Flashlights?

[fredridge]

Wasn't sure where to put this, so I thought prepper friends would know best.

a couple of flahslight questions

1. My wife wants a new flashlight for her car.

Current one is not bright enough. Older LED 3 "C" cell, probably 250 lumens

Looking for something brighter, maybe a couple different modes. Can handle being store for a long time and possibly used as a club if needed, but that is low in priority.

If possible, something that ran "AA" or "AAA" as I store more of those - or some kind of rechargeable.

Can something quality be had for less than $50


2. What do you use as your "have everywhere" flashlights. I was buying those really cheap amazon ones that take "AA", but would like something better and brighter. One the good side I never cared if I lost those.

If possible, Amazon links for your recommendation would be great.

thanks

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[Member 34319]

Lol. I have those AA ones off Amazon everywhere.

Not in the car though. I put crank up flashlights in the vehicles as they don't get checked for batteries ever. Though if your better at checking batteries, I'd say go for the 10-12 Amazon flashlights that take a 18650.

 

[Kruel J]

I don't do cheap lights. I run Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix only. But Surefire and Fenix have some offerings in that $50 range. Worth a look.

 

[bsa1917hunter]

I don't do cheap lights. I run Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix only. But Surefire and Fenix have some offerings in that $50 range. Worth a look.

I agree. I keep a small fenix in my leatherman wave side pocket. Fits like it was made to go there. Another brand I like is nite core. The last one is a 1000 lumen, and came with battery and charger. It also has an adapter so you can charge in the car. Cost $56.00

 

[fredridge]

I have some crank flashlights in the emergency bags in the trunk, but mostly looking for a more regular use light next to seat. Usually gets pulled out to look for stuff in the car at night, but other stuff too.

She used it for trick or treating and decided it wasn't bright enough

Those little amazom ones have been great, not uncommon to have 2-3 end up in same place cuz I can just grab and leave.

Lol. I have those AA ones off Amazon everywhere.

Not in the car though. I put crank up flashlights in the vehicles as they don't get checked for batteries ever. Though if your better at checking batteries, I'd say go for the 10-12 Amazon flashlights that take a 18650.

I could probably do more, but probably not more than $100. Any models you recommend?

I don't do cheap lights. I run Surefire, Streamlight and Fenix only. But Surefire and Fenix have some offerings in that $50 range. Worth a look.

 

[fredridge]

cool, looking that up

I agree. I keep a small fenix in my leatherman wave side pocket. Fits like it was made to go there. Another brand I like is nite core. The last one is a 1000 lumen, and came with battery and charger. It also has an adapter so you can charge in the car. Cost $56.00

 

[Member 34319]

Here is the 10-12 dollar amazon model. They are bright. Much much brighter than the little 2-3 dollar ones.

UltraFire WF-502B Flashlight 800 Lumen LED 3 Modes Output Run On 18650 Battery (NOT Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BS7PQHS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fq32Bb0RVG2H2

 

[fredridge]

oh and another issue. I do have some cheap amazon 18650 lights (not sure brand), but they seem to get hot after a bit. Would prefer something that keeps cool, assuming battery and light would last longer

 

[nammac]

I run a Fenix LD-41, it's 960 lumens and runs on "AA"s... Four of 'em... not the smallest flashlight, but sure as heck serviceable....

 

[bsa1917hunter]

cool, looking that up

Check Ebay. When I was thinking about doing armed security, the instructors all had them.

 

[fredridge]

size isn't an issue, its for sitting in map pocket. Current one is size of 3 cell maglite and she just wants brighter. Looks like might be a good choice

I run a Fenix LD-41, it's 960 lumens and runs on "AA"s... Four of 'em... not the smallest flashlight, but sure as heck serviceable....

 

[Member 34319]

This is my bump in the night light. Used it a few times camping too and had it on for at least 3-4 hours one time continuous and it only got slightly warm.

It's big though.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BSLRMTM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_hz32BbQK5NHVH

 

[Member 34319]

Being a former RC nut. I recommend getting good batteries as well.

Tenergy is my go to for 18650s.

 

[Geardo]

I like armytek. I have used the major brands, and some in the same price point/quality as armytek, and they are still the most durable by far in that price range, surpassed by surefire only IMO. I mounted their Viking to my AR for 500 rds and it was fine.

flashlight • r/flashlight

 

[Joe13]

I have a flashlight in my bag but I use my headlamp that runs on a couple AAA batteries 95% of the time. Has adjustable brightness and was under $40.


I keep a led mini mag led that runs on 2 AAA batteries and is plenty bright for everything I've ever used it for and was $20.

3 D mag light for my house flashlight.

 

[Pops1911]

Like others I have purchased more than a few from Amazon. Always did what I need them to do. Brighter does not always equal more money.

 

[ConcernedCitizen]

For something small and bright, this is my favorite:
https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-...ght+protac&dpPl=1&dpID=41SwJgPPo6L&ref=plSrch

Can use a single AA, or a single CR123.

For EDC, I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-..._FMwebp_QL65&keywords=streamlight+microstream

I've always found that the flashlight you carry with you is better than the one you have stored someplace.

You'd really be surprised how often you use a flashlight when you always have one available.

 

[ConcernedCitizen]

For home or auto use, here's another one I highly recommend:
https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-Indestructible-AA-Flashlight-DIY2AA-B/dp/B004Y6DMBU

They also offer a decent headlamp:
https://www.amazon.com/Rayovac-DIYH...e+headlamp&dpPl=1&dpID=41dnc15ukkL&ref=plSrch

Regardless of what you choose, be sure to use good lithium batteries, as alkaline batteries tend to leak when left sitting for a long time.

 

[wp4]

Transport

Cigarette lighter rechargeable, lives in there.

 

[Hawaiian]

For the car, a headlamp is best. Leaves both hands free to do stuff. You can also hold it in your hand if you just need to check something quick. Have you ever had to hold the light in your mouth because you needed both hands? Don't cheap out, check the run times on the lights you are looking at. Plenty out there with AA or AAA. I run the lithium batteries as they don't leak and last longer.