What Kind Of Flashlight Do You Use?

[sunflower-n-ks]

I have not been able to find a flash light that works for any length of time. The best was a rather pricey "spot" light which was great for checking the pasture at night, but was more than needed most of the time.

Ones small enough to carry while doing chores - tried many, even a mag light, and they just do not last long at all.

So what is your favorite flashlight that you know will work when you need it to?

[willow_girl]

I have a little $1 number that I bought at the dollar store. I like it because it takes AA batteries, so I use rechargeables in it. It lives in the truck, hanging off the dashboard where I can always find it when I need it.

[cfabe]

Right now we have mostly cheap junk flashlights that come with the batteries and barely cost more than the batteries alone. Also have a couple of the 6v lantern-battery flashlights. When they die we usually just pitch them.

In the past I have had good luck with the 2-AA mini-maglights when camping.

I've been considering getting some type of rechargeable flashlight so I'll be interested to see what the other replies are.

[Windy in Kansas]

I have a D cell mag light that is my main flashlight when brightness is needed. For other less demanding application I have some small 7 LED units that are powered with 3 AAA batteries. Seem to be quite good and came in a two pack at $3.99.

You do realize that Maglite flashlights do have a limited lifetime warranty don't you? Expect you could get yours repaired for little or no cost just by taking or sending it to a repair center.

Most law enforcement officers seem to use Maglites so I figured they were pretty bulletproof (pun intneded). Mine has never failed after 10 or so years of service.

[sunflower-n-ks]

I don't have any of the purchase info on the flashlight. I heard that "professionals" used the mag light which is one reason I chose to pay the extra to get one. But in the rain, dealing with some geese, and - suddenly, no light. Never more......

Now, I am using 25 cent keychain lights. Really not bright enough, but cheap to throw away. Last longer than anything for the money.

[blooba]

maglites are made to be water proof so the bulb probably went out, thats the biggest problem I have with mine from banging it around. Most people don't realize that they store an extra lightbulb under the battery retention spring. Anyone use those new d-cell LED maglites? as long as they put out enough light they won't blow a bulb with banging around.

[Cabin Fever]

We also use a four D cell MagLite. My experience with the leave-plugged-into-the-wall rechargeable lights has not been favorable.

We also use LED headlamps quite a bit in tight spots or when we need to use both hands.

[catahoula]

I have a pelican saber that is pretty powerful, it uses "C" cells, water proof and tough.

I bought a Stream Light rechargeable and that baby is super bright. It goes for a long time on a single charge, but it gets kind of hot if you keep it on for too long. It was also really expensive.

The light I use most is a little four LED head lamp, it takes three AAA batteries which last forever. Hands free light, fits in your pocket and is pretty affordable.

[EDDIE BUCK]

After usings Night Lites coonhunter lights for years with no problems.I ordered this light to use around the place.It has a 6 volt gell cell battery.Its been eight years and the same battery and no problems.
http://www.huntsmart.com/hunt/Huntin...ght_1097G.html

[Curtis B]

I have a 2-D maglite, and have used it for years. I am with the others using the headlamp, it is great having two hands free. Recently for work, I got a pair of safty glasses with led lights on the side. They are my favorite so far, they even work better than the headlamp for any close corters type of work in the ceiling, and under cars, but they don't work well for longer distances. Has anyone else noticed that as great as the led's are that they don't work well for distance? You still need a flashlight with a good bulb.

[Bonnie L]

Originally Posted by catahoula

The light I use most is a little four LED head lamp, it takes three AAA batteries which last forever. Hands free light, fits in your pocket and is pretty affordable.

That's what I use. Love it!

[blooba]

lol.... moved to vehicle flashlight thread

[Beeman]

I use Maglites, we must have a dozen. I converted all of the mini mags to LED's and the batteries seem to last forever. Like everything there is maintenance to go along with it. I find that opening and cleaning my flashlites and lubricating the O-rings with silicon makes them work longer.
What exactly is wrong with your Maglite? There is an extra bulb in the tail cap if you think that's the problem. The bulbs will quit if dropped which is why I went to LED's where possible. The only problem I've had with my Maglites is the batteries leaking on ones that I didn't check often enough. The battery company will buy you a new flashlite if that happens, Duracell just bought me a new one.

[agmantoo]

A $9 RAYOVAC L E D with 6 AA batteries replaces all of the other flash lights that I own. The RAYOVAC is gasketed and sealed and all it has done is function. Nothing has been replaced or repaired in nearly two years of ownership. The outside could use a good cleaning : )

[HermitJohn]

The cheap LED flashlights tend not to hold up over time. the bulbs dont burn out but the housing itself is not great. Have had bulbs just come loose and such or housing come apart.

If you remember those plastic Black and Decker flexable lights you could twist around stuff. Nice idea but cheapo crappo plastic meant definitely not to hold up over the long haul. Well I found a well made China one that is all metal. I mostly curve it into u-shape and drape it around my neck when I get wood from pile at night. It has held up VERY well over last 3 or 4 years and what I use most of time. Think brand name was GRIP. I've had very good luck with GRIP brand tools even though they are Chinese. Like all LED flashlights its very easy on batteries.

For emergency, I have little freebie light that uses one replaceable AA. Not LED, but it lasts well enough with an alkaline battery. Nice thing is its so short and small that I can leave it in coat pocket (even in light weight coat) without it bugging me. And it takes a common battery, you dont have to throw away the whole flashlight. the plastic is getting worn looking from being carried around in pocket, but still works fine. It is well enough made for what it is.

[stickinthemud]

MY emergency flashlight, that I have carried everywhere in my purse for twenty years plus, is a DURABEAM by Duracell. Made in USA. Two AA batteries. Still works--

whoa, opened it up and the batteries (still lighting dimly!) are marked "best if installed by JAN 2000" guess I'll go ahead and replace them now...

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

Originally Posted by Curtis B

I have a 2-D maglite, and have used it for years. I am with the others using the headlamp, it is great having two hands free. Recently for work, I got a pair of safty glasses with led lights on the side. They are my favorite so far, they even work better than the headlamp for any close corters type of work in the ceiling, and under cars, but they don't work well for longer distances. Has anyone else noticed that as great as the led's are that they don't work well for distance? You still need a flashlight with a good bulb.

Leds are high frequency light , they don't travle as well as low frequency light
also why they look blue and not the yellow of the lower frequency light
white is the mix of both

we use mag lite 3 and 2 d cell , i have a 3 d cell i have had for over 15 years
i have bought a few bulbs for it we also have a few 2 d cell mag lights i like them they are as bright as the 3 d and only use 2 batteries not the odd number of 3 , we also use the 7 and 9 led pocket size flash lights to carry in coat pockets and such , and i have a head lamp that i like that is led , good for hands free like going to fetch more wood at night.

i would like a stream light but , the cost is hard to justify

there are clip on lights by pelican and stream light that are made for firemen to wear on thier turn outs if they can't take chores and feeding geese nothing will

[Jolly]

Streamlight.

Had it for years...

[Wis Bang 2]

Bedroom - (2) mini mag lights, one w/ LED conversion.

Truck - (4) cell mag light w/ LED bulb - change batteries every deer season.

Hunting, (2) AA LED headlight from WalMart has two red LEDs and 4 white. and (1) single AAA mag to drop down my muzzleloader to inspect the inside of the barrel.

When a battery swells in a mini mag, I drill a small hole in it and use the 'dry ball' removal screw from my muzzleloader on a t handle to pull the battery. Little sandpaper to remove corrosion & back in business...

[Batt]

We keep a pair of Ryobi P700 18 volt rechargeable flashlights. Use them all the time, love'em. Keep extra batteries in the charger. Less than 5 seconds to change.Flashlight and ratings