Swirl Finder

[ShakingHorizons]

I potentially have a big job coming up - (`72 Monte Carlo with a bunch of motor work, repainted last year) that will require more than just my Harbor Freight hack-job of a flashlight I have been using. The guy has seen my work and has high expectations. The car is Thrashed - emphasis on TRASHED. It looks along the lines of the http://www.autopia.org/forums/click-brag-the-detailers-showcase/185832-1997-porsche-911-carrera-multi-step-correction-wheels-cquartz-finest-service.html - but has clear (luckily).

Anyway, I am in the market for a true swirl finder - something of quality. I am a firm believer that if you invest in quality, it will pay off long-term. I have searched the site and have come up with a wide range of options -

Nightstick MT-120 Mini-TAC Metal LED Flashlight-2 AA, 5.6-Inch - seems great to just have on your person, whether to just check a vehicle out for quoting or just to have in your pocket.
https://www.amazon.com/Nightstick-MT-120-Mini-TAC-Flashlight-2-5-6-Inch/dp/B00LHSZA4U

Nightstick MT-100BL Mini-TAC Metal LED Flashlight - 2 AAA, 5.4 in - same as above, just lower lumens (100 compared to 140)
https://www.amazon.com/Nightstick-MT-100BL-Mini-TAC-Metal-Flashlight/dp/B00OZXTA0O/ref=pd_lpo_60_tr_t_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HKFSVW3E72JEMW3KSEC9


So those are obviously the cheaper option and I may pick one of those up just for the hell of it. I have seen Fenix posted often, but would like some user feedback before spending the money.

Fenix TK15 Flashlight-400 Lumens
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00935SL2M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

LED Lenser - H14.2 Headlamp - I have often thought that a headlamp would be a great tool to stay hands-free (maybe not?)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0053GV2T4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am by no means limited to Amazon - they just happened to be what was linked in previously threads (dating back to 2006).


Would love to hear the feedback of others!

[cf2121]

I just bought this Astro Pneumatic Tool 50SL Sunlight 400 lm CRI 97 Rechargeable Handheld Color Match Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CHP76CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t9e4xbVNNF8JB
And it rocks! I`ll be posting my detail soon with pictures of it.

[Raymoche]

Here`s my weapon of choice...

IYP365, you can find it on amazon for around 25 bucks.

Why do I recommend this light? uhm.. would you take "Trust me, I`m an Engineer" lol?

But okay so this light has a few modes and around 100 lumens at the brightest setting, but the cool thing about it is that it uses a Nichia CRI 93 LED, what this means is it produces light that can generate 93% color reproduction.. or more accurate color rendering, very useful to spot paint that doesnt color match.

It`s a pen light, so it`s ultra pocketable, its called IYP365, or In Your Pocket 365. Uses 2x AAA batteries so its readily available.

edit* link: https://www.amazon.com/LUMINTOP%C2%AE-Luxurious-Portable-Flashlight-Waterproof/dp/B01HGHWZZW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474319067&sr=8-1&keywords=iyp365&th=1

No I have no affiliation with this product, but I just can`t see spending more than 25 bucks on a swirl finder pen light.

I also have a 1k lumen Nitecore flash light that I use for those moments where I swear I have to find some imperfections. But in most cases this 25 dollar light is sufficient.

[JustJesus]

I bought a cheap light for some hiking I was doing up in North California. I found it very comparable to the FLex light. Similar body, similar adjustment. If anything, I would say the Flex has a slightly better bulb, or LED, or whatever.

Here`s that light: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005FEGYCO/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

There was a time, recently, where I was bored and wanted to do some kind of project. Ended up making my own "Sun Gun" using a cordless drill body, a bulb, and a wiring harness clip thing. For under 60$. And honestly, after I figured out where to hold the light away from the panel, I feel it serves me better than the Flex. There was a slight learning curve to it, as I was used to holding the other lights a certain way, and from certain angles. With this DIY Sun Gun, i back up from the panel, and pretty much just aim it straight ahead on the panel.

I`ve been *wanting* to do a write up with pics, but damn If I`m having trouble getting that motivation going!

[Raymoche]

I just bought this Astro Pneumatic Tool 50SL Sunlight 400 lm CRI 97 Rechargeable Handheld Color Match Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CHP76CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t9e4xbVNNF8JB
And it rocks! I`ll be posting my detail soon with pictures of it.

Hmm that looks like a pretty nice choice, the only thing I don`t like about it is proprietary charging, and possibly size.. Might grab one to check it out...! Awesome recommendation.

[The Guz]

I just bought this Astro Pneumatic Tool 50SL Sunlight 400 lm CRI 97 Rechargeable Handheld Color Match Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CHP76CU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_t9e4xbVNNF8JB
And it rocks! I`ll be posting my detail soon with pictures of it.

Looks like a nice light. Similar to the scangrip light.

DI now has this combo for $110 with $5 shipping. Been playing with the scangrip pen light and it works very well.

http://www.detailedimage.com/products/auto/Sunmatch-Light-and-Matchpen-Light-Kit_cover_1333_full_723.jpg

[ShakingHorizons]

Looks like a nice light. Similar to the scangrip light.

DI now has this combo for $110 with $5 shipping. Been playing with the scangrip pen light and it works very well.



Would you say you use the handheld as much as the pen light? Or primarily just the pen light?

[cf2121]

Looks like a nice light. Similar to the scangrip light.

DI now has this combo for $110 with $5 shipping. Been playing with the scangrip pen light and it works very well.

http://www.detailedimage.com/products/auto/Sunmatch-Light-and-Matchpen-Light-Kit_cover_1333_full_723.jpg


Heisenberg here actually recommended it to me and told me it was basically a knockoff Scangrip.

[cf2121]

Hmm that looks like a pretty nice choice, the only thing I don`t like about it is proprietary charging, and possibly size.. Might grab one to check it out...! Awesome recommendation.

It holds a charge very well. It came out of the box with 4/5 lights lit up (assuming this is 80% charged), and I used it on and off for about 15 hours. The light indicator went down to two lights (40%) by the time I was finished with my detail.

Size wasn`t an issue for me. It`s like holding a fatter TV remote, but it`s sturdy and easy to hold. I even dropped it a few times and it`s fine.

[The Guz]

Would you say you use the handheld as much as the pen light? Or primarily just the pen light?

I only have the pen light. The deal came later with the addition of the handheld.

[RaskyR1]

I have the Fenix TK15 and PD35 and the later is the better of the two. I`ve also compared the PD35 to the Flex and Rupes lights and the PD35 is noticeably better at showing the light micro marring than many other lights, including the sun, which fail to show these fine defects. I`ve also talked to another PD35 owner and he says its better then the Scangrip, but that the Scangrip was nice too.

Too many lights out there to test but the Fenix PD35 is used and approved by many...and it was also coined the "Dream Crusher"! :P

[BSkip333]

Is there a specific model for the PD35? Are they all the correct color lamp?

[Raymoche]

It holds a charge very well. It came out of the box with 4/5 lights lit up (assuming this is 80% charged), and I used it on and off for about 15 hours. The light indicator went down to two lights (40%) by the time I was finished with my detail.

Size wasn`t an issue for me. It`s like holding a fatter TV remote, but it`s sturdy and easy to hold. I even dropped it a few times and it`s fine.

I am a removable battery type of person, something with non serviceable battery usually wont stay in my arsenal, but with that said, I wonder what LED are these 95+ cri lights using, as far as I know the Nichia in the IYP365 is one of the most accurately CRI rated LED bulb, they do have a 95 and 98 cri bulb but cost exponentially more, I think I will enjoy my 25 dollar light much more :P

[heisenberg]

Heisenberg here actually recommended it to me and told me it was basically a knockoff Scangrip.

It`s really a great light. I don`t mind that it has to be charged. If you want standalone lights Zach McGoverns thread on building a light stand is great. I`ve had good luck with some of the flashlights on Amazon that other users have linked too but that handheld light is just the right amount of brightness and the right color too.

[Stokdgs]

I have the Fenix TK15 and PD35 and the later is the better of the two. I`ve also compared the PD35 to the Flex and Rupes lights and the PD35 is noticeably better at showing the light micro marring than many other lights, including the sun, which fail to show these fine defects. I`ve also talked to another PD35 owner and he says its better then the Scangrip, but that the Scangrip was nice too.

Too many lights out there to test but the Fenix PD35 is used and approved by many...and it was also coined the "Dream Crusher"! :P

Chad -
Which Fenix PD35 - the 960 lumen or the 1,000 lumen ??
Thanks-
Dan F