide light.
TheFrontRange
Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2003
- Messages
- 538
For a couple of years now (maybe 3) I've been using the Brinkmann "Legend" line of lights. The first ones I found were stainless steel with a rubber-lined grip, adjustable beam, and push-button switch at the tail...they're okay but a touch heavy...managed to drop them more than once and that almost always resulted in a blown bulb.
Next they came out with line in black plastic that also have the rubber-lined grip and tailcap push-button, but are non-adjustable. Of the two, I prefer the latter as they're lighter and more "drop-resistant." Both are xenon-bulb models and use two 123 lithium batteries.
I apologize for not having more specifics on the names of these models...seems that one is the "Legend" while the other is the "Legend LX." Both retail for around $20 at WalMart, Academy Sports and Outdoors, etc. I have two of each model right now, with the heavy ones used as "utility lights" around the house while the lighter ones stay near whatever handgun I have handy.
I also picked up a Streamlight TwinTask light a while back that I think is going to become my main around-the-house utility light. It's a one-cell 123 lithium-powered light, black metal casing, with an on-body switch that provides either xenon bulb lighting with one push or LED lighting with a second push.
My main wish for all of the above lights: a pocket clip! The lack of this feature will I'm sure lead me to a SureFire or comparable light one of these days!
Next they came out with line in black plastic that also have the rubber-lined grip and tailcap push-button, but are non-adjustable. Of the two, I prefer the latter as they're lighter and more "drop-resistant." Both are xenon-bulb models and use two 123 lithium batteries.
I apologize for not having more specifics on the names of these models...seems that one is the "Legend" while the other is the "Legend LX." Both retail for around $20 at WalMart, Academy Sports and Outdoors, etc. I have two of each model right now, with the heavy ones used as "utility lights" around the house while the lighter ones stay near whatever handgun I have handy.
I also picked up a Streamlight TwinTask light a while back that I think is going to become my main around-the-house utility light. It's a one-cell 123 lithium-powered light, black metal casing, with an on-body switch that provides either xenon bulb lighting with one push or LED lighting with a second push.
My main wish for all of the above lights: a pocket clip! The lack of this feature will I'm sure lead me to a SureFire or comparable light one of these days!
Serpico
Member
Strion and an Arc AAA in my watch pocket...
TheFrontRange said:
The metal one is the Legend LX and the plastic one is the Maxfire LX. I have the Legend as a kitchen drawer light near the backdoor. Although now my Streamlight ProPoly 4AA Lux gets most of the backyard duty. Mine has the adjustable beam but I've heard that the new ones are no longer adjustable.
I used to think the Maxfire was a good value but after this oct. 05 update at flashlightreviews.com I'm more leery of them...especially as a tac light that your life could possibly depend on:
Flashlightreviews.com said:
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/brinkmann_maxfirelx.htm
Besides, you can get a surefire G2 for 10 bucks more. Or at least a Digilight maybe for close to the same price as the Brinkmann.
brad cook
TheFrontRange
Member
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2003
- Messages
- 538
Besides, you can get a surefire G2 for 10 bucks more. Or at least a Digilight maybe for close to the same price as the Brinkmann.
brad cook[/QUOTE]
Most interesting...thanks for the info...I may need to do some light-shopping sooner than I thought!
brad cook[/QUOTE]
Most interesting...thanks for the info...I may need to do some light-shopping sooner than I thought!
Terrierman
Member
DigMe said:
I'll be happy to do that. I'll even try to get a digital of the beams of them and post that up. Thanks for the lead and the links.
MS .45
Member
There are several that I would recomend for use:
Pelican M6- inexpensive but bright and tough $30
Streamlight Scorpion-LED model had 2 hrs. regulated runtime $40
Surefire G2- good light for the price $34
Streamlight Strion- very bright, rechargable, full recharge in 2 hrs. $100
All these lights are roughly the same size in the 5 to 6" range.
The prices will vary from place to place. I buy a lot from Brightguy.com
Pelican M6- inexpensive but bright and tough $30
Streamlight Scorpion-LED model had 2 hrs. regulated runtime $40
Surefire G2- good light for the price $34
Streamlight Strion- very bright, rechargable, full recharge in 2 hrs. $100
All these lights are roughly the same size in the 5 to 6" range.
The prices will vary from place to place. I buy a lot from Brightguy.com
MarineTech
Member
In my nightstand, I keep a Surefire G2 for defense, and a 4 D Cell Maglite for general lighting. I also, keep another 4 D Cell Maglite in my car.
I will say this though. I am not at all happy with the quality of the current production Maglites. In 1991, I bought my first Maglite while on Camp Guard as a Marine out at 29 Palms. They were sold in the MCX on base, and were the only authorized replacement for the standard issue flashlight (which was crap). All the MPs carried them because of the much greater lighting potential they provided. As I recall, price on the 4 D-Cell version back then was about $70. Not exactly cheap on a young PFC's salary, but worth every penny. That Maglite has sat in the glove compartment of every vehicle I've owned since then and was utterly reliable. About 4 months ago, that Maglite finally gave up the ghost and had been beat beyond the point of repair. Time for replacement had arrived. I went to the local Walmart to pick up a replacement. I was stunned to see that the price had dropped to just over $20 for the 4 D Cell. I picked up 2. One for the car, one for the house. I am less than happy. The quality of these 2 units is nowhere near what that original light was. During a recent power outage in November during an ice storm, the light I bought for the house continuously flickered and stuttered. The light in my car displayed similar performance. Battery and bulb replacement has done nothing to alleviate the situation with either unit. In mid-December, I sent a letter to Mag-Lite detailing my history with their products and my displeasure with their current quality. I also expressed to them that I would be happy to pay the much higher price of the original unit if I could get a light of similar quality. I have yet to get a response from them.
I will not buy another Mag-lite until things improve, and I'll probably be replacing both lights within the next 2 months once I get my Christmas bills paid off.
I will say this though. I am not at all happy with the quality of the current production Maglites. In 1991, I bought my first Maglite while on Camp Guard as a Marine out at 29 Palms. They were sold in the MCX on base, and were the only authorized replacement for the standard issue flashlight (which was crap). All the MPs carried them because of the much greater lighting potential they provided. As I recall, price on the 4 D-Cell version back then was about $70. Not exactly cheap on a young PFC's salary, but worth every penny. That Maglite has sat in the glove compartment of every vehicle I've owned since then and was utterly reliable. About 4 months ago, that Maglite finally gave up the ghost and had been beat beyond the point of repair. Time for replacement had arrived. I went to the local Walmart to pick up a replacement. I was stunned to see that the price had dropped to just over $20 for the 4 D Cell. I picked up 2. One for the car, one for the house. I am less than happy. The quality of these 2 units is nowhere near what that original light was. During a recent power outage in November during an ice storm, the light I bought for the house continuously flickered and stuttered. The light in my car displayed similar performance. Battery and bulb replacement has done nothing to alleviate the situation with either unit. In mid-December, I sent a letter to Mag-Lite detailing my history with their products and my displeasure with their current quality. I also expressed to them that I would be happy to pay the much higher price of the original unit if I could get a light of similar quality. I have yet to get a response from them.
I will not buy another Mag-lite until things improve, and I'll probably be replacing both lights within the next 2 months once I get my Christmas bills paid off.
Ala Dan
Member in memoriam
Hey folks we are Surefire and Streamlight dealers, pleasae call and check
our prices and availability:
Simmons Sporting Goods
2001-2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020-7133
PX: (205) 425-4720 or 426-0490
Business Hours 0900 hrs -1800 hrs Mon thru Fri/ 0900-1700 hrs on Sat
Central Time Zone
Owners: Clay, Peter, and Barry Simmons
Sales: Ray Grubbs, Dale Smith, Jeff Chastain, Mike Jones, Phillip Hopkins,
Dan Ford (me), Charles Bell, David Kelley, Wanda Grissom, and Jeremy Fox.
Fast, Friendly, and Courteous Service
We are a full line Browning Medallion Distributor, as well as a Steyr
Distributor. Also, we carry a full line of Carhartt clothing. Located
approximately 16 miles SSW of Birmingham, AL.
"If Simmons doesn't have it, or can't get it; then you didn't need it
in the first place" quote from a wise old man~!
Out-of state orders Welcome.
our prices and availability:
Simmons Sporting Goods
2001-2nd Avenue North
Bessemer, AL 35020-7133
PX: (205) 425-4720 or 426-0490
Business Hours 0900 hrs -1800 hrs Mon thru Fri/ 0900-1700 hrs on Sat
Central Time Zone
Owners: Clay, Peter, and Barry Simmons
Sales: Ray Grubbs, Dale Smith, Jeff Chastain, Mike Jones, Phillip Hopkins,
Dan Ford (me), Charles Bell, David Kelley, Wanda Grissom, and Jeremy Fox.
Fast, Friendly, and Courteous Service
We are a full line Browning Medallion Distributor, as well as a Steyr
Distributor. Also, we carry a full line of Carhartt clothing. Located
approximately 16 miles SSW of Birmingham, AL.
"If Simmons doesn't have it, or can't get it; then you didn't need it
in the first place" quote from a wise old man~!
Out-of state orders Welcome.
BryanP
Member
In my pocket I carry a little no-name LED flashlight powered by a single AAA battery (and not much larger). It's good enough for most tasks. But I won't be blinding any bad guys with it.
black bear
Member
MarineTech said:
MarineTech,
Hi, perhaps I can help with your lights' flickering problem.
You see, I built my modifications (MAG 951 II and others) on Maglite flashlights, and I can assure you that the new models are more relaiable that the old ones (I have two of the old ones to compare) They haven't change much but the switch in the new units is better.
I have built over 90 of my modifications (The MAG 951, the most powerful flashlight in the world) and I understant them well, the flickering you describe is consistent with a loose negative contact in the switch housing and that is an assembler error.
To correct the situation you need to pluck the rubber button and introduce in the hole that is in the center of the switch a long 5/64 hex wrench, and tight this "worm" screw down hard.
That screw is the one that secure the switch to the flashlight tube, if you want to remove the entire switch for any reason you unscrew this "worm" jam screw several times and pull out the switch from the rear of the light.
You may have to do this if the tightening of the screw don't solution the flickering, because the point that the screw touch in the bottom of the flashlight (which is anodized outside and inside) should touch on bare aluminum, is the anodizing at the point where the screw touches is not removed properly the contact is poor and can produce the flickering you mention.
When I do my modifications to these lights I also modify the switch for less internal resistance, change the reflector for a solid aluminum one, change the plastic lens for a Pyrex and put special battery carriers, when the light is finished it is the most reliable light you can have.
If you can not fix the light with the tips I gave you, just P. M. me for further discussion of any problem.
I can assure you that that is not normal and is probably and assembler error in not tightening properly that screw.
Best regards
black bear
shooting time
Member
I used to have a bunch of maglites but started using a streamlight ultra stinger rechargable in the truck and carrying a streamlight scorpion on me they both work great
stevelyn
Member
I like both the SF and Streamlight products.
One comment about the Pelican M6. Pelican products are of generally good quality and the M6 is a bright, tough light. However, the tail-cap switch on the M6 needs to be refined a little more. It dosen't have the degree of control that the SF switches do.
One comment about the Pelican M6. Pelican products are of generally good quality and the M6 is a bright, tough light. However, the tail-cap switch on the M6 needs to be refined a little more. It dosen't have the degree of control that the SF switches do.
neoncowboy
Member
Surefired E2D in back pocket (or the carharrt left side pocket) of pants and photon LED on a lanyard around my neck.
TrapperReady
Member
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2003
- Messages
- 2,732
Photon Microlight on the keychain. Maglights in the house and cars/truck. Surefire Aviator (w/ red LED) on the backpack I use for hunting and hiking.
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