Flashlight shopping

[topgunz1]

Well, my trusty Fenix PD30 has stopped working after many years of faithful service. It needs a replacement tailcap assembly as I cannot disassemble the switch, the factory wants me to ship it it CHINA on my dime, so that's probably not gonna happen.

What I'm looking for:
Small form factor, handheld. Surefire 6P size is as big as I will go, must fit on a duty belt in a holder designed for a 6p. Tailcap switch, multiple brightness levels preferred, CR123 batteries, or maybe rechargeable equivalents. US Made or at least US Based warranty center preferred! $50-$100 price range most likely

What do you folks carry or whats new out there? I haven't researched lights in about 6 years.

Thanks!

 

[mickey]

PD35
Got 2, use daily with rechargeable batteries.

 

[dangermoney]

I've read good things about the Surefire 6PX family of flashlights. Not sure if this is what you're looking for though ...

 

[rcm192]

Streamlight pt2l

 

[Mxav]

Anything Streamlight gets my money. Ive dropped them, beat them to pulp, and scratched them up.....still works.

 

[Gator 45/70]

Streamlight pt2l

+2

 

[topgunz1]

Protac 2L's size is great, but only 230 lumens on high, 3hours on high is nice though. I'd trade run time for more light, batteries are cheap, not seeing something can be deadly.

Scorpion HL has some pretty high output, and a decent size that may work for my setup.

I've looked into some other brands, Olight is popular but several of them I've seen don't have tailcap switches. Nitecore looks nice but the phone number goes to China.

 

[SpeedRacer]

For a duty light I think the 6PX is gonna be hard to beat. And you've already got the holster for it so that's a plus.

 

[mickey]

Check your pm

 

[topgunz1]

I'm looking hard at the 6PX, 320 isn't too bad, and it's an american company which is a huge plus. It's not the 800, or 1000 lumens of the other companies but you know it will be fixed if theres a problem.

From what I can tell, initial on is in low mode and you have to re-click it for high, I'd prefer full light immediately when I need it. Anybody have one?

 

[SpeedRacer]

I'm looking hard at the 6PX, 320 isn't too bad, and it's an american company which is a huge plus. It's not the 800, or 1000 lumens of the other companies but you know it will be fixed if theres a problem.

From what I can tell, initial on is in low mode and you have to re-click it for high, I'd prefer full light immediately when I need it. Anybody have one?

The 6PX Tactical is single output (max). Then there's the 6PX Defender which is the same as the Tactical but has a crenellated bezel and click through switch (press for momentary and click for constant) like their weapon lights. If you want face melting lumens, there's always the Surefire Fury.

 

[DAVE_M]

Surefire is overrated.

Get the new Olight S1 for $50 and call it a day. The Olight S series has been proven, and at 500 lumens from a single CR123... For $50... Everyone should have one!

 

[SpeedRacer]

Surefire is overrated.

Get the new Olight S1 for $50 and call it a day. The Olight S series has been proven, and at 500 lumens from a single CR123... For $50... Everyone should have one!

Looks horrible for duty use as the OP intends, but looks like a really cool EDC light for the money. Is the stated battery life pretty accurate?

And I wouldn't say Surefire is overrated, just overbuilt for most needs. But for LE use I'd pay more for overbuilt any day.

 

[rcm192]

Streamlight also makes the protac HL. 750 lumens but only 1.5 hr runtime.

 

[Dave328]

Lol, Surefire overrated??
Thats like saying Hk/Glock/S&W are overrated because a hah pernt/lorcin/etc will launch a projectile too

 

[topgunz1]

I love Surefire quality but hate their "tactical" switch. Who still thinks that a light that takes 2 hands to turn on constant is tactical?

 

[beauxdog]

TG-1

Have you looked at "goinggear.com". They have a good selection at decent prices.

Beauxdog

 

[DAVE_M]

Ohhh goody! I ruffled some feathers.

Yea, I think Surefire is overrated. If we're comparing $50-100 lights, there are far better options than what Surefire has to offer. We're not discussing weapon lights, so my opinion still stands as my own. I like Surefire weapon lights, but as far as hand held lights, I have other favorites.

I'm not 100% positive on the S1's runtime yet, because I haven't ordered one (out of laziness), but typically the runtime shown is for the turbo/max output. The website claims 1.5hrs on turbo and 40 on low.

The Olight M1X Striker is another good option, with the ability to use CR123's or the larger 18650 battery. It's also 1000 lumens on high.

 

[buttanic]

Plus 3 Streamlight pt2l, Been carrying the same one daily for 5 years.

 

[tallwalker]

I see many like the pt2l. Anyone have the HL Usb rechargeable? Looks like only slightly bigger and considerably brighter. Can also use the same batts as the pt2l in a pinch.