Another Poll on Flashlights:: What features are important?

[Odin Bravo One]

Then the joke is on you, buddy, because I'm developing advertising hype that is waterproof down to 400m...

Send two for T&E, and maybe I'll buy it............

[Byron]

But the point is I don't believe in waterproof. And I don't buy into advertising hype.

I certainly appreciate that.

I was hoping you'd be willing to share more information about common patterns of failure.

I have nothing but respect for your findings; I just hope to better understand how those findings might apply to my own life.

If it's something along the lines of,

"100m flashlights usually start leaking past 10m, no matter how much you care for them"

that would impact me much differently than

"100m flashlights are accurately rated when fresh out of the box, but regular o-ring maintenance and application of silicone grease is critical if you want your seal to last."

[cclaxton]

Some interesting observations from the Poll:

Reliability, Durability (Shockproof rated highly as well), and CR123 batteries are the most important features;
Tailcap momentary and click/turn seem to be the preferred controls;
Pocket Clip seems to be the preferred carry option;
At least 200 Lumens preferred brightness;
Most prefer at least 2 levels of brightness;
A surprising number wanted some level of "waterproofing" (setting aside the debate about that question);

Surprising/Interesting observations:
No one chose the striking bezel as an important feature;
No one chose the side on/off switch control;
Only two chose the importance of a high quality holster;
Very few put importance on strobing or SOS/long duration flashing;
Beam Size/Coverage not that important;
Ability to fit/grip for pistol not that important (Maybe not many using "Hands Together" pistol-flashlight grip?)
No one chose 90 degree head or adjustable head;
Combat Ring/tethering not that important;
Size/weight not that important;

Thanks for all the responses....keep the votes coming!!!

CC

[Odin Bravo One]

I certainly appreciate that.

I was hoping you'd be willing to share more information about common patterns of failure.

I have nothing but respect for your findings; I just hope to better understand how those findings might apply to my own life.

If it's something along the lines of,

"100m flashlights usually start leaking past 10m, no matter how much you care for them"

that would impact me much differently than

"100m flashlights are accurately rated when fresh out of the box, but regular o-ring maintenance and application of silicone grease is critical if you want your seal to last."

I can't comment on brands or models.........and I do my very best to never get in the water at all, let alone deeper than 10m!!! (I mean seriously, you know you are too deep when strange fish start offering you candy).

But generically, what I have found is battery compartments, as well as the bulb/bezel are the weak points. Since most "tactical" flashlights burn through batteries rather quickly, the constant changing of batteries weakens the waterproof seals. New O-rings and silicone help, but it's not a sure thing. Also, given that most require a lithium battery, there are a lot of problems with lithium batteries and water. If I know my light is gonna take a dip, I generally try to double/triple the water protection.

If I want a "waterproof" flashlight, I usually buy the Pelican "MyteLight" lights. They are cheap enough that I don't get upset if it drowns. But it is far from a tactical light...........

[Tamara]

(I mean seriously, you know you are too deep when strange fish start offering you candy).

That's the internet for today, kids. Y'all can go home now.

Since most "tactical" flashlights burn through batteries rather quickly, the constant changing of batteries weakens the waterproof seals. New O-rings and silicone help, but it's not a sure thing.

That's the weak point on my little Led Lensers; being a teeny AAA light, the bitty O-ring gets shredded or disappeared on first or second battery change and it's a teeny strip of thread tape, silicone grease, and prayers keeping the water out from there on.

[Byron]

Thanks, Sean - much appreciated!

I think the deepest I've ever taken a light was ~20m, but that was one of two whole night dives I've done in my entire life
It's been a while since I've been diving though... I think I may need to go find some of those candy fish.

For every other situation so far in my life, 10 inches of water resistance would have indeed been plenty, much less meters.

Simply out of curiosity, have you ever played around with one of the Glo-Toobs? They aren't really "flashlights"... more like battery-powered chemlights (or whatever term would be less of an oxymoron), but holy crap are they built like tanks.

If you're interested, I could send you one of mine to play with. I've pitched them into solid objects at full speed and tried to crush them in "realistic" ways (i.e. I've wedged them under heavy objects, but have never been so sadistic as to put one in a vice and crank on it). I've never broken one, though I was only trying to abuse them: I never specifically set out with total destruction in mind.

[Odin Bravo One]

Yeah.............I don't know what I would do with it?

Not a big fan of glow sticks. They have a very limited application. Mostly they are good for keeping children occupied at BBQ's once the sun has gone down.

[cclaxton]

Yeah.............I don't know what I would do with it?

Not a big fan of glow sticks. They have a very limited application. Mostly they are good for keeping children occupied at BBQ's once the sun has gone down.

Shooting Night Matches...All shooters should wear something to support safety.

CC

[Tamara]

All shooters should wear something to support safety.

Oh, jeez, what color ribbon is that, now?

[Odin Bravo One]

Shooting Night Matches...All shooters should wear something to support safety.

CC

I think my night matches are shot under different circumstances ...........