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Old 06-01-2018, 08:27   #1
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LED Flashlight

I had my first flashlight that I bought for Boy Scout camp for 15 years. I would like to buy a LED flashlight that lasts more then a few months. I have bought LED flashlights from Costco where they are a revolvng door. Buy one return one. The cheap impulse buys for less than $5 at the parts counter. Can anyone recommend a quality flashlight that will last?
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Old 06-01-2018, 08:30   #2
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Re: LED Flashlight

Maglite,
Cops even use them as batons.
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Old 06-01-2018, 08:40   #3
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Re: LED Flashlight

Costco - The led headlamps, two to a pack, red and black are awesome. Adjustable focal point and super bright when batteries are new. Much better than the almost the same ones found at Home Depot. Both take 3 AAA’s and has a red light.
That yellow and black led flood light for $29.99 is also wonderful and will charge up your phone if needed. We have 3. Recharges with 110v though. Blinding bright. Lights up the whole engine compartment.

Gave up on regular flashlights as you need a hand to hold them and they roll around.
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:01   #4
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Re: LED Flashlight

Dont buy the cheap ones, they wont last.
I bought one of these. Waterproof, bright, and still like new going into
its third year.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/LED-Lense...ellow/17781854
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:11   #5
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Re: LED Flashlight

I buy everything direct from China via ebay, cuts out all those grubbing middle man fingers. A buck a piece for the cheap stuff , couple more for waterproof. All micro circuits these days, takes about half a second to corrode, use the cheaps for fishing, mucking about. A lot more cost effective then buying a high price one with marginally better quality and its click click dundy
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:17   #6
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Re: LED Flashlight

I have been using this model LED headlamp each day for 6 months, so far, and used it for a month of cruising. I also use it every day (at home).
I have not had a single problem.
It is VERY bright on one mode, but I most often use it on Red Light mode.

Is Red Light Mode important?
The effect of using white versus red light on night vision (such as when at sea at night) is a subject you can research. Traditionally, a red light has been used at sea to protect "night vision." There are some tradeoffs using red light. I use it because it is a much lower light level (dimmer) and THAT is what is important to maintaining night vision such as when on deck. The lower (dimmer) red light is also not as bothersome to others on deck or below in the cabin. The red light is enough for you to see where you need to go, or for operating simple things or finding things in a dark space or boat. I detest those folks who use a VERY bright white light and point it in the face of others (especially common with headlamps but also happens with handheld lights), essentially blinding them. So, for me, the Red Light Mode is very useful (I use it every night) and preferable in most cases.

I like these features:
1. Headlamp
2. Bright CREE LED lamp
3. Three AAA batteries (I use rechargeable AAA)
4. RED mode (I use this every night on a boat, and even at home)
5. Water Resistance (it has a small rubber gasket around the hatch) IPX6
6. Strobe Mode (if you become a MOB)
7. Price. (Can be found for about $7 or 3 for $15)
8. Adjustable angle for light when worn on head
9. Easily fits in a pocket of a jacket or pants.

By itself, the unit is small and light weight, something I think important when on one's head.

While you can purchase these as single units, this link below is for 3 units (with batteries), and gets the price per unit low.

https://www.amazon.com/Miady-Headlam...4V9Z67G67&th=1

Beware: Some very similar looking headlamps are:
A. More expensive
B. Heavier
C. Do not have the Red Light mode
E. Lower brightness.
F. Not as water resistant (no rubber gasket)

Hope that helps.
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:22   #7
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Re: LED Flashlight

Sounds like what I'm finding on eBay, doesn't get lighter or cheaper there either. I use the 3 mode w redlight . For a couple bucks more you get double gaskets. Lots more selection. Long wait time is the only draw back, shipping from china
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:27   #8
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Re: LED Flashlight

Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie View Post
Can anyone recommend a quality flashlight that will last?
On LED flashlight afficionados sites the Deal Extreme site is a usual goto place for a flashlight fix.

Check this section: LED Flashlights - DX

For serious work I tend to use flashlights powered by a single or double 18650 Li-Ion cell. Much more stored energy compared to NiMH cells which translates to longer work at higher lumen output.

For starters, perhaps consider this: Ultrafire WF-502B 3W 18650 Flashlight w/ Cree - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

And for crazier amount of lumens: http://www.dx.com/p/ultrafire-5xl2-5...x-18650-394695
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:33   #9
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Re: LED Flashlight

Quote:
Originally Posted by IslandHop View Post
Sounds like what I'm finding on eBay, doesn't get lighter or cheaper there either. I use the 3 mode w redlight . For a couple bucks more you get double gaskets. Lots more selection. Long wait time is the only draw back, shipping from china
I hate long shipping times.

The product I posted up above is available on Amazon.
I have Amazon PRIME service.
With Amazon PRIME I can get FREE SAME DAY delivery on the headlamps, if part of a $35 or more order (typical for me).

At this price, I can afford to have one in my pocket of my foul weather coat, one in my seabag, and even loan one to a fellow crewman who forgot a light.
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:53   #10
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Re: LED Flashlight

Buy a few. Even the best ones can fail, go overboard or get lost. I keep five in a cabinet held in place with boat hook holders.

I am finding LED headlamps to be more useful than flashlights. Both of your hands are free to use. You just have to remember not to blind others by looking at them.
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Old 06-01-2018, 11:41   #11
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Re: LED Flashlight

Cree q5 ultrafire.
Machined alloy case - oring seal- zoomable beam
Small enough to hold in mouth for doing repairs.
Single AA battery (rechargeable eneloops for me)
Cost about $2 on sale on eBay.
Haven't had one die yet and they are all about 4 years old.
Buy a dozen, spread them around the boat.
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Old 06-01-2018, 11:52   #12
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Re: LED Flashlight

I can't believe more boaters aren't using 18650 Li-ion battery flashlights. No comparison to any AA light, small and very bright. If the zombies come, you need the best flashlight. Think we have about dozen, ready to go.
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Old 06-01-2018, 11:54   #13
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Re: LED Flashlight

For smaller flashlights, I buy quality waterproof ones that can use AA (preferred) or AAA batteries. This is especially important when you travel remote locations as these types of batteries are usually available. You can also use rechargeable batteries.

I am currently using these two smaller flash lights:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are not the most powerful but I can depend on them to work.

For larger flashlights, I prefer rechargeable ones like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-4...oint+Spotlight
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Old 06-01-2018, 12:04   #14
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Re: LED Flashlight

I have several of these on board. LED, 2xAA batteries.
My guess is that this one is about 10 years old. Maybe not state of the art, but good beam throw and battery life.
Less than $20 from Amazon
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Old 06-01-2018, 12:25   #15
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Re: LED Flashlight

Wow thanks for the tips. I was thinking I would have to spend more money to get a quality one. A lot to digest. I like the head lamp idea but also like to have a flashlight
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Between us there was, as I have already said somewhere, the bond of the sea. Besides holding our hearts together through long periods of separation, it had the effect of making us tolerant of each other's yarns -- and even convictions. Heart of Darkness
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