/r/flashlight

Photograph via snooOG

We discuss flashlights of all types!

EDC, keychains, headlamps, lanterns, weapons, work, and many others.


We discuss flashlights of all types!

EDC, keychains, headlamps, lanterns, weapons, work, and many others. Don't be shy to post your NLD (New Light Day), too!

Check out all the latest flashlight news right here!


Topics like batteries, chargers, mounts, holsters, etc. are welcome.

Great deals you've found and personal reviews/pictures of your flashlights or related gear are always welcome.

Feel free to ask anything related to flashlights. There is no such thing as a dumb question here and everyone is more than happy to help out.


Rules:

  • Rule 1: Be excellent to each other
  • Rule 2: Marketing posts must follow the marketer guidelines
  • Rule 3: Affiliate links must be labeled as such
  • Rule 4: No items for sale outside the BST thread
  • Rule 5: No shipping in progress posts
  • Rule 6: No pocket dumps
  • Rule 7: No unopened boxes
  • Rule 8: Don't delete posts that have comments
  • Rule 9: Be human - don't post AI content or run bots without mod approval

See here for more details.


Looking to buy a light? Get good recommendations!

Want to sell a light? Visit the monthly Buy, Sell, Trade (BST) thread! It's the only place for sales.


Marketer guidelines: for website representatives and owners.


Knowledge Center:

  • LED Types and Information


  • We're on IRC, too! Chat with enthusiasts live on ##flashlight on Libera.chat.
    Feel free to come hang out with us and talk about flashlights. Quick questions are also welcomed but the form is much better for a recommendation. Sometimes it's quiet in there, so if no one responds, feel free to tag a mod so we get an alert.


    If you submit a post and it doesn't come up right away - please message the moderators.


    You might also enjoy:

    Subs:

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    Need a light? Get help!

    /r/flashlight

    225,429 Subscribers

    2

    Kodiak 10k lumens , this spot is pitch dark there’s no lights near by

    7 Comments
    2024/12/02
    09:43 UTC

    2

    Kid-Friendly Flashlight Recommendations Needed

    Hi,
    I couldn't find a recent post that matches my criteria.

    My two kids, aged 6 and 8, want their flashlight like their dad.
    So, I’m looking for a model that meets the following requirements:

    • Preferably made of aluminum
    • Waterproof if possible
    • USB rechargeable
    • Not too bright to protect their eyes
    • Doesn’t heat up, to avoid any fire hazards if left on by mistake
    • Non-removable battery, or removable only with tools
    • No strobe mode

    I'd greatly appreciate your suggestions if anyone knows a flashlight that fits these criteria.

    4 Comments
    2024/12/02
    08:40 UTC

    4

    Cheaper Alternative?

    Just wondering if anyone knows of a cheaper alternative to the nitecore mt2a pro. I know it’s not that expensive to begin with, but I’m sure there’s something cheaper.

    4 Comments
    2024/12/02
    06:57 UTC

    2

    How to keep this hole from getting bigger, but still fit the flashlight?

    Is it still safe to use as is?

    7 Comments
    2024/12/02
    06:18 UTC

    3

    Getting very low light levels ('nightlight') from a flashlight

    I travel a lot and like to have some very low-brightness lights in the bathroom so I can just about see where I'm going in the middle of the night, but without causing too much brightness for when I'm trying to sleep. Leaving the bathroom light on is far too bright.

    Every 'adjustable output' flashlight I've tried does not go low enough in terms of brightness. Is there a flashlight out there that has a really low brightness setting?

    I've gone as far as buying 'blackout' sheets (used to tint car windows, etc) and using those to reduce the brightness of the light. But this is obviously wasting power. I've also found some 'motion sensor' lights that have reasonably low brightness, but a simple light I could turn on and leave on would be best.

    I also have some USB-powered night-lights, and plug them into an old-style 5V 1A adapter, and plug that into a 'shaver' socket in the bathroom when they exist. But sometimes you can't find 'shaver' outlets in bathrooms (especially in Europe). So I've tried plugging these USB night-lights into my Lithium-Ion 'power banks' (used for emergency charging my smartphone). The problem is, the power drain of the night-light is too low, and the power bank shuts down after a few seconds. I've read that this is typical, because the powerbank is designed to stop providing power once the 'draw' is very small, to avoid damaging the smartphone.

    For most people, 'brightness' is the most important factor but I want the opposite!

    12 Comments
    2024/12/02
    05:57 UTC

    2

    D4k Questions

    So I want to order a D4K. The website I found is intl-outdoor.com? Anyway Im a noob and I am confused with options. I know color temperature (5000k etc..) and I know what dedoming does (changes throw vs flood from what I understand?) But what does changing the retaing ring mean? Also what is SST vs 519 vs e21 etc? What do I want? Also it doesn’t come with a battery? What kind of battery do I need?

    Thanks in advance for any responses… sorry if this post is annoying, I just don’t know and the website doesn’t explain much

    10 Comments
    2024/12/02
    05:35 UTC

    1

    EDC35 Help?

    Hey guys, my edc35 has seen some shit over the past few months and its resulted in me loosing both the sheathe and pocket clip. Anybody know where I can get new ones or willing to sell me theirs? Cheers

    0 Comments
    2024/12/02
    05:28 UTC

    17

    Pokelit Tailcap / stand

    I like to stand my light on my desk sometimes as a night light. The pokelit couldn’t do that, so I printed a tail cap that replaces the rubber insert on the metal part of the switch.

    3 Comments
    2024/12/02
    05:28 UTC

    3

    For those wondering about HRT Tactical MK3 & MK6 light heads potting and Ingress Protection rating.

    I've emailed and asked about the Mk3 and Mk6 light heads waterproof rating and if they're potted or not. The IP rating is IP68+ and they are not potted. According to the sales rep that emailed me: "Potting is an indication of cheaper made circuits so that the materials dont fall out. Good lights are not supposed to be potted. We use good quality circuits so our lights do not need to be potted."

    Anyone have any thoughts on this? I can't imagine Malkoff and Modlite use cheaper materials and as a result have to pot the electronics - but what do I know? (Not much)

    Email: https://imgur.com/a/gL5Un72

    7 Comments
    2024/12/02
    03:12 UTC

    1

    I am not super versed in lighting. I have a Fenix PD35 (2015) and an original Nitecore P12. I've had then both since they released, I am a 911 Paramedic, and they still work great, but here's my question: I have been using CR123a batteries. What rechargeable batteries would you suggest for each?

    0 Comments
    2024/12/01
    23:40 UTC

    8

    It's time for those end of the year wrap up videos. Here is mine for my top 3 favorite COMBO flashlights (flood & throw). Thanks for a great year folks!

    In this video I do a scoring system where I compare the:

    • Olight Marauder Mini

    • Loop Gear SK-05

    • AceBeam Terminator M1

    It'll be interesting to see how many people agree with my assessments. You know what they say, opinions are like ....

    https://youtu.be/sxXAMyzGct8

    3 Comments
    2024/12/02
    02:25 UTC

    2

    Reading light help!!

    Little out of my depth here, want to get my significant other a reading light for christmas. All iv found is crap. Something that can take eneloops would be GREAT.

    Thinking a clip on the book kinda thing, anyone have one they like? Understand it isn’t going to be flashlight snob level lol

    3 Comments
    2024/12/02
    02:12 UTC

    16

    ************ UPDATE ON THE WURKKOS TS12 SFT25R ************ (Regarding the previously tested inconsistent samples)

    Wurkkos TS12 SFT25R

    It seems as if Wurkkos corrected the issues regarding the inconsistent samples that I had tested. Whatever course of action they took, it had a positive and satisfactory outcome. The new samples of the TS12 SFT25R are functioning just as they should. I ordered two new samples from the current batch. Here are the amp draw results via the tail cap in Turbo Mode using the Vapcell H10:

    Black TS12 :

    • 5.6A @ start
    • 4.7A @ 30 seconds
    • 3.0A @ 1 minute

    Red TS12 :

    • 5.4A @ start
    • 4.9A @ 30 seconds
    • 3.0A @ 1 minute
    3 Comments
    2024/12/02
    00:51 UTC

    2

    Wurkkos Mystery Box

    Has anyone received one for 2024?

    4 Comments
    2024/12/02
    00:23 UTC

    47

    405' dome lit up using an acebeam x75 with cree xhp 70.2.

    10 Comments
    2024/12/02
    00:22 UTC

    2

    I work in the trades and I'm looking for recommendations!

    https://preview.redd.it/xkzpsgukqb4e1.jpg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4350f3c1c40c9b6973cf0ff148b9e4e58b930843

    I work in the trades and absolutely depend on my flashlight every single day. My job is all about inspection and documentation; I'm also frequently in wet, muddy, and dusty environments.

    I know they're overpriced compared to many of the options available now, but I've used Nitecore flashlights for years (since about 2016). I've been incredibly happy with them until recently. Their SRT series had the perfect balance of features I look for, but the new versions have terrible control buttons that become jammed due to dust. They seem great, just not for the conditions I'm in all the time.

    ANYWAY, a friend directed me to this subreddit for recommendations. Here's a list of features I'm looking for:

    • Easily adjustable brightness settings. This is incredibly helpful when taking pictures of something in the back corner of a crawlspace VS documenting serial numbers of HVAC equipment.

    • Wider beams are generally better than something extremely long throw. I actually picked up one of Nitecores MH25pros as a replacement and it's so focused it's not ideal.

    • Swappable batteries. I can go through 2-3 batteries a day depending on work load. 18650 or 21700 batteries are preferred, just because I already have tons.

    • The flashlight has to be tough. Pretty self explanatory. Needing to be water and dust resistant should also be pretty obvious based on everything above.

    • Reasonable size, nothing absolutely giant. I carry the flashlights in a toolpouch on my belt all day.

    Thank you guys so much for any help and feedback!

    7 Comments
    2024/12/01
    23:48 UTC

    2

    Anyone order from amutorch lately?

    Hey, just curious if anyone ordered from amytorch lately? I placed an order for a dm90 on the 24th. Never got a confirmation email but order status on site said shipped 2 days later. Since then, the shipping has not updated in any way, shape, or form. I know this is typical and oftwn sellers can look into it further or something to that effect. Problem is, amutorch is not replying to my emails. Its not exactly a cheap light, id like some assurance that it hasnt dissapeared into the ether already. Has anyone had a similar experience? Am i just being stupidly impatient? Some form of communication would be nice simply for the fact its a business transaction.

    3 Comments
    2024/12/01
    23:46 UTC

    5

    Why batteries have different lengths?

    So, afaik 18650 stands for 18mm × 65mm and 21700 stands for 21mm x 70mm regarding battery dimensions.

    So I was wondering how is it possible that batteries shipped with lights like acebeam L35v2 are marked as 21700 if they are supposedly longer than unprotected 21700 batteries making it impossible to be replaced with something off brand. Shouldn't they be designed in a way that makes them keep marketed dimensions while also keeping the extra features like usb-c charging?

    Is there some error margin regarding those lengths or are the lights designed precisely for specific lengths that might be just a little bit too long for other batteries

    25 Comments
    2024/12/01
    23:24 UTC

    2

    Best rally lights for bike?

    Hey all, I’m looking for lights for my bike (bicycle not motorcycle), they don’t have to be rally lights like on a rally car but i think those would be pretty sick to mount to the bars or frame of the bike. I mountain bike through pretty thick woods and now that it’s winter and the sun has begun to set at 4:30 where I am, by the time i’m actually out it’s pretty much pitch black in the woods, and it sucks. Budget is probably around $150-200. Any suggestions?

    0 Comments
    2024/12/01
    23:12 UTC

    3

    Is Wurkkos Global Store on Aliexpress legitimate?

    I'm considering buying the Wurrkos TD01C flashlight, and I noticed that AliExpress offers the best delivery options. However, I’d like to know if it’s a reliable place to make the purchase. As I said in the title, the seller is Wurkkos Global Store.

    5 Comments
    2024/12/01
    22:38 UTC

    1

    [Help Me] Would a Convoy H4 + b35am 6500K be fine for a casual use (auto work, short power outage)

    Hi.

    I'm a total beginner when it comes to flashlight and Li-on batteries.

    I'm looking for a headlamp (and maybe a flashlight) that I can occasionally use at home for light auto works like brake jobs and for brief power outages. I know for my purpose, I could just pick up one of the cheaper options from the brokenbot's list or just a H04 RC, and be done with it. It seems like I can pick up a h04 rc with nichia 519A for $38 without the battery. Hell, I could probably just pick up a 3-pack headlamps from Costco for $33 and still be ok. But I got interested in this hobby a little bit, and want to try dipping a little toe in it. It might be a good chance to learn a few things about Lion batteries.

    While doing more research in this subreddit, I fell into the Convoy rabbit hole. I came across the reviews of H4 + b35am combination. It got me intrigued. I always enjoy a product that provides outsize value even if it's a bit cumbersome or rough in other ways.

    In my research, it seems that H4 uses 21700, and thus bigger and heavier than other headlamps, but still quite manageable in stationary positions. The big benefit is that it can come with b35am that seems to have one of the better CRIs. It has no waterproof rating but I don't plan to use it outdoor. So for my stated purpose, this actually does seem like a pretty good candidate. It seems like I can pick one up for $26.62 without a battery.

    So here are my questions.

    1. Do you think I should go with Convoy H4 + b35am 6500k or h04 rc with nichia 519A 4500k? Any other recommendation? I did look into Armytek wizard c2 pro nichia as well, but it seems like for my purpose it's completely unnecessary unless I'm much more invested in the hobby.

    2. If I go with the H4, is convoylight.com the best place to order? The price does seem cheaper even than Aliexpress with coupons. If so, could you recommend the battery among the ones they provide? https://convoylight.com/products/convoy-h4-21700-headlamp?variant_sku_code=6764950-6321192-56442422-6321193-30374163-12027997-56442423

    3. If I go with the H4, could you recommend a flashlight from Convoy that uses 21700 as well? It'll be for a very casual use as stated above. I just want to appreciate the good light.

    4. If there is anything that you would recommend ordering from convoylight.com together please do so. (like more batteries, some accessories, etc.)

    5. if you recommend H04 RC or any other non-Convoy headlamp, could you recommend the 18600 battery for it?

    I'd appreciate your insights. Thank you, and have a belated happy thanksgiving!

    3 Comments
    2024/12/01
    22:27 UTC

    1

    Will 16mm light switch work with 20mm 3V 6A 12groups linear LED driver?

    Will 16mm light switch work with 20mm 3V 6A 12groups linear LED driver? Or what other switch can I put in ultrafire sk98(Convoy C8 switch fitted fine, but the button was a little wider)

    0 Comments
    2024/12/01
    22:18 UTC

    1

    Arca Swiss tripod plate for Sofirn Q8 Pro

    I already have several Arca Swiss compatible tripod plates, but they have to sit at an angle on the Q8 because of the stepped up portion on the head being taller than where the 1/4-20 threaded hole location. If the threaded connector was a bit longer I could put a hard rubber piece at the back to level it out, but because of that protruding section, there are just barely enough threads as it is.

    Are there any pre-made Arca Swiss plates that have a concave top surface that might be close enough for the radius of the Q8 so it lays parallel to the light?

    https://preview.redd.it/9jphifdf8b4e1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89237aaedc3fa1ea0fa818276c6339afed72701a

    6 Comments
    2024/12/01
    22:01 UTC

    228

    What got you started into this hobby/addiction? I’ll go first….

    43 Comments
    2024/12/01
    21:39 UTC

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