Greetings CPF,
Not a new member, but still looking for some crowdsourced wisdom... Here's my wish list:
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Doesn't matter
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $300
3) Format:
EDC flashlight
4) Size:
~80mm length (flexible on this)
5) Emitter/Light source:
Single LED in the 3700-5000K temp range. Nichia 219 or XP-G2 or XPL-HI, etc.
6) Manufacturer:
Doesn't matter
7) What power source do you want to use?
Must accept AA. AA is a must have because of the universal availability of AA batteries. Prefer that the light also accepts 14500.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
Prefer a light where the Li-Ion must be removed for recharge with a stand-alone charger. But if a light exists that meets the other criteria, charging port built into the light is OK.
MUST HAVE: Battery must be replaceable.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
MUST HAVE: Low must be no higher than 1 lumen.
High somewhere in the 120-300 lumen range.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
A beam pattern similar to an HDS. Tight hotspot, useable spill.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
EDC uses.
10) Runtime:
Flexible on this.
11) Durability/Usage:
Prefer that the light is potted.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
MUST HAVE: E-switch or mcclicky. These are the only two I'm familiar with, but the trade-offs are satisfactory. Really high reliability and nice short travel (e-switch) vs mcclicky (not as reliable and longer travel but still solid and very easy to DIY service/replace).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
MUST HAVE: Full ramping between moonlight to high (prefer ramping via the switch, but selector ring would be ok). Direct access to moonlight and high. Special modes like strobe are OK as long as they are hidden.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Prefer stainless bezel but flexible on this.
15) Water resistance
At least IPX7.
16) Storage conditions
Wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability.
17) Special Needs/extras:
MUST HAVE: Switch must allow tail standing, meaning it must be flush or side mounted.
Prefer user replaceable/upgradeable pocket clip
Not a new member, but still looking for some crowdsourced wisdom... Here's my wish list:
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Doesn't matter
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
Up to $300
3) Format:
EDC flashlight
4) Size:
~80mm length (flexible on this)
5) Emitter/Light source:
Single LED in the 3700-5000K temp range. Nichia 219 or XP-G2 or XPL-HI, etc.
6) Manufacturer:
Doesn't matter
7) What power source do you want to use?
Must accept AA. AA is a must have because of the universal availability of AA batteries. Prefer that the light also accepts 14500.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
Prefer a light where the Li-Ion must be removed for recharge with a stand-alone charger. But if a light exists that meets the other criteria, charging port built into the light is OK.
MUST HAVE: Battery must be replaceable.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
MUST HAVE: Low must be no higher than 1 lumen.
High somewhere in the 120-300 lumen range.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
A beam pattern similar to an HDS. Tight hotspot, useable spill.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
EDC uses.
10) Runtime:
Flexible on this.
11) Durability/Usage:
Prefer that the light is potted.
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
MUST HAVE: E-switch or mcclicky. These are the only two I'm familiar with, but the trade-offs are satisfactory. Really high reliability and nice short travel (e-switch) vs mcclicky (not as reliable and longer travel but still solid and very easy to DIY service/replace).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
MUST HAVE: Full ramping between moonlight to high (prefer ramping via the switch, but selector ring would be ok). Direct access to moonlight and high. Special modes like strobe are OK as long as they are hidden.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
Prefer stainless bezel but flexible on this.
15) Water resistance
At least IPX7.
16) Storage conditions
Wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability.
17) Special Needs/extras:
MUST HAVE: Switch must allow tail standing, meaning it must be flush or side mounted.
Prefer user replaceable/upgradeable pocket clip
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