Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

[nickclark08]

Lots of solid options in this thread - Driver - I like the suggestions you listed - I might have to add another light or two to my collection haha

Other than the S-1 Baton, I have a Nitecore MH-12 - really like this light as well (similar to the PD32).

Sorta off topic, but having a good flashlight (or 3) is important, especially with us being "car people". I always travel with a backpack containing my flashlights, a gerber multitool, and some other items. Saved my bacon more than once.

[The Driver]

It really depends on budget but honestly the best bang for the buck are XML Dyes, powered by usually 3 or 4 18650`s. They generate MASSIVE power/lumens and when turned down (De-tuned for us car guys) they run 3-5x longer than normal lights that would be maxed out. Personally my next buy will be the Olight X7 (not R)because it is not sealed and the cells are interchangable. I usually use around 400-800 lumens when working on the car or going through the woods. So for me yes, it may be a bit bigger but it will run for as long as I want and to have that massive boost in the woods at night is VERY nice.

Olight X7R vs. X7 Flashlight Review. A 2017 update comparison and ...

Side note, I plan on getting an Acebeam X80 for detailing.

25k lumens
Tripod mounting built in
Multiple colors for correction

[Accumulator]

... I always travel with ..[essentials]... Saved my bacon more than once.

That. "Be Prepared" as they say. Life`s still serious business, even in the 21st century.

[Oneheadlite]

Thanks for all the responses! I`ve got a bunch more options to look at now.

Accumulator - the M3R really is a great little light. It`s a solid performer in regards to light output/beam pattern. I always forget how bright these lights actually are in the real world, as I`m always using them in a well lit shop. Any time I bring them home/use them in actual dark I get to see what they "actually" put out. I`ve got a $20 little 3x AAA VIM (brand) pocket floodlight that I use for under dash work - Last fall when I was mowing, I was running out of light; zip tied it to the front of my push mower and it worked perfect for a headlight to finish.

dchristo - I looked at that Milwaukee. Really wish it was a bit smaller, otherwise Milwaukee has totally won me over with their Trueview lighting. Got an M12 Ranger work light in a package deal with my 3/8" M18 Fuel cordless impact, and really like it for helping boost lighting in the garage for car clean up. Just bought their M12 underhood light, and have been really digging it. Pricey, but given how much I`ll use it it`s totally worth it to me. I`ve also got their little 6" rover pocket floodlight on order - 445 lumens, also trueview. Excited to try it out.

MeanGreen - That thing`s awesome; made me laugh out loud. Might be a bit tough to pocket, and close quarters I might lose a little vision long term. :laughing:

Definitely going to look into the olight and fenix options. That BLF unit looks interesting as well - I may have to get that one regardless! Much like detailing stuff, it falls under that dollar mark where I`m cool spending that much just to try it. I`ve got an 18650 battery laying around from my departed F1R.

Thanks again all for some solid options to look into!

[atgonzales]

Oneheadlite

What ever you get please let us know and small review would wrap up this thread

[Accumulator]

Yeah, if something is intriguing enough for you to actually buy it it`ll be one of those Informed Decisions that I`d like to hear about.

[Oneheadlite]

Oneheadlite

What ever you get please let us know and small review would wrap up this thread

Can do. I should try and get some pictures of what I`ve been using, and what the light output is like.

[JSFM35X]

Bayco makes great Lights. I have too Many.

[atgonzales]

Jsfm35,

I will take what you don’t want....LOL

[JSFM35X]

I have a flashlight problem. Can’t walk by them or scroll through them.

Long story and I’m off for work. Will revisit.

Jsfm35,

I will take what you don’t want....LOL

[Oneheadlite]

I have a flashlight problem. Can’t walk by them or scroll through them.

Old picture, but: Problem? What problem?

[dschribs]

I have this one. Absolutely love it.

https://www.fenix-store.com/fenix-pd...hoCYjUQAvD_BwE

[Accumulator]

Heh heh, am I the only guy here who uses filters/colored-light settings to preserve night vision? If I light things up with a zillion lumens my night vision is trashed for a good long while. I run the Tomahawk on red/green and the Surfires on blue (or red in some cases) at least as much as I run `em on white.

[Oneheadlite]

Ironically, I`m just never in a position where I`m using a flashlight in the dark. If I were, I could absolutely see using a filter to reduce the shock of a sudden intense light source.

[nickclark08]

I don`t use filters, but I employ the moonlight mode a bunch - I don`t really need 1000 lumens to light my path to the back shed at my parents or the deer blind.