After 6 blood trails this fall and fighting cheap flashlights that really don't do a good job I am looking for the brightest light that is small and doesn't cost $50 for blood trailing. I also don't want one that has that blue color to the beam.
Am I asking for too much?
My two favorites. Both are over 100 lumens, wont break the bank, and have proven pretty tough enough for all year backpackin and hunting. They both take AAA though.
(http://i1225.photobucket.com/albums/ee391/rjwalton8/20130929_103357.jpg) (http://s1225.photobucket.com/user/rjwalton8/media/20130929_103357.jpg.html)
Fenix makes a couple of good ones that takes AA for about 35 bucks. I think they are the E series lights.
That blue color is from LED.
LED is the way to go. 10s of thousand hours bulb life. Many, many more hours of battery life. Superior in every way to incandescent bulbs.
Get a head lamp, Petzl gets my vote.
Ive owned many through the years. And trust them to get me out of life threatening situations several times a year.
I have a couple of Fenix flashlights. I cannot speak highly enough of them! However, mine use the lithium 123 batteries.
That blue color is from LED.
LED is the way to go. 10s of thousand hours bulb life. Many, many more hours of battery life. Superior in every way to incandescent bulbs.
Get a head lamp, Petzl gets my vote.
Ive owned many through the years. And trust them to get me out of life threatening situations several times a year.
Fenix E11.
Pocket sized, AA powered, has two brightness settings, and waterproof. You can tell it's an LED, but it's not blue.
They're only about $25.
Browning Alpha Max hunter 140 lumen. Uses a single AA battery, Midway USA has them for $37.99. By far the best light in its size and lumen range for the dollar.
Red Line makes a light that takes 3 AAA and last forever and will shine a very long way. you wont be disappointed
Fenix PD 32 S2,a fantastic small light for $50
try this light Noxx you will not be disappointed! A guide in Canada showed a buddy of mine 3 years ago. When he showed me how bright with AAA batteries I had to get a few.
Another vote for Fenix. The best light I've ever owned by far.
Fenix form the Wensel's brothers. Mine still has the same batteries going on it's fourth season.
doug77
I have a Ray-O-Vac headlamp that I bought at the big orange home improvement store. I've also got a 4Sevens AA2. The Ray-O-Vac is way better. Pretty much $20. Rubberized. I bought one for every member of my family, I liked it so much. Not so with the 4Sevens.
homebru
I have a Gerger Omnivore, unique thing is that it take any of 3 different type batteries, 1 AAA or, 1 AA, or 1 123.
Love my Coast lights. Takes 3 AAA's and last forever.
TJ,
Hear me now, believe me later..... Buy a Fenix and cry once instead of crying often...... :readit:
I was blessed enough to trade with Chris Surtees before he passed and one of my prized possesions was the Fenix light he traded to me. I think of him everytime I switch it on. Chris's light was one of the ones that takes the 123 batteries but I buy them off *bay for cheap, 12 to a box. 220 lumens down to 12 lumens with 5 settings. As long as you do not lose it I am sure you can pass it to your children, they are that good. JMHO.......
I'm a fan of the mini mag LED. Runs under $20. I carry it in my pocket 100% of the time at work and it never fails me(army aviation). Batteries(AA) last as long as any LED out there with bright and dim settings. The only minor drawback is the twisting of the head to turn it on which, while i have mastered one handed, is generally a two handed task depending on the type of gloves you're wearing. An easy solution to that is any of the aftermarket switches that can be installed on the end cap that give it a push button on/off capability.
Fenix here. Love it.
I have both a podcast and a video on my site that are all about flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns.
Fenix lights are great.
I am a huge fan of eagle tac dc25 clickys. Probably best light combination of power, battery life, beam flood, quality and compactness and price that's out there.
Many great options out there. If you are going to be blood trailing the neutral white bubls are awesome.
I have a hard time blood trailing with the LED lights. They seem to "white out" everything for me. I then turn on my surefire and it has a "yellow" light, instant blood trail...
Do any of these lights have the yellow beam and use AA bateries?
Tom,
You may want to look at a Coast model HP7, it is over 200 lumens and runs on 4 AAA batteries. it costs $50.00, but it is built to last a lifetime and has the warranty to back it up.
QuoteOriginally posted by Benjy:
I have a hard time blood trailing with the LED lights. They seem to "white out" everything for me. I then turn on my surefire and it has a "yellow" light, instant blood trail...
Do any of these lights have the yellow beam and use AA bateries?
Blood trailing will be the main use of this one for me and the lights color issue makes a big difference and is what I am wondering about. What is best color for blood trails not to make the blood drowned out or even enhance it?
I have a TerraLux 220. Awesome light with 220 lumens. They make a 330 but the light is more diffuse it seems. We buy some of our work stuff from an electronics store and the owner showed me this light one day. As soon as I saw it I knew it would be perfect for me. I've used it to blood trail many times. When I showed it to my cousin he immediately went and 2 of them and I think I'm going to pick up another. They are cheap....between 25-35 dollars depending on where you get them. Runs on AA....... A good light is right up there with sharp broadheads for where and how I often hunt. Night trailing is a necessity otherwise the coyotes will leave you with the rack and some bones and not much else. Rick.
Fenix are amazing. I ride my bike in the mountains full boar at night on medium. It makes blood glow. It will light up your world and lasts almost a whole season with 1 set of batteries. Lithium are far superior to AA
One that works
Benjy, Kentucky TJ,
I have a related post asking about bulb options in the LED's. Maybe LB-hntr will chime in here, he's the light authority. He PM'd me and said for blood trailing at night you need what the manufacturers refer to as the "neutral" or "natural" white option, not the "cool" white. My SureFire makes blood glow. It's several years old and was a gift from my son, so I guess I got lucky on the color. The technology has left my model behind, now you can get 700-800 lumens max output. I'm getting an Eagle Tac D25LC2 and he said to get the XM-L2 bulb, not the XP. Hope this helps.
Another vote for the Fenix.
I recently bought one of Gander Mountains brand lights and it is really nice. Only $35 bucks and is 200 lumens and the light is clear and not so blue. Haven't trailed blood with it yet tho so I hope to test that in a couple of days
I have a cabelas 9v xenon gas powered flashlight that takes 3 lithium batteries. They don't carry it anymore, but if you can get something similar you would love it. Its great for blood trailing, is all I use it for.
I also carry a petzal headlamp for everything else.
I would suggest upping the price a bit and buying a light which uses rechargeable 18650 series batteries. One 18650 is equivalent to 2 CR123 batteries. Considering the price of batteries vs the charger, you'll break even in less than 6 months. The 18650s are less prone to leakage which might kill a good light.
Fenix is the way to go on this.
I have used the budget stuff for a long time. Have a couple decent ones. There are a couple options on the mini mag LED. One is all high power, but there is one that is mid range on power with some other functions that works well for me. I like my cheap 6 bulb Energizer head lamp just fine.
However, I am about sold on a 123 CR battery light for high output stuff and trailing. You can now find those batteries about everywhere, you can get a pack cheap on line, they last a long time, and great in cold weather, not that you get a lot of that. Looking at either a Fenix or Eagle Tec with the right light color. Just about ready to order something. They are just too nice with too many light levels and functions not to get. Then there is the size, so compact and easy to carry.
Another vote for a Fennix E21. I also have, and use more, an $18 unit from Homedepot. I don't know the model, just that it uses a single Cree bulb and three AAA batteries- I believe it produces 80 lumins. My Fennix has two settings, and the top setting of about 180 lumins is just too much light for me for the uses I generally have. I think you could buy any flashlight with a Cree bulb and be happy.
Take a look at pelican lights. I use one that takes c cells cheap to buy and really last it's the best , toughest light I have ever owned
QuoteOriginally posted by olddogrib:
I'm getting an Eagle Tac D25LC2 and he said to get the XM-L2 bulb, not the XP. Hope this helps.
Why did you go with the D25LC2 vs the D25C2? Also why the XM and not the XP?
I was thinking XP because I don't need the max output and like the longer run times, but it looks like maybe the beam profile could be a consideration.
xtrema312,
the d25Lc2 can use rechageable 18650 batteries as well as 2 cr123s.
The beam profile on the XP bulb is too much of a spot. the XM is a perfect mix of flood for blood trailing and close up work of hang stands but still throws well for naviagation.
Check out Zebra Light.
I have one of their floody headlamps. I love it so much i have been thinking of getting another for the misses.
They also have flashlights. The SC52w AA is 280 lumens on max setting. The (w) stands for warm color light meaning not blue.
It's just a bit past the budget at 64 bones. Great light though.
Kirk
I forgot to say it takes one AA battery so it's small
It has multiple settings but is intuitive to operate, there are more unique settings but there is typically not a need for them
Will burn for up to 3 months continuously on its lowest setting but typically four days on the regular low setting.
You can get the AA batterys anywhere and if you want the cold weather performance the AA's are available in Lithium in most places too.
kirk
I have two I really like. A Fenix PD30 R2 and a Princeton Tec Eos. The latter I use on the handlebar of my bike in the summer and as a headlamp or back-up for camp and bloodtrailing when hunting; and is handier when field dressing. Takes 3 AAA batteries. The Fenix is MUCH brighter and more rugged.
(http://i21.geccdn.net/site/images/n-picgroup/PCT_EOS-IND.jpg)
Ive been using a AAA Petzel head lamp for about 4 years now. I am very happy with it, its LED but not doesnt cast a very blue light.
xtrema312,
Jason beat me to it on the bulb and ET's tech support concurs with his explanation. The only reason I didn't go with the rechargeable is that my son gave me a bunch of CR 123's with my light. By the time I use them all up I figure the technology will have advanced until mine's obsolete also, but if I didn't have any I'd spring for the extra $5 and get RC.
My favorite is the Mini Mag XL 50, under $30 and takes 3 AAA.
I emailed Fenix asking which lights I can get a Neutral white bulb in two days ago with no reply. Nice customer service there Fenix.
Let us know what they say
From what I can see in the compact only the PD32 ultimate. More money and light than I need. The PD32 is what I really want in natural LED if they have one. The light levels and run times hit the mark for what I want.
QuoteOriginally posted by stevem:
I think you could buy any flashlight with a Cree bulb and be happy.
X2, look for anything with a Cree LED.
X2 Redline @ 250 lumens and 3 AAA batteries, the flashlight can be obtained from The Footed Shaft for $25...awesome deal, awesome light.
Terry is great to work with and I am happy to give him my money periodically.
Kris
The day of the internet is upon us Stumpkiller. They have one more day and I am buying a Eagle tac. tick, tick, tick.
I buy my lights and other stuff from lighthound.com. Great company to do business with and excellent customer service. Just bought a fenix pd35 wow 800 lumins on max.
FWIW- You can get 2 good cr132a batteries at Lowes. They're sold seperate from the major brands and they are red in color. Usually near the tools or flaslight rack. Titanium is the name I think?? Anyhow you can get 2 for less than $6 and last as long as $8/per Duracells.
Bought 1000 lumen Cree light, metal body for $30 and 350 lumen lights for around $12.
goldengadgets.com
You can also get cr123 batteries at battery junction for a buck each. I buy the panasonics for 1.50 each asi always had great luck with them
just wondering, is rechargeable the way to go? if so what is the best battery and charger combo?. I just sent for a eagle tac dc25. do those rechargeable units come with a 12 volt charger like a cell phone. you young guys seem to be experts on all this new stuff. by the time I get it figured out it is obsolete.
Your big decision is battery, type. I like AAA, it's what I carry and works with my stuff. The cr batteries are great but " normally" expensive. A 125 lumens can be bought for under $30 just about anywhere and all work great and are small. You can even get LED bulbs for the mini mag light which work great as well for ten bucks, white, green or red. As with anything personal decision is best.
Have not been on here in a while, hello again TG er's
Adjustable Focus Zoom In/Out CREE Q5 LED 7 W 300lm Bright Mini Flashlight Torch.
I bought a couple of these..$5.00 each shipped. Uses one AA and zoomed out I can see good to about 75yds.
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51-IdezreiL._AA190_.jpg)
Hoyt echoed my post! Try 'em folks. This is the last time I'm mentioning these since people don't seem to look anything up. Your loss people.
P.S. Phenix is a China rip off of Surefire. Surefire is Made in USA.
If you're going to buy knock offs, at least get the best price.
FENIX
Fenix TK series you can't go wrong. I have both a TK41 & a TK 75 and love both. have had them for about a year and only recharged batteries once in each light. the TK 75 is amazing for no bigger it is. 2600 plus lumens and can easily fit in most packs.
I had a fenix that I lost last deer season. great flashlight, I will get another one.
Others here mentioned Zebralight for headlamps. The models that made them famous, with the natural white LED, impressive specs, and ran on a AA, is discontinued.
I'll agree, the white LEDs seem to work better for bloodtrailing.
But, last year I bought a Fenix E11 that runs on a AA with 2 brightness settings. I love that damn thing. I walk in and out of camp in the dark a lot. Usually I put my headlamp on low, so I can see 30 yards out or so, and keep the Fenix in my pocket and use it to flood areas well ahead of me to avoid confusion :) I haven't had a chance to use it on a blood trail yet, but it's white enough that I don't see how it wouldn't work.
Wow....
That's the first time that this site is going to cost me money.
Pretty sure I found my new flashlight for bowhunting.
http://www.lighthound.com/Fenix-PD32-Ultimate-Edition--740-Lumen--XM-L-T6-Neutral-White-LED_p_4154.html
That's more impressive specs than I've seen on a Surefire in a long time, and it's natural white... So there...
Ok, after studying flashlight features for over a week now, I have ordered the Fenix PD32 Ultimate Edition.
-Has multiple levels, brightest being 740 lumens with good battery life.
-Has a Natural White LED instead of the blueish white.
-The beam angle is the widest I could find on these type lights which will be very good at the 4-10' viewing while blood trailing. Other beams were very tight which is good at 100+ feet but not for right in front of you.
-Has the rechargeable 18650 or two CR123 batteries
-Small enough for a backpack or pocket.
I know I wanted to stay under $50 but the offerings in that category just didn't do what I wanted this light for. I also bought the Fenix E21 for my truck. It runs on two AA batteries like I wanted originally. I have a ton of rechargeable AA's around for my trail cams.
I plan on running these two through the paces over the next weeks and will let you all know what I find.
Sounds good TJ. I very interested to see how you like them. I am on the fence between that and a eagletec D25LC2. Waiting to see if get an e-mail back from eagletec on how the Moonlight and lower low settings works to see if I can figure out all the light levels you really get.
I like that 4sevens light posted earlier but no neutral white from what I can see.
The little inexpensive ones posted a couple times by missing and hoyt look great for a cheap extra light to have around, but over 300 output or nothing with less than 2 hours run time is not very handy for me. I could burn up the batteries in that in a day if I used it walking in the dark and I have been on more than one track that was over an hour in the dark. I want something that could cover all the different lighting needs and quite possibly last all season.
I will let you know Todd. As I told you my hunt began due to the need for a better blood trailing light. I have been on 7 blood trails so far this year so I am tired of fighting inexpensive lights that I can't depend on. I think this PD32 UE will do the job very well for me.
Fenix here also, great flash light in the woods !
Carl
I went through several different cheap lights before finally trying a fenix . I was reluctant to spend that kind of money on a small flashlight. Man was it worth it . Love em. I started with the fenix pd 30, and now have the pd 32 as well. Great lights.
I also have a fenix headlamp that is great
Another vote for Fenix. The guys that came to bear camp can attest to the brightness of this light. I think Glen Hermon witnessed the competition between Magic Mike and myself.
If youre going to spend serious $ you may be interested in this forum for lights.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/content.php
Good tip Dale. I actually found that site in my searches.
I found that site also and a lot of good info. You could make a hobby of just reading that site like you can this one.
I did find some great info on batteries on one of the forum sections. That is very valuable info. Helped me pick what batteries to get for the best run times. I then compared prices to find most bang for the buck. I just ordered 12 pack of Surefire CR123A's for less than $2 each shipped and dated within this year. You have to watch the dates with some sellers.
I also found the info I wanted on the Eagletec D25LC2 clicky. So I ordered one. I really wanted The Fenix PD32, but just couldn't make the jump to the ultimate for the neutral light. I think the Fenix has the best lumen levels for me, but I am trying to stay in my budget as best as possible.
My new Eagletec light will be my first intro into the small high output multi function lights. Specs are as follows:
EagleTac D25LC2 Clicky XM-L2 T6 Neutral White powered by 2xCR123, 2xET/RCR123, or 1x18650 Li-ion Rechargeable. It will be a more floody tracking and work light.
I finally found a place that listed all the possible light levels I can get for a light close to this one, but I am guessing a little. I think the number are something like this.
lumen levels
580/385/100/49/17/6
Run times
1/1.8/7.5/15/25/100+ hours on 2xcr123A
Run times are better yet on the rechargeable 18650, but I am gong to wait and see if that is really needed for the light levels I use for tracking and how fast I use up the CR123A's.
I am going to start of with this light to get a base line for comparison of all the light info statistics that, at this time, are hard to grasp without something for a base line. Stuff like Lumens, throw, flood, color temp, and lux.
If the new light doesn't quite do what I want, at least I will have a good light to use and a basis for picking what I need. If this one works out well for what I need, I plan to pick up a small light with more throw distance and a cooler light for general use. Something smaller diameter and shorter like the Eagletec twisty D25C2.
Ok, my lights came in and wanted to share the comparison.
I bought the Fenix E21 (2-AA battery's) and the Fenix PD32 UE (2-CR123's or 1-18650 rechargeable battery's)
(http://i43.tinypic.com/260ppnb.jpg)
Again I wanted a new light to blood trail with and I chose the PD32 UE for its wider beam. Most these lights throw a tight long range beam and here you can see the difference. Also the tighter beam on the E21 really is so bright in the center hot spot it drowns out everything at such a close range. The wider more diffused beam of the PD32 UE revels much more detail at this range which I think will make a much better tracking light.
E21 on left, PD32 UE on right.
(http://i41.tinypic.com/33tmfbc.jpg)
You can also see the difference here in the white bulb color of the E21 and the neutral white bulb color of the PD32 UE. The carpet color is exact under the PD32 UE's neutral beam and has a blue tint with the E21's white bulb. I think this will be a plus and will better revel the red blood color on the ground while tracking.
I spent almost two weeks studying ALL the options of lights from the seemingly dozens of makers so I hope this helps in someone's search for a better tracking light.
Carry both of them, I do..
And I also have the Fenix single AA headlight. It is very light and throws an amazing amount of light for a single AA battery.. I use it every evening, year round..
Oh, and the small single 123 flashlight is perhaps the best of both worlds, my favorite of the handhelds... It throws nearly as much light as the double cell model
I love those pens. I have them in red, blue, green.... :D
Okay lights, so how wide is the beam of the PD32 at that distance both center and good usable spill? I assume you are holding it about 3' from the floor. Is that a yard stick on the floor?
Looks kind of like the PD is flooding the whole area over the AA light.
Post up a shot outside to see the throw distance with good light. I kind of wonder how the more floody neutral light in the PD does for distance as well as close up.
That double A Fenix is my go to. It is small enough to hold in my mouth if I have to for gutting and I like the fact it takes regular batteries. BILL
Todd,
First off, I know you are aware but for others reading this Fenix does have a PD32 but this light is their PD32 UE. It has a wider and warmer beam than the PD32. The wall paint color is what it looks like from the PD32 UE here and the E21 makes it look blue
Yes that is a yard stick and the distance to the yard stick was roughly three feet.
This may be a better example of the beams and what is visible with each. This photo is from 20' from the wall. The PD32 UE is on the left here. I will shoot some photos of them outside at night from a farther distance for you later tonight.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/33k4nsj.jpg)
I for one like the more concentrated beam for trailing. Keeps me more focused. I get all my stuff from Battery Junction. They have 123's for a buck a piece. BILL
Just saw Amazon has the E21 for $30 bucks with free shipping. MAN, good deal. BILL
what lumen level is the last pic?
740 lumens on the PD32 UE on left and 170 lumens on the E21. Those are both the highest output of each.
Too bad the one that takes the AA don't have natural white bulb
Thanks for all of this info. I appreciate this kinda stuff. How about you give us practical demo on the next big buck you kill and have to track in the next few weeks! :bigsmyl:
CK
Kentucky, this has sure been a very informative thread that I enjoyed reading. Thanks for your research, etc. Being a little red green colorblind has had its challenges sometimes.
TJ - I really like the beam pattern of the PD 32 UE and the warmer light. Is it a different bulb or is it a function of the battery difference?
Looking on the Fenix website I don't see any indication of what produces the warmer light and wider pattern. Do they make other flashlights that have the same characteristics or is it just the PD32 UE?
Easy
The color is all LED type. Even within the cool and warm or natural there are many variants in color from one LED type to another and even within the same LED type. Something referred to as bin has to do with variants groups in the same type.
Beam is a function of the LED, and the reflector as far as spread. The difference in what you see in the two lights can be seen on the same light with just a different LED and associated circuitry.
Fenix doesn't seem to have many neutral light options at least on the small lights. Eagletac has quite a few. However, some of the LED systems in some of the Fenix lights could be a lot warmer than some LED lights you have seen. It takes some research to figure that out.
One of The issues with LED is all the variation in the LED color even in what is listed as cool white light. That likely explains why some say they love their LED and others say they are no good for tracking. It depends on the LED you have.
Maybe you guys could enlighten me a bit. I have always found that my maglight with an incandescent (sp?) bulb to shine more light than leds... everyone touts how much brighter they are, and yes, they are much brighter to look directly at the bulb but not on a distant object (to me). A friend was showing me his new expensive led light camping a few years ago and when he shone it in the bushes I turned on my maglight (3D battery this time) and not only shone farther, but the light totally obliterated his light.
So my question is is my experience with crappy lights? Did my buddy get ripped off? Or is it, as I am thinking after reading this thread, simply a matter of bulb colour? And then what colour is best for tracking blood? I am thinking the incandescent may be worst choice in that scenario...
Dingas,
LED lights have made a world of change in the past 4-5 years and there are literally hundreds to choose from. I also have a 3 D cell maglight and if it were working I would show you the difference but believe me I know these two new LED lights would blow it away. Another benefit to these new lights is how smooth the glow is. There is no light and dark places in the light pattern at all which I think will make looking for blood in this case a lot easier. Go to this link to a video that compares a 3 D cell mag lite to one of these little lights. Skip to minute 4:00 for the comparison if you don't want to watch it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkKkE9AN6hU
Here is the 50 yard tree night shot as promised. This tree is about 40' tall and about 30 yards wide.
E21 first followed by the PD32 UE. Second pic out of focus but the beam on the PD32 UE lit up the entire tree. I am really liking this light.
(http://i44.tinypic.com/2wm0r9f.jpg)
(http://i39.tinypic.com/zmgz8k.jpg)
Thank you TJ and other big help and great thread!
TJ, I am ready to see what happens on a blood trail. How bout hurry up and shoot something! :bigsmyl:
Easykeeper,
extrema312 is right. The LED or bulb in this PD32 UE is the Cree XM-L T6. How it is set in the reflector and the depth of that reflector determines the tightness of the beam.
Haha Benjy, I would say now that I want to use my new toys in a comparison to blood trail I am jinxed.
Is that max light output on the PD in the photo?
Yes Todd, the photos really don't revel all the spill on each of them. They are brighter in person.
TJ, Glad to see you got the light you wanted.
Very nice light! Its amazing what they can do for thier size isnt it.
Fenix makes good torches. So do Quark and a few others.
I'm partial to Olights.
Olight USA (http://www.olightusa.com/)
Anyone paying more than $1 for 123 batteries needs to go here.
Battery Junction (http://batteryjunction.com/)
Guys like Otto says there are many manufacturers out there and I am no expert. I haven't compared any of the lights side by side, so I am not pushing Fenix lights in any way. Get on the internet and there are many many comparison videos on www.goinggear.com (http://www.goinggear.com) and www.youtube.com (http://www.youtube.com)
Another thing I learned is that all batteries aren't created equal. First they do all have expiration dates and there are different voltage outputs in some, even in the same size.
QuoteOriginally posted by dingas:
Maybe you guys could enlighten me a bit. I have always found that my maglight with an incandescent (sp?) bulb to shine more light than leds... everyone touts how much brighter they are, and yes, they are much brighter to look directly at the bulb but not on a distant object (to me).
Dingas - I carry a 3D Maglite in the SUV because it is dual purpose (light and a club). But if you haven't seen one of the latest LED lights you owe it to yourself. The Fenix lights are small, light-weight, long burning, rugged and brighter than you can imagine. We're not talking the old domed resin LEDs of the 1970's
It's a different beast.
(http://lediko.com/images/prd/cre/diody_mce_500.jpg)
This may be helpful in this thread. Here are some of the manufacturers that I have found for these type of lights
www.fenixlighting.com (http://www.fenixlighting.com)
www.eagletac.com (http://www.eagletac.com)
www.olightusa.com (http://www.olightusa.com)
www.ledlenser.com (http://www.ledlenser.com)
www.coastportland.com/led-flashlights (http://www.coastportland.com/led-flashlights)
www.terralux.com (http://www.terralux.com)
www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights.html (http://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights.html)
www.sunwayman-usa.com (http://www.sunwayman-usa.com)
www.klaruslightusa.com (http://www.klaruslightusa.com)
www.nitecore.com (http://www.nitecore.com)
this has been a very good thread, I now have to buy 28 flashlights to determine which one is " the best flashlight ".
:biglaugh:
Biggie Hoffman was so very nice to "give" me a Fenix P3D on a St Judes hog hunt several years ago, it has been my go to flashlight ever since. I admire the level of effort you folks have put into your search for the "best" and all the free knowledge I have received in this thread, but that gift from Biggie and the St Judes mojo will always be in my pack.... Thanks Biggie
Oh I forgot to mention, my wife will be getting a new Fenix PD32 UE for Christmas ... LOL
QuoteOriginally posted by dingas:
Maybe you guys could enlighten me a bit. I have always found that my maglight with an incandescent (sp?) bulb to shine more light than leds... everyone touts how much brighter they are, and yes, they are much brighter to look directly at the bulb but not on a distant object (to me). A friend was showing me his new expensive led light camping a few years ago and when he shone it in the bushes I turned on my maglight (3D battery this time) and not only shone farther, but the light totally obliterated his light.
So my question is is my experience with crappy lights? Did my buddy get ripped off? Or is it, as I am thinking after reading this thread, simply a matter of bulb colour? And then what colour is best for tracking blood? I am thinking the incandescent may be worst choice in that scenario...
I know what your are saying and have seen some of that type stuff, but I have been learning more about the lights. We are using way more LED in our building project, and you will all be using more of them in the future as they phase out the incandescent.
I know very a little about these lights compared to what is out there for knowledge on some of the light or torch web sites, but I will try and tell you some of what I know on the comparisons.
There is a lot to how different lights compare. I think color impacts how you perceive the light due to detail. The beam profile, lumen output, and throw will all make a difference on how lights compare. LED quality and performance is all over the board. With the old tech lights you put more power in and a larger bulb and you get more light. They balanced output with run time. Add more batteries for more run time. With LED it is kind of the same to a point, but the emitter and the circuit driver on the LED make huge differences in what you get out of the same light body, reflector, and battery system. It is kind of like computer chips. Looks the same maybe, but the performance can be very different. Differences of 100% max light output are possible in the same light just by using different LED system. Run times will go down, but I have seen two different LED's in the same light have 50% max output difference with no difference in run time. Both lights cost about the same.
I have mostly cheap LEDs right now. A couple variant mini mags, one EverReady, and a couple others. Those are the non head lamp LED lights we have. All use 2-AA batteries. I can't say on run times which may or may not be directly correlated to output. Two of the better lights are the same output lumen, but one blows the other away with perceived performance based on beam profile and throw distance. The better looking one is the mini mag, but when I adjust the focus to more flood it matches the other light for perceived performance. The real difference is the focusing of the mini mag into more of a spot and increases the throw making the light look like it has better output. The other lights look like they would be as good or maybe better lights then my two better performers, but don't touch the better two for output at all. They are fine for around the house for power outages and for the kids to use outside and camping. They do give off more light with less battery use than standard incandescent lights.
I have some old mag lights. One 2D, and 4D, and a mini mag or two. My newest LED mini mag with 77 max lumen blows away my 2D. The new mini on low is brighter than the old mini mag. I don't have enough D cells to run the 4D light to see how that does, and I am not sure if it has a xenon or Krypton bulb. I think I will find the 4D will not keep up with the LED mini, but it could. Of course I can get a mini mag now that has over 200 lumen. Maglite doesn't list their incandescent light data with the new ANSI standards so it is real hard to compare, but I think the incandescent large maglites have like 40 lumen. Maybe more, but I bet not over 100. The light quality will be warmer and the 4D may have a longer run time than an LED mini, but big difference in cost to run and carry around. I know after years of using incandescent maglits, my jaw dropped the first time i switched on a LED 2xAA light with 70 plus lumen. The only reason I still have the big 4D is for a tracking light, and obviously I don't even have that ready to go.
There are a couple real nice features about LED's in addition to size, output, and run time. Those are the ability to have multiple light levels and the light is consistent output level for way longer. With incandescent, the light is its brightest when you first turn it on with new batteries, and it is almost all down hill from there.
I am done with big maglites or any other large battery incandescent. But if I still had the need for a weapon quality and size light, the 3C mag LED will put out 137 lumen for 37 hours of consistent light. The 3D will do 131 lumen for 79 hours. :eek: If you don't need the weapon feature in a light, there are other lights you can loose in your pocket that run a long time with way more output, longer run times and better light tint than a big old maglite. I would like to upgrade my old maglites to LED, but I don't know it is even worth the cost. I may do my 4D just to have a nice LED club. :D
Great information xtrema and TJ. I've got a nice Surefire I bought about ten years ago and get tired of moving it from the nightstand to my pack for every hunt.
I think a PD32 UE is in my near future... :thumbsup:
Easykeeper, these lights are technology and like all technology, things change fast. 10 year old lights generally don't compare to new stuff. Also Surefire was way head of the pack back then and you paid for it. Things have changed a lot.
One of the nice things is that many times it appears you can upgrade or modify your lights if you have a good working light and just want to upgrade the output, beam profile............ A lot of times you can get a drop in unit to make a big difference in your old light.
Thank you guys for your responses. Eye opening. And very informative. I do like that led has no dark spot in the center (where I am usually looking). Kentucky TJ, those pics you showed and the video link you sent me were great! I think I need to invest in a better light. I will confess the light I use most is an led headlamp my niece gave me for Christmas a few years ago made by everready I think. Great for setting up camp in the dark or climbing into the stand.. I like the red lights on it too.
The link to the video TJ sent me is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkKkE9AN6hU
Skip to 4:00
I just sprung for the Eagle Tac D25C2 as an upgrade from a perfectly adequate Surefire that has less lumens. I liked LB_hntr's suggestion of the Fenix headband w/ clamp that holds your flashlight and got one of those too. I've been a proponent for years of getting into my stands in total darkness, but one of my buddy's has a trailcam pic of a sow black bear the size of a VW bug w/ 2 cubs, so I'm rethinking that practice. The SF has a flip-up attachment w/red lense and may become my new entry light. I figure at least I'll have enough light to make positive ID that I was "kilt by a bar". It may even solve the problem of how to make a hands-free follow-up shot with a bow after dark, so I can appease all the folks that gave me grief over my post inquiring about NC's new sidearm carry law when blood trailing, lol!
Alright, here is the reason my search began. This is my 5 year old Browning 6v Xenon regular bulb light that was very good in its day.
(http://i42.tinypic.com/2elgpcl.jpg)
Now here is the beam next to the new light. The Browning uses two CR123 batteries which the new light runs on as well. Same batteries look at the technology improvement in 5 years. The run time on the Browning is about an hour. I would guess the lumens of output at around 60. But here is the great improvement in 5 years. Lumens and run times of the new light.
Burst - 740 lumens, runs for 1 hour
Turbo - 400 lumens, runs for 2.6 hours
High - 140 lumens, runs for 7.25 hours
Medium - 40 lumens, runs for 27 hours
Low - 9 lumens, runs for 130 hours
(http://i43.tinypic.com/oqyo06.jpg)
I just thought I'd put my 2 cents in.....
All that I have read here concerns small, light weight, very brite flashlights.
I work for the RailRoad & I inspect RR passenger cars for a living. I do the Daily CDMI (calender day mechanical inspections) every night,year around, in all kinds of weather. 1,000s of peoples lives depend on me qualifying a "safe train" for morning service. Being the Senior Car Insp. one of my jobs is to train the new car insps when they are on "OJT". I tell them, "get your light, and let's go walk some trains"...
I have seen EVERY possible light come out of thier tool bag over the years!!! Simply put, they just don't git it done..... Batterys die anywhere from 10 mins to 2 hours into our inspections. A light starts out bright as day, and is pretty much giving up the ghost & dim as a nightlight by the time we get around the train & back where we started. When I want a light... I want a LIGHT!!!!!
I use a 6volt Heavy Duty hand lantern. I get them for free, and the batteries too. I get at LEAST 3 weeks out of a 6volt battery & usualy change my battery the 1st of every month. By then, It's starting to get noticably dim. After the trainees use my lantern for awhile, they soon get one of thier own!!!
I have a 6volt lantern that I bought, in my truck. If I need a light to track a deer, I back out, go to my truck & get my lantern. I want a light that lights up the woods!!! With a beam that will easily shine 50yds or more!!!!! You can NEVER have "too much" light...
Just one Old Woodchucker's opinion.....
Woodchucker,
Will you post a photo or your lantern for us?
KTJ,
Great info, I was going to do a similar compare/contrast with my outdated Surefire and the new ET D25C2, but it was an early Christmas present to myself and I promised the house "Ways and Means" committee that the only way I'd open it early is if I lose a deer! So that means you have to do the real blood trail comparison. Get some from the butcher, we can't wait on the deer to cooperate, lol. Folks, I was an early skeptic also, but if you haven't seen LED lately, you're going to be pleasantly surprised!
Sorry TJ, after all my years here, I still haven't got this "picture posting" thing figured out,LMAO!!!
Anyway, A stop in Lowe's, Home Depot, or just about any Hardware store, will give you several possibilitys. EverReady & Rayovac make a bunch of them. Most nowdays come with a "battery pack" that holds 4 D-cell batterys. Take it out & get a 6volt.(but don't throw it away! Nice to have as a backup in case you can't find a 6volt) It's basicly a BIG Heavy Duty "flashlight" with a handle on it!!!
For woodchucker the big needs are run time and a lot of flood light. That is best done with a large reflector and a big battery or a lot of larger cells. I can see where a fancy little narrow beam high output light would not make it, but not all LED lights fit that description. It will be interesting to see what can be done in a new light to fill his type of need. We have a couple of the 6V lights up at the farm new ready to go so i can maybe get a comparison this weekend to my Eagletac, that should be here today.
I had to stop at Wally-world on the way to work so stopped in to take a peak at a couple light items. Fist off other than Maglite LED's there is nothing but junk there and that is about the same thing I have found most other places. I have to get on the net to find decent stuff.
The Maglite 3D LED will do 131 lumen for 79 hours.
The Maglite 4D xenon will do 9x (someplace between 93 and 97, I didn't write it down)lumen for 9.5 hours.
I can't say about the black hole in the LED maglite, but if that is not there, then add that to about 40% increase in output and 800% increase in run time, plus longer throw on the LED. We are still talking 3D vs. 4D. I think that is a good comparison to the two light source types in the same light body, that a lot of use have used in the past or still use. That is a huge jump in performance to me, but I don't know about the light color for tracking.
Another benefit I see with these new small LED lights is when walking in to a stand in the dark of morning. I can switch it to 9 lumens which is plenty to light up my way and is barely visible to anything with the light pointed down at the ground. Oh yeah it will clip on your hat bill as well so you don't have to hold it and they are waterproof.
Woodchucker,
Is this what you are talking about?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viwCTFtzSaE
Every time I see the big 6v lanterns that woodchucker is talking about, I think of my grampa drunk, beating his coonhounds with those big flashlights every time they treed a possum or ran a deer. They could sure take a beating! (Both the flashlight and the hounds)
I really like my Petzel headlamp. I used to have a Surefire but every one I got just burned thru the batteries as quick as I could change them. I'm gonna look into the Fenix lights soon.
WOW!!! Thanks TJ! That's about it, just a plain old 6volt lantern...
However... I didn't know you could get/convert them to LED!!! NICE!!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
You guys just cost me a bunch of money I had no intention of spending. :rolleyes:
I had no idea I needed a new Fenix light until I got to reading this thread. Can't wait for the next blood trail ;) :D
Joe
I'm with you looking at the Felix as well
Pd32ue
:knothead: :knothead:
Haha, sorry guys. I to am itching to see how it does on a blood trail. I fear the next doe that comes by is in trouble if its an evening hunt. I plan on taking photos of the difference it makes with this new light compared to some older ones.
Just went thru all the pages, lots of fenix fans. I'm going to begin my search for a new head lamp. The one I have now is awesome, a cabelas or something like that. Has single white bulb(I never used) and 3 green bulbs. You could go single white, single green, dual green, or triple green. I love the green for walking in/out. If the white bulb wouldn't have burnt out, I would still be using this light. The problem is if you don't have it on off, it soaks the batterys(3 aaa) and you don't know it's on. Also the push button gets bumped in my pack fairly easily and turns on and soaks the battery's. Nothing worse then getting ready to climb down in the dark and find out your light is dead. Thank goodness for my cell phone. Lol
TJ, thanks for the follow up. I had a local shop order me a PD32UE, I haven't got it yet.
I just received my " wifes " new security gift, the Fenix PD32 UE .... I can just say " let there be light " ... OMG is this thing bright, and that's in the day light. Won't be dark for an hour or so and then I can begin to scare the neighbors and spot light some jets going into Sea-Tac airport.
I ordered the PD32 UE as well - can't wait for it to get here. It sure should be a noticeable upgrade from the PD30 that I have been using, and I thought that was a pretty darn good light.
Same here Whip, 2yr old PD30 in my pack now, just rec'd a Fenix HP25 headlight that I'll try in woods early tomorrow morning.
And got a PD32 UE on the way now!
The nitecore lights have some real nice features, but a bit out of my budget right now.
My eagletac light shower up this week, and I am real happy with it. Our good camera has vanished without a trace but I will try and post some photos of I can get some decent ones. The color, beam pattern and performance are great. It appears that the light is actually a xm-L2 U2 neutral vs T6 so higher output. I have read that there are variations in color in led, they do sort them and you do get a range in color variation. I have to check into that more.
The color is a neutral or warm light. I believe it shows much better color on brows and greens. To my eyes foliage appears with more depth or the dimension.
QuoteOriginally posted by Whip:
I ordered the PD32 UE as well - can't wait for it to get here. It sure should be a noticeable upgrade from the PD30 that I have been using, and I thought that was a pretty darn good light.
Joe...I bought a PD32 UE when Fenix first introduced it. It's a phenomenal light for all the right reasons, like beam throw, spread, hotspot, ergonomics, battery life, etc. I highly recommend a charger and 18650 battery vs the CR123. You'll love this light.
For anyone looking at more output, I have Fenix TK41 with 860 lumens. It uses 8 AA cells, either alkaline or rechargeable. This light will burn a hole through darkness and light up the treeline over 300 yards behind my home. The beam pattern and throw makes it a true torch.
Kevin. I have not yet tried the 18650s. Do they hold a charge well just sitting in your pack as extras all season or do you have to keep charging them every so often.
I really like the new zebra light headlamp that runs 18650 but haven't tried them yet.
Also does it matter if the batts are button or flat top or can you run both. I see they make 2 kinds of 18650s.
Hi LB...,
Both good questions. My overall experience has been that rechargeable batteries don't always 'sit' well, depending on the battery type. My 18650s are Li-ion type and these do seem to hold charge very well..but not for unending months of non-use. My batteries are button-top (normal configuration) for most uses. For anyone who doesn't know; one 18650 = 2 CR123 batteries. The 2 best things about rechargeables and the PD32 are the ongoing money savings (CR123s aren't cheap) and the ease of carrying an extra battery (charged) in your gear.
I have been researching batteries some while shopping for lights. I also have some experience with different single use battery types and basic rechargeable types. Here is what I have learned so far.
The high quality alk. single use batteries have 10 year shelf life. Lithium can have 15 year shelf life.
Rechargeable NiMH have the most bang for the buck if you use them a lot and charge them a lot. They have low shelf life. They loose like 1% power per day. Best used for your camera and stuff that drains them fast. We use a lot of them.
Rechargeable Li-ion batteries like the 18650 and others have more output power and longer run times. Depending on the driver in a light, they may put out more lumen or them may just have a lot higher run times. On the down side, they have a life of only 3-5 years if you use them or not. Stored in a cool place not fully charged will extend the life. Laptop batteries usually only last about two years because they are kept fully charged a lot and warm a lot. On the upside, they have a much better shelf life for drain down than NiHM. So they are great if you don't use them for a while and then really use them a lot. They really are not as practical if you don't use them a lot because you will only get so much time out of them before they go bad anyway. It is best to run them down a ways and recharge. Total drain down does shorten the life. The li-ion is great for heavy users like night workers, pest inspectors, military, rescue and so on. They use them a lot and really need max run time when they have to have them.
In my mind, the high end rechargeable are good if you use the light a lot all year or if you are doing remote hunts where you will use the light a lot and want max run times with minimal extra batteries along. Then you get your moneys worth. If you only use your light during hunting season a short time here and there, and only seldom off season, you may only get a few high demand uses a year so not a lot of use for the powerhouse rechargeable battery in 3-5 years before it is shot. For the same money you spend on the li-ion battery you can get a couple sets of single use lithium batters that will be there when you need them for 10 or 15 years self life and likely cover the same usage time if you don't use it a lot over that 3-5 years. Cold be a break even not counting the charger.
I use a couple LED head lamps hunting getting in, out, setting decoys, setting stands, tracking, and gutting animals in the dark. I use them on and off for power outages, night walks in winter months, building inspections and general use over the year. I get about a hole year out of 3 AAA or 2 AA batteries if I just use one of the lights for everything. I have a couple so that doesn't happen now days. I am on year three with high end Duracell copper tops in the one I keep in my waterfowl bag. Having a high end battery in that light would be a complete waste. I do have to say that I only use as much light as needed for the task. I don't go lumen crazy with my LED lights. I use the lowest setting I can for what I need to do. All but one of my LED's are muti level lumen outputs.
The Li-ion top type is dependent on the device. I kind of like the button top because I am less likely to put them in backwards. You have to check to see what any particular device require. Most laptops and other items that only use the LI-ion battery use flat tops from what I have seen, but that may not be the case always. I know some require button top like my new Eagletac. I would assume that a light that uses CR123's or other single use batteries also would be more likely to need a button top. I think some lights can use either flat or button top if the contact points are set up to work with either and battery length is not an issue. I am fairly certain I read up on one light that took both. I have seen where you can get a magnetic button to put on flat top batteries so you can use them in devices needing a button top.
I am starting off with CR123's in my new light, but my light takes the RCR rechargeables and the 18650. I have all kinds of options and that is nice. I personally don't think I would get a light that only took the rechargables. I figure I should easily get well over a year of typical use out of about $3.50 in batteries if I don't go crazy with the high output modes. I was able to get 10 of the higher end longer run batters for under $20 shipped. There is even better deals than that for the middle of the road batteries with slightly less max run time. I will see how controlled I am. Blasting stuff with 600-800 lumens is kind of fun.
Blasting stuff with lumens! Haha
Sat morn found me w my new Fenix headlight, very early w a long walk thru heavy woods w lots of trip hazards. After about the 5th near fall, on low lumens, heck w that, lit up the ground clutter until closer to hunt area. Much better!
Thx for your posts, it's helped me better understand all the new lights an batteries.
OK, once again I must thank TJ for his research and sharing here on Tradgang (I've got a Covert trail camera due to his recommendation in the past and it's the best camera yet for me). Now I just received my Fenix PD32 UE and I'm looking forward to my first blood trail too.
Also appreciate Extrema312's battery discussion above. I'll probably end up with the 123's versus rechargeable 18650 based on my usage patterns, however we'll see what I find here in the next day or so.
Thank you all for your input.
Here we go. I got some pics of the Eagletac light. Here it is with a pen, some AA batteries, and a mini Maglite LED for reference.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/20131013_132053_zps97f0a731.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/thaner/media/20131013_132053_zps97f0a731.jpg.html)
I could only do beam profile close up with my phone. I can't get anything decent outside so far for longer range spread or throw. I can try to do one close up on some ground cover if someone once one. I may play with the phone to see if I can do better or try the old digital.
I had to hold the phone over my head to try and get the beam in so I didn't get the shot centered or tape right in the beam center. The light is held out so the beam will not be over my feet. About 3' from light to hot spot.
This is the light on about 68 lumen brown carpet. Tape is extended 36" from the tape body. you really don't see the full light spread in the photo, or how defined it is. The spread is over 4'.
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/20131013_215254_zpsffa70547.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/thaner/media/20131013_215254_zpsffa70547.jpg.html)
For reference this is a 77 lumen mini mag focused for spot and best flood focus. Beam spread is about 32".
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/20131013_215415_zpsbfa412b8.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/thaner/media/20131013_215415_zpsbfa412b8.jpg.html)
(http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i202/thaner/20131013_215358_zps31bd1ea6.jpg) (http://s73.photobucket.com/user/thaner/media/20131013_215358_zps31bd1ea6.jpg.html)
QuoteOriginally posted by Ray Lyon:
OK, once again I must thank TJ for his research and sharing here on Tradgang (I've got a Covert trail camera due to his recommendation in the past and it's the best camera yet for me). Now I just received my Fenix PD32 UE and I'm looking forward to my first blood trail too.
Also appreciate Extrema312's battery discussion above. I'll probably end up with the 123's versus rechargeable 18650 based on my usage patterns, however we'll see what I find here in the next day or so.
Thank you all for your input.
Just got back from Shrewhaven Camp and had the pleasure of breaking in the new light on a nighttime blood trail for my doe. The light worked great and the light circle was fantastic and blood showed up readily. I was able to use it on a mid setting and then click the button to give me maximum burst to scan ahead for the downed deer. I ended up getting the 123 batteries, since I keep the light in my 'possibles bag' and only use during hunting season. Initial review says it's going to be one of those purchases that is a 'value' based on what I get for it over the long haul. Thanks again TJ and others for your research and comments above.
Glad you like it Ray, I really like mine as well. The sting of the price goes away after you use it that is for sure.
Just pay attention to those batteries. Follow the safety warnings. The warnings sound a lot like the those for Other battery types but the consequences are more serious.
You don't want to Leave them in the light long term and not monitored. Don't mix batteries of different charge levels. Keep track of battery pairs once you start using them. You don't want to melt down a lithium battery. I can become an a "terrorist cell"and that will not be fun.
Get good protected cells. Some of the cheapest ones are okay but i have read some of them are fake and not safe. Some don't have the best protection or any protection.
Make sure to get them from a good source also. I have read where some sellers put them in plastic bags and some batteries are old and don't have a full charge.
Replace batteries when the light dims or blinks as noted be the manufacturer. Over discharging is a big no no.
I read this tread when it first came out and was fascinated at the quality research and info provided by KentuckyTJ, LBHTR, Extrema312 and everyone else that shared here. When I decided to get another light I searched for this tread and read it all over again.
I had bought a 120 lumen LED light at Academy and used it to recover 2 deer this year and thought it was awesome. Compared to what I was using it was BUT I just bought and received an EagleTac D25LC2 and the light is just amazing.
All I can say is you really cannot appreciate one of the good high lumen output lights until you put one in your hands and turn your old light on, compare and see what you have been missing.
Thanks again for the tread guys. The info you shared in the fall of 2013 lives on! :clapper:
FENIX
Zebralight makes outstanding flashlights and headlights.
I have too many flashlights. My wife collects shoes. I collect bows and flashlights. We all have our afflictions. :)
In addition to the ones already mentioned on this site, I have a lantern by Milwaukee that runs on their 18V battery for their shop tools. Wow it puts off an amazing amount of light. I use it for camping, shop and blood trailing.
http://i.imgur.com/RrG0ClB.jpg
This one guy on youtube has great flashlight reviews. you could stop by his channel, watch a couple vids, and get an idea of what you want. His youtube name is Nutnfancy
I am a Nebo flashlight dealer and for the money they make a great product.I have them on my **** store through My GM dealership(Jim Price Chevrolet)Not trying to make a sale just if you guys are curious google the Nebo lights. I just think they do a good job.
Kentucky TJ...PM me your addy or email me
Since we've pulled up an old thread. My several year old Fenix PD30 is still going strong. But BETTER is my Fenix E35UE that takes li-ion rechargable 18650 packs and they give as much output as a pair of C123 cells. I have three of the 18650s. This I use almost every night this time of year & through the winter to close up the chicken coops after dark and it will go a month before I swap out the pack.
Has a turbo feature that is blinding. Love this light!
I sure like Coleman aluminum body flashlights. I have a 700 lumin (6xaa). A couple of the 200 lumin small (3xaaa). All work great and don't break the bank Led has sure made a big difference
Fenix PD35 with the charger and 1860's is the way to go 975 lumen in very small package. Bright white light for blood trailing. Personally I find the cheap blue light from most low quality lights makes blood trailing very difficult. The yellow light from 6vlt lantern would never cut it with me. Coleman lantern is better option if you want to haul some big a$$ thing around.
awesome information, I usually use a few different lights when I blood trail, I have a fenix headlamp and a fenix handheld. I keep a incadecent light in my pack at all times. Why? Well, LED lights are great unless fog or smoke, then it just whites out, having high beams on in fog, (why firemen use them), I found this out the hard way tracking a trail in fog one morning. If I had a choice of a light for tracking a blood trail, it would hands down be a coleman lantern, but hard to carry one hunting.
I have now owned surefire, fenix, eagle tac, 4 sevens, oloight, jetbeam and zebralight. All good lights.
Here is how its all ended up for me.
Zebralight best headlamps available... Period.
Eagletac..Best flashlight ever used (now own 6 of them)
Fenix gave to a buddy.
Olight in tackel box
Surefire sold
Nitecore in truck
Armytek on boat.
Jetbeam gave to daughter.
Ive been into lights for 5 years pretty hardcore as I rely on them so much.
Imo. Best flash light eagle tac. Best headlamp zebralight.
Nothing else will be in my pack until something better comes out.
x2 on the EagleTac. I believe mine's a D25 that a couple years old now, so I'm sure there's a better version out by now! Whatever you get, go for what I believe the manufacturers refer to as neutral or natural white.