Recommendation? Large Flashlight-Specific Purpose

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,249
I want (I say want, not need, because I've got a bunch of flashlights that will do the job, just not exactly as I want) a new flashlight. The basic reason is to take my dog out in the morning. Its pitch black now when I leave and when I get home and she is dark and with my cheap old lantern 6v I can only cast faint shadow back into the deeper parts of the yard.

I want a plug in rechargeable (either replacement or internal battery, doesn't really matter) that I can generally leave plugged in by the door.
Easy to carry and operate with heavy gloves in cold temperatures. That's why I like the old light, I can just stick my hand through the handle rather than have to grip the flashlight.
Bright enough to cast light around my whole yard (maybe 100 yards?)
Does not need to be heavy duty or super high quality. It will just sit on shelf inside the house most of the time and be out with dog 10 minutes a couple times a day.
I think I want a broad flood so I don't have to track the dog like a spotlight.

Thanks.
 
First of all, you cant ask those of us who are flashlight geeks to recommend you a cheapo light ;-)

That of course depends on your definition of 'cheap.'

As for a nice rechargeable and affordable quality flashlight, which will serve you well, check out OLIGHT.

I believe for example the R40 is rechargeable.
 
BladeScout said:
First of all, you cant ask those of us who are flashlight geeks to recommend you a cheapo light ;-)

That of course depends on your definition of 'cheap.'

As for a nice rechargeable and affordable quality flashlight, which will serve you well, check out OLIGHT.

I believe for example the R40 is rechargeable.
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I know better than to say "cheap" because (1) I'm in the wrong place for that and (2) depends on the definition of cheap. I put in the remark about not needing anything heavy duty so the high speed low drag operators didn't recommend something I could use to hammer tent stakes in while signaling for air support. :) My dog is a Neapolitan Mastiff and she can be rough on equipment but I don't let her carry the flashlight around!

I will check out the OLIGHTS.
 
I meant it tongue in cheek but you know that;-)

A mastiff! Make sure the light is slobber proof as well.

That is a big breed.

Olights are nice.

BTW you can go with rechargeable batteries as well (instead of a plug in light). Some factory CR123 batteries have a shelf life of up to ten years.
 
BladeScout said:
I meant it tongue in cheek but you know that;-)

A mastiff! Make sure the light is slobber proof as well.

That is a big breed.

Olights are nice.

BTW you can go with rechargeable batteries as well (instead of a plug in light). Some factory CR123 batteries have a shelf life of up to ten years.
Click to expand...

I did, and my response was as well. I think we both get it!

She is actually pretty small for a Neo, which means big for a normal dog. A little over 100 pounds. Most of it in her head!

I did see some information about the shelf life of batteries and that isn't a bad idea. I know that keeping a light plugged in all the time is ultimately bad for the battery.
 
That is how I understand it as well, at least it used to be that way. Batteries have come a long way though.

Further more, I bet you can get a plug-in light with rechargeable batteries, which can be changed.

For example run one or two CR123 or one or two 18650.

I dont have any rechargeable/plug-in flashlights but primarily run lights with CR123 and RCR123 batteries, which are numbered and go in the charger.

If you go that route, be sure yo buy quality rechargeable protected batteries.

You dont want the hassle of too cheap batteries - let alone risk them catching fire/exploding on you.

Much to my chagrin, I started out years ago buying a couple of cheap batteries.

I had one of them go off in a wall mounted charger.

The sound, the sight, the smell - all very spectacular but I dont want a repeat performance.

Further more, you dont want that to happen in your pocket.

Eneloops batteries are supposed to be good quality.

PS We need pics of the pooch!
 
For taking the dogs out I haven't found anything better than a Petzl Tactikka light.

I like having the red so I don't wash out my vision if I feel like looking at the sky. Having it on the headband leaves both my hands free On high white light it's more than enough to flood a big yard.
 
I broke my Petzl (on the list of things you dont often admit in public, lol).

Used different models of Petzl for years.

Then I tried different other makes for a while.

In regards to headlights, the Zebralights have the best beams of all Ive bought.

They are a quality make and you can pick and choose the variation, batteri type and beam (throw or flood), you want.

The reason I dont run Zebralight any more is becayse of their construction, battery sensitivity and the lack of the red light feature in those Zebralights, that I bought.

I want a simple rugged headlight with a minimum of or no programming features and with a red LED.

Some Zebras ramp down on high with RCR 123 and you have to program the high setting to a lower volume.

The best headlight for my use in regards to the output, spread of light, buttons, layout, red LEDs etc was my old Princeton Tec Remix (Pro?).

Unfortunately the hinge cover on the Remix is/was very flimsy and it broke after a (too short) while.

These days I run a rugged Streamlight.
I have two lf these - one is none, two is one. One runs only on CR123, the other on those and AA.

I use them for all year round use when moving at night and when setting up the hammock.

The donut beam (rings within rings) of the Streamlight doesnt come close the beam of the Zebralight but youll only notice, if you spent too much time on Candlepower Forums (as I have) and if you are anal about the look of the headlight beam (which I try not to be).

The rugged Streamlights work fine for my use - both for a bit of distance and for serting up the hammock and in general moving/working round the camp and for setting up the hammock.
 
For a thrower you can’t beat the Convoy C8 for the price. It’s not plug in rechargeable but takes 18650 cells which can be recharged and replaced quickly. It can be had for around $20 and with batteries and a charger you’d be looking at around $50 total. It doesn’t give much flood though, it’s fairly focused for throw.

The Olight R40 mentioned above or the R50 I believe come with a stand that can stay plugged in. It runs ok 26650 cells. I just got a M2r and I’d say I’m getting 75-100’ out of it with a good mix of flood and spot. The M2r runs on 18650 cells also but has built in magnetic charging. With these you are looking at around $80-$120 depending on which package you go for.

I also just got a Jetbeam T4 Pro is for review which has a big XHP50 LED and runs on a 26650 and has built in charging. I’m getting at least 200-300’ throw with a nice flood also. But again, you are at around $100.

My favorite nightstand light which often gets used at night for taking the dog out is a Nitecore P12. It has a forward clicky tail switch which gives you momentary on with a light press. The side switch changes modes and can be used fairly easily with gloves. They go for around $60 but don’t have built in charging. Again, you’d need extra 18650 cells and a charger. It has a good mix of throw and spot and will be good out to 100-150’.

Honestly, if you can wait a few more weeks the BlackFriday deals will be there.
 
BladeScout said:
I broke my Petzl (on the list of things you dont often admit in public, lol).

Used different models of Petzl for years.

Then I tried different other makes for a while.

In regards to headlights, the Zebralights have the best beams of all Ive bought.

They are a quality make and you can pick and choose the variation, batteri type and beam (throw or flood), you want.

The reason I dont run Zebralight any more is becayse of their construction, battery sensitivity and the lack of the red light feature in those Zebralights, that I bought.

I want a simple rugged headlight with a minimum of or no programming features and with a red LED.

Some Zebras ramp down on high with RCR 123 and you have to program the high setting to a lower volume.

The best headlight for my use in regards to the output, spread of light, buttons, layout, red LEDs etc was my old Princeton Tec Remix (Pro?).

Unfortunately the hinge cover on the Remix is/was very flimsy and it broke after a (too short) while.

These days I run a rugged Streamlight.
I have two lf these - one is none, two is one. One runs only on CR123, the other on those and AA.

I use them for all year round use when moving at night and when setting up the hammock.

The donut beam (rings within rings) of the Streamlight doesnt come close the beam of the Zebralight but youll only notice, if you spent too much time on Candlepower Forums (as I have) and if you are anal about the look of the headlight beam (which I try not to be).

The rugged Streamlights work fine for my use - both for a bit of distance and for serting up the hammock and in general moving/working round the camp and for setting up the hammock.
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I broke the hinge on an older tactikka after I had it for about 5 years. It was the version with the flip up red filter. Fixed it with some gun tape and it seems to be holding. I have a couple of the newer ones and I loan them to the kids for canoe trips and the like and they've survived so far. I like the Princeton ones but the Petzls are so easy to find they're just the go too.
 
Ive had a couple of Petzels with the flip-up red filter. IIRC also one with exchangeable filters.

Had several Princeton Tecs also but that flimsy battery cover hinge weaned me off those. PT has a most excellent CS though. Commendable.

Yes, Petzls seem to by far be the most widespread/popular one.
 
You might want to take a look at the Orcatorch WR10.

It comes with a plastic case – the kind that lots of tools are stored in – and can use either a 26650 battery (included) or a 18650 battery (not included). A sleeve for using 18650 batteries is included.

It also comes with a charging stand (wireless charging) and two cords: one for a common 110 wall outlet and the other for use in a vehicle.

Simply drop the WR10 (butt down) in the charger. The flashlight (if dropped in while on) will turn off and charging will begin. The side-switch glows green when fully charged.

Best of all – when the power is out, the WR10 automatically turns on (low mode) and provides enough light to comfortably move about the room. On low, it'll run for (up to) 550 hours continuously.

High is rated at 950 lumens and covers a distance up to 311 meters (according to FL 1 standards). In reality the WR10 will illuminate objects up to 200 meters away. The beam itself is great – a mix of flood and throw; lots of usable spill light, giving the user great vision over a large area.

When picked up (out of the charger) the WR10 turns on (low). From there, one click shuts the light off, another click turns the light on (high). Further clicks reduce the output (from high) until the flashlight is off again.

The build quality is superb – every bit as good as good as, or better than, the other brands.

I own 3 dozen + flashlights – including models from most of the brands typically mentioned, and the WR10 is my absolute favorite flashlight of them all (including flashlights that are 4-5 times more expensive).

I use the WR10 for much the same purposes that you're looking for: the grab it and go light to check out weird sounds at night, checking on my animals, home security, and an automatic night-light that comes on when the power goes out.

You can find it on the big river site.

Other models to consider would be those that recharge via a magnetic connection (I wouldn't leave them connected all the time though).

Among those would be:

Olight M2R Warrior

Klarus XT12GT

Fenix RC11

Those 3 are great flashlights too (I own them) but my favorite is the WR10
 
That Orcatorch sounds pretty good too. I haven't heard much of them. I read a lot on here about Surefire, Streamlight, Olight, Fenix, etc. Does Orcatorch have a good reputation?
 
Orcatorch is known for their dive lights. That is the area that they specialize in.

I have not used/owned Surefire or Streamlight, so I cannot give an opinion on those brands. I do own multiple Fenix, Olight, etc.. and can say that I consider Orcatorch to be every bit as good. I'm not knocking Fenix or Olight - I own multiple models in each brand and am very pleased with them.

I believe Olight has a limited 5 year warranty on their products. I believe Fenix and Orcatorch both have limited 2 year warranties on their products.

I think you'd likely be happy with any of the suggestions offered here. At $70 for a complete kit, I think you'd be thrilled with the WR10.
 
Tahts-a-dats-ago said:
Orcatorch is known for their dive lights. That is the area that they specialize in.

I have not used/owned Surefire or Streamlight, so I cannot give an opinion on those brands. I do own multiple Fenix, Olight, etc.. and can say that I consider Orcatorch to be every bit as good. I'm not knocking Fenix or Olight - I own multiple models in each brand and am very pleased with them.

I believe Olight has a limited 5 year warranty on their products. I believe Fenix and Orcatorch both have limited 2 year warranties on their products.

I think you'd likely be happy with any of the suggestions offered here. At $70 for a complete kit, I think you'd be thrilled with the WR10.
Click to expand...


Thanks. It sounds like a great kit. Everything varies of course. I have nothing good to say about Fenix but everybody raves about them, so it all depends on your individual experience, in the end.
 
Dude - once I went to a headlamp I never looked back. I still carry a small AAA for EDC but for taking out the trash or anything at night - my headlamp. I don't like the ones with the specialty batts, I just go with the ones that take AA's or AAA's.
 
Just got an Orcatorch WR10. Nice box. Comes with the 26650 battery and car and wall chargers. Worthless little instruction booklet. If Tahts hadn't said how to use it it would just be a guess. Have not used it much but it seems to work perfectly. On high, it throws easily all the way to the edges of my lot (2 acres). On medium and medium low it has a good usable beam depending on need. On really low it doesn't really illuminate anything but I guess that's the point to preserve night vision.

Seems high quality. I really prefer the clicky over the twist so it fits the bill perfectly. My next light purchase will be looking into headlamps.



Thanks to all for the recommendations.
 
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