Please Help Me Choose a Flashlight! I Really Need This!

[CyberJCM]

Guys, I have a real need here for this, and I could really use some help! I've looked online at some, but their specs and numbers don't reflect real world usage to me.

First I have to say that I'm legally blind normally, but put me in the dark and I'm essentially totally blind. Of course the severity of this depends on alot of factors, but for me it is a serious problem.

Over the years, it's been so hard to have to rely on someone to guide me in the dark. In recent years, having a family and kids it's become so much harder when we're anywhere fun with them and the sun goes down. I need a helping light!

We were at Disneyland this weekend and it was extremely hard. Any theme park type place is extremely hard. And unfortunately the crowds don't help or understand when they get shouldered by me and I had no idea they were there. I have decided that ambience be damned, I'm bringing my own flashlight! This is where I need your help.

I'm looking for a reasonably compact, quite bright, wide even beam of light, and good battery life flashlight to take with me. If those don't make sense, ask and I'll try and clarify. I know little about all the options these days. I used to get by with a 3 cell MagLite for the casual walking about, but that won't work in this application and isn't near bright enough.

Thanks guys, like I said this is a real need and I hope you can help!

 

[ouch]

Check www.lighthound.com

Fenix makes some nice portable lights.

 

[CyberJCM]

Check www.lighthound.com

Fenix makes some nice portable lights.

Thanks ouch! Any recommendations on what specs and models to look for?

 

[ouch]

I've been out of the loop for a bit, but I'm sure someone will have a good suggestion.

 

[maxman]

I own the Fenix LD20 (LD22 is the new model) and it's fantastic.
2 AA batteries, nice and bright and big enough to fit in your hand comfortably.
At work I have a Fenix PD22 which uses a CR123 battery.
I can't recommend them enough.

The CR123 batteries are not a limiting factor. They are more expensive but worth it.

 

[tfinch]

I'm not precisely familiar with Fenix's current line up since the flashlight makers are always updating and upgrading models, but some things to consider in general are the kind of batteries you'd prefer your light to take (AA's easier to find just about anywhere, CR123s have better life), and how you'll carry your light. If you will like to carry it in it's belt holder or if you use a EDC bag of some kind the 2x AA models will be brighter and have a longer burn time. If you want to carry just in the pocket a single AA or CR123 light would be the way to go. If you tend to wear dressy clothes and can't have something bulky in the pocket, 4Sevens makes a tiny light called the Preon that takes a single AAA battery, has a clip like what you see on an ink pen and is still plenty bright enough for general navigating around.

 

[kmain]

I own a Streamlight flashlight, while it's more for police use it makes a fine flashlight. It's also rechargeable also so you don't have to worry about those expensive lithium batteries. This model is slightly different than mine, I couldn't find the one I use.

http://www.galls.com/CGBCSTYL?PMSTYL=FL858

 

[ouch]

Told ya.

 

[KaiserKrebs]

I own a Streamlight flashlight, while it's more for police use it makes a fine flashlight. It's also rechargeable also so you don't have to worry about those expensive lithium batteries. This model is slightly different than mine, I couldn't find the one I use.

http://www.galls.com/CGBCSTYL?PMSTYL=FL858

+1 on the Streamlight, I have the dual switch model, and I also work in Law Enforcement. Depends on the size of light you want to carry, but I like the ability to recharge mine, very, very bright on the highest setting, there's also a low, and strobe setting.

 

[CyberJCM]

Thanks so far guys! Can you please help me relate real world brightness to specs like lumen rating and such? Super bright for someone who sees normally may still be too dim for someone like me. If I can relate brightness to something like that it may help

 

[kmain]

+1 on the Streamlight, I have the dual switch model, and I also work in Law Enforcement. Depends on the size of light you want to carry, but I like the ability to recharge mine, very, very bright on the highest setting, there's also a low, and strobe setting.

Hua. The description you gave sounds exactly like mine. If you want a idea how bright it is also OP... I can shine it across a football field and light it up fairly well.

 

[kmain]

Thanks so far guys! Can you please help me relate real world brightness to specs like lumen rating and such? Super bright for someone who sees normally may still be too dim for someone like me. If I can relate brightness to something like that it may help

The higher end flashlights are over 120lumen and are better for outdoor use, anything less is pretty useless except in enclosed spaces IMO.

 

[Rockminer]

This is what I carry everyday. It's a 4 sevens Qmini aa. It's a twist to actvate. I'm running a 3.7 volt AA rechargeable battery which is basically a cr123 battery in a AA form. It comes with a lanyard so you can wear it around your neck if need be. The chapstick is just for size comparison. I also linked a video of this exact same setup with a comparison of a regular AA and the 3.7 upgrade. I like this setup because I get the same output as the cr123 lights, but get to use AA regular batteries, in a pinch, if need be. ( they are the most avaliable battery type on the planet ) My version is an older model. The new version is suppossed to be 20% brighter. Be aware that if you go this route that the MiniAA is direct drive in high, meaning it will accept any amount of power you give to it. It will get warm and even hot, so use it when you need it or swap back to med when it gets hot you will be fine. You can just use regular AA's or regular rechargeable's and not have to worry about the heat but you will not get the jump in output with the 3.7 volt 14500 battery.

 

[CyberJCM]

Thanks guys for the answer to the lumen question! That helps.

I'm going to do some looking into the Stremline... I'll be honest though that the one linked above is definitely out of my price range. But I'll check them out!

Thanks Rockminer for your post! Thats pretty cool actually, and I'm definitely looking into that light as well as the battery mod!

Please keep them coming!

 

[Rockminer]

How big of a light is too big for you? Some of the slightly bigger lights come with a clicky button instead of a twist function. Also what is your budget? Might be easier to pinpoint something that you will like with some more info. Do you need to be able to carry it in your pocket?

If you decide to go the route I went, be aware that some brands are actually regulated on high and would not offer the extra output. Youtube vids are a great way to find info and beam shots. If you really want to blow your mind, go to candlepowerforums.com and see real obsession.

 

[CyberJCM]

Thanks Rockminer, I did go there and mind is blown!

I took this pic of what I had been using to give an idea. It was given to me from someone, it came in a Costco 2 pack and its by Element. Best I could find is its rated at 80 lumen but many doubt that its that high. It was a good light, not perfect but good. It didnt last a real long time on its 3 AAA's, but it was a fairly bright, wide beam. I like the size for the most part, maybe thinner and smaller would be better. It stopped working after I loaned it to my kid for a camping trip, go figure! The pic is next to my computer mouse for size. Oh, and I think $40 is about where I'm comfortable right now.

 

[Big_John]

If I may make a suggestion, why not call the flash light companies listed and explain exactly what you need and why you need it. I'll bet they could come up with a much better solution than we can give you here.

 

[Rockminer]

This light is within your budget. ( $27 ) It is rated at 120 ish lumens with a regular AA, over 400 with a 14500 AA ( 3.7 volt ) Back when I was interested in this light, they would give an extra clicky switch. It seemed to be the weak link of the light. Not sure if they have upgraded the switch or not. for $27 it may be worth a try. Linked a video of a beam shot with this light.

EDIT; wanted to let you know that the light I have is in your budget too.( $40 ish ) Just going to cost you more for the 3.7 volt battery and a charger. But you could buy either if these lights and try them before deciding on going with the battery upgrade.

 

[GAZ082]

I've been in your shoes a couple of weeks ago and after a week of research in the (of course) forum of flashlight enthusiasts i figured out the best value/price ratio is with 4Sevens.

 

[kmain]

Found the one I use...

http://www.galls.com/CGBCSTYL?PMSTYL=FL622
Streamlight Stinger

http://www.galls.com/CGBCSTYL?PMSTYL=FL126
Extra Battery