2011-01-06 OAUSA Net - Flashlights

[traveltoad]

Let's see how bright you are!!!!

Let's talk flashlights... tell us all what you like and don't like!

The first net of 2011 had 34 check in and was really a lot of fun. During the check process everyone talked about what they look for, or what they like, in a flashlight. Many things were mentioned a few notable features: low cost (free being the best), power, size (small is good), rechargeable, beam pattern. I think the three top considerations were: reliability, durability and battery requirements.

It was also asked if older Mag lights could be upgraded to LED bulbs... so far I have not found this to be possible.

I also do not believe it is possible to substitute a AA for a CR123 battery as was asked during the net. At least not that I have been able to find yet. I did find an interesting battery comparison here:http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/sho ... 961&page=1

[SP Jon M3]

It was also asked if older Mag lights could be upgraded to LED bulbs... so far I have not found this to be possible.

I haven't tried one, but found a source of drop-ins for maglight and stream light.

http://www.terraluxcorp.com/terralux/Pr ... fault.aspx

[cruiserlarry]

I lost contact with Keller early on Thurs, so I don't know if this was mentioned:

Most smart phones have LED lights for the camera that can be used as a flashlight as well.

I have an HTC Incredible, an it's dual LED is very bright - and there are apps for the android phones and Iphones for all types of special flashlight configurations for those LEDs. When you consider that most folks have one, and that use as a phone in the wilderness is unlikely, the smartphone's ability to work as a small flashlight is very convenient - to read maps, see what's where in the tent, or just to find your way back to camp.

Most folks have their phones with them by habit, even on the trails, so it's a nice added feature when you forget a real flashlight...

[OLLIE]

I have changed all of my "AA" and "AAA" battery devices in my house and all my gear to these Energizer lithiums you see below. They aren't joking about the 7X life extension of usage time before changing batteries. I found these when I purchased my SPOT Messenger and they recommended/required them for their unit. I'm in search of them for 9V, "C", and "D" cell as well. My source doesn't sell them in these sizes. They last 7X longer and are half the weight. This is awesome when you are talking about devices for our type of hobbies. My GPSMap 60 uses two "AA" batteries. Normally I get right around 20 hours of usage time on a set of alkaline batteries. With the lithiums that time is extended to closer to 100 hours. A lot of cameras use alkaline instead of rechargable batteries. These batteries work incredibly well for longer usage between battery changes. They are more expensive but you save wqhen you consider how many alkaline you would pay for to equate to the same operating time. Additionally there is even more savings in the weight reduction and the hassle of constantly changing out batteries. One other awesome feature is that for devices that just set and don't get used often, these batteries DO NOT bleed. I get tired of going to devices that I don't need frequently and finding that the battery terminals are corroded from the the alkaline batteries setting in them too long. Lithiums don't have that issue.

In my house I have changed out all my batteries with these as well. I got tired of hearing, "Daddy can you change the batteries in this?" These batteries have been a god-send for that. That's one of the main reasons I'm about to start the hunt for other sizes of batteries in lithium because a lot of my sons toys run on "C" and "D" sized batteries. My shop equipment (laser levels, volt meters, stud finders, etc.) all run on "9V". These are the ones I often find corroded from setting too long.

The only item I have found that the lithiums don't work in is my Nikon flash for my DSLR. For some reason it won't even turn on with the lithium batteries. It has to be alkalines.