Lister Engine Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Stan on June 19, 2009, 12:34:30 AM

Title: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 19, 2009, 12:34:30 AM
To continue on from the previous topic.....

Yup, I love my Olight M20 Warrior, and the ITP lights are made by Olight as well.

I'm lusting over a Lightflux L2XT (the new little one that's single AAA or 10440 cells)

The new Olight M30 at something like 500 lumens is next on the list  ;)

These things are as addictive as Listers.

Do you haunt CPF as well?
Stan

Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: SHIPCHIEF on June 19, 2009, 04:23:45 AM
Stan;
What's the shelf life of batteries for these flash lights, if a new one is purchased and put 'unused' in your survival capsule?
I have a specific 'like' for flashlights and lanterns, so right now for me the lighting topic is 'which one will last the longest in storage before you start using it?'
Those Russian dynamo flashlights are interesting, but continuous sqeezing for light sound like carpotunnel in the wrist to me.
I really would like to find a battery that has an extended shelf life 20 or 50 years when purchased new before the first charge. Haul it out of the capsule after the big earthquake and charge up the batteries via Listeroid or solar charger.
Right now I keep the batteries in continuous circulation (Ni Mh) to try to keep them up, and buy a 48 pack of Costco's finest AA every now and then.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 19, 2009, 05:52:21 AM
The Lithium Ion batteries have the longest shelf life of any of them, in the 10 to 20 year range.  I use 3.6volt Lithium Ion RCR123 cells that are rechargeable in special yet cheap chargers (<$10) that will last for a few years in a cool place before needing recharging.  They have a lifespan of hundreds of charges if treated properly.  So you can get say, conservatively 5 years between charges, and charge them up (again conservatively)  300 times so they will last maybe 1500 years or so.  All you need is a relatively small solar panel and a 75 watt inverter and you have power basically forever!

My Olight M20 Warrior Premium R2 flashlight uses 2 RCR123 cells and on high (240 lumens) can blind you or light up a racoon in a tree 200 yards away on a dark night, yet on it's lowest mode (it has 3 light level modes, a strobe and an SOS mode) it will last continuously for at least 5 days, continuous light.  The low mode is about 8 lumens which is enough to walk along a trail in the bush in the dark safely.

If you want a light just to put away in the "kit" and forget about for years and years you should get one of the original Nightstar flashlights ..... http://www.nightstarflashlight.com/comersus7f/store/comersus_index.asp

They are indestructable, will last forever with no batteries, never need recharging, are not very bright, maybe 10 lumens but still bright enough to walk safely in the bush with, but did I say they will last forever?  I have one in my grab and go bag cause my wife can operate it easily unlike some of the more complex battery lights.
BUT DON'T BUY ONE OF THE KNOCKOFFS!  They are junk!

Stan

Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: LowGear on June 19, 2009, 09:26:57 AM
Stan!

The Olight M20 Warrior flash light retails for $95.  What kind of lust are you leading us into?

Can you imagine if I said I'll trade you 12 flash lights for Penelope?  That dinky box of flashlights for all this cast iron.
 
Casey
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: AdeV73 on June 19, 2009, 10:00:23 AM
Crazy people!

Pretty well the last torch I bought was one of these:
(http://img.alibaba.com/photo/10762395/Tiger_Head_Original.jpg)

I think I was about 13 at the time  ;D

I was given a wind-up torch a few years ago, which I have around the place somewhere; it has a whopping big spring in it, and lasts about 5 minutes on a wind.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 19, 2009, 12:23:13 PM
To continue on from the previous topic.....

Yup, I love my Olight M20 Warrior, and the ITP lights are made by Olight as well.

I'm lusting over a Lightflux L2XT (the new little one that's single AAA or 10440 cells)

The new Olight M30 at something like 500 lumens is next on the list ;)

These things are as addictive as Listers.

Do you haunt CPF as well?
Stan



LOL !! Just googled CPF !!  Candle Power Forums !!  Now I just CANNOT join that forum , I have a bad enough gadget habit without walking straight into the jaws of temptation !! 
The worst thing about my torch addiction is that I rarely actually need one !! Although I suppose need has never been  relevant for boys toys !!
The one I use the most is the Inova single 1 watt LED. When I'm away from home and have the need for a torch I take the Surefire , it always impresses a crowd & pulls the chicks !! LOL !! 
Having said I have no serious requirement for nocturnal lumens an itch has developed for the Inova X03 , 5.8 watt led !! Check it out ,  http://www.inovalight.com/x.html
But then , some of the latest Surefire range is exerting gravitational pull !!  I need to wait for the buck to weaken though , the one I'm after is $499 !!



Crazy people!

Pretty well the last torch I bought was one of these:

I think I was about 13 at the time  ;D

I was given a wind-up torch a few years ago, which I have around the place somewhere; it has a whopping big spring in it, and lasts about 5 minutes on a wind.

Your life is not complete without a high end lumen device !! You will give in eventually !!

I'll start a thread on multi-tools next , Leatherman Skeletool CX , gimme , gimme !!
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 19, 2009, 03:03:11 PM
Casey....Penelope only cost me 1 Olight Warrior M20  ;D

You should look up the JetBeam line of lights.  They are also very good!

I love it when you hand a buddy a high end 240 lumen flashlight, they turn it on and then, inevitably, they point it directly at their face and look straight into it!  Now I ask you, if I handed you a nice little glock model 26, would you point it at your face and pull the trigger?

Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 19, 2009, 03:16:05 PM
Those Jet Beams are sex !!!  I feel the chill of irrevocable temptation !!  Only in the USA could there be so many exotic flashlight manufacturers !!
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 19, 2009, 05:14:07 PM
Everything I own Stan runs on liquid fuel.....

And you may have seen me talk about the 237 Empire multifuel at that CPF forum.

237 king of lanterns....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JFkV7YBCk0&feature=channel_page
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: LowGear on June 19, 2009, 07:12:45 PM
Gentlemen.

I'm just out of my league.  About half way through watching two Coleman lanterns do almost nothing for two minutes it came to me like a light.  My wife is right.  I'm just too stupid to really appreciate what's going on.  (This has even including driving a car.)  $100 flashlights. 

Carry on men.  Good fortune on your expedition.

LowGear
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 19, 2009, 07:45:17 PM
And I thought cement drying was boring to watch , now I know watching light shine is worse !!
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 20, 2009, 01:38:29 AM
BTW...Casey, I didn't buy an Olight M20, my son gave me it for my birthday.  I did buy my ITP C9 for $40 US, but I did it with some US currency I bought at $1.06 in Nov 07 so it was something like $30 +.

HOWEVER!!!   ;D  Do some research on the Lightflux LF2XT if you are interested.  My "next" acquisition, maybe.....Just about the size of my little finger (just 10 mm longer, but slimmer), puts out mega lumens, and has the most complex programming system of any flashlight known to man.  Yes, programming!   Uses 1 AAA.  Here's a portion of the manual on how to program it to do different things.

Compact User Interface : (Factory default)
the LF2XT always turns on at the user mode.
User mode : 50% output.

Click = C, Press & Hold = PH

1C - to turn on/off in user mode.
1C+PH - 100% MAX output. repeat to return to user mode.

2C - 1% MIN output. repeat to return to user mode.

PH - to increase brightness of user mode. repeat to decrease brightness of user mode. the chosen brightness will be automatically saved in the user mode. also brightness of user mode is retained even after jumping to MIN or MAX output.

PH - to increase brightness when in MIN mode or to decrease brightness when in MAX mode. the chosen brightness will NOT be save when in either MIN or MAX mode.

4C - to turn momentary on/off. * #
4C+PH - to turn over discharge protection on/off. *#

5C - report the battery voltage (2 decimals) under load.
5C+PH - to switch between CUI & FUI.

8C+PH - to turn auto-off on/off. * #

* this is a toggle operation. i.e. on/off. no menu to enter or exit.

# slow flash (1Hz - 1 flash in 1 second) - represent the chosen function is turn OFF.
# fast flash (2Hz - 2 flashes in 1 second) - represent the chosen function is turn ON.

no strobe, beacon or SOS to cycle through or tinker with.


Full Function User Interface
the LF2XT always turns on at the user mode 1.
5 user modes.

Mode 1 = 50% brightness output
Mode 2 = 15% brightness output
Mode 3 = 2% brightness output
Mode 4 = 50% brightness double flash beacon
Mode 5 = 15% brightness SOS

Click = C, Press & Hold = PH

1C - to turn on/off LF2XT in user mode.
user mode number is selectable. (min 1 mode. max 5 modes)

1C+PH - random strobe. release to return to user mode.

2C - to switch to the next output mode. cycle operation (i.e. mode 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 5 -> 1 -> 2 -> 3.....)

PH - 100% MAX output. release to return to user mode.

3C - to exit both "brightness/strobe/beacon/SOS adjustment" menu AND "select user mode number" menu WITHOUT saving any changes.

3C - if auto-off is enabled, this command is also use to temporarily disable the auto-off timer until the light is switch off.

3C+PH - to enter "brightness/strobe/beacon/SOS adjustment" menu while in user mode.

3C+PH - also use to save changes and exit both "brightness/strobe/beacon/SOS adjustment" menu AND "select user mode number " menu.

4C - to turn tactical momentary on/off. * #
4C+PH - to turn over discharge protection on/off. * #

5C - report the battery voltage (2 decimals) under load.
5C - report the brightness % only while in "brightness/strobe/beacon/SOS adjustment" menu.
5C+PH - to switch between CUI & FUI.

6C+PH - to enter "select user mode number" menu.

7C+PH - to turn last mode memory on/off. * #

8C+PH - to turn auto-off on/off. * #

10C+PH - FACTORY RESET.

* this is a toggle operation. i.e. on/off. no menu to enter or exit.

# slow flash (1Hz - 1 flash in 1 second) - represent the chosen function is turn OFF.
# fast flash (2Hz - 2 flashes in 1 second) - represent the chosen function is turn ON.

Reporting format.
both battery voltage and brightness report uses the same format.
1 flash = 1
3 flashes = 3
.
.
9 flashes = 9
2 quick flashes = 0

for example,
0.95V is 2 quick flashes, blank 1 second, 9 flashes, blank 1 second, 5 flashes.
100% is 1 flash, blank one second, 2 quick flashes, blank one second, 2 quick flashes.

while in the FUI, there are 4 types/styles of output in LF2XT.

1. Constant brightness
2. Strobe - 8 frequencies + random frequencies
3. Beacon - single flash & double flashes with 8 frequencies for both.
4. SOS

the brightness of all 4 types of output is user adjustable from 1% to 100%.

the output of all 5 user modes in FUI can be change by user to the above mentioned 4 types/styles. for example, you can set all 5 user modes to have

5 different % of constant brightness or
5 different frequency and brightness of strobes or
5 different frequency and brightness of beacon or
5 different brightness of SOS or

any combination of the 4 types/styles in ANY order you preferred.


Logarithmic plus Linear Brightness Adjustment.

the LF2XT has both logarithmic and linear adjustment for the brightness setting. Logarithmic adjustment to quickly jump to the level you want, and linear adjustment for macro adjustment to the exact output level % desired.

the exact output level % can be determined using the brightness % report (5C) while in the output setting menu.

each logarithmic increase steps raises the output by 50%.
eg. 10% -> 15% -> 22% -> 33% -> 50% -> 75%

each logarithmic decrease steps reduces the output by 33%.
eg. 75% -> 50% -> 33% -> 22% -> 15% -> 10%
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: LowGear on June 20, 2009, 03:09:43 AM
Hi Stan,

Your son would, I believe, be called an enabler.

LowGear
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 20, 2009, 03:51:40 AM
Hey, I rarely drink, I don't gamble, I don't carouse with loose women so let me have a couple of compulsions eh?  ;D
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: xyzer on June 20, 2009, 04:39:11 AM
For the past 15 years at every garage sale or flea market I would buy up any 25-50cent old flashlight I ran across. My family started doing the same, and give me an oddball for my birthday or Christmas I hadn't run across. Now I have hundreds of different flashlights. My wife even let me put the really neat ones in the entertainment center for display. Now I see there is a flashlight forum....I'm a goner! They will commit me for sure. They threatened me if I get another generator! Looks like I’ll have good company
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 20, 2009, 05:35:33 AM
Just remember, the light at the end of the tunnel might be you!  ::)
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 20, 2009, 09:33:33 AM
Hi Stan,

Your son would, I believe, be called an enabler.

LowGear

No , he'd be called a pusher !!

Just looked on the Lightflux site, only found it through facebook !! , and the LF2XT isn't shown ?? 
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: GuyFawkes on June 20, 2009, 02:45:25 PM
Torches / flashlights are for pussies.

I am currently studiously avoiding (aww shit, now you've made me look at it again) even thinking about considering buying a 100 watt solid state laser.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/COHERENT-WATERCOOLED-100-WATT-808nm-LASER-DIODE-DPSS_W0QQitemZ170344797264QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27a9575450&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A0|293%3A1|294%3A50

http://video.google.com.au/videoplay?docid=-5787587865825783026&ei=fec8SrCzE5b8-Aajm_GkCg&q=LASER+DIODE&hl=en

m u s t

r e s i s t
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 20, 2009, 02:56:44 PM
Let me know when you start shining it on the moon, I'll set up the telescope and watch for it  ::)
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: GuyFawkes on June 20, 2009, 03:18:39 PM
Let me know when you start shining it on the moon, I'll set up the telescope and watch for it  ::)
Stan

If I get one, and if I point it up, look for me in Gitmo, not the moon.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: SHIPCHIEF on June 20, 2009, 05:08:55 PM
SH*T
That's what gets me mad.
Us 'kids' used to do stuff like that all the time for fun. Now Homeland Security wants to call you a Domstic Terrorist and arrest your *ss.  >:(
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 20, 2009, 07:24:45 PM
Seems I need to upgrade my laser to !! I only have a 5mw helium neon !! I even have a power supply for that 100w jobby  ;)
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 20, 2009, 07:43:17 PM
For those interested in a really good guy who sells high end flashlights, with great customer service, this is his company.  http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/StoreFront  When you email him his name is Bryan.  Tell him Stan from Kimberley sent you.  ;D

His shipping charges are only a couple of bucks or so.

I've no financial connection to him other than being a very satisfied customer.
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 21, 2009, 04:01:45 AM
In th defence of the mighty 237.

Yes its boaring to watch the old gilrl preheat in sub zero conditions.....
Its not very impressive on my camera.....
You spent several minnuts watching.....

I can blind you with that lantern lol.
It can heat my home.

It will stomach everything from camping fuel to pump diesel with a special fondness for unleaded gas and paint thinnerl. 1930s Canadian technology at its finest.

So what will you do when the furnace is cold and the batteries have run out :)


Hey and you know what else?
These are using crap modern mantles.
I have since switch back to Thorium ( my lamps glowe in the dark fuel or not ) . The light output has easily doubled again to pre 1980s levels.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 21, 2009, 04:17:20 AM
You use your extra set of batteries (one set will last continuously for a week on low power) until the sun shines and then you use solar power to recharge both sets.

LED high end lights don't burn down your house cause they don't explode on you!  ;D
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: SHIPCHIEF on June 21, 2009, 04:47:01 AM
doug has a point:
The Kerosene lantern can burn safely in your home, where a coleman gas lantern cannot, nor with unleaded car gas.
You can even cook over one if you make a grill to set over the lantern. That Brytlite (sp?) lantern even sell such a top heavy adapter.
I've been playing with the butane mix mini lantern; the Coleman Xcursion. I breifly had the Brunton Glorb, but the darned thing quit working within hours of getting it out of the box.  ??? It was a much nicer concept tho- dang.
FLashlights, Coleman gas, multifuel, Propane, Butane, Kerosene, Shaker, windup, Solar powered with and Emergency radio; What's not to like?
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Bluecometk on June 21, 2009, 05:09:05 AM
I'm with DOUG.I will take 75+ year old technology. A 237 will light half the house, heat a room or two, cook my food and burn all night on a couple oz of fuel. A bonus is when you light one up your kids will come running.

You guys should ashamed of your selves with this talk of modern technology ;)
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Grael on June 21, 2009, 06:32:42 AM
What you need is one of those flashlights that take one of those big 6v dry cell batteries that you need to screw to the base. The advantage of that one is that it can also be used as a dandy bludgeoning device.  :D

I can still remember being about 5 and filling the Coleman lantern with naphtha, pumping it up and lighting it. Loved the spitting noise at first, then the poof and flames out the top for a few seconds. Good times. Oh, and why were the early mantles radioactive? ??? That don't seen very sane to me. I do know they had Thorium in them, just WHY something radioactive? ::)
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 21, 2009, 09:53:27 AM


So what will you do when the furnace is cold and the batteries have run out :)



The Lister will fire itself up !!  ;-)
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 21, 2009, 04:15:40 PM
thorium glow whiter that modern stuff. the Radioactivity hsa nothing to do with it howver.

Its just an all around better material for mantles but its gone out of style here. They are still made over seas and I have a source ( Amish fellow ) who sell only premium parts and throium mantles.

Properly tuned lanterns don't stink, lanterns in good order do not explode ( or bad ones for that matter never seen one explode ).

http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp344/Dougwp/?action=view&current=100_9127.jpg

Kerosene is a safer fuel to use indors but as you cansee in this picture some table lamos were made that were gasoline fired like this for indoor use. Yes thats a table lamp that burns gasoline guys.....

DANGER

That " Brytlite " is a bad lantern putting gasoline in it is risky it was never designed for it, can;t be tuned to to burn properly on it and has a design weakness that could result in a leak and fire ball. NEVER EVER use gasoline in a Petromax style lantern. If they weep a little fuel from the pump as often happens and its kerosene its a just a mess,if its gasoline it is an accident. Thats and the Brylite is a cheap Chinese peice of crap.

The 237 however was designed at Coleman's Toronto factory in the 1930s and started life a as gasoline lantern ( the 236 Major and it was actualy a pump up version of the american designed 242 series )  later addpted to gasoline it has built in safety featurs that the Eroupean kerosene lanterns never had built into them like the double safety of a check vlave inthe pump and a possitive looking air stem to ensure no leaks. All parts are furnace brazed not soldered and no lead seals are used.

Another word of warning in the early 1970s Canadian Coleman designed a new series of lanterns to replace the older 242 and 236 all that brass and cast part/machining was getting to expensive so the all stamped steel two post was born. One of the places they trued to improve things was the the use of O rings to seal the valve.

This was the 321 series, and the O rings failed . All modern Coleman products evolved from the 321 and leasons learned. Do if you have a 321 or any of the early ones stop using them and have the valve rebuilt before you have an accident AND make sure the heat shield is in place to keep the heat off that valve

Right now and for how long no ones knows you can still buy a few good Coleman lanterns the 639B for example is the best kerosene they make. But if you look closely you see the Canadian style 2 post burner frame and the nig buldge globe from its 236 cousin.
But its not a 237.........

Oh ya best stove toss up between the 530 pocket stove and the 500 speedmaster. I like the Canadian speed master myself because it will also burn just about any clean gasoline ( non lead ) and Kerosene with realy good heta and flame control. The 530 pocket stove is a civilian version of the US army GI stove from WW2 and it will burn any gasolline leaded or white ( but not kerosene ) and its light and very easy to carry on a hike.
There are modern stoves but they suck ( exception expensive premium stoves MRS stoves and anything made in Eroupe ).....

Here's more cool pictures
http://s426.photobucket.com/albums/pp344/Dougwp/Coleman%20stuff/
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: mobile_bob on June 21, 2009, 05:27:48 PM
as for flashlights

i came across a small metal light similar in construction to a maglite, that holds 4 AAA batteries
and has several led's in it, it has its pushbutton switch on the side and not the bottom which is a huge plus

you can stand it on its end and it will light up things pretty well

runs about 160hrs on a set of batteries,

i use the hell out of it under trucks at night, just enough light to see what i am doing
could be brighter, but i am not complaining

nice to have around the house when the power is out to, sits on the lavatory pointing up so you can see to go to the
bathroom

gave about 20 bucks for it and find it to be a nice unit, it is about 4 inches long an maybe 1.25 inches in diameter.

bob g
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: ronmar on June 21, 2009, 06:26:38 PM
Oh ya best stove toss up between the 530 pocket stove and the 500 speedmaster. I like the Canadian speed master myself because it will also burn just about any clean gasoline ( non lead ) and Kerosene with realy good heta and flame control. The 530 pocket stove is a civilian version of the US army GI stove from WW2 and it will burn any gasolline leaded or white ( but not kerosene ) and its light and very easy to carry on a hike.
There are modern stoves but they suck ( exception expensive premium stoves MRS stoves and anything made in Eroupe ).....

Doug
   I have an old 530, I bought as a kid at a neighbors garage sale.  It was a veteran then, and it is still going strong.  That first lantern video you linked to, down on the right, there was a 530 vid, so I thought I would watch that also. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUH_Nh0Yi6c&feature=channel 
The 530 was always a little trickey to light.  In that vid, the first thing the guy does is add a preheat cup that slides down over the generator.  Squirts in a little alcohol and lights it.  1 minute later, it is cranking out a nice blue flame...  I am going to have to get or make one of those cups...  I also have a little Svea 123.  It still amazes me how small and lightweight that stove is for what it does.

Back to topic, I bought a little single AA flashlight last year marketed by Gerber.  It is called a firecracker.  Well built, runs a long time and is small enough to fit in my pocket, so I always have it.  I have been using it nearly daily at work and around home for almost a year now.  Hands down the best $20 I ever spent on a flashlight.  I have surefires and streamlights and they are all excellent lights, but they either take expensive batteries, or are too large to carry all the time. 
http://www.gerbergear.com/index.php/product/id/260
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: lgsracer on June 21, 2009, 07:26:39 PM
If you don't like to have pump up your lantern you can still get an Aladdin Mantel Lamp

video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiDT-p4Cmug

still in production:

http://www.aladdinlamps.com/store/dynamicIndex.asp

or if you like to walk around carbide lamps are still made:

http://www.lehmans.com/store/Lamps___Lights___Carbide_Lamp___Carbide_Lamp___1004865?Args=

video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMguFRdZvDo
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: lgsracer on June 21, 2009, 11:11:43 PM
It seems to me that all the LED lights are using odd batteries or are tiny.
Can anyone recommend a flashlight that just uses ordinary batteries, maybe 2 or 3 C or D size cells.
Something that is sized like a normal flashlight instead of tiny, lasts a long time and produces maybe to or three times the light of a normal flashlight (I don't know how that translates to lumens) ?
Something that is maybe $50 max ?

Jens

Here you go:

Rayovac Sportsman Xtreme 4W LED 3C Flashlight- RAYSE4W3C

his Rayovac rugged Xtreme Sportsman high performance flashlight is water resistant, includes an ultra bright 4W Luxeon LED, yields an amazing 150 lumens and has 100 hours of run time. This Rayovac Sportsman Xtreme flashlight design features a rubber comfort grip and sleek titanium color. Powered by 3 C batteries.

On Sale $26.99

http://www.rayovacdirect.com/p-37060-rayovac-sportsman-xtreme-4w-led-3c-flashlight-rayse4w3c.aspx
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: M61hops on June 21, 2009, 11:43:36 PM
I use the old first edition Makita 9 volt flashlight almost everyday at work and I'm still happy with it after using it for more than 15 years.  I've tried the ones with the flexible head but they didn't last and I didn't like the way it felt in my hand either.  I've had another flashlight for about a year that might replace my Makita; it's called a Mega-Bright and has 3 LED's a rechargeable lithium battery, a solar panel and a hand crank that will charge the battery if you didn't leave the flashlight exposed to light while stored.  It's small enough to carry in a pocket and seems well made, I got it at a chain store that sold household goods for $10  ;D .  If I leave it on the dashboard or seat of my van it gets enough light to where it's always ready to use and puts out enough light for my needs.  The only drawback is that since it needs to be exposed to light to charge I'm afraid that someday somebody will snag it off my dash since I seldom lock my van.  It's remained mine for over a year so far and I'd only lose $10 if it goes missing, so I'm happy with it so far!  The switch on my Makita is just about shot so when it quits I will use the little recharging LED one exclusively.       Leland
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: sid on June 22, 2009, 01:12:19 AM
it seems that we all have a lot in common/sid
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: ronmar on June 22, 2009, 01:37:50 AM
Jens
   I have converted some of my Mag lights to LED.  They work great and are plenty bright.  The best part is that the LED uses so little current, even old and especially cold alkaline batteries still yield an oh-my-gosh bright light.  I hate grabbing a cold, flashlight with a dull yellow beam when I have to go out in the winter.   There are retrofit bulb/reflector kits for ALL the maglight series.  On the two minimag's I keep in the vehicles, I have 1W LED's and pushbutton endcap switch that has 5 settings.  High, Med, Low, slow flash, and fast flash.  These came in a kit with the LED, new reflector and endcap switch.   
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 22, 2009, 02:40:16 AM

Doug
   I have an old 530, I bought as a kid at a neighbors garage sale.  It was a veteran then, and it is still going strong.  That first lantern video you linked to, down on the right, there was a 530 vid, so I thought I would watch that also. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUH_Nh0Yi6c&feature=channel 
The 530 was always a little trickey to light.  In that vid, the first thing the guy does is add a preheat cup that slides down over the generator.  Squirts in a little alcohol and lights it.  1 minute later, it is cranking out a nice blue flame...  I am going to have to get or make one of those cups...  I also have a little Svea 123.  It still amazes me how small and lightweight that stove is for what it does.

Thats one of my 530s the preheat cup is not a Coleman part I made it myself. I even make Generators now for some of these since many parts a no longer made.

Tip:
The gas "+" tips for your 530 and the gen are no longer available, but the gas tip off and army surplus M1950 stove ( made up untill 1990 ) will fit. Check Ebay I would buy one since this part will become scarce soon
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 22, 2009, 03:03:34 AM
Jens, if you can find a 2 or 3 cell maglight at a second hand store or garage sale, (I have found 2 of them for less than $2 in the last year) you can get a TLE-6EXB Terralux ministar 5 SSC P4 "drop in" LED and reflector for it for less than $20 US on ebay.  It makes a good solid light, long lasting batteries, very bright beam.  A great retrofit.  I have 2.

The Terralux drop in units also come for the AA maglights, and the AAA maglights.  The tailswitch that converts them to the 5 mode operation in the AA version that Ronmar is referring to is called an IQ switch.  A simple google will let you find one for around $10.
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 22, 2009, 03:10:26 AM
But no fire comes out of it Stan ( Stan the man from Stanistan.... ).

How do you light a Cigar on an LED flash light?

That's like totaly not any good to me man lol.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 22, 2009, 04:18:07 AM
You light a cigar with a burning brand from the fire pit, of course.  What, you live in a house?
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 22, 2009, 10:03:09 AM
Stan , any tips for a good ,reasonably priced LED work light for shop use on cars etc ?  The ones available in the UK are very expensive for what they are !
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 22, 2009, 02:55:43 PM
I've tried 2 or 3 LED worklights, including the battery powered ones and have been very disappointed in all of them.  The most I've gotten out of them is a couple of weeks longevity and some high end leds as parts for future projects.

I'd go for a "plastic"  (polycarbonate?)  bodied light maybe like this             http://www.pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2410PL
It's a 4AA light and fairly long lasting.  I should be pretty sturdy as work lights get dropped a lot.  Don't know what it would cost across the pond?

Maybe others have some ideas.  I've broken uncounted numbers of regular light bulbs in work lights, usually with a bright flash that can't be good if there are any explosive vapours in the air.

Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 22, 2009, 03:36:26 PM
I agree , flashlight type's are hopeless for workshop use. These are the sort of thing I'm using at the moment , http://www.ringautomotive.co.uk/product_list.asp?cat1=4&cat2=3&cat3=62 ,
I have type RIL 2750  , retails at about $90 US which I think is pricey !!
Good light though.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 22, 2009, 05:25:59 PM
That looks like one of the one's I bought, but it doesn't have a constant on switch.  You have to press and hold the button in to keep the light on and there is a warning not to leave it on for more than a few minutes.

What I want is a light that I can clip, hang, stick magnetically, or otherwise fasten to something and leave it on so I can use both hands for work.
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: t19 on June 22, 2009, 05:30:19 PM
Get one of those Camping lights that you wear like a coal miner... or get one of those led lites that clip to the peah of your baseball cap... those work great... unless your into rap, then the light is shinning on your bum LOL
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: compig on June 22, 2009, 05:37:54 PM


What I want is a light that I can clip, hang, stick magnetically, or otherwise fasten to something and leave it on so I can use both hands for work.
Stan

The one I have has a magnet and clip / stand but they never seem to work on any of the area's that you need it to !!  Who the heck designs these things anyway ? It's totally obvious they have never been under a car or under the bonnet !!
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 22, 2009, 09:26:03 PM
Andrew, I've actually got one of the little head lights and it works perfectly, except when you are working on an aircooled VW van.  Then you smash your headlamp on several things in a given hour, either breaking the headlamp or leaving an impression in your bald head which lasts for days.  People looked at me funny every time I did it.  Not that they don't look at me funny normally, but this was a different funny.  :-[
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: SteveU. on June 22, 2009, 10:29:00 PM
". . . . never been under a car or under the bonnet (hood) !!"  I'll say! Or done under dash work when you are upside down on your shoulders with your feet propped up in the air on the door frame trying to sort out an electrical problem with one hand.
As an a working flat rate paid auto tech here is what I evolved into:
1) A 2 AAA cell Minimag/Brinkman light with a plastic end cap. Use your teeth and mouth to hold and aim. Bright enough. Pocket clip-able so it was always there. Good battery life, only fair life on the bulbs. Have 2-3 availabe at any time and swap out and relamp later. Even TSA checkable. Only $9.00 - 13.00 USD each.
2) An aim-able head band light with a three AA cell battery pac on the back  with  1 to 3 of the newest Luxiun (sp) LED elements had the best conbo of lighting, durability, weight balance and front compactness. Technology still evolving, with careful selection each newest one was better than the last. The previous model gets put in a seasonal coat pocket or travel bag. Can use hand held or wadded in place as a hands free - my underdash favorite. Also TSA checkable. $15.00 - $35.00 USD.
3) A 3 C cell PLASTIC/Rubber body waterproof standard bulb stick form flash light . Bright enough without being blinding for area work. Light enough and tacky enough to jam up in to  stay in place and still be pocketable. With the standard cool bulb and lighter weight when dropped uaaually saves the bulb and unlike a D cell/metal bodied flashlight does not always smash the spring and contacts damaged. Much more unlikely to ever scratch expensive paint work. Plastic and rubber bodied will not short out a battery or electrical circuit - seen that. Plastic/rubber bodied and water proofed will not ignite gasoline fuel vapors when dropped on concrete.  Now a days in any 3 - 15 man shop there is always an dropped down opened up fuel tank for an in tank fuel pump change or an inline fuel filter change, or fuel injector service going on. I knew two guys burnt, maimed and living with the nick names "Crispy".  One from a dropped popped AC trouble/work light (burnt his shop to the ground too), the other from a dropped wrench. I have stood in a pool of gasoline flames myself from a neighboring techs "oops".
Buy this one cheap. So when the plastic lens etches with carb/injector/brake clean spray, you forget it jummed up in there someware and it rolls out the door and goes by-by you wont feel so $$bad$$. Learned to only spend $5.00 - 15.00 on this one.
Of the probably hundred flashlights bought and tried for auto work all the others;  tied up one hand; took expensive AAAA, cr132, lamp module consumables; were too big, so set aside and not THERE when needed; or too unsafe to be in an area with gasoline vapors.
All my own opinions
SteveU.
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 22, 2009, 11:06:42 PM
Great advice Steve.....Now you've got me wondering, this little gem uses one AA, puts out 3 different levels of light.  Is a "floody" meaning it doesn't have a bright spot, instead a wide wash of low, medium and very bright light.  Lasts a long time on one cell.  Is small enough to put in a jeans pocket and is VERY light.  The only downside is the cost.

http://www.zebralight.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=188

Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: LowGear on June 23, 2009, 12:13:30 AM
I guess it's time to confess the bitter truth.  I have an apartment that I use about three months of the year.  It was my room in the 10th and 11th grade.  So I painted it flat black.  Walls and Ceiling.  I knew why other people didn't do this when I couldn't find the roller pan on the floor.  Wow, does it get dark in there and then the sun goes down.   :o

I was shoping at the greatest hardware store in the world and there was a flashlight setting as a tripod on the electrical sales desk for only $29.95.  They use AA batteries.  I say "they" because it's actually three LED lights that fit together and make one bright light with the advantage of a tripod so you can point them at something.  You can transform them into three hand held lights.  It's a Stanley 3 in 1 LED.  I see them on EBay for a little less.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Stanley-95-155-3-in-1-Tripod-LED-Flashlight_W0QQitemZ320386542189QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4a9886aa6d&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50


I feel so much cleaner now.

Casey
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 23, 2009, 05:16:11 AM
Ahhhh Casey.....
Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated  ;D
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 23, 2009, 05:27:52 PM
Get one of those Camping lights that you wear like a coal miner... or get one of those led lites that clip to the peah of your baseball cap... those work great... unless your into rap, then the light is shinning on your bum LOL

YUCK!!!!
Hey Andrew I spend so much time in the dark I often reach for a cap lamp thats not hanging around my neck at home. To me a cap lamp is like a reminder of the rocks I am going to be chained to for a significant time yet to come lol.....
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 23, 2009, 05:29:23 PM
I just realized I have an electrical Albatros hanging around my neck, no wonder I like gas light
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Stan on June 23, 2009, 05:56:15 PM
Hey Doug.....Do you have any Carbide lamps?
Stan
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: SHIPCHIEF on June 23, 2009, 09:02:24 PM
Carbide Lamps?
When I was a Boy Scout, my dad gave us boys carbide lamps. REI co-op used to sell carbide in green 1 pound cans.
Lots of fun, and good for starting a campfire when your matches are wet!
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 23, 2009, 11:14:00 PM
Nope no carbide lamps just not my thing I am afraid lol
Title: Re: High end Flashlights/torches
Post by: Doug on June 23, 2009, 11:30:04 PM
I never get tired of highlighting this lantern.

This is the listeroid of lanterns. Think about it.

I am amazed he sugests mufler cement to seal up fuel system thread and gasoline as fuel.....
I mean just for starters you need to tune a lantern so some extent to run clean on one fuel or the other unless you want a stink of rich kerosene or the nervous flicker of lean gas. The jack of all trades I tip in the Canadian 237 sometimes has anodor on kerosene so I runa V tip for that fuel and the R tip on gas. Just .001 of an inch can make a huge difference in performance.

A real petromax can be had on Ebay for a little more. other quality lanterns can be had for the same price. Cheap Indian and chinese lanterns can be had for a lot less but like the man sys get your mufler cement out, your going to need it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMeSHnNc3jU&feature=related