Carry Light that won't break the bank?

jgcoastie · March 7, 2009, 08:50 PM

I need another flashlight as I am tired of replacing the holster for my 'almost too big to carry' Smith & Wesson LED light. The nylon holster keeps coming apart at the seams and I just keep replacing it once every 6 weeks or so. Tired of doing this. I want one that is really bright (85+ lumens), small enough to clip on much like a pocketknife to either my belt or in a pocket, comes with an interchangeable red or blue filter, and doesn't cost a small fortune. (Less than $150)

Any ideas????

Wagonman · March 7, 2009, 09:41 PM

Pelican has some nice LED flashlights plenty bright and don't break the bank.

sholling · March 7, 2009, 10:00 PM

I have a whole bunch of lights that I like. Fenix are very well thought of over on the candlepowerforums* and I keep a Fenix P1D on my belt at all times. The thing is tiny and puts out a good light.

I keep a L2D in my car because the AA batteries are easy to find, but it's small enough for what you want. They have a new version that's even brighter called the LD20.

I keep a TK11B by my chair and in my desk. Maybe a tad heavy for what you want.

Red Filters

One final option is the Pelican 7060 LED for belt wear. I doubt you'll wear out that sheath in a month. It's leather and designed for duty belts.

I'm not sure about filters.

*cpf members used to get a small discount at the fenix-store. Google might turn up the code.

Bond007 · March 7, 2009, 10:00 PM

Try the Fenix PD20. I just bought one and love it. Single cell light, really bright, really small and about $60.

FALPhil · March 8, 2009, 12:11 AM

Coleman Cree XLamp

jgcoastie · March 8, 2009, 02:08 AM

Thanks guys, I really like the PD20 and the TK11B. What type of material is the holster for the TK11B made of? Is it durable?

sholling · March 8, 2009, 03:27 AM

The TK11 comes in a medium duty nylon holster with a flap closure. I don't have PD20 but I have the similar P2D and it came with a light duty but not flimsy open top holster. They do put out some serious light.

If you don't have a source for discount Li-Ion batteries I've used Battery Junction a couple of times and was treated fairly. Just remember that you probably want to use decent quality matched cells when running pairs of CR123 batteries in any high output flashlight. I've never had a problem but I like to give full disclosure. FWIW I use a single rechargeable 2600mAh 18650 Li-ion battery in my TK11s.

Homerboy · March 8, 2009, 07:45 AM

Surefire G2 with LED bulb. $50. Great light.

Delta1067 · March 8, 2009, 09:48 PM

1. Jet Beam Military III: http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jemi.html
Review: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=211631

2. Surefire 6P Incandescent: http://www.surefire.com/6P-Original

If you go this rout by a Malkoff LED Drop In. This is without argument the best LED drop in on the market. 235 Lumens. $55 http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/...8&products_id=

3. Eagletac P100C: http://www.pts-flashlights.com/produ...d=152-153-6607

shooter_john · March 9, 2009, 10:55 AM

Since I lost my Surefire E2L, and couldn't readily afford to replace it, I picked up one of the Pelican 3330's and absolutely could not be happier (especially since I got mine on sale for $24!!!).

http://www.lapolicegear.com/pelican-...lashlight.html

Delaware_Dan · March 13, 2009, 02:23 PM

Romisen RC-F4 with a CREE P4 LED 160 Lumens $14.60 @Dealextreme.com(read the reviews)

Romisen RC-F4 with a CREE Q5 LED 230 Lumens $22.95 @shiningbeam.com

I have the Romisen RC-F4 from dealextreme for $15, and if you point it at a white ceiling in a pitch black room it will light up the whole room enough to read easily. This is the brightest little flashlight for the money on the market and the quality is top notch.

The "hot spot" stays tight (about 10-12 inches) at 20 feet, and is impressive out to 100 yards. Shipping time (from dealextreme) is the only downfall though, it can be up to a month, but is usually quicker.

I recomend this flashlight to anyone who can't afford/justify a Surefire. It's brighter, cheap, and the fit and finish are superb. Romisen is very underrated IMHO. I have been meaning to do a review for this flashlight for a while. It just might be time. The batteries are CR123a By the way.

sholling · March 13, 2009, 03:40 PM

A couple of things to keep in mind about some $20 lights. I'm sure there are some good ones but what you lose in most of them is a power regulation circuit. That means that you're dumping the full power into the LED risking straining the battery (possibly causing a boom with a CR123) and the battery won't last half as long. This is what's called turbo mode in more expensive lights.

What you also sometimes see is serious overheating from driving the LED full tilt. This causes the LED to dim. I have one light that (aptly named the "Palm Blaze") that can just about raise burn blisters if you pick it up after it's been running for a while.

jgcoastie · March 17, 2009, 04:42 AM

I finally found a perfect fit... I was a t the local sporting goods store looking at Surefire lights for about $70 each. They offered 60 lumens/ 120 with replacement bulb for another $65.

My eyes wandered to the Browning "Tactical Hunter" display rack... Looked at their smaller ones, didn't like them. Settled my eyes on the Browning Tactical Hunter 210L.

210 LUMEN LED

for just $79. This thing is BLINDING!!! Also came with three lens covers (red, blue, green) that stay attached very well unlike some others I've tried. If you see one on a display rack somewhere, I HIGHLY recommend that you pick one up and try it. You'll be amazed at the brightness. Uses two 123 3v batteries. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a holster (it does come with a sturdy belt clip, but it's hard to draw/replace easily). Buddy gave me his nylon Surefire case and it fits great.

rantingredneck · March 17, 2009, 07:37 AM

Quote:

Coleman Cree XLamp

I'm a dedicated Surefire junkie, but I'll also chime in here with a plug for the Coleman Cree LED lights.

Several varieties to chose from and very good value for the money. Not as small as the OP was wanting, but for something to toss in a laptop bag or truck console as a spare they are great.

I have one in my laptop bag that has red/blue/white LEDs. No filter caps to lose just twist the bezel to get a different color. 75 lumens on white and IIRC, 15 on red or blue. They also have a white/red/green combination as well.

Hanging on the key rack by the door at my house is another Coleman with 75 lumen white LED only with a strike bezel similar to the Defender series surefires.

Nice lights for the money.

guns and more · March 17, 2009, 10:35 AM

Until you find the perfect expensive light, might I suggest you go to Lowe's and for $24 they have a LED flashlight that has 5 white LED's and a red led.
One button for white, another for red. Runs on 1 AA battery and is very lightweight. Not good for hitting someone over the head, but if you want to illuminate an area, this may be it. I even mounted one on my HD shotgun.
Super brite! Almost keychain size. (smaller than mini-mag, and 10 times as bright)

Rinspeed · March 27, 2009, 12:47 PM

Surefire G2 with Malkoff M60L is very hard to beat.

hihosilver · March 29, 2009, 05:01 PM

i bought a fenix that as big as a chapstick, so it is on me 24/7. Its about 60 lumens. I m a ME, but it impressed all of the Electrical engineers at work. Amazing how powerful that tiny flashlight is. I bought 2 on ebay for 37each

March 7, 2009, 08:50 PM	#1
jgcoastie Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 2,118	Carry Light that won't break the bank? I need another flashlight as I am tired of replacing the holster for my 'almost too big to carry' Smith & Wesson LED light. The nylon holster keeps coming apart at the seams and I just keep replacing it once every 6 weeks or so. Tired of doing this. I want one that is really bright (85+ lumens), small enough to clip on much like a pocketknife to either my belt or in a pocket, comes with an interchangeable red or blue filter, and doesn't cost a small fortune. (Less than $150) Any ideas???? __________________ "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." -Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.

March 7, 2009, 10:00 PM	#3
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	I have a whole bunch of lights that I like. Fenix are very well thought of over on the candlepowerforums* and I keep a Fenix P1D on my belt at all times. The thing is tiny and puts out a good light. I keep a L2D in my car because the AA batteries are easy to find, but it's small enough for what you want. They have a new version that's even brighter called the LD20. I keep a TK11B by my chair and in my desk. Maybe a tad heavy for what you want. Red Filters One final option is the Pelican 7060 LED for belt wear. I doubt you'll wear out that sheath in a month. It's leather and designed for duty belts. I'm not sure about filters. *cpf members used to get a small discount at the fenix-store. Google might turn up the code. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

March 8, 2009, 02:08 AM	#6
jgcoastie Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 2,118	Thanks guys, I really like the PD20 and the TK11B. What type of material is the holster for the TK11B made of? Is it durable? __________________ "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." -Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.

March 8, 2009, 03:27 AM	#7
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	The TK11 comes in a medium duty nylon holster with a flap closure. I don't have PD20 but I have the similar P2D and it came with a light duty but not flimsy open top holster. They do put out some serious light. If you don't have a source for discount Li-Ion batteries I've used Battery Junction a couple of times and was treated fairly. Just remember that you probably want to use decent quality matched cells when running pairs of CR123 batteries in any high output flashlight. I've never had a problem but I like to give full disclosure. FWIW I use a single rechargeable 2600mAh 18650 Li-ion battery in my TK11s. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society. Last edited by sholling; March 8, 2009 at 10:46 AM.

March 8, 2009, 09:48 PM	#9
Delta1067 Member Join Date: December 8, 2008 Posts: 20	Flashlight Choices 1. Jet Beam Military III: http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jemi.html Review: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...d.php?t=211631 2. Surefire 6P Incandescent: http://www.surefire.com/6P-Original If you go this rout by a Malkoff LED Drop In. This is without argument the best LED drop in on the market. 235 Lumens. $55 http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/...8&products_id= 3. Eagletac P100C: http://www.pts-flashlights.com/produ...d=152-153-6607

March 7, 2009, 09:41 PM	#2
Wagonman Senior Member Join Date: September 11, 2008 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 1,014	Pelican has some nice LED flashlights plenty bright and don't break the bank.

March 7, 2009, 10:00 PM	#4
Bond007 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2005 Location: San Francisco, Ca Posts: 317	Try the Fenix PD20. I just bought one and love it. Single cell light, really bright, really small and about $60.

March 8, 2009, 12:11 AM	#5
FALPhil Senior Member Join Date: September 10, 2007 Location: Racoon City Posts: 934	Coleman Cree XLamp

March 8, 2009, 07:45 AM	#8
Homerboy Junior member Join Date: June 16, 2004 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,320	Surefire G2 with LED bulb. $50. Great light.

March 9, 2009, 10:55 AM	#10
shooter_john Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2002 Location: ALABAMA Posts: 1,472	Pelican 3330 Since I lost my Surefire E2L, and couldn't readily afford to replace it, I picked up one of the Pelican 3330's and absolutely could not be happier (especially since I got mine on sale for $24!!!). http://www.lapolicegear.com/pelican-...lashlight.html

March 13, 2009, 02:23 PM	#11
Delaware_Dan Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2008 Posts: 1,304	Romisen RC-F4 with a CREE P4 LED 160 Lumens $14.60 @Dealextreme.com(read the reviews) Romisen RC-F4 with a CREE Q5 LED 230 Lumens $22.95 @shiningbeam.com I have the Romisen RC-F4 from dealextreme for $15, and if you point it at a white ceiling in a pitch black room it will light up the whole room enough to read easily. This is the brightest little flashlight for the money on the market and the quality is top notch. The "hot spot" stays tight (about 10-12 inches) at 20 feet, and is impressive out to 100 yards. Shipping time (from dealextreme) is the only downfall though, it can be up to a month, but is usually quicker. I recomend this flashlight to anyone who can't afford/justify a Surefire. It's brighter, cheap, and the fit and finish are superb. Romisen is very underrated IMHO. I have been meaning to do a review for this flashlight for a while. It just might be time. The batteries are CR123a By the way.

March 13, 2009, 03:40 PM	#12
sholling Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 1999 Location: Hemet (middle of nowhere) California Posts: 4,261	A couple of things to keep in mind about some $20 lights. I'm sure there are some good ones but what you lose in most of them is a power regulation circuit. That means that you're dumping the full power into the LED risking straining the battery (possibly causing a boom with a CR123) and the battery won't last half as long. This is what's called turbo mode in more expensive lights. What you also sometimes see is serious overheating from driving the LED full tilt. This causes the LED to dim. I have one light that (aptly named the "Palm Blaze") that can just about raise burn blisters if you pick it up after it's been running for a while. __________________ Proud Life Member: National Rifle Association, California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation. Annual Member: Revolutionary War Veterans Association (Project Appleseed) and the Madison Society.

March 17, 2009, 04:42 AM	#13
jgcoastie Senior Member Join Date: February 15, 2009 Location: Kodiak, Alaska Posts: 2,118	I finally found a perfect fit... I was a t the local sporting goods store looking at Surefire lights for about $70 each. They offered 60 lumens/ 120 with replacement bulb for another $65. My eyes wandered to the Browning "Tactical Hunter" display rack... Looked at their smaller ones, didn't like them. Settled my eyes on the Browning Tactical Hunter 210L. 210 LUMEN LED for just $79. This thing is BLINDING!!! Also came with three lens covers (red, blue, green) that stay attached very well unlike some others I've tried. If you see one on a display rack somewhere, I HIGHLY recommend that you pick one up and try it. You'll be amazed at the brightness. Uses two 123 3v batteries. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a holster (it does come with a sturdy belt clip, but it's hard to draw/replace easily). Buddy gave me his nylon Surefire case and it fits great. __________________ "To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them." -Richard Henry Lee, Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress, initiator of the Declaration of Independence, and member of the first Senate, which passed the Bill of Rights.

March 17, 2009, 10:35 AM	#15
guns and more Senior Member Join Date: January 16, 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 101	Until you find the perfect expensive light, might I suggest you go to Lowe's and for $24 they have a LED flashlight that has 5 white LED's and a red led. One button for white, another for red. Runs on 1 AA battery and is very lightweight. Not good for hitting someone over the head, but if you want to illuminate an area, this may be it. I even mounted one on my HD shotgun. Super brite! Almost keychain size. (smaller than mini-mag, and 10 times as bright)

March 27, 2009, 12:47 PM	#16
Rinspeed Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2000 Posts: 1,505	Surefire G2 with Malkoff M60L is very hard to beat.

March 29, 2009, 05:01 PM	#17
hihosilver Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 163	i bought a fenix that as big as a chapstick, so it is on me 24/7. Its about 60 lumens. I m a ME, but it impressed all of the Electrical engineers at work. Amazing how powerful that tiny flashlight is. I bought 2 on ebay for 37each __________________ Guitars and guns. The 2 things that keep me sane.