I am a member of a local CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) who are occasionally called out for Search and Rescue (SAR) or for evidence searches. We are based in the suburbs, but have been called out before to a nearby rural area to assist. I have a floody headlamp (Armytek Wizard Pro Warm) which is good for illuminating the area immediately in front of me, but I'm looking for a hand held light to augment it for distance.
I've done some searching in the forum, but most of the recommendations for this type of light aren't very recent, so I thought I'd start my own post. I've used the checklist and added some clarifying comments throughout.
Important options: medium level output (300-600 lumen) with good runtime (5-8 hours); swappable batteries (no integrated / non-replaceable batteries); throw with decent spill; neutral or warm tint.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light? Doesn't matter, but probably online
2) Budget: Less than $250 would be preferable (recognizing that I may need to purchase additional batteries, charger, holster, etc., depending on the light), but I could go above that for the right light.
3) Format: I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
Large handheld (with a lanyard) up to a small handheld search light which has a sling mount to help support the weight.
4) Size:
__X__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__X__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
__X__LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
I'm somewhat open on size, but am expecting it to be a medium or larger to meet my requirements. "Soda can" format lights are a possibility, although a skinnier body would probably be easier to hold for long periods.
5) Emitter/Light source: LED
6) Manufacturer:
__X__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
__X__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
My first inclination is to buy from a manufacturer, but I'm open to a custom light as well.
7) What power source do you want to use?
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
__X__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
I already have a number of 18650 flashlights, so one that uses these cells (or something similar like 26650) is fine. Rechargeable battery packs are acceptable, ONLY if they can be removed from the light to swap out with a spare and aren't overly expensive (NOT looking for packs which are $75-200 apiece).
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
__X__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__X__I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
I'm looking for a light which can provide about 300-600 lumens for 5-8 hours at a time. This generally seems to mean a light with a much higher high/turbo output (likely 1200+), with a mid-level setting that can hit the above output/battery life, while still allowing me to jump up to a very high output if needed.
__X__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
__X__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X__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.
__X__Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
The light is for search and rescue. I have a headlamp which is quite floody (Armytek Wizard Pro Warm), so I have something which should cover me for walking and close-up work. What I'm looking for now is a handheld which has a good throw, but still has a fairly good spill so that it's not too much of a single point of illumination. This will allow me to light up specific areas as I search, or to shine at greater distances. Having a smooth transition from hotspot to spill is preferable.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light:
__X__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
__X__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__X__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
__X__150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
Use could range from searching suburban yards (looking in bushes, under cars, etc.), open fields (parks, farmland), or heavily wooded/brushy areas (river bottoms, forest). Unlikely, but also a possibility that might need to use to scan across surface of bodies of water from the shoreline. We also do building searches, but for that I would likely use a different light.
10) Runtime:
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
Looking for 5-8 hours of mid-level (300-600 lumen) run time per charge, with the option to switch out batteries when they are depleted (i.e., no integrated/non-replaceable batteries)
11) Durability/Usage:
__X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__X__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
Primary use is for SAR, but it would probably go along for camping trips or possibly in the vehicle for inclement weather.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
__X__Any size switch will do.
__X__I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
Given the presumed format of a medium+ sized light, a side switch will probably be easiest to use.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.
__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__X__I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
Plan is to use light for extended period on medium setting, with option to jump up to high/turbo if needed. Having the ability to use for signaling is nice, but not required. Most of my lights are multi-mode, so learning a new UI isn't an issue, although a simple way to change between output levels without having to scroll through everything would be nice.
14) Material/Finish/Coating: Don't care, as long as it's durable and reliable (this isn't going to be a "safe queen" light)
15) Water resistance:
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
__X__IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
Need to be able to use in rain / wet areas and need it to withstand that sort of use without any problems.
16) Storage conditions:
__X__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
__X__Emergency kit (long standby periods)
__X__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
This will likely be stored at my house until needed, but may also be placed in my pack / left in the vehicle.
17) Special Needs/extras:
__X__Holster
__X__Wrist/Neck Lanyard
__X__Neutral or Warm tint (this wasn't in the checklist, but I added it)
Would like to have a holster to put it in when not actively using it. Smaller lights might be fine with a wrist lanyard, but a larger (heavier) one would prefer to have a sling to go over shoulder/neck.
Having a warm or neutral tint is important to help distinguish colors properly, and for penetration in foggy / rainy / snowy / smoky conditions.
Some final thoughts:
I have a number of other lights (Fenix, Convoy, Armytek, Zebralight, plus consumer grade stuff that I loan out to other people), but right now the most powerful light I own is a Zebralight SC600 Mk III in neutral white. That's fine for relatively up-close, but it's too floody for any use at a distance, particularly if there is anything up-close which will the light will bounce off of (e.g. if working in the woods/brush).
What I'm picturing is a light with a much higher output than my ZL, something in the 3000+ lumen range. And yes, I admit that I'm using this as an excuse to get another flashlight!
Lights which which I've been considering are the Fenix TK75, Acebeam K60 or K70, Olight X7 or R50, Convoy L6, and ThruNite TN36 or TN40 NW. Some of these are really too floody or have the wrong tint for my intended use, which is why I'm asking for your assistance!
Plusses, minuses, lights I haven't considered? Thanks!
I've done some searching in the forum, but most of the recommendations for this type of light aren't very recent, so I thought I'd start my own post. I've used the checklist and added some clarifying comments throughout.
Important options: medium level output (300-600 lumen) with good runtime (5-8 hours); swappable batteries (no integrated / non-replaceable batteries); throw with decent spill; neutral or warm tint.
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light? Doesn't matter, but probably online
2) Budget: Less than $250 would be preferable (recognizing that I may need to purchase additional batteries, charger, holster, etc., depending on the light), but I could go above that for the right light.
3) Format: I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
Large handheld (with a lanyard) up to a small handheld search light which has a sling mount to help support the weight.
4) Size:
__X__SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
__X__MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
__X__LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
I'm somewhat open on size, but am expecting it to be a medium or larger to meet my requirements. "Soda can" format lights are a possibility, although a skinnier body would probably be easier to hold for long periods.
5) Emitter/Light source: LED
6) Manufacturer:
__X__I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
__X__I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
My first inclination is to buy from a manufacturer, but I'm open to a custom light as well.
7) What power source do you want to use?
__X__I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
__X__I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
I already have a number of 18650 flashlights, so one that uses these cells (or something similar like 26650) is fine. Rechargeable battery packs are acceptable, ONLY if they can be removed from the light to swap out with a spare and aren't overly expensive (NOT looking for packs which are $75-200 apiece).
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
__X__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__X__I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).
I'm looking for a light which can provide about 300-600 lumens for 5-8 hours at a time. This generally seems to mean a light with a much higher high/turbo output (likely 1200+), with a mid-level setting that can hit the above output/battery life, while still allowing me to jump up to a very high output if needed.
__X__SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
__X__Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
__X__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.
__X__Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
The light is for search and rescue. I have a headlamp which is quite floody (Armytek Wizard Pro Warm), so I have something which should cover me for walking and close-up work. What I'm looking for now is a handheld which has a good throw, but still has a fairly good spill so that it's not too much of a single point of illumination. This will allow me to light up specific areas as I search, or to shine at greater distances. Having a smooth transition from hotspot to spill is preferable.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light:
__X__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
__X__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__X__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
__X__150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)
Use could range from searching suburban yards (looking in bushes, under cars, etc.), open fields (parks, farmland), or heavily wooded/brushy areas (river bottoms, forest). Unlikely, but also a possibility that might need to use to scan across surface of bodies of water from the shoreline. We also do building searches, but for that I would likely use a different light.
10) Runtime:
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
Looking for 5-8 hours of mid-level (300-600 lumen) run time per charge, with the option to switch out batteries when they are depleted (i.e., no integrated/non-replaceable batteries)
11) Durability/Usage:
__X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__X__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
Primary use is for SAR, but it would probably go along for camping trips or possibly in the vehicle for inclement weather.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
__X__Any size switch will do.
__X__I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
Given the presumed format of a medium+ sized light, a side switch will probably be easiest to use.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.
__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__X__I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
Plan is to use light for extended period on medium setting, with option to jump up to high/turbo if needed. Having the ability to use for signaling is nice, but not required. Most of my lights are multi-mode, so learning a new UI isn't an issue, although a simple way to change between output levels without having to scroll through everything would be nice.
14) Material/Finish/Coating: Don't care, as long as it's durable and reliable (this isn't going to be a "safe queen" light)
15) Water resistance:
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
__X__IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
Need to be able to use in rain / wet areas and need it to withstand that sort of use without any problems.
16) Storage conditions:
__X__In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
__X__Emergency kit (long standby periods)
__X__Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
This will likely be stored at my house until needed, but may also be placed in my pack / left in the vehicle.
17) Special Needs/extras:
__X__Holster
__X__Wrist/Neck Lanyard
__X__Neutral or Warm tint (this wasn't in the checklist, but I added it)
Would like to have a holster to put it in when not actively using it. Smaller lights might be fine with a wrist lanyard, but a larger (heavier) one would prefer to have a sling to go over shoulder/neck.
Having a warm or neutral tint is important to help distinguish colors properly, and for penetration in foggy / rainy / snowy / smoky conditions.
Some final thoughts:
I have a number of other lights (Fenix, Convoy, Armytek, Zebralight, plus consumer grade stuff that I loan out to other people), but right now the most powerful light I own is a Zebralight SC600 Mk III in neutral white. That's fine for relatively up-close, but it's too floody for any use at a distance, particularly if there is anything up-close which will the light will bounce off of (e.g. if working in the woods/brush).
What I'm picturing is a light with a much higher output than my ZL, something in the 3000+ lumen range. And yes, I admit that I'm using this as an excuse to get another flashlight!
Lights which which I've been considering are the Fenix TK75, Acebeam K60 or K70, Olight X7 or R50, Convoy L6, and ThruNite TN36 or TN40 NW. Some of these are really too floody or have the wrong tint for my intended use, which is why I'm asking for your assistance!
Plusses, minuses, lights I haven't considered? Thanks!