Recommendation for a powerful flashlight for someone who is "in the dark"

[Hammer]

I am used to $25 flashlights that run on 3 - AAA batteries.  Trouble is, I can only get 100 to 150 Lumens out of those.  I want a light that will provide maximum lumens and not catch fire.  I read where someone on this forum was talking about a flashlight that put out 500 lumens that put to shame some lights that claimed 1000 lumens.  That's what I want.  Can anyone make a recommendation for me?
Thanks!

[space cowboy]

You will not get 500 lumens using AAA or AA cells as far as I know. The Kobalt puts out 500 lumens but uses 3x CR123A cells. Shining Beam has the Caveman that puts out 270 lm using 2 AA cells which is safer & less costly for the cells IMO.

[dks]

I am possibly the least qualified to answer but that never stopped me!
My experience is summed up in a thread I posted in the Review section, which you may want to have a look at and some posts I made here in the past few days.

Take this with lots of salt:

First you need to decide whether you want a torch that just shines a long way (narrow but concentrated beam) or one that spreads its light around nicely.

Lumens will not tell you that, as a higher lumen (producing more light in total) torch that spreads its light will not illuminate a distant object as nicely as a dedicated “thrower” torch and may appear weaker.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumen_(unit)

There is also the quality of the beam. Do you want a pure beam, with a sharp edge or are you happy with having lots of concentric circles around.. also colour of the beam (tint) white, orange?
Do you want a metal reflector or not; do you want an Orange Peel style reflector that smoothens the beam or a totally smooth one that utilises the beam more…?

Then decide what you want; what batteries you want to use and how many, for how long you want to use the torch per set of batteries…

There are several well known brands that perform well and there are also several semi-brands like ultrafire (around $20 should give you 500-800 lumens) or other ….fire etc that use good LEDs and will provide a lot of light for your money, though their build quality, service, guarantee, even maybe safety, will not be the same as the more well known brands, at least in theory.

I have a few known brand ones and a few of lesser brands and I am happy with my buys, though if I knew there could be a potential problem (dropping the torch, running it for a long time) I would take the known brand ones with me.

[space cowboy]

Yep... A lot to consider here for sure! Candle Power Forums has lots of reviews including beam shots once you have an idea what you want. You might have to use the search button to find the light you are considering.

[gustophersmob]

Do you want one just for fun, or do you have s specific use in mind?

[Hammer]

Wow!  I never thought there was so much to consider in choosing a flashlight, but now that I'm hearing it, it makes perfect sense.
I'm looking for a light to use when I take my little blind dog out at night to use the bathroom.  I have a large fenced in yard (200' x 200'), half grassed and half wooded.  The first thing I do when I get out is scan the entire yard for any wildlife (concentrated spotlight), then I use it to walk with Willie (the dog) and keep the area right at our feet illuminated, thus keeping an eye out for snakes and dog poop (so I don't step in it), so a flood light would be best for that.  It would be nice to find one that switches from spot to flood.
It doesn't have to run on A batteries.  I would like a pure beam with sharp edges, and if I had to choose a tint, it would be white.  On the average "potty run", the light is on for maybe 5 - 7 minutes.  I don't mind spending $100 - $200 on the right light.

[dks]

Your budget is quite high, so I do not think you will have a problem finding a light.

Instead of a zooming torch maybe you will be better of with a two mode one.

My Jetbeam BA20 (fancy for me) at about $40 shipped has a high mode that illuminates object at a distance (should be ok for 100 yards) and a low mode which you can use whilst walking, to light the area in front of you.

Jetbeam also offers other more expensive multimode torches that are well within your budget. So do other companies of course.

My Ultrafire(ish) torch at around $20 uses unusual 18650 batteries but it will easily light objects at a distance of possibly 200 yards in the high and medium setting, on a clear day, and also has a low setting for when walking. The downside is that the beam is not as nice as the jetbeam.

Note that the definition of “lights an area” depends on you; do not expect a light that shines at a distance to light up a huge area well, at that distance, again from my limited experience.

Now, considering you will not carry the torch in your pocket or for a long time you may want to look into 12V lead acid battery halogen lights (good ones here start at around $30). These come with 55W + light bulbs and though they will not run for hours they produce a very powerful beam, on the region of 1000 lumens +. I have one that also has some smaller LEDs on it giving a nice, walking style, light if needed for several hours.

Here is a link for mine.
http://www.lidl.com.cy/cps/rde/xchg/SID-F2AA519B-8D52F1CB/lidl_cy/hs.xsl/index_20393.htm

I had some other ones before, but with lower grade ones (not necessary cheaper) the battery dies out quickly and you can not replace it.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Given your stated budget I'd recommend you get the Jetbeam PA40.  If you can find one of the neutral versions, I'd suggest that too. 

It runs on 4xAA batteries, will accept either alkaline or lithium primaries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium) or nihm rechargeables.  Has 4 output modes and does 460 lumens on max with a nice floody beam that on max still has enough horsepower to go 200'.

They're very well built and sturdy.  Should last a good long time.  I bought one for my wife's mini-van and loaded it with Energizer lithiums and it's been a great utility light.

They're about $75.

If you don't want something that big, I'd recommend an EagleTac P20A2.  Very solidly built with interchangeable light engines so you can upgrade it later, replaceable lens and bezel, and a nice tactical switch that's easy to operate with gloves on, etc.  Runs on 2xAA.  They're also in the $70 range.

Something smaller and sturdy put easily pocketable would be the EagelTac D25A2.  Runs on 2xAA, uses a twist-head interface with three primary levels, and the disco modes are hidden.  About the size of a big pen like  Pilot PhD or a Dr. Grip.  Comes with a nice holster and a lanyard, and a solid pocket clip too.  Puts out 325 lumens on max, but has a step down after 90 seconds to about 200 lumens.  About $45.

If you want something that runs on 1xAA just about anything from Zebralight will do you right.  They're one of my favorite light companies and make excellent products.  I'd recommend the SC51w.  Runs on 1xAA and puts out 170 lumens on max for about 45 min.  Runs on all the above mentioned chemistries.  They also make a great headlamp called the H51w which has the exact same emitter as the SC51w but is an angle light and comes with a headband to use as a headlamp.  It's the most versatile of the bunch, because it also comes with a pocket clip and you can use it as an EDC pocket light as well as a headlamp.

If none of those seem suitable, let me know and I'll make a few more recommendations. 

[Hammer]

Given your stated budget I'd recommend you get the Jetbeam PA40.  If you can find one of the neutral versions, I'd suggest that too. 

It runs on 4xAA batteries, will accept either alkaline or lithium primaries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium) or nihm rechargeables.  Has 4 output modes and does 460 lumens on max with a nice floody beam that on max still has enough horsepower to go 200'.

They're very well built and sturdy.  Should last a good long time.  I bought one for my wife's mini-van and loaded it with Energizer lithiums and it's been a great utility light.

They're about $75.

Of all the lights I've read about in this thread (thanks also dks), I like the Jetbeam PA40 the best, so I did a little bit more research on my own, and I liked what I saw.  I had sort of set a size limit of 6" long, but at 7.2 inches the Jetbeam is not far off.  So I've made my mind up - the Jetbeam PA40 it is!
Thanks to those who helped me with this decision, because I certainly could not have made it with this much confidence without your help.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Glad to help.     Jetbeam makes a quality product.  I've had four or five of them over the past 2 - 3 years and only ever had any real trouble with one of them (it wasn't the PA40!).   

The 4xAA form factor is a nice one too.  Just about the same size and weight as a traditional flashlight, but much easier to get batteries for, and gives fantastic run times, especially at lower settings.  The third level, (one down from the brightest) has something like 4 or 5 hours of run time on one set of batteries, and that's at something like 240 lumens! 

Overall it's a great light.  I put mine on car duty because I don't care for the cooler tints for regular use.  But for something like car duty, it's a perfect choice.

Eventually, if you get bitten by the flashlight bug, you'll start wanting other tints, different battery configs, and so on... beware... just like multitools, SAK's, knives, etc., it's a sickness!   

Given your stated budget I'd recommend you get the Jetbeam PA40.  If you can find one of the neutral versions, I'd suggest that too. 

It runs on 4xAA batteries, will accept either alkaline or lithium primaries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium) or nihm rechargeables.  Has 4 output modes and does 460 lumens on max with a nice floody beam that on max still has enough horsepower to go 200'.

They're very well built and sturdy.  Should last a good long time.  I bought one for my wife's mini-van and loaded it with Energizer lithiums and it's been a great utility light.

They're about $75.

Of all the lights I've read about in this thread (thanks also dks), I like the Jetbeam PA40 the best, so I did a little bit more research on my own, and I liked what I saw.  I had sort of set a size limit of 6" long, but at 7.2 inches the Jetbeam is not far off.  So I've made my mind up - the Jetbeam PA40 it is!
Thanks to those who helped me with this decision, because I certainly could not have made it with this much confidence without your help.

[mvyrmnd]

If I'd seen this thread earlier, I'd have suggested the PA40 aswell. Good call.

[gustophersmob]

If you want something that runs on 1xAA just about anything from Zebralight will do you right.  They're one of my favorite light companies and make excellent products.  I'd recommend the SC51w.  Runs on 1xAA and puts out 170 lumens on max for about 45 min.  Runs on all the above mentioned chemistries.  They also make a great headlamp called the H51w which has the exact same emitter as the SC51w but is an angle light and comes with a headband to use as a headlamp.  It's the most versatile of the bunch, because it also comes with a pocket clip and you can use it as an EDC pocket light as well as a headlamp.

+1.  It sounds like you've already decided, but I agree with what Heinz has written here.  I love my warm zebralights. 

[Millhouse]

Nice light. If you haven't already got some, get some good quality rechargeable NiMh batteries such as Sanyo Eneloop.

I was going to get one myself until I made the move into 18650 powered lights.

[Hammer]

As I am looking for the Jetbeam PA40 on eBay, I see two different styles.  One of them has an oval shaped tube (or body), and the other has a round tube.  I am assuming one is an older model.  Which one is the newest?

[665ae]

Ugh... I had no interest in buying a new flashlight until I started reading this thread.  That Jetbeam PA40 is just too sexy to resist!  Looks like a new flashlight is in my future.

[dks]

I do not have one, but this is how it should look like, from the official site:



http://www.jet-beam.com/links/pro/pa40.aspx

Maybe there are older models, or fakes or just a wrong picture..

[Hammer]

I do not have one, but this is how it should look like, from the official site:

(Image removed from quote.)

http://www.jet-beam.com/links/pro/pa40.aspx

Maybe there are older models, or fakes or just a wrong picture..

This is what the other model looks like.  It must just be the wrong pic because it says "EagleTac" on it.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

If you're willing to put up with the stigma of being a CPF member, you can use the code CPFJET at bugoutgear.com and get a 15% discount on the light, and free shipping since it's over $50.  I've purchased three separate Jetbeams from them and received great service each time (Including the two separate occasions I had to send my Jet III Pro ST in for warranty service).

I do not have one, but this is how it should look like, from the official site:

(Image removed from quote.)

http://www.jet-beam.com/links/pro/pa40.aspx

Maybe there are older models, or fakes or just a wrong picture..

This is what the other model looks like.  It must just be the wrong pic because it says "EagleTac" on it.

(Image removed from quote.)

[665ae]

What would be a better tint to get?  Cool or Neutral?

[dks]

I do not know what the ebay price is but check this out too:
http://www.focalprice.com/LFI65B/JETBeam_PA40_XML_T6_LED_Flashlight_with_468_Lumens_Black.html

there are several coupons floating around the internet for discounts in focalprice...

note that they have been very slow lately; both their webpage and their postage

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

What would be a better tint to get?  Cool or Neutral?

I always prefer neutral tints to cool tints, but that's my preference.  Some people prefer cool tints.

Neutrals are called that because they are in the middle of the color temperature scale, tending to be pure white to yellow.  Yellow is toward the warm side of neutral whereas white is toward the cool side.  Green, blue, and purple are cool tints, while yellow, orange, and red are warm tints.  A true neutral tint will be white with only hints of of color in it. 

Generally the Cree XPE Q4, XPG R4, and XML T5 are neutral tinted emitters.  There is always some variation within a given bin though, so two identical lights with the same emitter type and bin will usually have slight differences between them.

Practically, neutral tints, and particularly warm tints, will give you better depth perception and show colors better than cool tint emitters will.  They're usually not quite as bright though, because they put a coating on the emitter to change the tint, which causes a bit of light loss.  Generally, the warmer the tint the greater the reduction.  For example, with the XPG emitters, a neutral tint loses about 7% - 10% of its max output compared to a cool tint, while a warm tint loses 20% - 25% of its output compared to cool tints.  I think the trade off is well worth it though.  A light that gives you better depth and color will let you see things better than a brighter light that doesn't give you as much detail.

If you're looking for a good LED light, get one with a warm or what's called high color rendering index emitter, as they will give you a much better experience in comparison to a cool tint emitter, despite having lower maximum outputs.

[gustophersmob]

What would be a better tint to get?  Cool or Neutral?

I always prefer neutral tints to cool tints, but that's my preference.  Some people prefer cool tints.

Neutrals are called that because they are in the middle of the color temperature scale, tending to be pure white to yellow.  Yellow is toward the warm side of neutral whereas white is toward the cool side.  Green, blue, and purple are cool tints, while yellow, orange, and red are warm tints.  A true neutral tint will be white with only hints of of color in it. 

Generally the Cree XPE Q4, XPG R4, and XML T5 are neutral tinted emitters.  There is always some variation within a given bin though, so two identical lights with the same emitter type and bin will usually have slight differences between them.

Practically, neutral tints, and particularly warm tints, will give you better depth perception and show colors better than cool tint emitters will.  They're usually not quite as bright though, because they put a coating on the emitter to change the tint, which causes a bit of light loss.  Generally, the warmer the tint the greater the reduction.  For example, with the XPG emitters, a neutral tint loses about 7% - 10% of its max output compared to a cool tint, while a warm tint loses 20% - 25% of its output compared to cool tints.  I think the trade off is well worth it though.  A light that gives you better depth and color will let you see things better than a brighter light that doesn't give you as much detail.

If you're looking for a good LED light, get one with a warm or what's called high color rendering index emitter, as they will give you a much better experience in comparison to a cool tint emitter, despite having lower maximum outputs.

I agree with Heinz in a preference for neutral over cool.  I prefer warm over neutral, too.

I had always thought, "who cares" when it came to tints, but after getting a zebralight sc50w+ warm-tinted light, I've changed my mind.

I do think my preference for the warm is that it is more like a "normal" incandescent type lamp, rather than offering any real, measureable ability to "see" things better, if that makes sense. 

I think the hi-CRI emmiters, on the other hand, do offer much better color rendering and are measurably better in what they allow you to "see" when using a flashlight.  The only one I've handled had a tint which was more neutral than warm.

At the end of the day I personally prefer a warm-tinted light, even if it isn't hi-CRI, just because I like the way the beam looks.

Although, the angry-purple Fenix E01 is still onoe of my favorite lights, so go figure.