Hello all,
I was wondering what is the best flashlights for urban ex. As of now I just use my light on my iPhone. Also what other equipment is necessary?

Thanks,
Bear

Flashlight thread

The good news is flashlights are cheap now. Five dollars will get you a good one.

Headlamps are good.

I mostly use my light panel that is on my camera.

Lots and lots of gear threads around here if you search a bit.


Edit:
Just wanted to add the official UER Keychain LED light would be the best option naturally. I have heard it boasts 4300 lumens, and acts as a get out of jail free card if you flash it with a smile.

No matter what light you get, the most important thing is to be cautious to not let it get you spotted. It is very easy to see moving light in a window from a good distance at night.

Though for tunnels and basements, this doesn't really apply, go ahead and use your 10,000 lumen mini sun as you please.

Flashlight makers don't have to follow any rules when advertising the number of lumens their flashlights are outputting. That's a good thing to keep in mind. Just get familiar with what the good brands are and remember you get what you pay for. Also, make sure it takes rechargeable batteries.

And since there aren't any dedicated flashlight stores, nearly every flashlight you can find in a camping supply store, hardware store, or gun shop is either mediocre in lumen output, or cheap plastic junk.

Last but not least, the color tint of your light will be completely different depending on what LED is in the flashlight. I personally hate bluish tint, so all of my flashlights are either warm or white.

No matter what you buy bring two, especially if draining.

Ive carried Surefire with LED modules for years, now, theres a lot of cheaper brands that equal or outperform them.

Keep in mind that if you need a flashlight to get in, you need a flashlight to get out. If you are in a location with dangerous drops, stairs, weak floors, etc, then flashlight failure can become a life threatening situation. I recommend two flashlights that use the same type of batteries, then carry both lights plus an extra set of batteries. I spend a lot of time underground and take lights quite seriously.

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Posted by NeuroticMatt Flashlight thread The good news is flashlights are cheap now. Five dollars will get you a good one. Headlamps are good. I mostly use my light panel that is on my camera. Lots and lots of gear threads around here if you search a bit. Edit: Just wanted to add the official UER Keychain LED light would be the best option naturally. I have heard it boasts 4300 lumens, and acts as a get out of jail free card if you flash it with a smile.

Thanks! I tried looking around for threads about gear but didn't seem to find any. I wish there was a search tool. Would solve a lot of misconfusion. I heard the best lights are red lED headlamps. Less visible in windows and far away, and hands free.

I've been trying to access the UER store and it seems to be down. Any knowledge about that anyone?

Posted by 2Xplorations No matter what you buy bring two, especially if draining. Ive carried Surefire with LED modules for years, now, there's a lot of cheaper brands that equal or outperform them.

Thank you so much, great tip! Probably gonna save me in the future

Posted by Bear Grylls Thanks! I tried looking around for threads about gear but didn't seem to find any. I wish there was a search tool. Would solve a lot of misconfusion. I heard the best lights are red lED headlamps. Less visible in windows and far away, and hands free. I've been trying to access the UER store and it seems to be down. Any knowledge about that anyone?

Here's a link to a page that DJCraig put up that's full of gear links. Should be a good starting point for you.

http://www.uer.ca/...urrpage=1&pp#post6

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You can always try Candlepower Forums. Every question you could possibly ever have about flashlights can be answered there.

Posted by 2Xplorations No matter what you buy bring two, especially if draining. Ive carried Surefire with LED modules for years, now, theres a lot of cheaper brands that equal or outperform them.

If there's no ambient light I carry 3 reliable lights minimum and extra batteries.
Your smartphone is -not- a flashlight.

Best to have at least two of them attached to you (to your belt or harness) and not in a backpack etc.
Use safety tethers with quick release carabiner so they can't be lost while climbing etc.

-Light is life-

Posted by blackhawk <snip good stuff> -Light is life-

Exactly! For underground explorers lights are life support equipment no different than a regulator for a scuba diver or a parachute for a sky-diver. Depending on the site, UE can be equally dangerous.

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Cree 300 luman light is a good cheap one. I have 5 in my bag