BigJim Posted November 7, 2017 at 07:42 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 07:42 PM My wife would like a new LED flashlight for Christmas. Her current (Harbor Freight) flashlight is not vary bright. She wants it for use at our cottage in Wisconsin. I'm thinking of getting it from Cabelas since I have a gift certificate from there. I would like to keep the price under $100. Any suggestions? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeffrey Posted November 7, 2017 at 08:12 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 08:12 PM I've been very happy with my fenix lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glock23 Posted November 7, 2017 at 08:28 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 08:28 PM I've been very happy with my fenix lights. That. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:42 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:42 PM I've been very happy with my fenix lights. That.Me too. Have a PD35 and LD12 although I expect there are new models/upgrades by now. If I could only find my battery recharger for the PD35 though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkroenlein Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:43 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:43 PM I've been very happy with my fenix lights.That.Me tooAnd I'm with these guys. ^ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TRJ Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:44 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 10:44 PM I've been very happy with my fenix lights.That.Me tooAnd I'm with these guys. ^ yep, Fenix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty425 Posted November 7, 2017 at 11:27 PM Share Posted November 7, 2017 at 11:27 PM Fenix, Nitecore, and Streamlight all make very good flashlights in your price range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InTheAir Posted November 8, 2017 at 12:38 AM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 12:38 AM I have a number of these. Never had one fail, they seem to hold a charge for a long time, and there is no separate charger (just a USB cord). They are extremely bright, and not too big. https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-88052-Professional-Tactical-Flashlight/dp/B00T8J9FGO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1510101378&sr=8-3&keywords=Streamlight+usb Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnyb82 Posted November 8, 2017 at 12:51 AM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 12:51 AM I've got a Streamlight that I absolutely love. Uses CR123s. Snagged one for my mom as a Christmas gift at PSA on black friday a few years back and loved it so much that I had to get the more powerful version for myself heh. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa Posted November 8, 2017 at 02:04 AM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 02:04 AM The Fenix PD25 is a nice light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trevis Posted November 8, 2017 at 03:39 AM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 03:39 AM Streamlight micro stream, it is in my pocket every day, about $22. Then get another of a higher power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebel49 Posted November 8, 2017 at 06:13 AM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 06:13 AM Fenix UC35, get the charger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimster Posted November 8, 2017 at 03:30 PM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 03:30 PM Streamlight Protac 2L Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Camar10 Posted November 8, 2017 at 04:11 PM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 04:11 PM Streamlight micro stream, it is in my pocket every day, about $22. Then get another of a higher power. Very good light, I carry one daily and use the heck out of it. Had it for years with zero problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vern Posted November 8, 2017 at 04:30 PM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 04:30 PM Stremlight is my choice as well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigJim Posted November 8, 2017 at 04:56 PM Author Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 04:56 PM Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hap Posted November 8, 2017 at 05:00 PM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 05:00 PM I bought a Nitecore P12 on the recommendation of someone on IC and really like it. I also have a Streamlight Microstream and Stylus Pro in my car, where I wanted AAA batteries. No problems with any of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
papa Posted November 8, 2017 at 05:06 PM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 05:06 PM I carry the Streamlight Microstream ( 35 lumen ) in front pocket and the Fenix PD20 ( 180 Lumen on turbo ) in pants pocket. I like both of them but am thinking about upgrading to the PD 25 which is why I recommended it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spu69 Posted November 8, 2017 at 10:36 PM Share Posted November 8, 2017 at 10:36 PM I have a streamlight pro tac (edit) HL, that takes 2 CR123 batteries and a NiteCore MH12 that uses a rechargable 18650 (and has a micro usb charging port). Love them both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ultra magnus Posted November 9, 2017 at 03:00 AM Share Posted November 9, 2017 at 03:00 AM For carry I've been loving the Nitcore TIP. Up to 300lumens, usb rechargable, small and flat to fit in a pocket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
InterestedBystander Posted November 9, 2017 at 04:26 AM Share Posted November 9, 2017 at 04:26 AM Is this too much? ;-) your choice of 4100 or a 40% smaller version of 2300 lumens http://www.wickedlasers.com/torch POPULAR MECHANICS REVIEWIn addition to pumping out a blinding 4100 lumens (just about every other commercial flashlight clocks in at well under 100), the Torch is supposed to be able to set fire to paper, melt plastic and even scramble eggs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigBL87 Posted November 9, 2017 at 01:26 PM Share Posted November 9, 2017 at 01:26 PM Olight, Fenix, and Streamlight would by my go-to's, without more information on what you/she specifically wants I couldn't get into specific models. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnyb82 Posted November 9, 2017 at 01:53 PM Share Posted November 9, 2017 at 01:53 PM I stand by my Streamlight Protac 2L (CR123). Didn't recall the model when I first posted. Sucker is extremely bright (lights up my entire backyard at night in high output mode) and sturdy as a tank. Has a serrated cap so you can smack a bad guy in the face with the endcap if all else fails. 3 modes, high, strobe, low. Have had it for three years and only had to replace the batteries once. Streamlight also makes a smaller version, the 1L that only uses a single CR123. It's tiny. I stay away from rechargeable flashlights because I'm SOL without a power source or don't have time to wait on it to charge plus those internal batteries eventually go bad, not much can be done except replace the flashlight. Much easier to just drop a new pair of batteries in there. Mother Earth probably hates my guts right now for chucking used up lithium batteries but oh well. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemikos Posted November 17, 2017 at 01:42 AM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 01:42 AM Is this too much? ;-) your choice of 4100 or a 40% smaller version of 2300 lumens http://www.wickedlasers.com/torch POPULAR MECHANICS REVIEWIn addition to pumping out a blinding 4100 lumens (just about every other commercial flashlight clocks in at well under 100), the Torch is supposed to be able to set fire to paper, melt plastic and even scramble eggs. That design is at least 5 years old; modern LED technology has basically surpassed it. I just got a 4-LED light that will put out over 6000 lumens with the right batteries, runs at least twice as long, has lower modes that can be used for normal flashlight stuff without blinding you when you just need to look at something up close, and doesn't get hot enough to start fires. Total cost including 4 high-drain 18650 batteries and a 4-battery charger (that will work with all my other batteries as well, so isn't exclusive to this light)? Under $75. That's serious overkill, almost to the point of being useless for EDC though. My current favorite is the Nitecore P12GT. It's "only" 1000 lumens, but for "defensive" use, the lumens aren't the most important consideration. The lumen rating includes all the light that spills off to the sides. More important is how far away the light will illuminate a target (which is a function of reflector design more than anything). The P12GT will light up objects over 300 yards away. It works best with a 18650 rechargeable battery, but accepts 2xCR123 batteries if you run down your rechargeable and don't have a charger handy; you just get about 75% of the run time. It's a 1" tube without a flared reflector, so it's easy to carry, and will fit in a 1" scope ring if you need the ability to mount it somewhere. Streamlight is a good choice too. I still occasionally use my TL-2 (old-school Xenon, not LED); remember how I said lumens weren't the most important consideration? The TL-2 puts out "only" 120 lm, but has a better usable range than the vast majority of LED lights out there... The downside is that it only gets 15 minutes of runtime (and no low modes), where the Nitecore will last anywhere from an hour on "turbo" mode to over 500 hours on the lowest setting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yeti Posted November 17, 2017 at 03:08 PM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 03:08 PM A friend suggested that I review the switch location on the light when making a choice. It was good advice. I’ve not had a Streamlight or Surefire or other good light with a protected tail cap switch turn on accidentally and that is important for pocket or bag carry (if your wife will ever do that). For me, that’s a big deal and it is also easier for me to index to the switch one handed if I ever need it for a serious, immediate emergency use. It is also true for a less-critical one handed issue (three dogs pulling hard on leashes in on hand, approaching creature in the dark that turns out to be a clueless (or sick) skunk closing in fast and requiring an immediate flashlight warning to scare it off with the other hand). I’ve had other experience with some good lights like Fenix with a switch on the side of the body. They’ve turned on by themselves in a bag or pocket. I noticed one due to the burning heat in a nylon jacket pocket (no glow noticed in the bright sunlight) and stopped a potential melted pocket. I watched a woman dump a great, high quality, high lumen light out of a purse that was useless because it switched in the purse and used up the battery. If bag or pocket carry is a need for your wife, make sure you’re comfortable with the switch type and if it is a one hand or two hand (twist) type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmyers Posted November 17, 2017 at 03:43 PM Share Posted November 17, 2017 at 03:43 PM I have to admit, I'm an Olight fan. I like the simple charging system and the new M2R Warrior has become my new EDC light. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
automatic Posted November 28, 2017 at 11:10 PM Share Posted November 28, 2017 at 11:10 PM I've got several flashlights... some are more specialized. Eagle Tac, (5) Streamlight, Olight. I've also used Nitecore & a few others. Understand what Lumens refers to & what Candela refers to... it's important if you want something specific. Out of all the lights I own/use... the one that is with me if I'm awake is the Streamlight Protac PT1L. As a matter of fact several co-workers, my wife, & some others friends all have this light as well. The main reason is that it's small enough to have with you without even thinking about it (my wife would not carry a larger light religiously). Also, it has one of the best beam profiles for general use. (enough lumens/ right amount of throw). I have a couple of them. The Olight S1 Baton is also in this size range but, it is a much more 'floody' light. The best light in the world is of no use, if you don't have it with you. Best of luck in your search. Respectfully, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnyb82 Posted November 29, 2017 at 12:48 PM Share Posted November 29, 2017 at 12:48 PM I'm a big fan of flashlights with clicky tailcaps. My Protac 2L stays in a travel bag of mine and it never clicks on inadvertently. I love that it has three modes and a knurled/serrated/any Protac owners wanna describe that (?) tailcap to use as a blunt instrument for self-defense if the excrement really hits the fan. Every flashlight I've ever owned that has a switch on the side has inadvertently turned on and the batteries drained. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumpnpump Posted November 29, 2017 at 02:09 PM Share Posted November 29, 2017 at 02:09 PM Over the years, I have aquired several Mag lites with the original bulbs. I dropped the dime last month and bought quality led replacement bulbs for all of them, three to six cell Ds. The lights are now effective out to about 300 ft. Cost about 12-13 dollars each. Good battery life and switches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skinnyb82 Posted November 29, 2017 at 03:41 PM Share Posted November 29, 2017 at 03:41 PM My Protac 2L uses a pair of CR123s and blasts the corn field behind my house when I put it on high output. It lights up half of my back yard (probably a quarter of an acre) when it's pitch black. Batteries on it last forever. Had it for 4 years or so, only changed out the batteries once. Then again, I don't use it as often as others use theirs. Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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