I pretty much know nothing about flashlights other than that I hate Maglights. My agency issues us officers a small rechargable streamlight (used it 95% of the time until it went missing) and a larger rechargeable streamlight (used other 5%) that is a piece of doodoo. Neither have a enough output to perform the tasks I need it to. That being said, can some of you knowledgeable people point me in the right direction? My biggest constraint is budget.

1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
I intend to use it while on patrol. I work in a boat at night a lot and need some serious throw in order to illuminate reflective navigation aids at a distance. I would also like something with an intense output for vehicle stops. It needs to have a decent runtime so I don’t stranded in the dark trying to track someone down too.

2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[x] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn’t matter.

3) Price Range:
[x] $75.00 or less (preferably less!)

4) Format:
PART A
[x] I want a flashlight.

PART B
Length:
[x] 4-9 inches. If shorter than that, that’s ok too.

PART C
Width:
[x] Doesn’t matter.

PART D
Weight:
I don’t care much about the weight.

5) What kind of “bulb”.
[x] Don’t care, just want the best fit for my needs.

6) What batteries do you want to use?
[x] I want a rechargeable system.

7) How much light do you want?
[x] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (200+ lumens)

8) Throw vs Flood:
Throw (distance)———-x———————————-Flood/close-up

9) Runtime:
2 hours at max output, 8-10 at intermediate, flexible at the minimum

10) Durability:
[x] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)

11) Switch Type:
Prefer clicky, but slide is OK

12) Switch Location:
I’d prefer a switch near the head to make it easier to manipulate while holding a pistol but I’m flexible on this as well

13) Operational Modes:
[x] I want multiple light levels. If the price/output/runtime is right, then 2 light levels is OK

14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
[x] I don’t care.

15) Special Needs: Is
[x] Waterproof
[x] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish