Please Recommend Spotlight(s) for Sailboat

[RSC]

Hope someone can help me, I sail a 34' sloop on the west coast. Wind being somewhat unpredictable, I'm often trying to enter coves, harbors and such at night. Very frustrated because I've got several spotlights and they don't always work well for me. The main problem is that they throw too much light outside the beam. In the marine environment (cold, wet air) that often means a large amount of light reflected back into my face, destroying my night vision. Furthermore, the same "peripheral" light reflects back off the deck, rigging, water, &c. Ideally I need a light that puts nearly all of the light into a relatively tight beam, with a minimum of spillover. Other requirements for such a light are: RELIABLE, waterproof, rugged, one handed operation. Bright colored housing and inherently buoyant would also be nice. I know it's a tall order... any ideas? Anything even come close?

 

[BeastFlashlight]

Deft-X!! But it will cost you $600 and there is LONG waiting time associated with ordering it. It's beam is as tight and 'spill' free as it gets, it is the furthest throwing LED flashlight made (currently). In the Deft-X forum posters have specifically talked about how it is a very good flashlight for boating conditions, great for the glare and reflection factors that you mentioned.

 

[rednek]

If the Deft-X is out of range try the Nightmaster or the TN31mb from the One Stop throw shop. you should also check out Deerelight.

 

[RSC]

Thanks, and another question

Why do most of the highest-powered lights have the switch mounted on the end cap? This seems very clumsy to me, an almost total non-starter for my intended use, and I would think for most people who really need a handheld light. I need to be able to use the light one-handed so my other hand is available to operate other equipment and/or keep myself on the boat and out of the water!

 

[tubed]

Re: Thanks, and another question

Why do most of the highest-powered lights have the switch mounted on the end cap? This seems very clumsy to me, an almost total non-starter for my intended use, and I would think for most people who really need a handheld light. I need to be able to use the light one-handed so my other hand is available to operate other equipment and/or keep myself on the boat and out of the water!

I"ve spent good chunk of the last two years trying to come up with the perfect boating light. If you search this site under "boating" you'll find a whole bunch of threads (many from me) that discuss.

Yes - narrow beam is best. Especially on a sailboat where you don't want light reflecting off deck or sails.
The ultimate lights for this are "asperical" lights -- these have a special domed lense that makes the light act like a laser - single straight beam with no spill. I've resisted this as it seems a bit extreme. You want a little spill.
If I were you - Consider lights with XPG type emitters (I think the most modern versions are XPG2). The absolute lumen numbers will be lower than XML lights but the beam is much more narrow and focussed and generaly travels farther. But it still has some spill. A good "Throwy" XML light is probably ok too. This means it has a large and long head creating a narrower, farther throwing beam.

I, too, have been searching for a good single handed light. Hard to find. There's more out now than there used to be, but still many have a tail clicker, and further adjustments are made by buttons, head twists, etc. Drives me nuts.

Lastly - the 2 other key things you need is pocket-ablity and a low -low. Like less than 5 lumens - around 1 is probably best. AND, you need to be able to access this low directly from OFF so you don't fry your eyes. Finding a light with all these features has proven impossible to me so far.

Here are some I"ve been considering:
-Thrunite TN31 - (someone referred to this above) powerfull, low low, one-handed, but a bit heavy and expensive. Hits many of my requirements but looks like would be hard to fit in pocket.
-NItecore SRT 6 or 7. This hits the most boxes for me (but i'm still not getting it). ONe handed operation with a twisting control ring that can go from 1 to 800 +lumens. good thrower. You can adjust ring before you turn on, so you know what your getting. This has an XML emitter (a bitter wider beam) but i'll bet it would serve you fine. Its small enough to fit in a pocket if needed quickly.
-Skilhunt Defier S2 -just reviewed on this site. Has good throw (also an xml) and almost a one-hander.
-Eageltac D25X(something)- again, strong beam, able to come on in low,low and almost one-handable

Armytek - makes some really powerfull XPG, pocketable lights but they're all two handed twisting UI kind of lights.

I'll probably think of more later. Good luck.

 

[sgt253]

Re: Thanks, and another question

Malkoff Hound Dog cool XML.

 

[jacobus]

Rednek I'm wondering why you did not also suggest the vinh K40VN54? It seems to have great throw which is the most important criteria for this application IMHO. I am also on the lookout for a spot flashlight for use on a circumnavigating sailboat currently in Malaysia. I would like minimum spill as well and a strobe function so the light can do double due as a 'tactical' light while at anchor. Along the coasts of SE Asian countries fishing gear of all kinds are a real danger while motoring or motor sailing. Early warning of objects is essential while motoring at night.

The Deft X appeals and I am trying to establish the time to ship-------

Zeiler

 

[HaileStorm]

Armytek Predator XP-G2. Throws like crazy and has a very tight beam. As rugged as rugged can get. Probably bomb-proof due to its great build quality.

 

[tubed]

Armytek Predator XP-G2. Throws like crazy and has a very tight beam. As rugged as rugged can get. Probably bomb-proof due to its great build quality.

This light seems close to perfect as a boating light. My only problem with this is the UI which is very two-handed. that was deal breaker for me.

 

[BLUE LED]

This light seems close to perfect as a boating light. My only problem with this is the UI which is very two-handed. that was deal breaker for me.

Lumintop Hunter T5 XP-G2. One handed operation to switch modes and throws further than the Predator XP-G2.

 

[HaileStorm]

I think there's a new predator, predator pro v2.5? Not sure but it should be more powerful than the pred that ive got. Although, yeah, the head twisting thing requires two hands but it doesnt really bother me much. How about Nitecore's SRT7?

 

[tubed]

I think there's a new predator, predator pro v2.5? Not sure but it should be more powerful than the pred that ive got. Although, yeah, the head twisting thing requires two hands but it doesnt really bother me much. How about Nitecore's SRT7?

The SRT7 is arguably the best boating light out there - instant access to both very low and very high, one handed, big throw. It even has red and green function you could use as back-up nav lights.
Unfortunately for me - i've sworn off nitecores for a while given the problems I'm having with my finicky MH25.