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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: J888www on Thu, 16 December 2010, 06:01:28

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: J888www on Thu, 16 December 2010, 06:01:28

While GH was having a little hiccup a few Days passed, I wondered in search of a torch as my present Duracell Voyager, although nice, seems to be a little too bulky in the pockets. Then I happened on the doorsteps of CandlePowerForums (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forum.php), a similar site to GH but in concern with light-emitting items. I was particularly interested in the LED flashlights, in relation to my Duracell, its like a comparison of Mechanical kbds to Rubberdomes. These are not your usual torches, you will be surprised.

Be warned, this site is very enticing and longer visits will also result in addiction, you'll be even poorer as a consequence.

There are budget flashlights like the Solarforce L2i/Lr2 (can be configured) or the Romisen RC-G2 II; maybe something of a higher grade like the Fenix LD20 R5.

They come in so many different shapes and sizes/battery formats/LED models, you'd need to thoroughly investigate to comprehend the extent.
It is also fun while testing the beam qualities of your LED flashlights ie. out through your windows at night, see someone else doing the same then just direct your beam at them and voila, you have rapport (they'll probably think you're crazy and vice-versa).

I was there for two Days and already purchased two LED flashlights (originally seeking one replacement). Very soon, not only will I be sleeping on top of keyboards but I'll probably have flash lights coming out of my mouth, nostrils and ears at the same time (all flashing). So if you do enter for a sneak-peek, be careful, you have been warned, twice.


Solarforce > Romisen > Fenix

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: woody on Thu, 16 December 2010, 06:05:12

Petzl headlamps (http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/headlamps/all-headlamps) are handy. Just a suggestion.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: AndrewZorn on Thu, 16 December 2010, 08:14:25

My customized L2 is the best I have, and it's very good.
My favorite is a ~3" DealExtreme AKOray.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: godly_music on Thu, 16 December 2010, 17:47:38

I'm about to spend 10x as much on a flashlight as I have on a mechanical keyboard. Thanks a lot. I DON'T EVEN NEED A FLASHLIGHT.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: Pylon on Thu, 16 December 2010, 19:46:48

Do they make one with red LED? I could use one for the darkroom.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: nanu on Thu, 16 December 2010, 20:17:33

Quote from: J888www;263910

Be warned, this site is very enticing and longer visits will also result in addiction, you'll be even poorer as a consequence.

Pretty much. I've spent as much on flashlights in 5 months as I have on keyboards for 5 years.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: shmithers on Thu, 16 December 2010, 23:33:05

I have some Surefires and a few 4sevens.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: WhiteRice on Thu, 16 December 2010, 23:57:44

I have one of these. I like the dual modes. The button broke and leatherman replaced it for free.

(http://www.moontrail.com/details/leatherman/serac-s2/ltg-serac-s2-sideview.jpg)

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: nmd on Fri, 17 December 2010, 00:11:50

Quote from: woody;263911

Petzl headlamps (http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/headlamps/all-headlamps) are handy. Just a suggestion.

I use a Petzl Tikka(may be wrong on the model, can't remember) when I go hiking/camping. It's great.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: nmd on Fri, 17 December 2010, 00:47:11

Didn't catch that at first. >.< Har har. ;)

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: hoggy on Fri, 17 December 2010, 00:50:59

I stumbled on that forum when I was looking for a new torch - luckily I managed to stop reading the forum quickly enough before I bought more than one.

Ended up with an Inova X5 - fabby little thing.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: nanu on Fri, 17 December 2010, 03:25:10

If you want to avoid addiction and save money, be open minded about your requirements (it's less important what you think you want), and resell ASAP the lights you don't use. Not too different from keyboards.

You'd probably be best off buying top-loved lights if you value the utility of a light more than something only used during emergencies. There's a thread somewhere where people vote for their absolute favorite light. It's definitely flawed of perhaps being dated and unfair to certain brands, so I avoided it initially.

Quote from: ripster;264378

Have you seen the light now?

I've seen the light before my CPF user title changed from Unenlightened to Enlightened.

I thought I wanted a flashlight that was brighter than the aging Arc AAAs I was looking to upgrade, and that I'd like twisties over clickies (due to noise, of course). It later turns out I prefer more of a floody beam profile for EDC tasks, and that quiet switches actually exist.

The last light I bought and should be the last one for a while should have been my first: a High CRI HDS EDC Clicky. If Zebralight comes out with a floody RCR123A headlamp with a high CRI LED that may be something else I'd be interested in later.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: lowpoly on Fri, 17 December 2010, 04:03:32

I have a Fenix LD10 (shorter version of the LD20, uses only 1 AA battery). Added this to my every day carry equipment.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: keyb_gr on Fri, 17 December 2010, 09:49:32

L2T here. Gives more light than a cheapo LED flashlight even in the low brightness setting (I rarely ever need full power), runs for an eternity on two Eneloops then, and can take a beating (or drop). I mainly use the thing when sneaking around in the house at nocturnal times. Much more handy than looking for these stupid light switches all the time anyway.

If I needed something to carry with me all the time, I'd go for something smaller, like the single AA version.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: godly_music on Fri, 17 December 2010, 09:55:05

I really fancy the new Fenix LD20 R5, but it's over 50€ and like I said.. I don't even need it. The iTP A3 EOS is nice too.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: godly_music on Fri, 17 December 2010, 10:14:10

The thought bubbles up every other winter. But then the thought of short-legged Italians with recessed hairlines gesticulating and screaming at each other cancels that out.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 17 December 2010, 15:01:58

Quote from: ripster;264601

For  sneaking around the house I use a monster 4D Maglite.

I wanna see you guys tap the robber on his head with your wimpy LEDs with those silly sharp edges.

Show Image

(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/8oA3fvqX_lPguf3UC525dJPp6M8vSLpmabQ9-lFr0qt_5Sn6s_Uw2CwxWj5LcxcF8kJ_4duVHu7irg5TQCWPTgLRQZLxbBHduYfL_rVKjP5MP_dBI9Rpl5UwqogQ1Te_y6pWGhRi0n4A3KJ4F3pdWbrTr5QfImg)

I have one of those. You need to get one of these if you haven't
(http://www.benjaminsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/417rptmibql_ss400_.jpg)

First ya blind'em then you bash'em

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: godly_music on Fri, 17 December 2010, 15:49:10

Patrick Stewart is a sexy, sexy man.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: msiegel on Fri, 17 December 2010, 15:50:15

he's worth seeing in A Christmas Carol (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0216621/) :)

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: WhiteRice on Fri, 17 December 2010, 15:54:01

I got the audio book, he does the narration. It's awesome.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: ricercar on Sat, 18 December 2010, 15:26:06

Quote from: Pylon;264318

Do they make one with red LED? I could use one for the darkroom.

I own a Gerber LED single AA cell torch with a 4-position filter. white, red, green, blue. Don't know a model number. Got it at REI three years ago for about $40 USD.

Red Filter is great for astronomy nights. Get your telescopes out Tuesday for the first solstice eclipse in 465 years,

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: WhiteRice on Sat, 18 December 2010, 15:36:42

You should tell them that if they slam their faces into the keyboard, they can make the colors change.

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: WhiteRice on Sat, 18 December 2010, 23:15:36

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=211213194&&

(http://ak.buy.com/PI/0/250/211213194.jpg)

$25

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: bpiphany on Sun, 19 December 2010, 03:00:35

If I had any use for it I would get this one (http://www.511tactical.com/html511/static/LFLDemo.html) for sure. Although in the summer you never need a flashlight here and during the rest of the year I try to stay indoors...

Title: LED Flashlights.
Post by: WhiteRice on Sun, 19 December 2010, 04:48:40

Quote from: ripster;265584

So that little bitty sharp edge on front makes it "tactical".

Hah!

"tacticool"