Nerd Alert - Flash Light?

[Amphibious]

I installed a TerraLux LED kit and push button on/off kit on an old 2xAA maglite. super super bright, and about 1/4 the cost of my surfire....

 

you can find Terralux kits on ebay for <$30

[Freefall]

I've had good luck with Pelican, they make a full range of waterproof, sturdy flashlights from keychain LED's to super-bright Xenon. Fenix makes a powerful light at a reasonable price. Although I haven't seen them in person the new Leathermans would automatically get my vote. If you're going to fly an Airbus or 777, I recommend the Surefire Aviator, optimized for pilots with high disposable incomes (I'm sure it's a very good light too).

 

 

I checked out the surefire aviator but it was only 50 lumens.

 

If you are using it to look in drums I'd try to get something that is at least 80 lumens. My recomendation if you are going to get a surefire is to get the E2D LED Defender. I have one and its amazing. There are two brightness settings if you need a dim light for the cockpit or something and the output is 200 lumens which is the brightest I've seen in a flashlight so small.

[Bif]

I really really like my Fenix P3D. I know several pilots and engineers that are very please with similar Fenix models.

 

http://www.j2ledflashlight.com/

 

Small, light, robust, friggin BRIGHT, multple intensities, even an SOS pattern and/or Emerg strobe on certain models. Mine uses lithium CR123A batteries though, quite expensive... lasts a long time though.

[Freefall]

Bif if you go to a surefire retailer you can use their CR123 batteries in your light and they are much much cheaper than the energizer ones you find in most stores.

 

 

I just checked out Jetbeams website and their lights look really good. The RRT-0 is 240 lumens and tiny. I want.

[Col. Kilgore]

I installed a TerraLux LED kit and push button on/off kit on an old 2xAA maglite. super super bright, and about 1/4 the cost of my surfire....

 

you can find Terralux kits on ebay for <$30

 

Thanks for all the input, folks! The SureFire sounds awesome, but the battery and bulb situation negate the positives.

 

I have a Petzl Zipka plus (ver. one) that I have used for years. It's compact and handy, there is no doubt and bright enough to candle drums in daylight.

 

I took the advice and have ordered a TerraLux LED kit for my trusty MINI MAG light that has been mothballed since the acquisition of my Zipka. For those following that lead, be aware there are several versions of the kit, the bright one being the TLE-5EX. The true bonus is that the MINI MAG uses conventional AA batteries which are readily available at all your forestry sponsored "discount stores"

[Bif]

Bif if you go to a surefire retailer you can use their CR123 batteries in your light and they are much much cheaper than the energizer ones you find in most stores.

 

Thanks! I'll look into it

Batteries lasted a long time when it was just a few seconds of light during a DI... not as long now that it's primarily used at night to find my way during puppy-poop removal

[heliwolf]

Small, light, robust, friggin BRIGHT, multple intensities, even an SOS pattern and/or Emerg strobe on certain models. Mine uses lithium CR123A batteries though, quite expensive... lasts a long time though.

 

 

Go one Ebay search CR123 rechargables they make them in Asia

[KnuckleDragger]

streamlight also makes a narrow back compact model. Very bright.

[Col. Kilgore]

I have a Petzl Zipka plus (ver. one) that I have used for years. It's compact and handy, there is no doubt and bright enough to candle drums in daylight.

 

I took the advice and have ordered a TerraLux LED kit for my trusty MINI MAG light that has been mothballed since the acquisition of my Zipka. For those following that lead, be aware there are several versions of the kit, the bright one being the TLE-5EX. The true bonus is that the MINI MAG uses conventional AA batteries which are readily available at all your forestry sponsored "discount stores"

 

Received my TerraLux LED kit today. Wow, is it ever insanely bright.

[Hello-bird]

I use Bicycle lights for flash lights. They have multiple settings options for brightness & colour (cool or warm light) and they are sturdy, cheap & waterproof.