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metalwitch40
  
location:
mass.
Gender: Female
 |  | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 100 on 11/8/2005 12:20 PM >
|  | | | Maglite hands down.
The more things change, the more they stay the same |
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oldtimer
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 101 on 11/8/2005 8:36 PM >
| | | | I wonder how the Noma 1W Luxeon compares with the Garrity aluminum flashlight (called K9 on the Garrity site) - with Nichia LED I'm told is regular hum-drum LED. Garrity also comes with the holster, red & blue filters, and has a 3AAA battery cartridge. It is around $19 at Wal-Mart.
Does anybody own both and can comment?
I like the idea of a 2-level switch 100% and 50% on the Noma.
Thanks for the tip, zero-trace. I will have to make a run to Canadian Tire to see.
Noma:
Garrity:
[last edit 11/8/2005 8:39 PM by oldtimer - edited 1 times]
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Dages
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Midwestern US
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 102 on 11/8/2005 10:47 PM >
| | | | Posted by Haze
Mag-Lite has got to be the best brand of flashlights, I have a small one and a large police issue part-batton part-flashlight I got from a military surplus store.
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no.
[last edit 11/8/2005 10:48 PM by Dages - edited 1 times]
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oldtimer
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 103 on 11/9/2005 3:19 AM >
| | | | OK I've determined my own answer.
Noma - 4-7/8" Approx. $34. The switch - pressed once is 100% brightness, twice gives 50%. Third time is off.
Garrity - 4-1/2" Approx $19. Switch is on bottom of unit. On/Off.
The red & blue filters included in each flashlight fit one another. I bet both lights and filters come from the same China factory in the end.
The Noma's Luxeon LED is far brighter and beams a more diffuse pattern than the Garrity Nichia LED.
Left - Noma. Note the hot spot, but also the much larger diffuse area. The color is white compared to the bluish Nichia LED on the right. If anyone wants me to make light measurements using a light-meter let me know. For now I am content enough with the findings.
Picture below: The Noma (on right with the brighter output) has a conventional parabolic reflector. The Garrity (on left with bluish beam) has an aggressive lens which focuses the beam.
Another picture showing the vast difference in beam pattern and intensity. To be fair, the Garrity (bottom) projects a bright cone further out on the flat surface than fit into the picture because of the narrow focus spot pattern.
It's a little clearer here:
(Garrity on the left with bluish beam; Noma Luxeon on the right)
Canadian Tire also has a Noma Nichia LED version for around $24 - when I first saw that I thought wooo hooo, a bargoon. But no, the Luxeon version is $34.
[last edit 11/9/2005 3:28 AM by oldtimer - edited 1 times]
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atomx
    
location:
Brighton, ON
Gender: Male
| |  | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 104 on 11/9/2005 11:32 AM >
| | | |
If you're going to say just 'no' then you should justify why?
I've owned my 2 maglights for 5 years now, and my brothers had his for around 10, nochange in the bulb, still works flawlessly. Sure it's heavier, but if you can't carry a maglight then you're in need of a little workout. There's a reason that the law enforcment still uses maglight. They can beat someone over the head with it, and do, and it'll survive.
I'd like to change the bulb to a luxeon but I can't find one around here. I'll order one online later if I feel like it.
"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." - Richard Cook |
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Corallis
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 105 on 11/9/2005 2:08 PM >
| | | | Posted by atomx
If you're going to say just 'no' then you should justify why?
I've owned my 2 maglights for 5 years now, and my brothers had his for around 10, nochange in the bulb, still works flawlessly. Sure it's heavier, but if you can't carry a maglight then you're in need of a little workout. There's a reason that the law enforcment still uses maglight. They can beat someone over the head with it, and do, and it'll survive.
I'd like to change the bulb to a luxeon but I can't find one around here. I'll order one online later if I feel like it.
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Actually I'd have to say the main reason why law enforcement "still uses maglite" is because they are cheap. Police have other tools for beating people over the head (Asp batons, etc.). Maglites, in terms of durability, are rather crappy compared to the other alternatives.
Also, just because you have an old maglite that still works "like new", that is no reason to say that it is "good". My Commodore 64 still works just as well as when it was brand new, but, well... you get the point.
If you want a good flashlight, there are many that are FAR better than maglites. Many of them aren't even that much more expensive. If you want a good flashlight that doesn't cost a lot, get a Surefire G2. It's about $30 online, and outperforms the maglite by a lot, even those that are 6 times the size and 10 times as heavy.
Lock Pick Reviews |
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Yuichi Kanai
location:
Oakland, CA
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 106 on 11/9/2005 8:15 PM >
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+1
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yokes
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
I aim to misbehave
| |  | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 107 on 11/9/2005 8:20 PM >
| | | | Thanks for the analysis oldtimer. I think I'm going to pick up a noma.
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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atomx
location:
Brighton, ON
Gender: Male
| | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 108 on 11/10/2005 11:10 AM >
| | | | Posted by Corallis
Actually I'd have to say the main reason why law enforcement "still uses maglite" is because they are cheap. Police have other tools for beating people over the head (Asp batons, etc.). Maglites, in terms of durability, are rather crappy compared to the other alternatives.
Also, just because you have an old maglite that still works "like new", that is no reason to say that it is "good". My Commodore 64 still works just as well as when it was brand new, but, well... you get the point.
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Comparing computing technology to flashlights is a little far. I've still got my atari and yes it still is good.
And cheap? They're still $30 or more.
Most law enforcement in ontario are not allowed to carry batons anymore cause they have one use, beating people. Not a good PR thing.
As for not being durable, I've use mine as a hammer many times.
"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." - Richard Cook |
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CyberShoe
location:
Directly above the centre of the earth
Gender: Male
So what if I overuse ellipses...
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 109 on 11/10/2005 1:54 PM >
| | | | Hmm. I've never seen a cop _not_ carrying a baton. Yes, I look for these things.
Maybe you're thinking about the old-school PR24-style side handle batons, which have been largely phased out in favour of ASP telescoping batons. The latter are far easier to carry, and you don't have to take them off your belt to sit comfortably in a cruiser. It's not that the PR24s had pad publicity, it's that they were a pain in the ass to carry around. A baton does you no good if you leave it in the cruiser.
- CyberShoe |
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zero-trace
location:
Oshawa/London
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 110 on 11/10/2005 2:54 PM >
| | | | Excellent review Oldtimer. I used my Noma at Whitby Psych this weekend and at BCT in Buffalo. The flashlight held up really well, range is actually quite impressive and the beam pattern is very useable. As good as a maglight might be my 2D isn't as bright as the Noma and is about 5 times heavier with batteries than my Noma. I haven't seen cops using Mag's for a while but they are still decent lights.
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BeaverBanker
location:
Canunkastan
Gender: Male
A Hobo In A Orange Sweater
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 111 on 11/11/2005 6:14 PM >
| | | | Posted by oldtimer
OK I've determined my own answer.
Noma - 4-7/8" Approx. $34. The switch - pressed once is 100% brightness, twice gives 50%. Third time is off.
Garrity - 4-1/2" Approx $19. Switch is on bottom of unit. On/Off.
The red & blue filters included in each flashlight fit one another. I bet both lights and filters come from the same China factory in the end.
The Noma's Luxeon LED is far brighter and beams a more diffuse pattern than the Garrity Nichia LED.
Left - Noma. Note the hot spot, but also the much larger diffuse area. The color is white compared to the bluish Nichia LED on the right. If anyone wants me to make light measurements using a light-meter let me know. For now I am content enough with the findings.
Picture below: The Noma (on right with the brighter output) has a conventional parabolic reflector. The Garrity (on left with bluish beam) has an aggressive lens which focuses the beam.
Another picture showing the vast difference in beam pattern and intensity. To be fair, the Garrity (bottom) projects a bright cone further out on the flat surface than fit into the picture because of the narrow focus spot pattern.
It's a little clearer here:
(Garrity on the left with bluish beam; Noma Luxeon on the right)
Canadian Tire also has a Noma Nichia LED version for around $24 - when I first saw that I thought wooo hooo, a bargoon. But no, the Luxeon version is $34.
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I have that flash light the Noma one It was $40.15 taxes in But i really like its performance and lightweightness, And the two power/brightness levels. I would recommend this light to anyone!
i also have a 4 D-cell monster but i find its too big/heavy for everyday use.
I only take it, if i think i need it.
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[last edit 11/11/2005 6:23 PM by BeaverBanker - edited 2 times]
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oldtimer
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 112 on 11/11/2005 7:13 PM >
| | | | Great, BrenT. Glad to hear another happy customer. I found that anything more exotic - like 3-watt or 5-watt Luxeon LED versions take a substantive price jump. We're talking upwards of $100 or more. When you hear words like "tactical". But then some people like their esoteric toys.
At the other end of the spotlight scale...
Canadian Tire currently has a 10-million candlepower spotlight on sale for $44.99 (normally $89.99). It has a low output setting which isn't mentioned on the site.
A 15-million candlepower is $99.99. This one has low setting (500,000 candle power), and also a ring of 9 white LEDs around the periphery of the reflector for when you don't require halogen goodness.
They also have some 2-3 million candlepower versions in the $20 or below range.
Those types of lights really peel off some serious heat. I don't think I'm going to purchase something that massive soon but if anyone already has one or intends to get one, please let me know when you are going to do some exploration so I can tag along and gawk in awe and genuflect in the cast shadow of your greatness.
It used to be that the ultimate portable light was the one seen used in "X-Files". Approved for illuminating alien freezers and the like. But at $2000+ US and a paltry 6-million candlepower it can't really keep up with the likes of the above cheapos. However, the beam is focusable from 2-degrees to 40-degrees, and it has a sexy curly cord.
http://www.brightg...php?Sku=PEAMBPKG_B
[last edit 11/11/2005 7:15 PM by oldtimer - edited 1 times]
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bspoon
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 113 on 11/14/2005 3:30 AM >
| | | | Posted by atomx
If you're going to say just 'no' then you should justify why?
I've owned my 2 maglights for 5 years now, and my brothers had his for around 10, nochange in the bulb, still works flawlessly. Sure it's heavier, but if you can't carry a maglight then you're in need of a little workout. There's a reason that the law enforcment still uses maglight. They can beat someone over the head with it, and do, and it'll survive.
I'd like to change the bulb to a luxeon but I can't find one around here. I'll order one online later if I feel like it.
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because there is no single best brand of flashlights or single best flashlight. if i want a pocketable light with at least 30-40 lumens of output then maglite is the worst brand of flashlights for me. however if i want a cheap thrower with cheap upgrade xenon bulbs than maglite is pretty good for me. Maglites are great if you have a need they can fill. i wanted a light that could throw at least 100 yards but didn't want to drop a lot of cash so i bought a 4D and a magnumstar bulb and the setup works great for me. maglites are also great as hosts for modifications. People run HiD, multiple luxeons and all sorts of cool mods in mag bodies.
p.s. the SFG2 sucks. crappy runtime, crappy lens and 16$ replacement bulbs. Go shock-isolated or go home.
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NickSan
RIP
location:
Portland Or.
Gender: Male
UER newbie
| | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 114 on 11/14/2005 3:49 AM >
| | | | I had just about every different flashlight out there. I use them at work a lot and lose or lend them out (lose)
The toughest and best design I have come across is the
Streamlight Twintask
I carry a 3 C and a 3 AA model
The 3 C has a three way switch 3 LED, 6 LED and Xenon
The 3 AA is a two way 3 LED or Xenon
They are tough! They are not cheep, about $40 US but they keep on working. I have dropped the 3 C a few times and the Xenon bulb keeps on burning. I mean dropped like flying out of my backpack while running from security. It hit the cement hard. I did manage to go back for it and it works fine.
I use the 3 C for light painting all of the time and I am happy with the results
http://www.darkviews.com/
http://www.myspace.com/nicksan62
“Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night.� |
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atomx
location:
Brighton, ON
Gender: Male
| | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 115 on 11/16/2005 11:55 AM >
| | | | Posted by Nicksan
Streamlight Twintask
I carry a 3 C and a 3 AA model
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Looked at the 2D. It looks nice.
"Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot-proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." - Richard Cook |
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Glass
location:
Chicago
as one does
| | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 116 on 11/18/2005 5:56 PM >
| | | | I have a flashlight with a flourescent on the side and an led in the front that I use to light paint, but I like my cheap-ass light to explore with... Put in new batteries then caulk it up for draining: a 3 dollar flashlight that can be dropped pretty hard and still light. The 5-cell Mag is for the newbie to carry! "Sure you can see the tunnels---if you carry the tripod, water, and the Mag!"
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ian_evil
location:
Providence, Rhode Island
Gender: Male
we hope you have enjoyed our program.
| | | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 117 on 11/18/2005 7:04 PM >
| | | | I bought a 2D cell military surplus flashlight for $8 on the fly the other day. It sucks. A lot. My miniMag 2AA is brighter. But now I've got a dozen D cells, and so I'll probably by a Mag.
[center][b]New England Industrial Culture Online[/b]
Stencil/Graffiti, Street Art - Industrial/Exprimental Music - Urban Exploration
"[i]We are the ones you had to dehumanize.[/i]"[/center] |
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Endopsychosin
location:
Maryland
Gender: Female
| | | | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 118 on 11/18/2005 11:50 PM >
| | | | I've been looking around for something to replace my 3 D-cell maglite for awhile now, something that would be powerful but not like carrying a damned sword around. I ended up getting a SureFire 6P, it's not the newest, most expensive of models that they make, but its about 5 oz., very nice construction, and is much brighter than any 3 D-cell, or even 4 D-cell maglite. Wasnt too bad of a price either, $55 at the local surplus store and it even came with extra lithium batteries. Everyone get rid of your maglites and get surefires.
America... just a nation of two hundred million used car salesmen with all the money we need to buy guns and no qualms about killing anybody else in the world who tries to make us uncomfortable.
Hunter S. Thompson |
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Indiana Jones
location:
Brooklyn, NYC
Gender: Male
| | Re: best flashlight
<Reply # 119 on 11/20/2005 4:02 AM >
| | | | I'll have to also recommend streamlight. I used to think maglights were great, now after using higher end lights I realize they are just average. The bodies are tough but the beam patterns suck (lots of dark spots) and the switches tend to fail after a while.
I have the streamlight 3C twin task and find it pretty versatile and a good balance between performance and value. The xenon beam is good for lighting a good distance, not super far, but good. The led lights are good for lighting up a room or small area, plus you get hours and hours of light using them. I also have the 3AA luxeon task light. It's about as thick as a 2AA mag and almost twice as long but as bright as at least a 2D mag. For when you need some light but don't want to alert the whole area of your presence I have a CMG infinity ultra. It's a 1AA single led light that's just a little bigger than the battery. It gives a good amount of light for a single led and considering it uses only a single AA it lasts a long time. It's also waterproof and a tough SOB. Good to carry as an emergency backup.
"the essential act of the Party is to use conscious deception while retaining the firmness of purpose that goes with complete honesty." -1984 |
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