Inspection lights in car detailing: Brinkmann vs Sun Gun vs other sources

[MarcHarris]

Inspecting your work is as important as the work you perform on a vehicle. Without proper inspection, you can`t be sure what you`re attempting to accomplish is working. Using various lighting sources will help to uncover the results you`re achieving much quicker which saves time in the long run. While good ambient lighting is helpful, hand-held lighting sources can better target specific areas you wish to inspect. In this article, I will discuss a few different options for easily portable inspection lights.





Above photo courtesy of Barry Theal and Presidential Details.





My own search for the best inpection light began two years ago when Jacob and I felt that we needed another source for inspecting paintwork. We already had two Brinkmann Dual Xenon lights, but they didn`t have the light output (typically measured in lumens) we were looking for, nor were they the best for highlighting all types of defects, despite how easily they showed swirls. I began researching other options...



One popular option is ultra-bright tiny flashlights. These are most often along the lines of "Tac Lights" AKA Tactical flashlights that are used for law enforcement and military use. As a guy that served as an infantry paratrooper in the US Army in both Iraq and Afghanistan in the 82nd Airborne Division, I already had A LOT of experience with these: we used Surefire Tac Lights which were small, lightweight, durable, and EXTREMELY bright. They even had Infrared (IR) adapters to cover them for use with nightvision devices like the PVS-14 monocular in which the emitted light can only be seen with nightvision goggles. Having such experience with these, I already knew that while they were extremely well made, they were also crazy expensive ($300-500+), and even worse, they ate up expensive batteries which aren`t easy to locate. Here is the exact type of Tac Light we often had mounted to our weapons: Millennium Universal WeaponLights provided by SureFire

Those Lithium batteries have a limited life and cost $2-4 each, which means the entry cost and operating cost can be high. The good news is that lately, there are more and more Tac Lights with LED lamps that are as bright (or even brighter), but use less energy leading to longer battery life. The small size means the beam angle is rather limited, but operaters use this to their advantage: the tight beam angle means the high light output is focused directly to the target area rather than washing out the entire panel. Additionally, because detailers have to be self relient, they often will take very good care of their equipment and do not need military-spec durability. We won`t be submerging our lights underwater, dropping them, stepping on them, or running them over. Using this to your advantage, less expensive yet equally bright tac lights can be used with outstanding results.

In this shot, Bob Willis of Auto Concierge performs final inspection on a stunning Ferrari 458 Italia using his go-to flash light; a high lumen output, narrow beamed light source:









While Tac Lights are favored by some, others refuse to live with their down sides. Enter the 3M Sun Gun. This light started to gain major popularity 4 or 5 years ago in detailing from what I`ve witnessed. Originally designed for use in matching paint, detailers liked the ability to use a bright rechargeable light to expose defects. Of course the expensive price tag of $300-400+ means that not everyone has invested in this tool.

The follow photo shows Barry Theal of Presidential Details carefully polishing a beautiful classic car with the 3M Sun Gun resting gently on the windshield. Keeping an inspection tool close by is something all professional detailers make sure to do.





The truth of the 3M Sun Gun is that what it excels at is a very high CRI AKA Color Rendering Index.

All lamps (aka bulbs - "lamp" the the true technical name of the part of the light fixture that gives off actual light) have a CRI rating regardless if they`re halogen, xenon, high intensity discharge, fluorescent, etc. Color Rendering Index is a measurement of how well the light that is given off from a lamp matches the sun`s color temperature. If a lamp had a CRI of 100, it would mean that the light given off reproduces the EXACT color the subject would look like under the sun.

One key in having a high CRI is color temperature; that is the color of the light the lamp gives off. Color alone doesn`t qualify a lamp of a high CRI, so this can be confusing. Color temperature can directly influence how subjects appear under certain lamps. Our eyes naturally like certain colors, but if the wrong light temperature is falling onto those colors they can be much less attractive. You`ll notice that skin color is often much more grey and dull under most fluorescent lights (which usually have too much of a cool blue hue) than under incandescent lighting which more often times has a warmer yellow glow. You can imagine that over time we`ve grown to judge skin color in the brightness of our sun, so a grey or bluish hue isn`t as appealing as it may be an indicator of poor health or sickness.

While color temperature can affect a lamps CRI, they`re not the same thing. The easiest way to explain that is that our sun gives off many different colors depending on time of day due to light waves being bent by our atmospher at different angles. The color temperature given off by the sun when it is rising is different than the sun`s light mid-day which is much different than the sun-set, yet at all times the sun`s CRI does not change.



The 3M Sun Gun has an outstanding CRI of 99.35% and color temperature of 4700 Kelvin as reported by 3M. http://multimedia.3m.com/mws/mediawe...6EVs6E666666--

The main issue other than price is the light output is only around 200 lumens. This tool is designed to help painters get a closer match when trying to match exsisting paint. It has been specifically designed to show COLOR correctly. The adaption to detailers is a fluke. This doesn`t mean you can`t use it to inspect paint, but rather it might not be the most cost effective way to inspect paint. If it works for you and you don`t mind the price: outstanding and happy detailing. AutoLavish wasn`t going to drop that much money on something we didn`t feel was worth it for our uses then, and we won`t now. Individual opinions will vary, but we felt there had to be a better way...



Understanding what I was looking for: a rechargeable, handheld, bright light source, I started looking for other options, and began typing away in google looking for a rechargeable bright flashlight.

I stumbled upon the Brinkmann Dual LED which seems to be made for Marine use (blue and white color scheme). I began comparing it to the Dual Xenon we were already using: I didn`t want two of the same thing. Main differences were is was twice as powerful (250 lumens versus 120), and the color temperature was completely different (I`d say the Dual Xenon seems to be more around 2700K while the Dual LED is around 5200K). We ordered one and never have looked back. From there, we talked to a few detailer`s we knew across the country when they brought up the Sun Gun or lighting during discussion. The Dual LED started catching on. Last year, several major online detailing retailers began carrying a version slightly more powerful than that which we use, so it seems the Dual LED Brinkmann is here to stay. While durablity leaves a lot to be desired, the low entry price means having an extra stashed away "just in case" won`t break the bank.

Jacob Bunyan of AutoLavish took this picture of me inspecting polishing work using a Brinkmann Dual LED flashlight while a full wet-sanding project on an E92 M3 took place:





One of the important things to keep in mind with handheld lighting and lighting in general in car detailing is that multiple light types will be a big advantage in trying to correct paint. We never use the Dual LED by itself, the Dual Xenon by itself, or Halogen work lights by themselves. It seems relying on one light type (that`s not the sun of course) leads to dissapointment when a car is inspected in the sun prior to final washing and sealing. Use multiple lamps that give off different light as some are better at seeing swirls, halograms, or sanding marks than others.

Light sources I don`t currently use, such as Tac Lights or the Sun Gun can work great. I`ve seen some top notch guys that do some work I love use these. While the costs aren`t low, what price can you put on proper inspection? Also keep in mind that unlike halogen work lights, you won`t keep a flashlight on continously for long periods of time which will perserve battery. If you`re looking for the smallest package possible, you may want to consider a Tac Light style light source. To preserve batteries even better, stick with an LED based one.





The answer to "What is the best hand held light for inspecting paint?" is the same answer to the age old "What is the best wax?" question: the one you understand, use, and works best for you.

[Yamaha0219]

Nice write up. Saw that Barry posted this on another thread yesterday. seemed like a better version of the Dual Xenon, but I haven`t compared the details of the two:



Walmart.com: Black and Decker Rechargeable Spotlight: Camping

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

GREAT post Marc! Very informative. I normally use the Brinkmann Xenon and a small LED flash light, but recently started using the new Brinkmann and like it a lot. I just wish there was something a bit smaller than the LED Brinkmann but offering the same performance.

[Barry Theal]

Great Post Marc. Thanks for taking the time to write this. This article is full of solid unbiased opionions. A great read!



Yamaha 0219 I am a fanatic about lighting. I have experimented with many. That light I refrenced above is a great all around light for the money. While others love them brinkmens, for me there just not up to par. The Black and Decker light I now use while being cheap is better then the sungun I used for years. Its provides a direct constant light. I love it. Also great to have for a lot of things like interiors and such. Its a versatile light for sure.

[MarcHarris]

GREAT post Marc! Very informative. I normally use the Brinkmann Xenon and a small LED flash light, but recently started using the new Brinkmann and like it a lot. I just wish there was something a bit smaller than the LED Brinkmann but offering the same performance.

No doubt Ivan - I really like the performance & price of the Brinkmann LED but as detailers we`re always looking for something a little better...



Smaller and just as powerful would be along the lines of a Tac Light style flashlight. I think we`re going to see more and more of these coming into play in the future.

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

No doubt Ivan - I really like the performance & price of the Brinkmann LED but as detailers we`re always looking for something a little better...



Smaller and just as powerful would be along the lines of a Tac Light style flashlight. I think we`re going to see more and more of these coming into play in the future.

Marc,



Have you tried the new, pivoting head LED Brinkmann? I have only tried the one you use (250 lumen) but ordered 2 of the 300 lumen pivot head lights from Detailed Image based on reviews and my positive experience with their 250 lumen LED light. Just wondering if you used it and see a need for the extra 50 lumens?



I agree on the tac lights... I`m sure they`ll find their way into detailing suppliers` hands very soon.



PS. I finally replied to your voicemail the other day, so feel free to call me any time after 5:30pm so we can talk further about powerwashers.

[Accumulator]

MarcHarris- I too enjoyed reading this one, very well thought out and informative :xyxthumbs



It was interesting to hear how the two Brinkman units compare; as I was never very satisfied with the Xenon version I might not have considered their LED light had you not mentioned it.



I would like to point out that one thing the SunGun can do very well is show holograms (both "real" ones from rotary work and "pseudo-holograms" like you can get with the oils in M205). So far I`ve never found any artificial light source that can expose them quite as well, especially the very faint ones. I consider this to be the primary detailing application of that light.



Oh, and I was glad (but not really surprised ) to hear how the SureFires worked out for you during your tour of duty. Pricey yes, and some competitors lights offer incredible specs, but when it *has* to work....I`ll take a SureFire.



Along the same lines, getting *quality* CR123 batteries for tac lights can be a challenge and the cheap ones can be a complete waste of money. Even the SureFire brand batteries have had bad batches! If you do a little research it`s sometimes possible to find quality batteries at a good price; last time I stocked up the good ones were branded "Panasonic". I foget what I paid, but by buying a few dozen I got `em fairly cheap.



Oh, and thinking about some of the people on this thread, I was wondering how many of us carry a light or two all the time :think:

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Oh, and thinking about some of the people on this thread, I was wondering how many of us carry a light or two all the time :think:

I`m a big flashlight and knife fanatic. I`m not crazy enough to spend $1000s on a collection, but I have a good 15-20 of each around the house, car, in my pocket, backpack, etc. Prices/quality vary from your $4 9-LED flashlight from the hardware store to a fairly nice surefire (actually just sold it) of over $100. Same situation with knives... cheapo $5-10 from BudK online store as well as some nice $100+ KaBar pieces.



I`ve run into a couple situations where having a knife and flashlight in my pocket wasn`t the best idea, such as when going to fight a parking ticket in a court downtown Chicago, and having to stash the knife at a bush outside the building, then find it later . That time I actually completely forgot I had it, and wasn`t about to ask one of the 100 friendly police officers to hold onto it for me haha.

[MarcHarris]

Marc,

Have you tried the new, pivoting head LED Brinkmann? I have only tried the one you use (250 lumen) but ordered 2 of the 300 lumen pivot head lights from Detailed Image based on reviews and my positive experience with their 250 lumen LED light. Just wondering if you used it and see a need for the extra 50 lumens?

I agree on the tac lights... I`m sure they`ll find their way into detailing suppliers` hands very soon.

PS. I finally replied to your voicemail the other day, so feel free to call me any time after 5:30pm so we can talk further about powerwashers.

Ivan,

I haven`t yet tried the new pivoting head Brinkmann LED, but those extra 50 lumens equate to 20% more light output, so there could be a difference for sure. Here`s something to keep in mind that I should have addressed in the article though: lumen output is usually measured by the entire fixture, not the individual lamps. This means the Brinkmann Dual LED rated at 250 lumens is for the entire device, not dual 250 lumen bulbs. This is important to keep in mind when looking at lighting solutions that have a single or multiple lamps putting out light.



Sorry for not getting back to you sooner - I`ll try to give you a call soon!

MarcHarris- I too enjoyed reading this one, very well thought out and informative :xyxthumbs

It was interesting to hear how the two Brinkman units compare; as I was never very satisfied with the Xenon version I might not have considered their LED light had you not mentioned it.

I would like to point out that one thing the SunGun can do very well is show holograms (both "real" ones from rotary work and "pseudo-holograms" like you can get with the oils in M205). So far I`ve never found any artificial light source that can expose them quite as well, especially the very faint ones. I consider this to be the primary detailing application of that light.



Oh, and I was glad (but not really surprised ) to hear how the SureFires worked out for you during your tour of duty. Pricey yes, and some competitors lights offer incredible specs, but when it *has* to work....I`ll take a SureFire.



Along the same lines, getting *quality* CR123 batteries for tac lights can be a challenge and the cheap ones can be a complete waste of money. Even the SureFire brand batteries have had bad batches! If you do a little research it`s sometimes possible to find quality batteries at a good price; last time I stocked up the good ones were branded "Panasonic". I foget what I paid, but by buying a few dozen I got `em fairly cheap.



Oh, and thinking about some of the people on this thread, I was wondering how many of us carry a light or two all the time :think:

Accumulator,

Your input and feedback is always appreciated. While I understand how a lot of experienced individuals will see the Brinkmann Dual Xenon as leaving something to be desired, I think you`ll find the Dual LED much more useful for inspection.

It isn`t surprising to hear your feedback on the Sun Gun being unusually useful for its lighting output. I wouldn`t be shocked to learn that the high Color Rendering Index given off by this light makes it more useful. Human eyes are designed to see their best in daylight (unlike many predators that excel at dusk), so replicating the type of light we visualize best likely has the advantage of needing less actual light output to give an acceptable result.



There`s nothing like having a quality Tac Light. You can see my old set up here on the side of my M4 where I was about 65lbs lighter back overseas







Thanks for the input again!

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

Ivan,

I haven`t yet tried the new pivoting head Brinkmann LED, but those extra 50 lumens equate to 20% more light output, so there could be a difference for sure. Here`s something to keep in mind that I should have addressed in the article though: lumen output is usually measured by the entire fixture, not the individual lamps. This means the Brinkmann Dual LED rated at 250 lumens is for the entire device, not dual 250 lumen bulbs. This is important to keep in mind when looking at lighting solutions that have a single or multiple lamps putting out light.



Sorry for not getting back to you sooner - I`ll try to give you a call soon!

I`m not sure I quite understand the part I put in bold above...



No rush on the call back, take your time bud.

[MarcHarris]

I`m not sure I quite understand the part I put in bold above...

No rush on the call back, take your time bud.

I apologize.

Keep in mind that "lamp" is the actual name for a bulb. The fixture is the housing the bulb (lamp) sits inside. When the lumen output is calculated at it`s max, it is being calculated as all the bulbs (lamps) in the fixture together. Think of this like horsepower. If an engine is rated at 350hp, that doesn`t mean it puts out 350hp all the time - it only does that at a specific RPM. The Brinkmann Dual LED isn`t always putting out 300 lumens, it`s only putting out 300 lumens if you have both bulbs on. With one bulb, it`s likely more like 170-200 lumens. Also keep in mind the spread pattern the Brinkmann Dual LED gives versus a Tac Light: the Brinkmann shines light in a wider path while a Tac Light has its lumen output in a narrow space. This will certainly affect how you perceive the light (and therefor defects).

[imported_Ivan Rajic]

I apologize.

Keep in mind that "lamp" is the actual name for a bulb. The fixture is the housing the bulb (lamp) sits inside. When the lumen output is calculated at it`s max, it is being calculated as all the bulbs (lamps) in the fixture together. Think of this like horsepower. If an engine is rated at 350hp, that doesn`t mean it puts out 350hp all the time - it only does that at a specific RPM. The Brinkmann Dual LED isn`t always putting out 300 lumens, it`s only putting out 300 lumens if you have both bulbs on. With one bulb, it`s likely more like 170-200 lumens. Also keep in mind the spread pattern the Brinkmann Dual LED gives versus a Tac Light: the Brinkmann shines light in a wider path while a Tac Light has its lumen output in a narrow space. This will certainly affect how you perceive the light (and therefor defects).

I assumed that`s what you meant, but wanted to makes sure. Along with a few random electronics, I ordered a couple flashlights from Deal Extreme just to see how they do with paint inspection. As I mentioned, I simply like having flash lights around the house, and $30 doesn`t break the bank so figured why not give them a shot.



Here are the two I ordered...

$13.39 - SmallSun ZY-C37 Cree Q3-WC 3-Mode 170-Lumen LED Flashlight (3*AAA/1*18650) - Cree Lights

$13.80 - UniqueFire G10 CREE XP-E R5 1-Mode 350-Lumen White LED Flashlight with Strap (1*14500/1*AA) - AA Cree Flashlights



I`ll definitely post up if they end up doing a good job for me.

[Accumulator]

Lustr- Good on you for having flashlights around :xyxthumbs



I suspect you`ll like *something* about both those lights, CREE LEDs are good IME.

[lostdaytomorrow]

Flashlights is one of my many other hobbies.



If any of you are looking for further info. on anything flashlight related check out candlepowerforums.

[Accumulator]

lostdaytomorrow- That site *is* a goldmine of info :xyxthumbs IIRC, that`s where I found out which batteries were the safe bet, and also where I found the CREE conversion for my wife`s everyday SureFire.