22_Shooter 1,560 Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I'm wanting to pick up a good hand held flashlight for the nightstand/camping/whatever. After seeing so many pictures of LED lights and their output, my old Maglite (ya know, the HUGE one you can bludgeon someones skull beef with) doesn't really cut it for me, and I'd like something a little smaller/brighter. Here's what I'm looking for: -Hand held (read: not those big clunky 11 billion candlewatt monsters) -Preferably around $50 or under (I don't know jack about lights, so I don't know if that's too small a budget. Let me know.) -Preferably LED (for battery life and whatnot) -Something that is good to go out-of-the-box. (I toyed with the idea of a Surefire G2L and getting a drop-in hi-output LED replacement, but don't really want to go that route, if I don't have to.) -Can withstand the elements. (I don't need to take it 50' underwater, but I don't want it crapping out on me, because it's raining.) Primary use: -Nightstand duty, camping, shadow puppets, etc. Any recommendations? Is my budget too low? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jswledhed 57 Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 Got one of these not too long ago. A good bit brighter than a Mag-Lite LED and makes a regular flashlight look shamefully dim. Haven't tested it in any inclement weather. I'm happy with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DogMan 2,343 Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 I like the TIABLO line of flashlights. Not because they are the very best flashlights in the world, but because I consider them a great value. You get a lot of flashlight for the money you spend. I have 2 of the A9 models and one of them has withstood being attached to an S12 with no problems. They look solid and feel solid in your hand. Lots of lumens in a small package. Several different models to choose from with different features, but the A9 makes a good weapon light and thats why I chose that one. The A9 has a nice bright defined core beam spot with a nice wide less bright overspill. I think you can find a good light in your price range or a little more. Tiablo Lights Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eadodd 0 Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 (edited) Edited July 23, 2009 by eadodd Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Juggernaut 11,054 Posted July 23, 2009 Report Share Posted July 23, 2009 It's not super bright.. but it throws a 30 ft beam and built like tiny tank.... Runs for days on a single AA It's my EDC light.... 100% reliable... adds NO BULK to my rig...Hardly know it's there... and it IS ENOUGH light to accomplish anything you may need to do in the dark.... Fix a flat tire.... find your way through the woods or home... see if the condom broke..... Gerber Infinity Ultra-M Flashlight about 30 bucks.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
454496 71 Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 At Sam's Clubs I bought a two pack with batteries, tactical led, 160 lumens, Serengeti flashlights for $32+ the other day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
gtnichols 51 Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Looks like a good deal, those are all sweet flashlights, I am a recovering flashlight collector,.. Seems like they want that much for one here http://www.batteriesinaflash.com/index.php...mp;currency=USD and here, a shit storm about it,..of course y'all are used to those,.. http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=221644 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
termite 463 Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 I bought the UTG led swatforce from CDNN, it's claims 200 lumens. All I know is, DON'T shine it in your wifes eyes. :) I just came in from being up on the hill behind my house, some prick is up there in the woods shining a light at the back of my house, and this fricking light will throw out one hell of a beam. Pricks must have heard me crank the 4 wheeler and run. Try # MNT978 or LT-EL338 on CDNN, I think price was about $69.00 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
scarbrough68289 76 Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Lowe's has a nice tactical flashlight made by Kobalt. It's $39, aluminum, has 90 lumens output with high and low beam and a "persuader" style rim to use as a blunt weapon if needed. I work there and bought it thinking it'd be a piece of crap but was surprised at how nice it was for the money. I abused it on purpose clicking it on and off hundreds of times until I got the plunger to not stay engaged. It still worked you just had to keep the switch pressed down. Luckily Kobalt has a no hassle Lifetime Warranty so I grabbed another one off the shelf and swapped it out in a matter of minutes at customer service. I'll snag a picture of it and post it later, I am up way too late!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Reverendfranz 160 Posted July 24, 2009 Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 If you like the maglite, ive heard nothing but excellent things about this company: http://www.blackbearflashlights.com/ check out the comparison pics. Id like to see if i can piece one together from their replacement parts, though im not sure thats kosher. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
22_Shooter 1,560 Posted July 24, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 24, 2009 Thanks for all the links and info, everyone. Much appreciated. Out of all the above mentioned, I'm leaning towards the one jswledhed recommended; the Fenix E20 LED for about $35. I did some research on it, and it has good reviews and the comparison photos/videos are good. I'll keep digging around for more info on the others mentioned. Thanks again. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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