Help me find a Multi-color Flashlight (Light not the body)

[Etherealicer]

So, about a month ago I started to go on night-hikes simply because it was to hot during the day and I had time in the evening. These are not very stern hikes more like 1-3 hours in the local forest. I do like the dark but I also like gear , so I would like to have a more versatile flashlight that apart from white light also has other colors (primarily red).

Size: I'm not set on a size, but I require that the larger the flashlight, the more functions it should have
Battery: Any, although I would prefer if it would work with li-ion rechargeable batteries (cr123 or 18650).
White light: it should at least have a very low and a high mode.
Colors: A low red light is a must. Green light would be a bonus (I've read that this is better for map reading). Blue would be welcome too. I don't need a rainbow, as there is no function to orange light.
UV/IR: I have no use for these at the moment, but would love to have those options, especially IR (Night vision goggles are pretty high up on the list of toys I would like to get my hands on ). Sadly, I have not found any flashlight that has both UV and IR.

What I found so far:
Nitecore CI6
1 - 440 lumen | red/blue/green | IR

Nitecore SRT3
0.1 - 330 lumen | red/blue
Very compact
Takes CR123 and AA batteries

So does anyone have input on the two above or another suggestion?

[Gareth]

One that comes to mind is the Sunwayman D20A.  IIRC someone here has one and liked it.

[Gareth]

Just found the Sunwayman C21C as well.

[raistlin65]

You don't want one, but I have one of these S&W flashlights around somewhere that I bought in 2008: http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Galaxy-Flashlight-White/dp/B000I4JG26. Apparently it was around a couple of years before that. Can't believe they are still selling them.

[Etherealicer]

One that comes to mind is the Sunwayman D20A.  IIRC someone here has one and liked it.

Just found the Sunwayman C21C as well.

Thanks for those leads. I have never seen a Sunwayman in my life.

I have seen the D20A (during my web-search), kinda was unimpressed.
Also I have currently 0 devices using AA batteries so this was not my first choice. I think the SRT3 is smaller but offers more features. I would have to check prices though, the SRT3 is not exactly cheap.

I have to check out the C21C in more detail. What I noticed is that the low for both white and red is very high (42 and 14 lumens respectively). Although I have no experience with red-light, maybe that is a good amount?

Will revisit those two (recommendations are always good).

[Etherealicer]

You don't want one, but I have one of these S&W flashlights around somewhere that I bought in 2008: http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Galaxy-Flashlight-White/dp/B000I4JG26. Apparently it was around a couple of years before that. Can't believe they are still selling them.

Well, that one is much cheaper... But as you realized not what I'm looking for. 25lumen would probably be enough for high but the absence of low is a deal-breaker.

How do you like the red light on this one? 6.5 lumen sounds like the right amount?

[gregozedobe]

Why do you need a red light ?  If it is to just preserve your night vision then a white LED at a very low level will be fine - basically any time you can't distinguish colours the light level isn't reducing your night vision much. 

What is important is having a user interface where you can be certain of getting the low level you are after, not an unintended blinding flash of hi beam which leaves you blinking and effectively blind for several minutes - it might be worth having two different lights eg a Photon Freedom Micro for the very low levels of light, and a larger 18650 light for illuminating half the forest when required (with lower levels for flexibility and extended battery life).

If it is for an "astronomy party" then these often have strict rules about red leds only (but in fact a low level turquoise led is actually better for the purpose).

[Etherealicer]

Why do you need a red light ?  If it is to just preserve your night vision then a white LED at a very low level will be fine - basically any time you can't distinguish colours the light level isn't reducing your night vision much. 

What is important is having a user interface where you can be certain of getting the low level you are after, not an unintended blinding flash of hi beam which leaves you blinking and effectively blind for several minutes - it might be worth having two different lights eg a Photon Freedom Micro for the very low levels of light, and a larger 18650 light for illuminating half the forest when required (with lower levels for flexibility and extended battery life).

If it is for an "astronomy party" then these often have strict rules about red leds only (but in fact a low level turquoise led is actually better for the purpose).

Need is a strong word, I would rather call it fancy a red light...

I figure I need 3 lights in my life
1 small for EDC with AAA battery - Currently I have a Maglite Solitair LED and a no-name brand that is really small. Both are OK but will be replaced at one point.
1 to use - For me, that is the Olight S10R. Great output modi, great interface, easy maintenance and clip faces backwards. For me, the best flashlight available.
1 for fun - Well, it's either a insanely bright one or one with tons of functions. I decided to go for the multi function as I will get far more use out of this. I'm also curious and love tech, it's one of the reasons why the SRT family is in my pool of choices. That smart selector ring is SEXY


So yes, you are right and the S10R already covers all of this.
I would like an all in one, for the same reasons I like MT's. Grab one and you are covered for eventualities... besides Photon Freedom Micro looks ugly

[raistlin65]

You don't want one, but I have one of these S&W flashlights around somewhere that I bought in 2008: http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Galaxy-Flashlight-White/dp/B000I4JG26. Apparently it was around a couple of years before that. Can't believe they are still selling them.

Well, that one is much cheaper... But as you realized not what I'm looking for. 25lumen would probably be enough for high but the absence of low is a deal-breaker.

How do you like the red light on this one? 6.5 lumen sounds like the right amount?

The red light is great on it. And it's also a pretty sturdy flashlight. But you would think they could redesign it with 4 current generation white LEDs and one red one.

These Ultrafires come in different colors: http://www.amazon.com/UltraFire-300lm-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable/dp/B006E0QAFY/.  There is a three color light set of one green, one red, and one UV (3 flashlights). That set might be fun to play with if you can find it for cheap on Ebay. Figure out what colors you would really use, and then look for it in a nice, kickass flashlight

[Etherealicer]

You don't want one, but I have one of these S&W flashlights around somewhere that I bought in 2008: http://www.amazon.com/Smith-Wesson-Galaxy-Flashlight-White/dp/B000I4JG26. Apparently it was around a couple of years before that. Can't believe they are still selling them.

Well, that one is much cheaper... But as you realized not what I'm looking for. 25lumen would probably be enough for high but the absence of low is a deal-breaker.

How do you like the red light on this one? 6.5 lumen sounds like the right amount?

The red light is great on it. And it's also a pretty sturdy flashlight. But you would think they could redesign it with 4 current generation white LEDs and one red one.

These Ultrafires come in different colors: http://www.amazon.com/UltraFire-300lm-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable/dp/B006E0QAFY/.  There is a three color light set of one green, one red, and one UV (3 flashlights). That set might be fun to play with if you can find it for cheap on Ebay. Figure out what colors you would really use, and then look for it in a nice, kickass flashlight

Thanks, I have to look into UltraFire... it might be interesting for testing.

[Etherealicer]

Found plenty more
LED Lenser P7QC: Pretty good contender but it lacks a low. It's also quite pricey (at this price I expect perfection).
Fenix LD75C: No low either BUT it has a very high high.

There are more like PowerTac etc. but they mostly are very expensive without bringing anything to the table.
I also revisited the Sunwayman D20A, appears that this is the only multicolor flashlight where the red has more than one output level.

Finally, I found a cheapo from Kinfire (looks a lot like the one from Gerber). Quite cheap.

[dks]

Possibly not much help, and it may have been mentioned before, but many torches come with filters you can put on the lens to change the output colours (used to be common with older army lights/work lights).

I do have some really cheap UV/laser/LED lights but are more for fun, rather than actual use.

Some lasers can produce a spread beam (using a lens) that can be used as a light (Green, red..)

[Etherealicer]

 

I used to have one, maybe still do... somewhere

[Etherealicer]

Some more

Just checked, the TaLa15 (Flashlight introduced in 2015 to the Swiss Military). Also features red and green:

[dks]

I have a couple of these:



They come with LED now, apparently
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-ARMY-STYLE-LED-AA-RIGHT-ANGLE-CROOK-NECK-TORCH-FLASHLIGHT-/171435660844?hash=item27ea5c962c

[Dr Hunt]

I have a couple of these:

(Image removed from quote.)

They come with LED now, apparently
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/US-ARMY-STYLE-LED-AA-RIGHT-ANGLE-CROOK-NECK-TORCH-FLASHLIGHT-/171435660844?hash=item27ea5c962c

How do you like them? I was issued this and it was more of a dead weight than flashlight for what I need it to do.

[dks]

Dr, I have the original ones, with no LED and have not used them in a decade. They were bright enough in their day, and free, but now they are just too weak and heavy to actually use...

[Dr Hunt]

Dr, I have the original ones, with no LED and have not used them in a decade. They were bright enough in their day, and free, but now they are just too weak and heavy to actually use...

Filament bulbs and C size batt? Good ol days of heavy equipment. Mine is in storage as memorabilia. Recently missed out on a 40% discounted Streamlight Sidewinder Compact II, white, blue, red and IR. 

[Etherealicer]

Holymoly, they still exist They got a 5 LED upgrade, but its still the same design with the sliding color-filters and the 4.5V battery. Even the switch is still the same.

7.5$ of NOSTALGIA

[SAK Guy]

Very retro cool!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

[Gareth]

I had no idea they still made those batteries!  Nice find mate.

[Dr Hunt]

Nice collection, Etherealicer. I have never seen this, it looks like a good successor to the old "L" torch.

[Etherealicer]

When I have some time, I'm going to track down a real old one. Shouldn't be hard or expensive... Also, I need one of the new ones... for reasons, but that one is actually very expensive (100 USD), so it will have to wait for some time (I just ordered a new computer).

[dks]

               

new MOD       
 

          I just noticed the new label -  Congratulations Etheralicer   

[Etherealicer]

              

new MOD       
 

          I just noticed the new label -  Congratulations Etherealicer   

Thanks