realjoshfreeman
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2017
- Messages
- 7
My son is getting to the age where he can both make use of and keep up with decent outdoor gear, and I'd like to make him a gift of a solid general-use flashlight. I have several lights that I'm pretty happy with, but they're primarily SureFire and Foursevens models made from '05-'09 that aren't available anymore.
Based on my outdated experience, what I'd buy today if I could is a Foursevens Quark Tactical with the 2x123 body and a Warm or Neutral 0.8-4.2V head. That would give him a solid light with versatile programmable output but a simple everyday-use UI. Additionally, with the spare 2xAA Quark body I already have (and spacers where needed), he could run the light off 1xAA, 2xAA, 1x(R)CR123, or 1x16650.
But since I can't get that, what should I be looking at in 2017? Who are the players, now?
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
-I don't care.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
- Up to $50. Up to $70, maybe, if there were a compelling reason.
3) Format:
- Handheld, self-contained, traditional flashlight.
4) Size:
- TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches)
- SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
- LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
- The best balance of quality, price, and features is most important. I'm fine with a traditional manufacturer, a custom build, or assembling a Frankenlight from components to strike that best balance.
7) What power source do you want to use?
- In descending order of preference:
1. AA such that primary lithium, primary alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH may all be used.
2. Single rechargeable lithium-ion cells with >2000 mAh capacity.
3. Integrated USB-rechargeable pack.
- Bonus points for being able to use more than one battery type either internally or via swappable bodies. A rechargeable option is a must. I'm not interested in 2xCR123-only lights due to the relatively low capacity of RCR123s.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
- Stand-alone charger (remove batteries to charge)
- USB rechargeable.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
- Max in the 200-400 lumen range.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
_X__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_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)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
- In the neighborhood of an hour at maximum setting.
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):
- Gonna go with "I don't care" on this one. Slight preference for something capable of momentary activation, for signaling.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
__X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__X__I want a programmable light.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
- Metal body a must, specific material not so much a concern. The more durable the finish the better, while still staying within price target.
15) Water resistance
- At least IPX7 (1 meter submersible for 30 minutes) an absolute must. We are lake people, and occasionally fall in.
16) Storage conditions
- Mostly in house. Will be a near-EDC item.
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
- Ability to attach a lanyard preferred.
- A clip for a hat bill to make an improvised headlamp in a pinch would be a bonus.
Based on my outdated experience, what I'd buy today if I could is a Foursevens Quark Tactical with the 2x123 body and a Warm or Neutral 0.8-4.2V head. That would give him a solid light with versatile programmable output but a simple everyday-use UI. Additionally, with the spare 2xAA Quark body I already have (and spacers where needed), he could run the light off 1xAA, 2xAA, 1x(R)CR123, or 1x16650.
But since I can't get that, what should I be looking at in 2017? Who are the players, now?
==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================
1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
-I don't care.
2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
- Up to $50. Up to $70, maybe, if there were a compelling reason.
3) Format:
- Handheld, self-contained, traditional flashlight.
4) Size:
- TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches)
- SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
5) Emitter/Light source:
- LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
6) Manufacturer:
- The best balance of quality, price, and features is most important. I'm fine with a traditional manufacturer, a custom build, or assembling a Frankenlight from components to strike that best balance.
7) What power source do you want to use?
- In descending order of preference:
1. AA such that primary lithium, primary alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH may all be used.
2. Single rechargeable lithium-ion cells with >2000 mAh capacity.
3. Integrated USB-rechargeable pack.
- Bonus points for being able to use more than one battery type either internally or via swappable bodies. A rechargeable option is a must. I'm not interested in 2xCR123-only lights due to the relatively low capacity of RCR123s.
7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
- Stand-alone charger (remove batteries to charge)
- USB rechargeable.
8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
- Max in the 200-400 lumen range.
9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
_X__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
_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)
10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries.
- In the neighborhood of an hour at maximum setting.
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):
- Gonna go with "I don't care" on this one. Slight preference for something capable of momentary activation, for signaling.
13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
__X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
__X__I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
__X__I want a programmable light.
14)Material/Finish/Coating
- Metal body a must, specific material not so much a concern. The more durable the finish the better, while still staying within price target.
15) Water resistance
- At least IPX7 (1 meter submersible for 30 minutes) an absolute must. We are lake people, and occasionally fall in.
16) Storage conditions
- Mostly in house. Will be a near-EDC item.
17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
- Ability to attach a lanyard preferred.
- A clip for a hat bill to make an improvised headlamp in a pinch would be a bonus.
