I need a new light

[Grant Lamontagne]

It finally happened- my trusty Photon Proton has found a new owner and now I need to replace it.  Ideally I want a 1xAA light with a decent pocket clip with an actual switch- I don't like twisties.

I don't need variable intensities, programmable functions or anything else, although if something comes with them I wouldn't really complain unless those features get in the way of the basic operations of the light somehow.

I'd also like to keep it under $50.  Any more than that and I will just go back to another Proton.

So what do you Light People suggest?

Def

[enki_ck]

Klarus P1A might be good for you, two modes - just high and low, no flashy ones, forward clickey with momentary on, pocketclip and under budget at $39.

  http://goinggear.com/klarus-p1a-xp-g-r5-aa-150-lumen-led-flashlight.html

[Grant Lamontagne]

That is certainly a contender.  I can't say I've ever heard of that brand before.

While doing some research on my own I noticed that the Leatherman Serac S2 is still in production at Fenix, except that it no longer has the Leatherman branding.  It's now called the LD01.

The best contenders I currently have for a replacement are my Nitecore Defender and the NexTorch MyTorch, but neither has a pocket clip.  I'd hate to lose either of them, especially the Defender which was a gift from a member here.

My next best bet is the Olight T20 I bought from someone else here on the forum last month.  I actually don't mind the feel of it despite being a 2 cell light, and I do have 2 CR123 rechargeable batteries that I got with an Extreme Beam light I bought a few years ago.  The problem with that is that the charger only charges one battery at a time, and if I was going to go to a CR123 light I'd just carry the Extreme Beam light as it's a pretty sweet little light.  I find it a bit stubby though...

Def

[Millhouse]

Enki's suggestion of the Klarus P1A is very good. Its a well made light and very bright as well.

Alternately, the following may also be good for you:

Fenix LD12
Eagletac D25A clicky (Gareth has one)

[Gareth]

Can't say enough good things about my D25A clicky.   Though the twist to select turbo/various levels might bother you.

[gregozedobe]

If you can stretch your budget a bit I am very impressed with my Zebralight SC52(s - I just bought a second one for my van). 

It has a stiffer (clicky) switch than previous ZLs so it doesn't accidentally turn on when carried in your pocket.  These have a great UI, if you just want Hi then a single short click gives you exactly that, but other levels are also very easily accessible.   

Works great on a single AA eneloop, and if you want to show off it will run safely on a li-ion 14500 battery (500 lumens for the first minute, then 280 lumens from then on so you don't cook the LED).

And if you decide you don't like it you will pronbably be able to sell it without losing too much money.

Edit:  there seems to be a problem with the Zebralight.com site at the moment (possibly been hacked).

[nuphoria]

Can't say enough good things about my D25A clicky.   Though the twist to select turbo/various levels might bother you.

Got the CR213 version, and they are great lights

Also, maybe Zebralight?

[Millhouse]

Although the Zebralight interface becomes intuitive with use, if you want a simple to use light, I'd steer clear.

[AimlessWanderer]

Although the Zebralight interface becomes intuitive with use, if you want a simple to use light, I'd steer clear.

I'd agree with this! Whenever I use mine there's a few seconds swearing required in order to get the right light level. It then gets banished back in the drawer for a while for being awkward, so I never get used to it.

A Zebralight is like having a couple of titanium drinking straws. You can instantly use them for liquids or as chopsticks for solids, and they look nice whichever they're doing. In reality though it's more bloody hassle than it's worth, you have to re-think/re-train yourself until it becomes automatic .... when all you really need is a fork, spork or spoon. Might not rank as high on the "look what I got" factor, but it does the job with a lot less swearing and without having to acclimatise to it

[nuphoria]

Although the Zebralight interface becomes intuitive with use, if you want a simple to use light, I'd steer clear.

True, I forgot we were talking about Grant here

[enki_ck]

Enki's suggestion of the Klarus P1A is very good. Its a well made light and very bright as well.

Alternately, the following may also be good for you:

Fenix LD12
Eagletac D25A clicky (Gareth has one)

I think Klarus used to make some of the flashlights for 4sevens (like the famous Revo) before they started their own brand though I don't know if this was ever confirmed. They are a good brand with reasonable prices. Another good option would be a 4sevens AA tactical, two programable modes, forward clicky and a very good pocketclip.

[Essexman]

May I put forward the Sunwayman  R10 - http://www.batteryjunction.com/sunwayman-r10a-r5-g2.html

[Grant Lamontagne]

Of course you may!

I have a long day ahead of me at work, so keep the suggestions coming and I'll be sure to look at all of them when I have a chance!

Def

Sent from my Motorola Atrix digital multitool.

[gregozedobe]

Although the Zebralight interface becomes intuitive with use, if you want a simple to use light, I'd steer clear.

I'd agree with this! Whenever I use mine there's a few seconds swearing required in order to get the right light level. It then gets banished back in the drawer for a while for being awkward, so I never get used to it.

A Zebralight is like having a couple of titanium drinking straws. You can instantly use them for liquids or as chopsticks for solids, and they look nice whichever they're doing. In reality though it's more bloody hassle than it's worth, you have to re-think/re-train yourself until it becomes automatic .... when all you really need is a fork, spork or spoon. Might not rank as high on the "look what I got" factor, but it does the job with a lot less swearing and without having to acclimatise to it

I'm inclined to offer a dissenting view.  A lot depends on how you want to use the light.  I have given several away to non-flashaholics with these simple instructions:

"To get Hi, just one short click does the trick. For anything else, just press and hold the switch, release when you get the level of illumination you want.  If it isn't quite right, try a double click.  A single click turns it off."  The UI has  been perfectly acceptable to all of them.

It really is that simple.  You only need to get into the programming, multiple sub-levels, 6 double clicks etc if you want to, it isn't compulsory to get usable light. If you only ever want Hi then a single click to turn it on or off is all you need to remember.

And isn't this a forum for nerds anyway ?      

[Syph007]

Ya thats actually the main reason I liked the zebralight, a simple logical UI.  If you know nothing about sub modes and what not, it will just work.  My wife uses it just fine.  She got confused with my fenix LD20 before.

Ive got 2 zebras, and will be buying more.  Love them.  Especially since they are one of the few lights that do neutral tint right.  So when using one at night, things look right. Colors look correct.  Its like carrying a little bit of daylight around in your pocket.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't get too much into different modes. I want it to come on and be bright.

Extra modes are nice but I want light and lots of it when I hit the button.

Def

Sent from my Motorola Atrix digital multitool.

[Steinar]

I know this is a heresy for the flashoholics, but I actually like the Led-Lenser T5. Adjustable optics instead of adjustable light levels, 1×AA, not that much output, but the adjustable optics solves that problem (and it's not the high output I use the most on my ZL anyway). I have an SC52 in my jacket pocket because it smaller and lighter than the T5, but I like the T5 more. No clip, though, ref Grant's original spec.

That said, I think the ZL UI is just fine. I was a little confused just trying to figure it out myself, but after either reading the manual or following the tips given by the ZL fans here, it should be straghtforward. I think it's better than the "turn on and off umpteen times" most flashlights use some version of.

[AimlessWanderer]

I'm inclined to offer a dissenting view.  A lot depends on how you want to use the light ......... And isn't this a forum for nerds anyway ?      

Ive got 2 zebras, and will be buying more.  Love them. 

I think you're both right even though you are wrong 

If it was my first light, I'd love it 
If it was my only light (or most used) I'd most probably learn to love it 
As an occasional use light it's frustrating different UI is a bigger factor than the hue of the light 


Here's what ACTUALLY happens if you don't instantly connect with it ... 


Zebralight Learning Curve:

• Grab light and push button with thumb, forgetting that (unlike any other torch that ever existed)depending how quick you do that depends what light you get - full power, minimum power, or a rapid scroll through levels. Swear at it!
  
• Push button lightly (as in soft press) for next level and wait to see which level is next. It goes off (but not immediately). Swear at it!
  
• Push button to turn it back on at a different speed, and light comes on at a different light level to before. Swear at it.
  
• Try double clicking it. The light changes two settings, but flickers the intermediate setting on it's way there. Feel the start of a headache coming on, and swear at it!
  
• Remember the "press and hold to change mode" thingy. Press and hold button. It goes too far before you let go and you get the light level after the one you wanted. Swear at it!
  
• Press button quicker to advance light mode slower, and it goes off. Swear at it loudly!
  
• Press button to turn back on, this time with eyes shut as you're getting frightened of giving yourself a seizure. Swear at it regardless of light level. Open eyes and assess which level the imp has chosen. Swear again regardless of result!
  
• Press and hold and whimper as the light cycles through the various levels as you try to time it to stop on the right one. With gritted teeth and misting eyes, finally achieve the required light level for the job at hand (praying it doesn't need more than one light level)
  
• Press the button to turn it off and it waits a fraction of a second just in case it's a double click. That's enough time for your brain to think you didn't press it right and tell your thumb to try again. By the time your thumb starts moving again the light has gone off so you end up turning it on again! SCREAM AT IT !!!
  
• Whilst still screaming, press the button more slowly and deliberately to make bloody sure the button works this time. Light level changes and stays on. Look at the window to decide if it's high enough to jump out of. Start to cry
  
• Stop ... take a breath ... think clearly and press the button once and wait. Light goes off!
• Return light to drawer and pick up something else which hasn't been possessed by an evil spirit. Attempt to calm down and mend your wounded soul.
  
• Leave the light there until you've read enough posts at good people at MT.O who have tamed the beast with bright smiling faces and give it constant praise. Feel convinced it's worth trying it out again.
  
• Return to step 1 ......

[Millhouse]

I have a Zebralight head torch and it is a great bit of kit. I only use it occasionally, so whilst I am familiar with its interface, the first couple of times of using it again, I have to think about it a bit more before if becomes intuitive again.

[AdmSlc]

I'd look into FourSevens lights. I've owned about 4 of them and I can't say enough on how awesome they are.

[Steinar]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

[Gareth]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

my sides hurt.

[Breezy12]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

+1 

[enki_ck]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

+1 

Al, I carried a Juice CS4 and a Zebralight SC51 today.

[Syph007]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

+1 

Al, I carried a Juice CS4 and a Zebralight SC51 today.

Even with that confusing single button interface!?!? 

[nuphoria]

Brilliant stuff Al, and so true!

[AimlessWanderer]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

+1 

Al, I carried a Juice CS4 and a Zebralight SC51 today.

.... I'm right aren't I ... 

Mods: Seems to be quite popular  Any objection to me cross posting it to a new thread (with slight tweaks - I feel I may have understated the suffering slightly) for people to find easily in future? I feel this could be useful for people searching for Zebralight reviews in future to help balance the overwhelming support from it's commentators 

Flashlight forum or Reviews forum?

[gregozedobe]

Zebralight Learning Curve:

...

Best flashlight description ever, whether you agree or not.

 

+1 

+2     What a funny (and detailed) description of the frustration some people could feel.  My pet hate are the lights with many different modes (including several flashing disco modes) that have a memory function that actually advances to the next mode in the sequence when you switch it off - totally bonkers !!!!   Those lights go the bottom of the box, never to see the light of day (or dark of night) again.

I must admit to some bias re the ZL UI - I think I have 10 or more ZLs floating around and I use them way more often than any of the (many) other lights I own.  That said, I think the ZL fan-boys outnumber the haters by a good margin amongst those people that have actually owned one for any length of time.

[Gareth]

Stick it wherever you like Al.

[Gareth]

Back on topic of finding Grant a new light; have you thought about looking at dealextreme?  There are some real bargains to be had there especially if you are only looking for a single mode light.  Be warned though, the postage is never quick.