The Firearms Forum - Gun Community  
TheFirearmsForum.com
FOUNDED: February 9, 2001
If you prefer to make a donation by check,
send an email to Support for the mailing address.

Go Back   The Firearms Forum - Gun Community > Member Discussions > General Discussion

Notices


Reply
 
Thread Tools
Old 12-25-2011, 08:19 PM   #1
cycloneman
Advanced Senior Member
 
cycloneman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 7,398
Default flashlight suggestions

I am old school maglite. I know today there are these led flashlights. I dont know if it is any better to go with led or not. Anyway i need to get a few new flashlights. So I was wondering if i could get some input on the new led stuff.

What i want is a flashlight like the maglite 3d cell. At least comp to that.

Now I will not spend no hundred dollars on a flashlight, cuse if that is the case i will just buy maglites again.

ok Go.

Links to suppliers or ebay would be nice too. thanks.
__________________


Who are you going to serve today?

-->
cycloneman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 08:39 PM   #2
Slabsides
Senior Member
 
Slabsides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Posts: 921
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

A plain old Coleman LED light from Wallyworld works for me. $20 gets you 70-140 lumens. Takes 3 AAA batteries and last a very long time with them. It's small, light weight and is strong enough to temporarily destroy a person's vision if shined in the eyes at close range. It also has large serrations which can be sharpened for use as a defensive weapon.

There are a ton of more powerful lights out there, but to me they are severely overpriced for what they are. I absolutely hate any light powered by 123A batteries. Yes, they are incredibly bright.........when they work. Those things work great time after time....then....nothing. No warning. Dead batteries.

Some rechargeables are outstanding as well.....til you need to recharge. I don't carry a generator with me in the field.

Regular bulbs: Drop the light and no more bulb. Try to break a LED.
__________________
/l ,[____],
l---L -OlllllllO-
()_)-()_)-o-)_)

Last edited by Slabsides; 12-25-2011 at 08:43 PM..
Slabsides is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 08:45 PM   #3
312shooter
Advanced Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Las Vegas NV
Posts: 1,148
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

LED light is a topic within itself besides what flashlight brand to go with. A good light will have a normal or "neutral" color temperature. Oldschool maglights tend to be warm and cheap LED seems blueish or cool. Now with all this in mind spend a few dollars on a Fenix flashlight and have an indestructable piece that will burn for 50,000 hours without a hitch. I personally carry the fenix tk11 and coworkers are constantly commenting on how unbelievable powerful the light is. Google "fenix" and seriously consider their products , they blow maglights off the planet.
__________________
"Democracy is based on citizenship- perhaps the greatest gift the United States has given to the world- Power is vested in the people themselves, and government flows from the people" James M Henslin
312shooter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 08:49 PM   #4
obxned
Advanced Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I learned the expensive way to stay away from flashlights that take the CR123A batteries. The lights that use them are good and bright, but at $10-15 per refill, it isn't really worth it. Now I'm looking for a good, bright flashlight that has the cartridge that holds 3 AAAs. I've got a older Dorcy that's 110 lumens (I think), and it's still a darn good light. I googled them just now.

http://www.dorcydirect.com/c-1-led-f...FYPc4AodSjynlg

That's Dorcy Direct, and they have an assortment of flashlights of 150-200 lumens for $25-40. I'll be ordering a couple for myself.
__________________
Proud member of a North Carolina Committee of Safety

"If we loose Freedom here, there's no place to escape to. This is the Last Stand on Earth!" Ronald Reagan
obxned is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 08:54 PM   #5
Slabsides
Senior Member
 
Slabsides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Posts: 921
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by obxned View Post
I learned the expensive way to stay away from flashlights that take the CR123A batteries. The lights that use them are good and bright, but at $10-15 per refill, it isn't really worth it. Now I'm looking for a good, bright flashlight that has the cartridge that holds 3 AAAs. I've got a older Dorcy that's 110 lumens (I think), and it's still a darn good light. I googled them just now.

http://www.dorcydirect.com/c-1-led-f...FYPc4AodSjynlg

That's Dorcy Direct, and they have an assortment of flashlights of 150-200 lumens for $25-40. I'll be ordering a couple for myself.
How about this http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colem...id=1185&brand= one. 500 lumens from AA batteries!
__________________
/l ,[____],
l---L -OlllllllO-
()_)-()_)-o-)_)
Slabsides is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 08:56 PM   #6
cycloneman
Advanced Senior Member
 
cycloneman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 7,398
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I am not about to buy 123 batteries. no no.

I need a couple of small flashlights that take AA batts for around the house and for hurricane use. I also need to get a couple of flashlights like the old school maglite 3d cells.

I like the small flashlights for general use because it is far cheaper to replace AA batts rather then D's. For 10 bucks i can get a pack of 24 AA's at lowes and go a long time.

I looked at the fenix lights and i am not spending 60 to 100 bucks on a light, i would rather spend the money on batts. Remember this is just a flashlight, for general use if I really need to cut the night i will pull out the q beam.
__________________


Who are you going to serve today?
cycloneman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 09:15 PM   #7
Slabsides
Senior Member
 
Slabsides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Posts: 921
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by cycloneman View Post
I am not about to buy 123 batteries. no no.

I need a couple of small flashlights that take AA batts for around the house and for hurricane use. I also need to get a couple of flashlights like the old school maglite 3d cells.

I like the small flashlights for general use because it is far cheaper to replace AA batts rather then D's. For 10 bucks i can get a pack of 24 AA's at lowes and go a long time.

I looked at the fenix lights and i am not spending 60 to 100 bucks on a light, i would rather spend the money on batts. Remember this is just a flashlight, for general use if I really need to cut the night i will pull out the q beam.
Read you loud and clear now. General all-around light, low cost, cheap batteries, lifetime bulb. This http://www.coleman.com/coleman/Colem..._id=2000004481 is what I carry and was refering to in my first reply.
__________________
/l ,[____],
l---L -OlllllllO-
()_)-()_)-o-)_)
Slabsides is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 09:25 PM   #8
cycloneman
Advanced Senior Member
 
cycloneman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 7,398
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slabsides View Post
Read you loud and clear now. General all-around light, low cost, cheap batteries, lifetime bulb. This http://www.coleman.com/coleman/Colem..._id=2000004481 is what I carry and was refering to in my first reply.
I am gona check them out. thanks
__________________


Who are you going to serve today?
cycloneman is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 09:32 PM   #9
BETH
Advanced Senior Member
 
BETH's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: naugatuck,Ct.
Contributor
Posts: 6,666
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

i got an led flashlight maybe 4" long at Advance Auto Parts keep it in glove compartment and it fits in pocket i love it very bright and cost $3.00
BETH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 09:45 PM   #10
Slabsides
Senior Member
 
Slabsides's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: L.A. (Lower Alabama)
Posts: 921
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by BETH View Post
i got an led flashlight maybe 4" long at Advance Auto Parts keep it in glove compartment and it fits in pocket i love it very bright and cost $3.00
If it's what I'm thinking of (aluminum and it's got a bunch of LEDs in front), do this: With a vice or vice grips, slightly squeeze the very front bezel just forward of the lens. Why? I turned mine on one night and the lens/bulb/electricals popped out. I put the guts back in and sqeezed the front and it's been fine since.

If it's the same one I have, Murphy's law will get you and it will happen when you need it the most.
__________________
/l ,[____],
l---L -OlllllllO-
()_)-()_)-o-)_)
Slabsides is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-25-2011, 11:10 PM   #11
dons2346
Advanced Senior Member
 
dons2346's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Move between WA and points south
Contributor
Posts: 1,415
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

If you like the look and feel of your old Mag, then you need a Malkoff drop in. http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop/

These baby's are bright, use either a C or D cell depending on your light, and they are satisfaction guaranteed. I have several and can say, what you read about throw and brightness is the truth.
__________________
"A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball, and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be your constant companion of your walks." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Peter Carr, 1785
dons2346 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 01:16 AM   #12
Country101
Advanced Senior Member
 
Country101's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Dardanelle, AR
Contributor
Posts: 2,026
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I like the bezels and tail caps. I may invest in them at some time. Found a guy a few years ago that made mods for the maglights, but he didnt have any ordering info.
__________________
Gainfully employed= shooting somebody elses bullets and getting paid for it

Country101
Country101 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 01:30 AM   #13
Vladimir
Advanced Senior Member
 
Vladimir's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Issaquah WA
Posts: 3,558
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Expensive flashlights are overrated. I used to sell a line of NEBOS at the building material store I worked at, of various models. One tiny one recharged by plugging right into your cigarette lighter on your car and was a simple on-off. One had seven settings including one where it would flash SOS in various strobes. All were plenty bright enough.

Here is the one I use the most, basic on-off.

#5112 CSI LUMA50™ $10

__________________
-JVRR
меня зовут Владимир
или Джеймс.
Я знаю только немного русский язык (я американец, но мой пра дедушка русски).
STEAM (CSS, TF2, etc): Ask me!
Xbox LIVE! GT: "Vlad is Rad"
PS3 PSN: "Vlad_Is_Rad"

Vladimir is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 03:01 AM   #14
jack404
Former Guest
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Australia
Contributor
Posts: 17,622
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

i've a mate here whos son is THE tech head on these things and i got one of these last Christmas from my mate ( chosen by his son)

UniqueFire AA-S1 3W OSRAM 160-Lumen LED Flashlight

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/uniquef...-1-14500-24220





and they are cheap !! i've bought a few since ...

sorry for the online store pic's ..

and i'n getting two of these ..

UniqueFire M9 CREE XM-L 3-Mode 750-Lumen White LED

http://www.dealextreme.com/p/uniquef...-1-18650-55847

Last edited by jack404; 12-26-2011 at 03:08 AM..
jack404 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 05:38 AM   #15
Shooter45
*Administrator*
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Contributor
Posts: 8,747
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I have a 5 cell Maglite and I have always thought it was pretty bright. Then I got this one from Bill DeShivs.

http://billdeshivs.com/bd/index.php?...products_id=83

The Maglite now sits in my gun room....less batteries. I don't feel like you will find a better light for the money.
Shooter45 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 10:15 AM   #16
Grizz
Senior Member
 
Grizz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Colorado Rocky Mountains
Posts: 648
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I live out where no one does, so I need to see at night pretty good since there are NO lights around. I use a CREE 5w Headlamp. Perfect for around the house, working on projects or whatever because its hands free and adjustable. I bought 3 of them on ebay and had them for about 3 months now and love them! They even come with 2 18650 rechargeable batteries and charger.

Check them out, I work on my guns all the time with these!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZOOMABLE-5W-...item27baf9f153

They are zoomable so you could see a big area of about 100 yards in front of you lit up in complete blackness, or you can zoom and spot animals almost 200 yards away.
Grizz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 10:37 AM   #17
coachwill
Forum Sponsor
 
coachwill's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Vestavia, AL
Posts: 122
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I have a couple of Surefire weapon lights that use the 123a batteries and I can pick them up from Grainger for $15 per dozen for the Surefire branded version of the batteries. Which is cheaper than the major brands and they store longer than the others as well. I also keep about 4 dozen in stock just in case we might need them for something. I also have converted over all the Maglite AA flashlights in the house to the LED bulbs.
coachwill is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 10:41 AM   #18
carver
*TFF Moderator/Host*
 
carver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: DAV, Deep in the Pineywoods of East Texas, just west of Shreveport, LA
Contributor
Posts: 11,221
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Stick with your Maglite. If it has the standard bulb in it, you can buy the conversion kit that will change it over to LED. The Coleman lights are great, and I use rechargable batteries in mine. The batteries hold up well, and these little lights are very bright. My target for 100 yds. is probably 130 yds form my front porch, and I can see it easily with either my Maglight, or the Coleman. Double D is, or was selling a little light that I think was 170 lumens, for around $35, check with him. That little lite is bright!
__________________
Y'all be safe now, ya hear!

Lamentations Chapter 5:
1. Remember, O LORD, what is come upon us: consider, and behold our reproach.
2. Our inheritance is turned to strangers, our houses to aliens.
3. We are orphans and fatherless, our mothers [are] as widows.
5. Our necks [are] under persecution: we labour, [and] have no rest.
16. The crown is fallen [from] our head: woe unto us, that we have sinned!
21. Turn thou us unto thee, O LORD, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.

Last edited by carver; 12-26-2011 at 10:43 AM..
carver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 03:11 PM   #19
Marlin T
Advanced Senior Member
 
Marlin T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: New Mexico
Posts: 7,857
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I have a Dorcy that takes 3AAA that outshines my 2 cell D maglight hands down.
LED is the only way to go, whiter light, consumes way less energy.

Speaking of that and beings that it is Christmas time, I guess I should replace the batteries beings that they are a year old.


Length: 4.76"

http://www.dorcy.com
Surefire makes quality stuff too.
I bet that Bill DeShivs's lights are good.

Thanks for the info about converting Mag Lights to LED Carver, I didn't know that.
15 bucks isn't a bad deal.







How about this one, 1000 meter throw on high

http://www.flashlightz.com/product.p...product=176339
__________________

"But the simple truth--born of experience--is that tyranny thrives best where government need not fear the wrath of an armed people."
Judge Alex Kozinski - United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

It is the duty of the patriot to protect his country from its government.
- Thomas Paine

Did you read todays GOOD shooting?
>>>KEEPANDBEARARMS.COM <<<

Last edited by Marlin T; 12-26-2011 at 03:55 PM..
Marlin T is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 03:30 PM   #20
Zhurh
Advanced Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Upper Yukon, Alaska
Posts: 1,808
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Have a streamlight tasklight 3-AA for one of the AR's, is ok out to 100 yards, about 8-9inches long, 40 bucks. Friends have Surefires and I think they are the best on guns.

I picked up these 4-5 inch NEBO Redlines for 27 bucks on sale. They are pretty good, put out a 10 yard circle at 100 yards makes the night, white daylight. Got them for the wife, we actually have wolves run our road and when it's minus 45 & trucks don't start, wife rides bus to school with the local kids. She feels safe when she can see everything she thinks is out there. 2 AA batteries, 220 lumens at 150 yards for 4 hours. Nice for in pocket.
Zhurh is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 03:57 PM   #21
Bobitis
Advanced Senior Member
 
Bobitis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,612
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Quote:
Originally Posted by Shooter45 View Post
I have a 5 cell Maglite and I have always thought it was pretty bright. Then I got this one from Bill DeShivs.

http://billdeshivs.com/bd/index.php?...products_id=83

The Maglite now sits in my gun room....less batteries. I don't feel like you will find a better light for the money.

WoWsa!

Too bad I don't do paypal.
__________________
^.^

A point in every direction is the same as having no point at all
Bobitis is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 04:31 PM   #22
CampingJosh
*TFF Moderator/Host*
 
CampingJosh's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Indiana
Contributor
Posts: 4,787
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

I have a few flashlights... I went to visit the in-laws for Christmas, and I only took 5 with me.

I like Fenix lights. (My personal favorite is the no-longer-available TK40.) I really like the Petzl Zipka headlamp. I also have had good experiences with the light I bought from Goodnight Flashlights, a one-man operation that travels the gun show circuit with his products.
__________________
Nothing posted on TheFirearmsForum.com constitutes legal, accounting, gunsmithing, or other professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for real advice.

Your life is lived at your own risk. Don't blame me for the dumb things you do.
CampingJosh is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 06:49 PM   #23
gun runner
Former Guest
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: South Texas
Contributor
Posts: 1,871
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

LED'S are a whole lot brighter and prettier. I have plenty of them on my semi truck but as far as flashlights or spotlights I would go with a regular flashlight or spotlight because the led lights seem to concentrate in a small area where you shine at it but a regular light for me makes better light
gun runner is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-26-2011, 08:11 PM   #24
HunterAlpha1
Former Guest
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Yorktown, VA
Posts: 1,049
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

even the dim setting on my current tactical light is so bright that when i need to do close up work i have to switch to a dimmer light.
HunterAlpha1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-27-2011, 04:14 PM   #25
cycloneman
Advanced Senior Member
 
cycloneman's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 7,398
Default Re: flashlight suggestions

Well thanks for all the suggestions.

I decided to buy 3 mini mags for 8.77 each. Came with pouch, and extra lenses at lowes. Like i said i am old school and i think the price for these led's are just a bit too high. Maybe in the next 5 to 10 years when i need to buy more they will have come down.

By the way I am gona fix my 3 d cell mag lite and i found a site with good prices on parts. Just in case anyone needs it

http://www.zbattery.com/Parts-homepage.htm
__________________


Who are you going to serve today?
cycloneman is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:28 PM.

STILL SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING? TRY THE TFF "GOOGLE" SEARCH ENGINE BELOW!
Google

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.7
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright ©2002 - 2013, TheFirearmsForum.Com