I have been using Olights for 3 years now. High quality and very reliable for me, although they don't have the name recognition of Surefire. My present light is the Olight M30 Triton Special Ops: $135.00. 700 lumens on high for 1 1/2 hours; 120 lumens/9 hours; 8 lumens/90 hours. I use it on patrol in Wash. D.C. It really lights up alleys, car interiors thru heavily tinted windows etc.
I found one at Battery Junction for $120 and ordered it. I've been looking for a replacement for a Surefire I left on an airplane about 6 months ago. Thanks for the tip.
Cree XPE LED flashlight. It runs at strobe, 75 and 150 lumens. It is a replacement for the earlier model with the same specs that had a power-monitoring circuit in the tailcap. The only problem was that the circuit drained the batteries completely over about three weeks. The newer model eliminated the monitoring circuit.
I suppose someone else has mentioned it in this long thread, but I just picked up a Fenix TK 40 (and just found out there is an even better TK41 out now). This light, about the size of the traditional old 2-D flashlight, uses 8 AA batteries, and puts out a claimed 630 lumens. It lights up the night around my property,that's for sure. It's my new flashlight for sitting on the stand near the door. I suspect I'll get that TK41 next month-800 lumens
Mine came in the mail, it nearly burns a hole through the wall.. serious lumens. Sadly, its switching patterns are not identical to my smaller Quark 123^2, seems I have to decide ahead of time what I want as my "second" pattern. Still, this will be the go-to torch for evenings walks and basement troubleshooting.
Sweet.... how long was the wait?... It was on b/o last time I looked... I was wondering how this new one compares... Seems like a bargain if it matches the Quark's build quality....
I'm not sure this is the place to ask about this, but I figured some of you might have some experience here.....I have a Surefire E2D LED which I've owned a couple of years and am real happy with. I use it a lot. This is one of those so-called "tactical" lights with the scalloped bezel and bottom/button plate. They call it a "strike bezel" although I've never hit anyone with it and don't plan to do so anytime soon. So I'm curious, how does the TSA view these kinds of lights? Are they okay, or do they take a dim view? If I am carrying one or have it in my carry-on luggage while boarding a plane, is it going to cause me any grief? I'm thinking probably not, but the light wasn't inexpensive and I would prefer not to have it confiscated at an airport security line.
This isn't a ton of help but I just checked the website and "self defense weapons" all need to be checked, so if they consider that to be one then it'll stay with them or force to be checked. They specifically outlaw kubotans which are somewhat similar as self defense weapons. Personally I wouldn't risk it for a light that expensive since this is a grey area. http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm
I carry my Quark 123^2 on commercial flights, no problems... I should probably pre-set it to a dimmer brightness in case I'm asked to show that it works. No one should ever leave the house, or enter a building, without ready access to a reliable and bright flashlight.
Thats strong talk. I think the ability to make fire is more important but dont know about flying with that capability. Anyhoo, I used to light smokes with my old Maglight.. kind of a twofer. Can any of the little flashlights create fire via the batteries/lenses and or bulb(s)?
Ever been in a basement when the power goes out? Or on the side of a road on a moonless night? Or need to look into an engine compartment, or under a sink...? Maybe just my weak old eyes, but I stopped fucking around and carry a light on me wherever I go. It was a blessing when exploring attics in old churches in Italy
I agree that once you have a flashlight small/nice enough to carry daily, you will wonder how you ever made it through the day (and night) without one. I am sure I now use my flashlight more than I do my pocketknife, which is saying quite a bit. Speaking of the light, it is a Streamlight PT 1AA. I really like the light, but I started having an issue where the light would dim/flicker, and unscrewing the rear cap/switch assembly a hair and then screwing it tight again would cure the problem for that use. Next use usually requires the same process. I took it by a local authorized repair place and they installed a new cap/switch assembly for free, though after a month or so the problem has returned. Has anyone else had a similar issue with an LED Streamlight, or any other brand for that matter? I really like the functionality and size of the light, but the issue has me ready to look for a new light. I do have two Streamlight Stingers and I have never had an issue with those, even after years of abuse. Thanks! Dave
I think the odds of a screener giving you grief over your light are very slim. If one does decide to be a twit, you can always ask for a Supervisor. It's a tool, under 7". So long as the castellated bezel isn't sharp (I've seen some that are) it's not a weapon. Repeat after me, "The purpose of the bezel is to keep anything from coming in to contact with the hot lens. The castellations allow for airflow over the lens should the light be on while it is inadvertently in contact with something." One of the nice things about my new Olight M30 is the bezel is removable.