Originally Posted by Amuse
Well, it's never too late to get into flashlights
BTW, I want to make my first flashlight purchase. Is there a KSC75 of the flashlight world?
I would say that the Fenix line of flashlights qualify for that spot at each of their respective price points. Another good bang for the buck is the new LED based Mag lights. The 2AA and 3AA models seem to be pretty good values. They're focusable, but unregulated.
The Fenix models are definate steps up though.
All four of these models are particularly good values:
http://fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_55
The 1AAA model, L0D-CE, is about the size of a MAG Solitaire, but 100 times brighter @ 50 lumens, digitally controlled and regulated with 5 modes, etc. Killer (almost tactical) brightness from something smaller than my little finger.
The 1AA model, L1D-CE, is smaller (about 1/2 the size) of a 2AA LED Mag light, has digitally regulated output with 5 modes, is quite a bit brighter, etc.
The 1x123 model, P1D-CE, is half the size of the L1D, and sports a 135 lumen max output, again, digitally regulated with 5 modes. This is a remarkable level of output in a light that's only 2.5 inches long. It's brighter than a 6D cell Mag light. The downside of the P1D, if any, is that it uses the 123 lithium battery and is twist activated. If you buy your 123 cells from the web, their price isn't bad at all, but if you buy them from any brick and mortar store, you'll pay 5 or 6 bux a piece!
Overall, the L1D-CE is probably the most practical of the bunch. It uses a conventional AA battery, but can use a lithium AA too if you want the extra battery life. It is conveniently clicky switch activated and is almost as bright as the P1D-CE at a 90 lumens rated output. You can select two modes of initial turn on brightness and easlily cycle through the other modes.
I have one of each, and they're all very nice lights.
BTW, the L2D-CE is as bright as the P1D-CE but is the size of a 2AA Mag light, so it's a killer choice too, if size isn't an issue. It's modes of operation are the same as the L1D, so it can be set for initial activation at maximun brightness. I'm not sure if I would trust my life to it in a tactical sense, (I've had no troubles with any of my CE versions) but the price/performance is compelling.
In a life / death situation, I would wait for the cree versions from Surefire or HDS.