I need a awesome flashlight... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

E150GT · #1 10-14-2009, 10:51 PM

Well since I will once again have an older vehicle, I usually get stuck working well into the night to get em running again. It never fails. I'm thinking I need a good flashlight. My friend has a streamlight that his dad has had for years and that is a good flashlight. I was thinking of buying one, but I thought I'd check here as you guys seem to know a lot about everything. Is there a good flashlight that is somewhat economical and powerful yet not too big to keep in the glovebox? I'm not looking for one of those million candlewatt freaking searchlights, just a good flashlight.

diametricalbenz · #2 10-14-2009, 10:58 PM

I carry a Surefire E1E with a LED head assembly. They have a lot of variants with incandesant and LED bulbs which I would reccomend. They're pricey but they are excellent quality and are highly functional.

Hatterasguy · #3 10-14-2009, 10:58 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Performance-Flashlight-Maximum-Lumens/dp/B001H4MW7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1255575493&sr=8-1

Fantastic, at a fair price. I'm going to order one as soon as I figure out which model I want.

iwrock · #4 10-14-2009, 11:00 PM

I use and abuse my maglight.

pawoSD · #5 10-14-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

I use and abuse my maglight.

Me too. I have the 2D LED model, it is intense. IMHO there's no need for the bigger ones, they are the same light output, just longer run time and better capability as a weapon. The 2D model lasts for several days of 24/7 use as it is.

Mine is the cool brushed Anthracite color.

I also have a silver 2AA mag I use all the time (non-LED but very bright/durable) and a normal 1AAA MAG Solitaire.

I'm a flashlight junkie if you can't tell.

Kuan · #6 10-14-2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-Performance-Flashlight-Maximum-Lumens/dp/B001H4MW7W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1255575493&sr=8-1

Fantastic, at a fair price. I'm going to order one as soon as I figure out which model I want.

I have two of those. The runtime is terrible using regular alkaline batteries. I get about 1:45 on high using rechargeables.

Better yet get the one on the left that uses three Cree MC-E LED's.

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=256123

Ara T. · #7 10-14-2009, 11:22 PM

My friend's surefire is pretty damn bright...it will blind you (temporarily of course) Makes a maglight look like a POS. They are pretty overpriced though.. some newer LED flashlights are very impressive.. unfortunately I am not versed in the specifics.

E150GT · #8 10-14-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Me too. I have the 2D LED model, it is intense. IMHO there's no need for the bigger ones, they are the same light output, just longer run time and better capability as a weapon. The 2D model lasts for several days of 24/7 use as it is.

Mine is the cool brushed Anthracite color.

I also have a silver 2AA mag I use all the time (non-LED but very bright/durable) and a normal 1AAA MAG Solitaire.

I'm a flashlight junkie if you can't tell.

I almost bought one of those tonight. I was thinking of buying a flashlight with a rechargable battery

kmaysob · #9 10-14-2009, 11:52 PM

stream light with the piggy back charger

Da Nag · #10 10-15-2009, 12:51 AM

You can read for days about flashlight options here...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/

I'm not familiar with the specific model linked to at Amazon above, but the manufacturer is well regarded - Fenix typically makes some of the best lights for the money. They've plenty of great lights under $50.

http://www.fenixlight.com/

SureFire...I'm sure those that forked out the bucks, will have nothing but great things to say about them. IMO...they're a waste of money. Plenty of far cheaper lights works as well or better, and there's no way I'd drop that much cabbage on something I'll lose within a year.

pawoSD · #11 10-15-2009, 01:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E150GT

I almost bought one of those tonight. I was thinking of buying a flashlight with a rechargable battery

I've had mine for a year....use it almost daily....and have never had to replace the two Rayovac batteries I put in it. No point in rechargeable when two normal batteries last 3 years.

MBeige · #12 10-15-2009, 01:32 AM

I have a Maglite flashlight, that uses regular bulbs (not LED) that has served me well despite abuse and misuse. When I want hands free lighting, I use my Energizer head lamp that has 3 lighting options (main, flood, both), plus 1 dark (red) option. It tilts down for better illumination, and has LED instead of regular bulbs. AAA batteries last a long time.

When my uncle was driving into the middle of the desert to see the Trona Pinnacles in Ridgecrest, the lights in his Chevy Nova went out so he used his emergency Maglite (AA size battery equipped) aimed at the white line to guide him.

So I got myself a similar Maglite in the same size I carry with me when walking in the dark, camping out, etc.

jimbonaz · #13 10-15-2009, 01:51 AM

I bought one of the Streamlight led flashlight with the two rechargeable batteries. It works great, best I have had. I also have a 3 d Mag light that I had "upgraded" to led and it is very weak, it is kind of bright but not very focused. It spent $140 for the Streamlight off the Snap-on truck so it is pretty pricey. You can find it online for probably $30 cheaper though.

Angel · #14 10-15-2009, 06:31 AM

They gave us surefires over in the sandbox, I wouldnt call them pieces of crizzle but both mine and a fellow airman's broke within 4 weeks are arrival and light use (we are both Radio technicians....), check the price on this.....blah.
Maybe the LED versions are better, I hope they are cheaper.

I just bought a 4xAAA powered LED light, some generic brand with a semi rubber coating - has lasted me through many (harder use) camping trips and the balance of sandbox time. pretty happy, 2nd set of batteries in a year...I'm happy with it. $10 at the exchange IIRC.

-John

rs899 · #15 10-15-2009, 06:36 AM

The day my VW quit on me a little down the road at 0 dark 30 and I had to walk back to get the 240D, Meritline sent me an email sale message on these:

http://www.meritline.com/solar-flashlight-with-car-char---p-25424.aspx

I am normally immune to this sort of stuff, but , in a weak moment, I bought two of them (they were about $8 shipped). I have had them for about a month.

I am amazed at how bright and long-lasting the light is on these. I haven't had to use one in an emergency, but I think you could probably handle many minor roadside repairs with one of these. The light is pretty concentrated and useful for close to an hour. Of course, time will tell how long they will operate until the built-in battery gets lazy, but, so far seems like a nifty item to leave in the car. I keep it in the tray between the seats on the 240D and it seems to charge just fine there.

Rick