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  1. #1
    Oneheadlite's Avatar
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    Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    In another thread recently, I saw Accumulator mention it`s been a while since there was a flashlight thread. The timing works out perfectly, as I`m looking to upgrade my current flashlight situation for work. Working on cars, a good light is about as important to me as my thumbs and index fingers. Throughout my career, I`ve had a TON of different lights.

    TLDR Version - Please share with me small penlight style lights you`ve had good luck with (and your use case), or front-pocketable higher intensity (tactical?) lights.

    Quick list for my requirements - Brightness, click/press style power button (no spin cap style), good warranty is preferred.


    The Long Version - To get a feel for where I`m coming from, my recent lighting history:

    My daily go to for a long time was the basic Streamlight Pro pen light. 2x AAA`s, approx 50 lumens (I`m sure the last one I used was an older version; looks like new ones are 90?). Adequate, but since it lives in my shirt pocket, a bit long. I also tended to keep an extra power switch in my box as these would fail.

    Next I moved to a Coast HP2 - 85 lumen, single AAA, adjustable focus beam. Definitely liked the smaller size. The only knock against it is that it`s not that bright once you get spoiled by other lights.

    I briefly used a Snap On 2x AAA penlight - 144 lumens (30 on low), but the biggest drawback - Twist on VS push/click button. I hated this interface so much, despite having cost $50+, it sits in my drawer. When twisting on, part of the time it would register being spun on as a double press on the momentary button which triggers the low beam. Hugely inconvenient.

    Enter LED Lenser. My Matco guy brought in a 1000 lumen F1R to demo, and I was hooked. This was obviously going to be a pants pocket light (no belt clips for me - can`t risk scratching a car), at about 4.5" long and an inch or so in diameter. I bought one, and used it in tandem with my HP2 light (depending on whichever was closest, length of time on, brightness needed, etc). Run time on high wasn`t quite as long as advertised, but I`d usually run it on medium. Unfortunately, one of my pairs of work pants has unusually shallow pockets, and it slipped out unbeknownst to me in a customer`s car and I haven`t seen it since. :facepalm:

    Having had such good luck with the F1R, this led me to replace my HP2 coast light with an LED Lenser M3R - Single AAA size, but uses a rechargeable Li-ion battery. 220 lumens, adjustable focus beam. This light I like so much, I bought a second to have as a spare in case my primary had to get sent out for warranty (5 year warranty, have had to use it a couple times). My only complaint is that you pay for the lumens - battery lifespan seems to be pretty low. The warranty covers the batteries as well, but it`s a bit inconvenient now that we lost our Matco guy (now I have to contact LED Lenser directly). That level of brightness in such a small package has really spoiled dimmer lights for me.

    Historically, I`ve always done off-the-shelf lights. I would consider modifying one if there`s a can`t-be-beat setup I`m missing out on.

    Thanks for reading!!! Looking forward to lights to check out.
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  2. #2

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    Oneheadlight- I have one of those Streamlight pens too! Gift from the patriarch of the family behind ESC Tuning and as such it`s a cherished possession even if it`s not all that bright.

    We have those little LED lights that fit on a keychain, but those aren`t what I consider a "real flashlight". Better than nothing though.

    My smallest EDC that`s still a real flashlight is a twist-on/off. No, I don`t like it *NEARLY* as much as my Malkoff/Surefire E1 and I`d hate to go tactical with it, but it`s barely larger than its CR123 so I`ll have it on me. At least it really does do what I tell it to, never ends up on the wrong setting and being Accumulator-proof is worth as much as lumens to me...well, almost.

    That M3R sounds so interesting that I`m forcing myself to *NOT* look into it
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  3. #3
    dchristo's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    this milwaukee is a great small flashlight

    https://youtu.be/F8mD1QgkYUk
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  4. #4

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    I daily carry an Olight s-1 baton. love it. up to 500 lumens and you can clip it on your hat for hands-free work. Magnetic tail cap.

    https://olightworld.com/olight-s1-baton
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  5. #5
    Founder Poorboy's World Poorboy's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    try these .. I use them for everything from dog walking to working on small projects .. hands are free and they last a decent time ..3 AAA .. it also tilts for different angles


    https://m.costco.com/Coast-Headlamps...&storeId=10301
    life is short ..do it while you can

    e-mail info@poorboysworld.com
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  6. #6

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    I`ve had great luck with Thrunite flashlights - bought three in the past year. They have a number of "everyday carry" style lights.
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  7. #7
    Wax Waster Ronkh's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    Streamlight
    Formerly the "Best Detailer", now just Super Wax Waster Man. Not necessarily tactful, but normally right. It`s good to be da King !!!
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  8. #8

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    A great inexpensive light is the BLF A6, it was on sale last week for 29.99 with a battery

    Budget light forum is a great resource for all things flashlight, and flashlight related.
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  9. #9
    atgonzales's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    https://www.fenix-store.com/
    http://Www.gonzodetailing.com


    Anything in life worth doing is worth over doing, moderation is for cowards
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  10. #10

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    This one should do the trick:


    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LStmsIyGldA&t=12s

    Just watch the whole video, but the interesting stuff starts at 9:20.
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  11. #11
    Detailers Workshop The Driver's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    I have had every type of torch possible and high end detailing lights.

    The Olight R50 is the best BAR NONE. 2500 lumens, single cell, usb chargerable, built like a tank and the best bang for the buck at 70$ with the cell included.

    Search ebay for olight store direct and make an offer.
    Rupes 21 MK II, Rupes 15 MK II, Rupes 21, Rupes LHR75e, Rupes Duetto, Rupes Ibrid-L, Rupes LH18ENS, Flex PE-14-2, Dodo Juice V1

    Quote Originally Posted by rlmccarty2000 View Post
    At $21.99 it will remain a secret to me.
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  12. #12

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    Anybody else here have a First Light Tomahawk? My and I use ours more than all our other lights combined. Not conventionally configured, might not be to anybody else`s taste, but we love ours.

    Also, anybody else make regular use of red/green/blue filters to preserve night vision? Sorry if that`s all off-topic,but for tactical use I sometimes care about that.

    Thedriver- Yeah, Olight made my little EDC. Not hyper-lumen or anything, but handy.
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  13. #13
    jtford95's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    I carry a Four 7s one battery light. For what I use it for, works great. Nice and bright in high mode. A few different settings. S.o.s and strobe settings also
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  14. #14

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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    Absolutely love my Fenix PD32, use it daily at work and around the house. Pushbutton on/off located on the tail, 5 brightness selections 5,50,150,400,900 lumens accessed by pushbutton on the handle.
    Purchased the 3500 mAh rechargeable batteries to go with it so can run couple of weeks before recharging.
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  15. #15
    Detailers Workshop The Driver's Avatar
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    Re: Flashlights - Opinions wanted (Non detailing related)

    I have the PD32 as well, excellent light. i use that as my work light when I work on the car. The R50 replaced PD32, I carry it with me in the car at all times.

    3 other of my fave lights are...

    Olight I3E, best EDC keychain light ever. - Waterproof
    Thrunite TN36UT, amazing power and still tiny. - Waterproof.
    Olight X7R, sheer power and USB C chargerable - NOT waterproof.
    Rupes 21 MK II, Rupes 15 MK II, Rupes 21, Rupes LHR75e, Rupes Duetto, Rupes Ibrid-L, Rupes LH18ENS, Flex PE-14-2, Dodo Juice V1

    Quote Originally Posted by rlmccarty2000 View Post
    At $21.99 it will remain a secret to me.
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