RedSquirrel
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2010
- Messages
- 66
Hello all, I recently lost my valued Nitecore EZ CR2 which had been on my keys for so long it was silver rather than black! 
I already have the newer "SENS" version but I really don't like the (IMO) dodgy accelerometer function.
So now I'm searching for a new one; I have been searching for days and have shortlisted so many and then removed them for various reasons!
Initially thought AA but now leaning towards RCR123(rechargeable is a must) for compact size.
I have filled in your handy request form and I'm really looking forward to the responses and suggestions.
Here is the completed form:
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
• This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
• Up to $100.
3) Format:
• I want a flashlight (hand held/self-contained).
• I want a self-contained headlamp.
(Either as long as it is keyring mountable)
4) Size:
• MICRO - Keychain size.
• TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
• LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
• I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
• I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
7) What power source do you want to use?
• I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
• I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al) – Preferably RCR123
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
• I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
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).
• ANY (must have moonlight and/or firefly mode)
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
• All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
• 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)
• 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
• 30-50 yards/meters (I have a big 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).
• 3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
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).
• Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
• I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
• I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
• I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
• I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
• I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
• I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
• I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
14)Material/Finish/Coating
• I don't mind.
15) Water resistance
• IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
• In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
• Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
• Keyring mountable
• Moonlight and/or firefly mode
Thanks in advance to all for replying!
I already have the newer "SENS" version but I really don't like the (IMO) dodgy accelerometer function.
So now I'm searching for a new one; I have been searching for days and have shortlisted so many and then removed them for various reasons!
Initially thought AA but now leaning towards RCR123(rechargeable is a must) for compact size.
I have filled in your handy request form and I'm really looking forward to the responses and suggestions.
Here is the completed form:
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
• This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
• Up to $100.
3) Format:
• I want a flashlight (hand held/self-contained).
• I want a self-contained headlamp.
(Either as long as it is keyring mountable)
4) Size:
• MICRO - Keychain size.
• TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
• LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
• I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
• I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
7) What power source do you want to use?
• I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
• I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al) – Preferably RCR123
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
• I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
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).
• ANY (must have moonlight and/or firefly mode)
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
• All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
• 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)
• 5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
• 30-50 yards/meters (I have a big 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).
• 3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).
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).
• Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
• I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
• I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
• I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
• I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
• I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
• I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
• I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
14)Material/Finish/Coating
• I don't mind.
15) Water resistance
• IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)
16) Storage conditions
• In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
• Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
• Keyring mountable
• Moonlight and/or firefly mode
Thanks in advance to all for replying!
