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My next light – suggestions?

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  • #33847
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    Keymaster

    Gonna give the checklist and you light guys a try… :) See what I’m missing out on in the light world.

    Currently I have at home:
    -3 LedLenser P7’s (great light but rather bulky for EDC)
    – Hugsby P2 AA/CR123 which I’m using for EDC
    – Fandyfire F102 18650 XM-L light, very bright, but a bit long for EDC on my person
    – 3D Maglight with a 1200 lumen XM-L insert
    – couple mystery brand 18650 lights
    – Petzl XP2 headlamp

    1) Short Essay Question:
    I will use this light for regular EDC carry and multifunciton lighting. Everything from finding my way around the house without disturbing anyone, to lighting the fuse panel when I need to change a fuse, to spotlighting the back yard to see what the dogs are barking at, to lantern lighting in the tent when camping. It should be tough because I am har don things and it may be my only light in an emergency.

    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.
    [ ] I am in Canada_(country) and __ONtario_(state/providence).

    3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :broke:
    [ ] $1-15
    [X] $15-30
    [X] $40-60
    [ ] $80-$120 It woudl have to be “perfect” for me to pony up this much, since I have some really nice lights that were under $30.

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

    PART B
    Length:
    [ ] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
    [x] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)

    PART C
    Width:
    [ ] I prefer a long narrow light.
    [ ] I prefer a short wide light.
    [x] Doesn’t matter.

    PART D
    Weight:
    [x] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
    [x] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag

    5) What kind of “bulb”.
    [x] LED – more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)

    6) What batteries do you want to use?
    I want common AA/AAA (NIMH) or 18650 Li

    7) How much light do you want?
    [x] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
    [x] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
    [x] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
    [x] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
    [x] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)

    8) 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. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won’t have to “sweep” the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.

    Throw (distance)—x——————-|———————-Flood/close-up

    9) Runtime:
    [x] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods) ON uber high
    [ ] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
    [ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
    [x] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours) on low low because I want multiple levels.

    10) Durability: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

    [x] Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
    [x] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Self-defense, Survival.)

    11) Switch Type:
    [x] I don’t care. Except must have more than momentary for hands free operation.

    12) Switch Location:
    [x] I don’t care.

    13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
    [x] I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
    I don’t want strobe modes. and it should start on lowest setting, or be selectable.

    14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
    [X] I don’t care.
    [ ] I want a metal-bodied light.
    [ ] I want a plastic/composite light.

    15) 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
    [x] Waterproof – how deep: __10ft or less___________
    [ ] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
    [ ] Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating) Not keen on polish, bu colour is good.
    [x] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
    (left nice to haves here but didn’t check them)

    Edited to add that I also have a Petzl XP2 Core with programmable light levels :)

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