Currently using a Zebralight SC600w IV HI - it works just fine to be honest, but my two big complaints are that the beam is almost too narrow, which requires me to scan a lot of aircraft surface area and the battery does not last as long on high as I'd like (I guess I should just get in the habit of recharging the 18650 battery after every trip). Great size and great form factor though. I've always wanted a Malkoff M61 High/Low MD2, but have just never pulled the trigger.
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
Open to options
7) What power source do you want to use?
I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
Cockpit usage - lower output (less than 100 lumens?)
Aircraft Preflight - top of vertical stabilizer is roughly 41 feet off the ground; I originally though a tighter beam would be best, but it just means I have to scan more aircraft surface area with the small beam. I'd almost rather have a more floody light that covers more area. This is my biggest complaint with my Zebralight SC600w IV HI
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Not sure between these three:
Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
Less than 1 yard (reading, other close work)
Less than 5 yards (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
5-20 yards (check out a noise in the backyard)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
Only used for short periods of aircraft pre-flighting, but doing it multiple times a trip. That said, longer the better
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I don't care.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I do not care.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
15) Water resistance
At least IPX4 (Splash resistant)
16) Storage conditions
Flight Bag
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
N/A
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $200.
3) Format:
I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
4) Size:
SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
5) Emitter/Light source:
LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
Open to options
7) What power source do you want to use?
I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).
Cockpit usage - lower output (less than 100 lumens?)
Aircraft Preflight - top of vertical stabilizer is roughly 41 feet off the ground; I originally though a tighter beam would be best, but it just means I have to scan more aircraft surface area with the small beam. I'd almost rather have a more floody light that covers more area. This is my biggest complaint with my Zebralight SC600w IV HI
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Not sure between these three:
Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
Less than 1 yard (reading, other close work)
Less than 5 yards (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
5-20 yards (check out a noise in the backyard)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).
Only used for short periods of aircraft pre-flighting, but doing it multiple times a trip. That said, longer the better
11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
I don't care.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
I do not care.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
15) Water resistance
At least IPX4 (Splash resistant)
16) Storage conditions
Flight Bag
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
N/A
