Help pick me a tactical flashlight

I'm overwhelmed with choices. Currently I use a Surefire E2D as EDC light and had gicen some thought to buying a ring mount and using it on my AR but I think I can do better.

My specifications:
I'm not interested in cobbeling something up and I'd prefer it to run on CR123 batteries and have a push on-push off tailcap.

No strobe/s-o-s/high beam/low beam. Just "ON" and "OFF" please.

The more lumens the better for two hunnred bucks or less.
(less is always better; I'm "thrifty")
So, what are my choices ?

 

I have this light and it rocks. It's bright as hell, but also goes down to 1.5 lumens when you need to just see and not blind an attacker. I just wish that it had a red filter for the 1.5 lumen part, then it would be perfect.

CountyComm - AA Tactical Maratac Flashlight

 

I have been very pleased with my Fenix LD-22. Uses AA bats, has a tailcap on/off, at 190 lumens at full power it's almost as bright as most CR123 battery lights and the latest Cree R5 LED gives something like 2 1/2 hours run time and much much more at the lower power levels. And it's only about 55 bucks or so (atleast when I bought it last spring.)

AT

 

Yes I did use the search function but some of the replies in his thread are recent the bulk of info there is from 2007, the most recent from Aug 2011.

Technology changes quickly and of the lights reviewed, none are what I need.
I also found two other threads, one for a penlight and another for a laser target designatior, again neither suit my requirements.

That's why I started a new thread.

Cato thanks, close but not quite, at least you were partly helpful. Gots to be CR123 and "push on / push off", this is for a long arm.

 

Tada!! Problems solved.

CountyComm - LED Silicone Diffuser for 3/4" Flashlight Heads

 

Just

I hear ya there. I looked at probably 50-60 lights about 9 months ago and reviews for those on Amazon and various other websites. I wanted the most light I could possibly get in a AA battery powered light. I use those in many other devices so I have lots and several chargers for the NiMH versions. I didn't like the high cost of the 123 batteries either since I planned to use this more than just a tactical light welded to a weapon that was seldom used. For that a 123 powered light with higher output would probably be acceptable.

Anyway, with just the criteria of the most light for the longest time using AA batteries, the Fenix is what came out on top based upon what the manufacturers provide in their specs -- which of course may be dubious but there isn't much else to use. There were a couple lights with comparable brightness but the LD22 had just come out using the latest Cree LED and was a bit more efficient and about 20% longer battery life as I recall.

Good luck.

AT

 

Just looked at the 4sevens. Don't recall the 280 lumen version AA lights last year. Nice. I think I went with the Fenix vs the 205 lumen versions since it much longer run time vs just a little less light but again who knows how accurate the specs are. Looks like a good light for the money and we just made Sneaky's decision harder.

AT

 

Found it, I bought a Streamlight 88860.

More than twice the power of my old surefire E2D, small enough to fit in a pocket, light enough to carry on my AR, no fancy strobe / blinky / s-o-s flashy modes and a push-on, push-off tailcap as well.

Everything I wanted and nothin' I don't need.

 

Here's a nice penlight for those wandering through the archives:

!

Preon 2 Gen 2 BLACK

See also: GIM-Get Home Bags - Three Examples of Setups

 

Zebralight SC52 L2 is a great single AA light worth considering. It's a bit pricier than the Fenix but well worth it

 

All those fancy numbers/letters--tsk tsk tsk. A simple tiny light is all you need. Why light up the world, cast a light a half mile, and be seen by "Sputnik"???? You are walking and working so why light up the mountain. These tiny LED lights take very little "juice" and are quite bright. I have a couple wind ups, and a bunch of tiny ones. Oh yes--do have the big black multi cell thingy in the car.

 

Tiny LED's will neither temporarily blind & disorient an attacker nor do they have crenellated bezels which can cut flesh causing large bloody wounds. I'm not concerned about being tracked by satellites either.

High output tactical flashlights are a great defensive tool for those who work or live in non-permissive environments.
As an accessory to either a sidearm or long arm they can light up an ally way or parking garage and illuminate targets you otherwise could not see.

Tiny LED's are great for reading maps and preserving night vision.

Its all about the proper tool for the job.

 

@NotSoSneaky, check out the Fenix PD35TAC. You can get a tactical switch and mount for it as well. And it is a great EDC, bug out light.

 

MAG-TAC® 2-Cell CR123 LED Flashlight Crowned Bezel - Tactical - Flashlights

 

This light has been tested by me and mine. It can be programed for three functions or select only one.

Streamlight PolyTac LED HP Flashlight with MSP Offset AR-15 Mount - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com

The PolyTac HP delivers bright light with a 275m beam distance for down-range illumination. It features a superior grip texture for a comfortable but slip-resistant feel, as well as TEN-TAP® Programming that gives users the choice of three operating modes. C4® LED technology within a deep reflector provides far-reaching targeting beam with a tight spotlight and optimum peripheral illumination TEN-TAP® Programming: Choice of three operating modes: 1.) high/strobe/low (factory default); 2.) high only; 3.) low/high: High for a super-bright, far-reaching beam: 275 lumens; 19,000 candela; 275m beam distance; runs 3 hours Low for when less light is needed and for longer run times: 14 lumens; 1,000 candela; runs 56 hours Strobe runs 5.5 hours Solid State power regulation provides maximum light output throughout battery life Deep reflector produces 275m beam - ideal for lighting the way to the end of a dark alley, down a wooded path, inspecting utility lines from the ground, or search and rescue missions High-impact, super-tough nylon polymer for exceptional durability and a superior grip texture to provide a comfortable but slip resistant feel IPX7 rated design; waterproof to 1 meter for 30 minutes Powered by two 3V CR123A lithium batteries (included) 5.90 in. (14.98 cm); 5.2 oz (148 grams) with batteries Available in Black, Coyote and Yellow Limited lifetime warranty Tactical 1" Offset Ring AR-15 Flashlight Mount TACTICAL 1" OFFSET RING MOUNT LENGTH: 2.5 N.W. (OZ): 2.3 FEATURES: ACCEPTS ALL STANDARD WEAVER TACTICAL ACCESSORIES FINISH: BLACK ANODIZED AIRCRAFT GRADE ALUMINUM

From what I read from your post you'd be happy with the lowest setting and it is a good choice for a steady state flash light.

LED long life and also adaptable to a weapon.

Good price and on Amazon.

 

Thanks guys I got the Streamlight 88860 a couple years ago and currently run a Surefire P2X Fury Tactical on an offset mount on the AR.

500 lumens of freedom.

 

The Fenix goes 1,000 lumens and is half the price of Surefire or less. Don't get me wrong, I have Surefires too. Just think Fenix is a great value. And been using them for over ten years without a single issue. Well one, I had a ring tear off the body of one. But never an issue with functionality. Have had light failures with 4Sevens or Quark, even with a Surefire. But never with Fenix.

The PD35 is in my backpacking and camping load out with a headlamp. EDC is either a Fenix AAA or an Eagletac AA for more oomph and longer battery life. According to Eagletac, running 14500 will shoot a blazing 900 lumens from a little AA pocket light. And while the throw is not extreme, it lights up 50-100 feet brilliantly. Will throw farther, but for an EDC pocket light... And the very useful moonlight mode will run continuously for days.

 

I bought a little Brightmedic LED that is pretty impressive. Tail cap switch one AA battery and as bright as I would want on a gun. The thing was like 15 bucks.