Lights...how many lumens? - Page 2

dan728 · July 9th, 2008, 01:29 AM

I carry a novatac it is set at 3, 20, and 120 lumens as well as the tacticool strob it is a great light if you get a chance look into them.

Tubby45 · July 9th, 2008, 01:35 AM

Take all the flashlights you are looking at buying. Shine all of them in your eyes. Pick the brightest one that fits your budget.

PaulBk · July 9th, 2008, 03:05 PM

As others have stated, it is well to match the intended use to the right tool. I carry a 60 lumen flashlight as part of my EDC, but it IS a bit bright for routine, close in use. I've added a diffusion filter for everyday 'non-tactical use'.

-Paul

Gideon · July 10th, 2008, 07:08 PM

My recommendations:

-LED only, period, only way to go
-I have 2 fenix, 2 surefire; I recommend surefire if you can afford it. I believe they are quite noticeably superior when you get to hold/use the two and are able to compare. My fenixs' both have variable lighting but both have had electrical problems in that they sometimes strobe when they aren't supposed to be. I think they're an okay light but the surefire's are definitely in a different class. The tailcap switch on the surefires is much easier to push because it protrudes from the base versis the fenix which are more flush. The flush fit allows the fenix to stand on end like a candle but I think better control of the on/off is more important, especally if used in conjunction with a hand gun.

-I like a minimum 80 lumen. My Fenix lights are not as bright as my surefire lights even thought they're rated that same as far as lumens. Too long to go into here but not everyone measures lumen's the same and I think some folks fudge a little to make the light sound more impressive than it is.

Surefire makes a single CR123 battery light that I think is perfect for everyday running around; because it's LED it'll last and it fits in the pocket easily; it's an ideal EDC.

For the difference in price between Fenix and surefire, I'd recommend you save the extra and go with a Surefire.

gddyup · July 10th, 2008, 07:22 PM

I think the Surefire and the Fenix are both really great lights and you can't go wrong with either manufacturer IMHO. It's all about checking out the different models and determining what your budget and usage is going to fit.

Fenix is definately going to be getting more of my money over the coming years because they have simply impressed me with their value. That being said, I would NEVER pass over a great deal on a Surefire light because they also provide products that are outstanding.

Getting back to the OP's particular question, IMHO, 65 lumens from any source, be it LED or incandescent, is your absolute minimum when it comes to "tactical" type usage. For something that could help save your life in an encounter, always buy as much as you can afford!

smousefam5 · July 11th, 2008, 01:45 AM

Any of you have any experience with the Gerber RX series Xenon lights? They have 30, 100, and 150 lumen models.

Dingle1911 · July 16th, 2008, 05:22 PM

A good quality bright light is great, but I think it is possible to be too bright. I have some light colored walls in my house. I found that any light over 90 lumens blinds a little from the light bouncing off the walls. I chose the 65 lumen surefire.

Ridgeline · July 16th, 2008, 09:54 PM

FYI y'all, I found a great buy on a Dorcy - 120 lumans for $39 at Dicks SportingGoods. I also carry my 6P as EDC.

FreeDelivery · July 16th, 2008, 11:32 PM

Surefire 9P-BK. With the factory lamp I get 105 lumens, and with the optional P91 lamp you can get 200 lumens (I honestly can't tell the difference).

What do you want to use the light for?

"Self defense," tactical use, shop use, etc.???
I think your choice should be made after you determine what you want to use a light for.

--FD

ASSA9 · July 16th, 2008, 11:41 PM

Inside the house,I go with 60 lumems
out side 120

July 9th, 2008, 01:35 AM	#12
Tubby45 Distinguished Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: In the reloading room Posts: 1,988	Take all the flashlights you are looking at buying. Shine all of them in your eyes. Pick the brightest one that fits your budget. __________________ Freakshow Manufacturing LLC "You can kill it. We can help." 07 FFL/ 02 SOT

July 9th, 2008, 03:05 PM	#13
PaulBk Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Washington State Posts: 206	As others have stated, it is well to match the intended use to the right tool. I carry a 60 lumen flashlight as part of my EDC, but it IS a bit bright for routine, close in use. I've added a diffusion filter for everyday 'non-tactical use'. -Paul __________________ Hero's aren't born, they're cornered - According to Jim

July 10th, 2008, 07:08 PM	#14
Gideon Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Missouri Posts: 804	My recommendations: -LED only, period, only way to go -I have 2 fenix, 2 surefire; I recommend surefire if you can afford it. I believe they are quite noticeably superior when you get to hold/use the two and are able to compare. My fenixs' both have variable lighting but both have had electrical problems in that they sometimes strobe when they aren't supposed to be. I think they're an okay light but the surefire's are definitely in a different class. The tailcap switch on the surefires is much easier to push because it protrudes from the base versis the fenix which are more flush. The flush fit allows the fenix to stand on end like a candle but I think better control of the on/off is more important, especally if used in conjunction with a hand gun. -I like a minimum 80 lumen. My Fenix lights are not as bright as my surefire lights even thought they're rated that same as far as lumens. Too long to go into here but not everyone measures lumen's the same and I think some folks fudge a little to make the light sound more impressive than it is. Surefire makes a single CR123 battery light that I think is perfect for everyday running around; because it's LED it'll last and it fits in the pocket easily; it's an ideal EDC. For the difference in price between Fenix and surefire, I'd recommend you save the extra and go with a Surefire. __________________ God Bless Gideon Jer 33:3

July 10th, 2008, 07:22 PM	#15
gddyup Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Derry, NH Posts: 897	I think the Surefire and the Fenix are both really great lights and you can't go wrong with either manufacturer IMHO. It's all about checking out the different models and determining what your budget and usage is going to fit. Fenix is definately going to be getting more of my money over the coming years because they have simply impressed me with their value. That being said, I would NEVER pass over a great deal on a Surefire light because they also provide products that are outstanding. Getting back to the OP's particular question, IMHO, 65 lumens from any source, be it LED or incandescent, is your absolute minimum when it comes to "tactical" type usage. For something that could help save your life in an encounter, always buy as much as you can afford! __________________ Firefighter/EMT My own piece of the web... The Right of Defense It is better to be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward. - Dolores Ibarruri

July 16th, 2008, 09:54 PM	#18
Ridgeline Distinguished Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Texas Posts: 1,305	FYI y'all, I found a great buy on a Dorcy - 120 lumans for $39 at Dicks SportingGoods. I also carry my 6P as EDC. __________________ "Eternity is Too Long to be Wrong" Texas CHL Instructor & Holder Life Member NRA Member TSRA

July 9th, 2008, 01:29 AM	#11
dan728 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 95	I carry a novatac it is set at 3, 20, and 120 lumens as well as the tacticool strob it is a great light if you get a chance look into them.

July 11th, 2008, 01:45 AM	#16
smousefam5 Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Idaho Falls, ID Posts: 82	Any of you have any experience with the Gerber RX series Xenon lights? They have 30, 100, and 150 lumen models.

July 16th, 2008, 05:22 PM	#17
Dingle1911 Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: NC Posts: 174	A good quality bright light is great, but I think it is possible to be too bright. I have some light colored walls in my house. I found that any light over 90 lumens blinds a little from the light bouncing off the walls. I chose the 65 lumen surefire.

July 16th, 2008, 11:32 PM	#19
FreeDelivery New Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Washington State Posts: 1	Surefire Surefire 9P-BK. With the factory lamp I get 105 lumens, and with the optional P91 lamp you can get 200 lumens (I honestly can't tell the difference). What do you want to use the light for? "Self defense," tactical use, shop use, etc.??? I think your choice should be made after you determine what you want to use a light for. --FD

July 16th, 2008, 11:41 PM	#20
ASSA9 Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NC. Posts: 181	Inside the house,I go with 60 lumems out side 120 __________________ "Jack Burton" " Its all in the reflexes" Carry guns (Glock G33)(Glock G36) (Bersa .380CC)(Taurus 85-.38 ported)

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