Just got a job where a flashlight is key, I need help!

[getpower]

So, I got a job working at night full time down in the engine room of tugboats and such.

I have learned that it is absolutely imperative to have a great, bright, yet small flashlight that will hold up to grease and all of the nasty stuff that can only come from an engine room.

I am looking for a rechargeable flashlight that can be cleaned easily and also one that is waterproof.

I prefer name brands such as streamlite.

I am sure that you guys have a recommendation for what I need.

Keep in mind that it could be dark for up to 7 or 8 hours so it has to be bright and last a long time.

[Spoonrobot]

What do your co-workers use?

Small, bright and long running is a tall order.

The hinge is your definition of "bright." If it's @60 lumens it's perfectly doable for that runtime in a smaller size. There aren't any really good American branded lights that will be able to fulfill your criteria so look for an Asian light that operates on 18650 sized Li-Ion cells.

Example: Wolf-Eyes has a few lights that run on low mode for 7+ hours:

http://www.light-reviews.com/we_defender/
http://www.light-reviews.com/we_sniper/

Fenix does too; they run well on 17640 or 16340 cells.
http://www.light-reviews.com/fenix_t1_q5/
http://www.light-reviews.com/fenix_tk10_q5/

Good luck.

[jzmtl]

What's your budget?

[Rodion]

Nobody will like it, but when I read your demands for a torch, I couldn't help but think about one of mine:



I've had it bouncing with my keys and/or multis for at least four months, used it from time to time and forgot it in the "on" mode for a few (~6) hours since. It's good as new and runs on the same battery. The only disadvantage is that the one LED dims quickly with distance. You'll probably go with Fenix e1 or something, but I still recommend this one for clipping to your hat. It's a great light.

P.S. By the way, you might want to consider a lowly headlamp...

[Benner]

That's not rechargable is it Rodion?

[ringzero]

So, I got a job working at night full time down in the engine room of tugboats and such.

I have learned that it is absolutely imperative to have a great, bright, yet small flashlight that will hold up to grease and all of the nasty stuff that can only come from an engine room.

I am looking for a rechargeable flashlight that can be cleaned easily and also one that is waterproof.

I prefer name brands such as streamlite.

I am sure that you guys have a recommendation for what I need.

Keep in mind that it could be dark for up to 7 or 8 hours so it has to be bright and last a long time.

This would probably be good for your application:
http://www.brightguy.com/products/UK_4AA_eLED_Zoom_Rechargeable_Flashlight.php

If you get that light, be sure to also get a right-angle neck accessory, so you can run it like this:
http://www.brightguy.com/products/UK_4AA_Right_Angle_ZOOM_eLED.php

That right angle neck allows the light to be set down and the head twisted to direct the output on your work.  Also allows the light to be carried in shirt pocket or clipped to belt with output directed ahead, which comes in very handy when you are moving around in the dark carrying something or working with both hands.

These are industrial quality, safety-rated, drop-tested, waterproof lights that are really, really tough.  I have several of these lights and they have all held up well despite lots of abuse.

.

[Rodion]

That's not rechargable is it Rodion?

I've stopped looking for "rechargeable" flashlights a long time ago. Now I look for rechargeable batteries. 

[Benner]

That's not rechargable is it Rodion?

I've stopped looking for "rechargeable" flashlights a long time ago. Now I look for rechargeable batteries. 

Ok, are the batteries in that rechargable then?

[Rodion]

That's not rechargable is it Rodion?

I've stopped looking for "rechargeable" flashlights a long time ago. Now I look for rechargeable batteries. 

Ok, are the batteries in that rechargable then?

No. But they can be.

Here is one with a similar code and slightly higher voltage. Looks like it.

Edit: I forgot to mention, mine is red. I vaguely remember the code for white ones being 2016 or something.

[ringzero]

These are industrial quality, safety-rated, drop-tested, waterproof lights that are really, really tough.

What's written above applies to this light too:
http://www.brightguy.com/products/Streamlight_Survivor_LED_Flashlight.php

I don't own this Streamlight model, but it gets very good reviews from firemen and emergency responders who use it in really tough conditons.

This light also allows you to easily remove the NiCad battery pack and run it on regular AA Alkalines if necessary.

.

[jzmtl]

That's not rechargable is it Rodion?

I've stopped looking for "rechargeable" flashlights a long time ago. Now I look for rechargeable batteries. 

Ok, are the batteries in that rechargable then?

No. But they can be.

Here is one with a similar code and slightly higher voltage. Looks like it.

Edit: I forgot to mention, mine is red. I vaguely remember the code for white ones being 2016 or something.

Coin cell rechargeables are not worth bother with, you can get 20 for under $4.

[RichardMT]

How about a Fenix L1T single AA, 90 plus lumens on high, and some Eneloops...should be the perfect fit.

[Leatherman123]

I would recommend the StreamLight Stinger.. It's very bright, rechargeable, but the battery life SUCKS! For 10 hours of charge you get 1 hour of light. I keep mine charging in the squad car and get it when necessary..

[ringzero]

I would recommend the StreamLight Stinger.. It's very bright, rechargeable, but the battery life SUCKS! For 10 hours of charge you get 1 hour of light. I keep mine charging in the squad car and get it when necessary..

Leatherman123, have you looked at the new Stinger LED?

http://www.brightguy.com/products/Streamlight_Stinger_C4_LED_Flashlight.php

High output:  1.75 hours at a nominal 140 lumens
Medium output:  3.5 hours
Low output:  6.75 hours

Fast charger option will charge in 2.5 hours rather than the normal 10 hour charge time.

.

[nezza33]

What about one of thoe Mag chargers.

[Leatherman123]

I have the Stinger LED. I got it as one of my Birthday presents from the Fiance.. I like it, but I'd rather an incan for work.. I may try to carry it.. But, I always keep it charging on the car charger- so it works for me..

[Mike]

I'd just get a Mag 3D LED light, it has long run time, durable, readily available nearly everywhere which means you can return it if you have problems, and plenty bright. Or get the Mag rechargeable if you need a rechargeable light for all the same reasons.

Mike

[jzmtl]

Magled is kinda crappy for the money unless you upgrade the emitter to seoul yourself, then you still gotta deal with the crappy heatsinking.

[GMArthur]

If I were you here is what I would do.

Go on ebay and pick up a nice SureFire 6P. Used is fine because if anything is wrong Surefire will fix it without issue. This should only run you about $30 USD or so. While you are on the bay pick up a cheap china made LED upgrade for the 6P that is made for rechargables. This should be about $10-15 USD. Now get some rechargable 123's and you are set. Keep a couple of 123 primaries in your shirt pocket for emergencies.

The reason I say go with the 6P is so that you do not pigeon hole yourself with a light with only one purpose. The amount of options and upgrades for the 6P series of lights is staggering. Primaries, rechargables, LEDs, Incan, twisty, clickie, single mode, multi mode. You can pretty much tailor this light to your individual needs. A plus is the great warranty. If you break you will get it fixed.

My 6P is without a doubt my most used light. I run mine mainly on primaries but do have a setup for it if I want to run rechargables. At 8 or so hours runtime on two cells it's easier to run primaries and not be bothered with recharging.

[Mike]

As much as folks think that the Mag Led's aren't very good I have to disagree with that. We live on 6 1/2 heavily wooded acres and believe me when it's night out, it's very dark. My 3D Mag Led does a pretty nice job of lighting things up out past 150 feet. It does a really good job of lighting up a room too. I also recommend a Mag Led because they are so readily available and can be returned should anything go wrong. They are also proven to be very durable. With the Led, if you drop the light, chances are good that it won't go "poof" lights out. Where as with a regular bulb, it is "poof" lights out.

The Mag's also take readily available batteries that you can get anywhere. Run time is also outstanding, but if you have to use it every night it will still cost you in batteries. I have gone with lights that take the 123's and to tell you the truth I got tired of having to order them online to get them for a decent price. It's nice to be able to go down to your local hardware or even grocery store and pick up batteries.

However, if you need/want a rechargeable light, I again suggest the Mag rechargeable.


Mike

 

[Rodion]

...or you could just get rechargeable batteries for whatever flashlight you have.