I'm sick and tired of lousy flashlights!

Te Anau · January 23, 2012, 10:13 AM

Over the last 5 years or so,I have purchased a number of LED flashlights only to have every one of them have some kind of issue.Lousy switches that need to be turned on and off repeatedly until they decide to work and light that flickers with the slightest movement of the flashlight.I'm sick and tired of having to beg and plead with my flashlights in order to get them to perform.Is there a brand out there that can be counted on to work through thick and thin? I like a 1" flashlight,as I have several adapters that they can be clamped into for shotgun use or similar.

riggins_83 · January 23, 2012, 10:16 AM

Surefire...

Pilot · January 23, 2012, 10:19 AM

I have a Surefire, but they "Sure" are expensive. I have just as good flashlights from Four Sevens, and Fenix. Those two brands seem to have good, quality products for the money.

shootniron · January 23, 2012, 10:27 AM

Fenix...problem solved.

pgdion · January 23, 2012, 10:41 AM

Maglites have yet to disappoint and I've had good luck with most of Garrity's products myself.

btw - Maglites are still made in USA!

wogpotter · January 23, 2012, 12:30 PM

Maglite here as well. I've had a "2-cellAA" with an LED conversion (I threw out the butt-cap with it's push button switch though& used the original though) &an original 2AA LED from the factory. Never had a problem with either of them for years & I don't baby them.

armoredman · January 23, 2012, 01:32 PM

Laugh all you want, but this one worked very well at work as a search flashlight, and back up impact weapon if need be. Been using it for 6-8 months with no issues, and the original set of AAA batteries, plus it has a magnetized base that will hold it up on any metal surface, plus built in laser pointer, and four different light modes including white, green, blue and one I haven't QUITE figured out, flashing green. A lot cheaper than a Surefire, but of course, not as bright. Good inexpensive flashlight that works well.

http://shop.cz-usa.com/P-19761/Nebo-...lashlight.aspx

dieselbeef · January 23, 2012, 01:51 PM

streamlight.......

AK103K · January 23, 2012, 02:37 PM

I used Surefire and Streamlights for years, and got fed up with paying out the butt for them. For the last 5 or 6 years, Ive been using these.....

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...CREE-Q5/Detail

For $20, they work great, are as bright or brighter than my old Scorpions, have lasted as long or longer than the high dollar lights, and if they should take a dump, Im only out $20.

Skadoosh · January 23, 2012, 02:44 PM

Fenix, Surefire, Streamlight have all performed very well for me.

Nitesites · January 23, 2012, 02:50 PM

$urefire, Streamlight, Olight, Elzetta...

dieselbeef · January 23, 2012, 02:55 PM

that 20 dollar light does not have 185 lumens either,,,my led streamlights are good for an id of a face at 300 ft..the length of my driveway

Lee McNelly · January 23, 2012, 03:00 PM

no way surefire bulbs alone 70 or more go thru batteries like tp

dieselbeef · January 23, 2012, 03:03 PM

read it and weep

http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=123

the non led ones are 1'' and i have them on an ar and shotgun

AK103K · January 23, 2012, 03:05 PM

My Romisens easily shine over 100 yards across my back yard with a tight, white beam. The claim 235 lumens, I cant say for sure that they are, but then again, can we really prove the claims of any of the others, other than by comparison?

Nitesites · January 23, 2012, 03:09 PM

Yes, the cost can seem steep but the quality is inarguable. Stick with LED and rechargeable to offset long-term costs. I would rather have one high quality light than a hundred cheap "maybe" lights.

scottycoyote · January 23, 2012, 03:37 PM

for a small carry light i like surefire or novatac

redneck · January 23, 2012, 03:55 PM

I'm a fan of four sevens. Quality is great and they seem to have the best value in terms of output and features.
Have handled a few by fenix and they are nice lights too, but I prefer the four sevens.
I have several lights made by Inova as well, and I really like them but they haven't been very competitive lately on size and performance that I have seen. The T-series lights were awesome when new, but my four sevens lights are half the size and quite a bit brighter now. I use them a lot more because I can carry them with me all the time.

Ryan19D · January 23, 2012, 10:52 PM

Surefires, although expensive (and yes you have to use the 3v batteries) are by far the most durable and dependable lights out there. I had one strapped to my M4, a smaller one in my pocket, and then the helmet light on my kevlar.

pgdion · January 24, 2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Maglite here as well. I've had a "2-cellAA" with an LED conversion

Yea, I just picked up the 2 AA LED light for christmas, the thing is bright! And even with the LED, it's still able to fan out the beam pretty good ... impressive. What I really like (besides the Made in USA) is that it uses AA batteries. So if you run down and are out of spares, replacement batteries are easy to scrounge up or buy anywhere. I always have packs of AA and AAA everywhere since they are used in everything, flashlights, radios, cameras, game machines, ect. btw - I switched to Lithium AA in my flashlights. The Energizer Ultimate last about 2x longer than alkaline do in high power flashlights. Maglite has a lot of new LED offerings, I want to pick up their XL200 next.

Te Anau · January 25, 2012, 11:28 AM

That Nebo CSI Quatro that armoredman recommends does everything!

Syntax360 · January 25, 2012, 02:23 PM

For my money, Fenix is the best dollar-for-value offering out there. They make excellent stuff at a very fair price.

kraigwy · January 25, 2012, 02:45 PM

I've always had best luck with those cheap plastic standard flashlights you find in the grocery store check out line.

Often you can find one with batteries that cheaper then the batteries alone.

The best flashlight I have, and has worked the longest is my old Army L Shaped flashlight.

orangello · January 25, 2012, 03:06 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Nebo-Redline-T.../dp/B004BOAUQU

I have been very happy with this Nebo Redline. It has a focus ring that takes it from spot to flood. It has some sharp edges that would probably be useful in a struggle. The flashing setting might also be useful for distracting someone or making it more difficult for them to see well. I can't comment on battery life, as mine is stored in my car and such.

I have not wanted to mount it on a firearm, but it seems to be in the correct size range for a shotgun.

Kreyzhorse · January 27, 2012, 08:08 PM

I love Maglites, but after buying a Surefire I'm sold on them.

January 23, 2012, 10:13 AM	#1
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the No Posts: 3,824	I'm sick and tired of lousy flashlights! Over the last 5 years or so,I have purchased a number of LED flashlights only to have every one of them have some kind of issue.Lousy switches that need to be turned on and off repeatedly until they decide to work and light that flickers with the slightest movement of the flashlight.I'm sick and tired of having to beg and plead with my flashlights in order to get them to perform.Is there a brand out there that can be counted on to work through thick and thin? I like a 1" flashlight,as I have several adapters that they can be clamped into for shotgun use or similar. __________________ "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." --American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)

January 23, 2012, 10:16 AM	#2
riggins_83 Senior Member Join Date: January 19, 2009 Location: Wherever I may roam Posts: 1,506	Surefire... __________________ l've heard police work is dangerous. Yes, that's why l carry a big gun. Couldn't it go off accidentally? l used to have that problem. What did you do about it? l just think about baseball. -Leslie Nielsen

January 23, 2012, 10:19 AM	#3
Pilot Senior Member Join Date: December 21, 2000 Posts: 4,193	I have a Surefire, but they "Sure" are expensive. I have just as good flashlights from Four Sevens, and Fenix. Those two brands seem to have good, quality products for the money. __________________ Pilot

January 23, 2012, 10:41 AM	#5
pgdion Senior Member Join Date: April 22, 2010 Location: MPLS, MN Posts: 1,214	Maglites have yet to disappoint and I've had good luck with most of Garrity's products myself. btw - Maglites are still made in USA! __________________ 597 VTR, because there's so many cans and so little time!

January 23, 2012, 12:30 PM	#6
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Maglite here as well. I've had a "2-cellAA" with an LED conversion (I threw out the butt-cap with it's push button switch though& used the original though) &an original 2AA LED from the factory. Never had a problem with either of them for years & I don't baby them. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

January 23, 2012, 10:27 AM	#4
shootniron Senior Member Join Date: April 16, 2011 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,599	Fenix...problem solved.

January 23, 2012, 01:32 PM	#7
armoredman Senior Member Join Date: May 22, 2007 Location: Arizona Posts: 5,299	Laugh all you want, but this one worked very well at work as a search flashlight, and back up impact weapon if need be. Been using it for 6-8 months with no issues, and the original set of AAA batteries, plus it has a magnetized base that will hold it up on any metal surface, plus built in laser pointer, and four different light modes including white, green, blue and one I haven't QUITE figured out, flashing green. A lot cheaper than a Surefire, but of course, not as bright. Good inexpensive flashlight that works well. http://shop.cz-usa.com/P-19761/Nebo-...lashlight.aspx

January 23, 2012, 01:51 PM	#8
dieselbeef Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Location: myakka city fl Posts: 312	streamlight.......

January 23, 2012, 02:37 PM	#9
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	I used Surefire and Streamlights for years, and got fed up with paying out the butt for them. For the last 5 or 6 years, Ive been using these..... http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/t...CREE-Q5/Detail For $20, they work great, are as bright or brighter than my old Scorpions, have lasted as long or longer than the high dollar lights, and if they should take a dump, Im only out $20.

January 23, 2012, 02:44 PM	#10
Skadoosh Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2010 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 2,016	Fenix, Surefire, Streamlight have all performed very well for me. __________________ NRA Life Member USN Retired

January 23, 2012, 02:50 PM	#11
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	$urefire, Streamlight, Olight, Elzetta...

January 23, 2012, 02:55 PM	#12
dieselbeef Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Location: myakka city fl Posts: 312	that 20 dollar light does not have 185 lumens either,,,my led streamlights are good for an id of a face at 300 ft..the length of my driveway

January 23, 2012, 03:00 PM	#13
Lee McNelly Junior member Join Date: June 9, 2011 Posts: 325	lite no way surefire bulbs alone 70 or more go thru batteries like tp

January 23, 2012, 03:03 PM	#14
dieselbeef Senior Member Join Date: November 3, 2011 Location: myakka city fl Posts: 312	read it and weep http://www.streamlight.com/product/product.aspx?pid=123 the non led ones are 1'' and i have them on an ar and shotgun

January 23, 2012, 03:05 PM	#15
AK103K Senior Member Join Date: May 1, 2001 Posts: 10,223	My Romisens easily shine over 100 yards across my back yard with a tight, white beam. The claim 235 lumens, I cant say for sure that they are, but then again, can we really prove the claims of any of the others, other than by comparison?

January 23, 2012, 03:09 PM	#16
Nitesites Senior Member Join Date: March 28, 2011 Posts: 600	Yes, the cost can seem steep but the quality is inarguable. Stick with LED and rechargeable to offset long-term costs. I would rather have one high quality light than a hundred cheap "maybe" lights.

January 23, 2012, 03:37 PM	#17
scottycoyote Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2005 Location: southwestern va Posts: 830	for a small carry light i like surefire or novatac __________________ "i got the most powerful gun in the world........an .88 magnum. It shoots thru schools......"

January 23, 2012, 03:55 PM	#18
redneck Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 364	I'm a fan of four sevens. Quality is great and they seem to have the best value in terms of output and features. Have handled a few by fenix and they are nice lights too, but I prefer the four sevens. I have several lights made by Inova as well, and I really like them but they haven't been very competitive lately on size and performance that I have seen. The T-series lights were awesome when new, but my four sevens lights are half the size and quite a bit brighter now. I use them a lot more because I can carry them with me all the time. __________________ Fix it right the first time... Use Baling Wire !

January 23, 2012, 10:52 PM	#19
Ryan19D Junior Member Join Date: January 23, 2012 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 5	Surefires, although expensive (and yes you have to use the 3v batteries) are by far the most durable and dependable lights out there. I had one strapped to my M4, a smaller one in my pocket, and then the helmet light on my kevlar. __________________ Taurus PT111 Pro 9mm Para Arms custom P14-45 .45cal Springfield 1942 M1 Garand Remington 700 SPS Tactical .308 If you ain't Cav... You ain't $h/t!

January 25, 2012, 11:28 AM	#21
Te Anau Senior Member Join Date: June 17, 2004 Location: Somewhere south of the No Posts: 3,824	That Nebo CSI Quatro that armoredman recommends does everything! __________________ "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." --American author Mark Twain (1835-1910)

January 25, 2012, 02:23 PM	#22
Syntax360 Senior Member Join Date: April 17, 2006 Location: Grand Prairie, TX Posts: 694	For my money, Fenix is the best dollar-for-value offering out there. They make excellent stuff at a very fair price.

January 25, 2012, 02:45 PM	#23
kraigwy Senior Member Join Date: June 16, 2008 Location: Wyoming Posts: 11,061	I've always had best luck with those cheap plastic standard flashlights you find in the grocery store check out line. Often you can find one with batteries that cheaper then the batteries alone. The best flashlight I have, and has worked the longest is my old Army L Shaped flashlight. __________________ Kraig Stuart CPT USAR Ret USAMU Sniper School Distinguished Rifle Badge 1071

January 25, 2012, 03:06 PM	#24
orangello Senior Member Join Date: February 25, 2009 Posts: 566	http://www.amazon.com/Nebo-Redline-T.../dp/B004BOAUQU I have been very happy with this Nebo Redline. It has a focus ring that takes it from spot to flood. It has some sharp edges that would probably be useful in a struggle. The flashing setting might also be useful for distracting someone or making it more difficult for them to see well. I can't comment on battery life, as mine is stored in my car and such. I have not wanted to mount it on a firearm, but it seems to be in the correct size range for a shotgun.

January 27, 2012, 08:08 PM	#25
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	I love Maglites, but after buying a Surefire I'm sold on them. __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson