Blinded by the light…
Not just a cheesy ’80’s tune. In the last few years advancements in light technology have led to smaller, brighter and more efficient lights. These advancements have greatly increased our options for an every day carry light at a reasonable cost, but it has also muddled the decision. In our fathers time , one light for any situation might have been enough, but in today’s world of got-to-have-it gadgets that’s just not the case. There are just too many choices. LED or Halogen? What’s HID? Rechargeable, or battery? Output, lumens, candlepower, run time, volts, watts, weight, tail-cap selection, multiple switches, programmable output, intensity selection, colored and IR filters…
I’ve just gone cross-eyed.
If you are confused already, that’s OK. If you think you know more than me, that’s probably true (you can comment on this like everybody else). If you don’t care what I have to say that’s cool too. Go to your local mega-mart, pay $7 (marked down from $10) on a 2 C-cell light and toss it in a junk drawer for the next time you need it. Just do one thing first. Bookmark this page, because in 3 months when the power goes out and you grab a light that doesn’t work, you’ll want to come back and finish reading.
In the next few posts we’ll try to cover some of the things you’ll want to consider if you want a little better option. Hopefully we can answer a few questions and clear up a couple of points. There may not be an obvious “buy this” answer, but when we are done, there will a light at the end of the tunnel. (See how I did that, a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m creative).
The first thing to consider is overall construction and quality. Poor quality lights will have some glaring problems. The exterior housing should be strong enough to take a drop without breaking. Avoid plastic, but a strong polymer or most metals are good. Turn on the light and shake it. Does it rattle or does the light flicker because the batteries aren’t held well? Good lights will have a housing designed to hold the batteries firmly in place. Look at the switch. If the light has a rotating bezel switch or a click switch there should be a rubber seal or gasket. If it’s not there your light may fail if it ever gets wet, even it only a little. Some lights can be opened at the tail cap and the lens. Anywhere the light opens should have smooth threads and fit tightly. Look at the front. The lens should be clear of scratches and have a snug fit. Overall, if the light feels poorly made, it probably is
Good lights aren’t cheap. CHEAP lights are cheap, and like in many other things you tend to get what you pay for. That being said, you can get a good light for around $40 and not be disappointed. Yes, you can spend a lot more, and if you want more functionality, you’ll pay for it, but these three lights are elite started lights that won’t break the bank.
Surefire G2
One of the most reliable flashlights you’ll find. It housing is an extremely strong Nitrolon polymer and an impact proof lens. It operates with a tail cap switch that has a lockout feature to avoid accidentally turning it on. The Surefire G2 used 2 3-volt lithium batteries for 1 hour of 65 lumen output. At 5″ long, it fits well in the palm of your hand. for $35.99 this light uses an incandescent bulb. If you want an LED the price goes up to about $65.
Streamlight Scorpion
- The Scorpion features a machined aluminum housing covered by a rubber armor sleeve for a sure grip and an unbreakable polycarbonate lens. Like the Surefire G2, it has a tail cap switch, uses 2 3-volt batteries and has an approximate 1 hour run time. The output Measures 65,000 candle power and the front bezel can be adjusted to focus the beam into a small spotlight or expand the output into a flood light. It comes with a replacement bulb or for $10 more you can get the Streamlight scorpion with an LED.
Pelican M6
- Similar to the others, this light has a tail cap switch, fits well in the palm of your hand, has an approximate run time of 1 hour on 2 3-volt batteries. The output is closer to 74 lumens, and this light comes with a cordura belt holster. If you want the LED version, the price goes up to around $80.
Next post: Light emitters.
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