The Flashlight review thread: post yours.

[tdw28210]

Under the heading of "Harbor Freight Tools that don't COMPLETELY Suck" is the Quantum QFL-588 LED flashlight. It's a zoomie that takes 4 AA's and throws out 500ish lumens for $10 with the coupon. It is pretty much a no-brainer for a homeowner. Here is a review of it.

https://youtu.be/6uPohMxJtJ8

P.S. ditch the batteries that come with it. Cheap and leaky.

[CurtEgerer]

Going on 5 years or so with my main light, a Nitecore P36. Fairly severe daily use until I retired a year ago. Best feature is the flat handle that makes it easy to slip into a pants pocket. Still using the original Nitecore batteries. This thing turns night to day.

[wdfifteen]

I got a Fenix PD35 V2.0 a couple of years ago. I keep it in my desk instead of banging it around in to my tool bag. I use cheaper lights for that.
Anyway, I haven't used it in a while and took it out this morning. No light. I checked the batteries - dead. But new batteries didn't help. Fenix has a great troubleshooting page on their web site. It suggested taking the tailpiece switch out, and cleaning it up. I did so, and LIGHT! Fenix is really well built and the PD35 is a perfect form factor for me.

[masraum]

Based on recommendations from the board, I've got a ThruNite TC12 and a zebralight headlight (which by far gets the most use).

[speeder]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

I got a Fenix PD35 V2.0 a couple of years ago. I keep it in my desk instead of banging it around in to my tool bag. I use cheaper lights for that.
Anyway, I haven't used it in a while and took it out this morning. No light. I checked the batteries - dead. But new batteries didn't help. Fenix has a great troubleshooting page on their web site. It suggested taking the tailpiece switch out, and cleaning it up. I did so, and LIGHT! Fenix is really well built and the PD35 is a perfect form factor for me.

I've been thinking about the Fenix PD35 for a while but would carry it in the car, it would get banged around some. Are they tough enough for that? I always assumed that the "PD" meant that it was intended for LEOs, in that case it must be tough, right?

[SiberianDVM]

I put a $12.50 LED bulb in an old 2 D cell Maglite. Much improved club.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by speeder

I've been thinking about the Fenix PD35 for a while but would carry it in the car, it would get banged around some. Are they tough enough for that? I always assumed that the "PD" meant that it was intended for LEOs, in that case it must be tough, right?

It’s a strong aluminum case, I think you could stand on it without hurting it. I worry about the lens getting scratched while juggling around in a bag of tools with the screws and other pointy junk that inevitably ends up in there. The lens is recessed and shrouded somewhat by the case, so it is somewhat protected. If I had some kind of cap or case to cover the lens I wouldn’t worry about it at all.

[DanielDudley]

I'm tired of buying AA batteries. Anyone familiar with the Anker brand ?

Looking at the LC40 or LC90.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

I'm tired of buying AA batteries. Anyone familiar with the Anker brand ?

Looking at the LC40 or LC90.

There are several flashlights that use rechargeable 1650 or 1850 or whatever batteries. Just plug them into a USB charger.

Anker is generally a good brand with good products. I don't have a flashlight made by them, but their cabling is top notch and some of it has a lifetime warranty (which I've made use of, and it was no hassle).

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by masraum

Based on recommendations from the board, I've got a ThruNite TC12 and a zebralight headlight (which by far gets the most use).

I love my Zebra Light. I call it my superpower. It is just so nice to have what I am looking illuminated. I use mine all the time. I am not sure how I survived without it.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by tdw28210

Under the heading of "Harbor Freight Tools that don't COMPLETELY Suck" is the Quantum QFL-588 LED flashlight. It's a zoomie that takes 4 AA's and throws out 500ish lumens for $10 with the coupon. It is pretty much a no-brainer for a homeowner. Here is a review of it.

https://youtu.be/6uPohMxJtJ8

P.S. ditch the batteries that come with it. Cheap and leaky.

After reading your post...I purchased the QFL-588. Very nice...esp for the low price.
Looking at their website today..I noticed a new Quantum with 1500 lumens for $24
Ordered it just now.
https://www.harborfreight.com/merchandising-promotions/new/1500-lumen-led-flashlight-56652.html

[Gus Berges]

I was gifted a Fenix UC35 earlier this year and I had no idea I'd use it as much as I have done so! Can't think of anything wrong with it! Great form factor, solid build quality, quite bright light, charges quickly, holds charge for quite a while.

If/when this one no longer works, I'd replace it with something just like it.

[Alan A]

4D maglite is the fan favorite here.
Worse case I can hit them with it.

[rusnak]

In the years since this thread started, I started using the Pelican 7600 rechargable with LiIon batteries. Very reliable. And a Pelican 7070R.

For "area lighting" I added a Streamlite Lite Box E-Flood HL and Pelican 9490 RALS with Bluetooth connectivity. I also bought a few light towers, which are not flashlights.

[Fast Freddy 944]

Yeah, flash lights man, flashlights...

[vash]

i have been carrying this daily for about a decade (or more). maybe TWO decades!!

i get free batteries at work, so i keep them updated. i use it at work, and at home. its a tank! and it has been flawless. i have wildfires, blackouts, my office doesn't have a single working light in the parking lot. getting a key into lock will have this light clenched in my teeth. i flipped the clip backwards, so i can clip it to the bill of my ball cap and light up my life. the light is SICK!! unexciting, and boring..but for a flashlight, that is a good thing.

[sc_rufctr]

NEBO TOOLS REDLINE 6K - I bought this for work a few weeks ago. Before that I had a smaller LEDLENSER that has served me well but I needed an upgrade. At first I thought it would be overkill but this thing is off the charts. My job involves going into dark buildings in remote areas and to get in I have to find a "secure" lock box on the outside of the building. (I'm on call 24/7 for remote support of various IT systems)... Absolutely no regrets and if something happened to it I would buy another without hesitation. The only thing I'd change is the wrist strap. It's standard cheap nylon strap. I'm thinking about making a nice leather one for it.

[KFC911]

The best one ever ... by this guy :

[rusnak]

Oh no! I just tossed a Nebo flashlight that I bought at an RV store into the trash.

Try the 7070R from Pelican. Buy the plastic holder and trust me, you'll not regret it. I also have a box of CR123 batteries for backup. I depend on flashlights all the time and can't stop working just because the sun went down.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

It’s a strong aluminum case, I think you could stand on it without hurting it. I worry about the lens getting scratched while juggling around in a bag of tools with the screws and other pointy junk that inevitably ends up in there. The lens is recessed and shrouded somewhat by the case, so it is somewhat protected. If I had some kind of cap or case to cover the lens I wouldn’t worry about it at all.

For lens protection and anything else I need a cap on I roam the grocery store aisles looking for the right can cover. For instance, I found cat food can covers on some kind of cheese dip product.

Tube ends at the packing store are just another option out of many.