Got to talking to a buddy of mine about whats the most important thing in our pockets, you know stuff you stuff into your pockets before you leave the house.
So we compared the usual suspects:
Keys - key chain and any tools attached to them
cell phone
money, cash credit cards and the such
wallet, usually where you keep the money, cash credit cards and the such
knife, he carries a multi-tool
flashlight
we even agreed that even though the wrist watch wasn't in our pockets it got on the list.

We agreed the cell phone was pretty important, and the key chain and tools but hands down we both said if it happens at night the flash light was first and foremost. Now we both ride and have both had sH!t happen to us after dark. The usual order in which it happens is before calling for help/a favor, we'd try to "see" what was wrong and try to fix it first, only after exhausting that option we'd use the phone.
So it was a toss, the tool or the light to see the problem.
Logic made us both agree the if you can't "see" whats wrong doesn't matter how many tools you have with you.

As motorcyclists we all share some common problems and therefore some solutions will work for most of us, that said I figured we here on HRF could use a common sense thread on Flash lights. One thing I want to mention before I start is this thread is about lights and NOT how much money anyone has. Just because one guy likes something doesn't always make that product the best choice overall. So, if you are posting please include the manufacturer, model number if available, any pictures that you can share, the cost of the light, what type of battery, how long it lasts, how much it costs to run, bulb type and bulb life plus anything else thats useful information.

There are many classes of lights out there from micro size to humongous with the outputs to match.
So I'll start with the term EDC = every day carry, meaning small enough to fit in your pocket and not get in the way. My specs for a good EDC are: the one that is bright enough to not trip up the dark stairs / finding the loose wire, but not too bright that I cant see what I'm looking at when I'm done with it, loosing my night vision. The new high dollar lights have variable output settings for those very reasons. Also the light is a tool, so it should solve a problem / fill a need. If you need a light thats super bright you're probably going to have to get something larger than the EDC.

Here's what I've come up with from personal experience:
I've been on flashlight forums and found some very interesting information, ALSO, I've been looking at all the high end flashlights for a couple of years now, and base my opinions on years of flashlight use in rugged terrain (From growing up on a farm to the annual camp trip, having a good light is paramount):
The measurement thats being used presently is LUMENS, different from candle power but similar.
How I approach finding a good one:
1) type of bulb must be LED, LED's can last 100,000 hours
2) output, must be variable, too high in close quarters burns your eyes out, no night vision, but high enough to see at least 100 feet clearly.
3) quaility of build: lets face it made in the USA is getting harder to find but I do when I can.
4) battery life, usually LED have high output and long battery life, the more you spend the longer you get.
5) battery type, stick with the standards, AAA, AA, C, D, 9 volt, the general store in the backwoods can carry
6) price range: enough to get the job done
There are lights out there that go for 300 bucks or 3 bucks, you decide whats your budget.

I've got mag-lites from the 90's that are well made and still work great but big bulky and hungry.
I've gotten some LED's that are a fraction of the size and brighter and last many times longer, still each has its place.

My old EDC, a mag-lite solitaire - a single AAA incandescent with screw type switch has been with me since '94, but I found a real nice replacement for 10 bucks at the local electronics store. My new one makes the old one obsolete real quick, same AAA battery but many many times brighter and the battery lasts many times longer. Back when I bought the Solitaire it costs about 6 bucks.
My new one, a Coast LED, AAA Mini Tach model, made in the USA, works for a EDC for me. I've seen nicer ones online but until I can actually look at them in person I'm happy with this one. As it turns out the one I bought back in march of last year is different than the ones offered now. Mine is rated 10 lumens and 18hrs of continuous usage. The ones I just looked at last week are now made in China and rated 7.5 lumens and 18hrs of continuous usage... Corporate America, selling US(A) out every day.

Here's a link to a website that my friends have purchased from,
https://www.batteryjunction.com/

Seems that they have some really nice stuff there.

I'll keep the light on.

You are absolutely right on LED units. I'm in the process of updating mine, as well.

I like the SureFire brand. My little E1e has ridden with me for years, and I'm not even aware I'm carrying it. They make a replacement LED head, but it's slightly larger. That replacement is on the long-term list.

I also have an early 6P. Since this unit stays mostly at home I bought the brightest replacement bulb they make (the one with the "purple" stripe) but also their LED head. It's an early model, the first generation KL3, but it also extends the life of the batteries.

This Christmas I bought my wife a G2 since she has been traveling a lot. It has a composite construction and is very light weight. I'm not really worried about their products, but this model seems geared to taking a real beating. For traveling it seemed a good feature.

That left me with needs for a bigger model for my jackets. Up until recently nothing tripped my trigger. However they now offer the GX2-Pro model, a composite bodied flashlight with a two-stage LED head. The flashlight lowers the power drain for extended use as the batteries wear out. I figure that model should provide extended time if I'm broken-down on a dark road.

Here's one that looks good on paper, has anyone ever used it or the brand and any feedback would be appreciated:
Fenix LD10 R5 Tactical LED Flashlight with CREE XP-G R5 LED 100 Lumens - 1 x AA

Fenix LD10 R5 LED Flashlight

The Fenix LD10 is a multi-purpose flashlight with 4 brightness levels that allow you to choose between maximizing your brightness or runtime. It is convenient and small, and runs off a single, common AA battery (either alkaline, Lithium, or Ni-MH Rechargeable). This dependable, weather-proof, flashlight is great for outdoors or emergency use.

Features and Specifications

* CREE XP-G R5 LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours
* Uses one 1.5V AA battery (not included), inexpensive and widely available
* Output Modes (ANSI/FSC):
o Turbo: 100 Lumens (1h 48min)
o Strobe: 100 Lumens
o Low: 3 Lumens (70h)
o Mid: 13 Lumens (11h)
o High: 45 Lumens (4h 40min)
o SOS: 45 Lumens
* Dimensions: 3.94" (100mm) (Length) x 0.85" (21.5mm) (Diameter)
* Weight: 1.9 oz (54 g) (Excluding battery)
* Waterproof to IPX-8 standards
* Digitally regulated output - maintains constant brightness
* Patented design has reverse polarity protection to prevent circuit damage
* Push-button tail cap switch
* Flat tail cap allows light to tail cap stand in "Candle" mode
* Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum
* Premium Type-III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish
* Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating
* Includes: holster, lanyard, body clip, two spare o-rings, and a rubber switch boot

Operating Instructions
Fully press (click) to switch on and turn the bezel to select General Mode or Turbo Mode. A soft-press (without clicking) while the light is on will change the brightness levels of the current mode. Turning the light off for more than 2 seconds will restore the default setting.
SALE PRICE: $49.95

Here is another one that looks good on paper, again any feed back would be appreciated:

iTP SA1 Eluma LED Flashlight with Cree XP-E R2 LED - 120 lumens on 1xAA Battery

iTP SA1 Eluma LED Flashlight with Cree XP-E R2 LED - 120 lumens on 1xAA Battery

Both tail switch and side switch to make choose and memorize mode and brighntess level much easier, come with small sizes, it’s suitable to carry them at freedom everyday. Low-Med-High-Strobe modes make you get low and high brightness levels quickly and directly, meanwhile could get any levels you’re favorite by the digital infinite adjustment beam function. Rugged metal body with unique knurling for tight grip.

* LED Type: Cree XP-E R2
* Function: Low-Med-High-Strobe-Digital Infinite Beam Ajustment Output Levels
* Finish: HA Type Ⅲ
* Reflector: Smooth Reflector
* Lens:Anti-shattering ultra clear lens, anti-scratching and anti-slip
* Water and Dust Resistant to IP68
* Switch: Tail switch for turning light on/off and Side switch for changing modes
* Mil-spec: MIL-STD-810F
* Battery Type
* 1 x Alkaline, 1 x NI-MH, 1 x 14500 Battery

Size and Weight:
L 107mm (4.21’’) x D 26.5mm (1.04’’), 67g (Excluding Battery)

SALE PRICE: $39.95

Aren't these new products amazing?!

My little "purple" bulb was state-of-the-art at it's time at about 65 lumens as I believe. My new little GX2-Pro is rated at 200 Lumens.

RK, I did some research on the iTP brand you mentioned, one of their models is 700 lumens.

Truly remarkable, we now have as much illumination in a flashlight you can carry in your pocket as was attained by airport landing lights when I was a boy.

So came back to report in:
Wow, is an understatement.
Now keep in mind I've been useing mag-lites since the 80's, and since I only lost one and replaced it in 03 I've been real happy with what I had, it worked, and worked well, every time i used them so until a couple years ago I wasn't paying attention to the NEW developments in "chip" light emitters, and yeah that a real term.
So an equivalent light is now, 2 AA palm sized light is brighter than my 4 D maglite...
with the adjustable outputs it can last 71 hours or 2 hours at twice the brightness and throw, (distance of usable light) as the 4D maglite.

So it seems the the Fenix LD10/LD20 series is preferred by the Flashlight Junkies on candlepowerforums.com/
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/sho ... p?t=277658 has all and I mean all the info in scary detail, I mean
someone spent a long time putting this together.

Then I read that the :ITP S Series Cree XP-E R2 SA1 Eluma Flashlight is the best you can get.

Then someone else mentioned Eagle Tac.
I'm checking into this Eagle Tac company, seems their light might be even brighter.

EDIT:
after a quick search , found more info and reviews follow:

EagleTac P20A2 MKII 300 Lumens Cree XP-G R5 LED Flashlight

Product Description
The P20A2 is the next generation in cutting edge flashlight technology and the most powerful 2 AA flashlight available rated at an incredible 300 lumens. This flashlight does it all with a simple user interface; high, medium, low and a tactical strobe. With the RGB kit you'll get Red, Green and Blue filters of the highest quality material that thread in the bezel for reliability you can count on.

Technical Details

* Maximum Output: 300 lumens. Three levels of output activated by twisting the Head/Bezel.
* Runtime 1.5 hrs /8 hrs /55 hrs. Tactical strobe is convenient and easily accessible.
* Cree XP-G R5 LED. Crenulated Stainless Steel Bezel.
* Syntax ultra-clear hardened/glass lens with AR coating. Mil-Spec Hard Anodized (Type III).
* Smooth Precision Aluminum Reflector. Gold Plated contacts for the best conduction.

Eagle Tac's are Made in China?...


5.0 out of 5 stars best AA flashlight out there, December 20, 2010
By
Reeeeeeeder - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: EagleTac P20A2 MKII 300 Lumens Cree XP-G R5 LED Flashlight
Trust me, I researched and have tried all other AA battery flashlights, this is the best quality, the best functions, the best light, the best everything. It could last you a lifetime its so well built.

I should also point out, that the advertised 300 lumens is possibly what the light is "producing", but isn't what comes "out the front". The package actually says 235 lumens!! (yes it's the SAME model shown here) But without a light meter, I'm not sure how much you'll notice (or miss). Honestly though, with such a large jump in lumens, from 60 to 235, I'd have to say that when I turn the bezel from medium to high, I expect a much greater bump in brightness from what the light puts out. Oh it gets brighter believe me, but I envisioned it to get MUCH brighter than it does.

Just remember to get Sanyo Enloop rechargeable batteries, they last long, are cheap, and no need to charge for years if they just sit in the flashlight.

Roadking,

I was looking for a Eagle-Tac dealer in my area which I did find within 5 miles, his store is like a Toy's R Us for mercenaries. I did find a particular item you may be interested in (you may already know about it) it's a relatively new company. This July I'm going on a long journey and this journey may be solo. After reading your clip I thought this might be a good idea for my trip. I found this on you tube check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDyUITLwTDI.



Ride...Safe

"Toy's R Us for mercenaries" I love those places, they get me!!

So you didn't have to tell me twice, I went and checked the videos out, YUP!! thats the stuff!!
And that light is very cool/ quality badass....
My only thing, and yes I did learn it the hard way, is the batteries used. I go solo trippin' most of the time, meeting up with by buddies at locations, we all live in different parts of the country. I find myself on the road less traveled more often than not, and on that road the little towns - shops, general stores just don't carry/stock/know about the different batteries that a light like that takes. I'd get one of them in a heartbeat but unless you stash some extra batteries in a safe place, and lets face it, storage and keeping crap straight becomes more difficult on the road living out of a saddle bag. plus you got to be careful with those high power batteries. Heat, moisture, vibrations and stuff touching them by accident can cause a fire real quick.
You don't think about the metal buttons or zippers rubbing/touching and shorting out until smoke starts coming from places it shouldn't. Plus if you don't use the extra batteries on that trip or (like me) forget were the heck you put them, hey it must be a safe place since I can't find them.... or lose it cause you shook out your jacket after you inadvertently leaned against the tree filled with fire ants scenario and now your "extra special battery" is living in the woods. Granted, you might not be able to "see" 1000 feet with a light that uses standard type batteries but in all my years of outdoor living/working I have yet to need that. Now talk about hunting or searching that might be different but hunting at night ain't legal where I come from, and as for searching I haven't had to do that... yet... I do have a very large 10 million candle power spotlight that weighs like 6 pounds and has 10" reflector that can light up 1/4 mile out but truth is I took that one on a truck trip and used it once, ok that was cool and then put it away. It's always nice to know you got the power if you need it but what it comes down to is it necessary in a flashlight you plan on motorcycling with?
If its for home use, then I'd be more apt to go for the cool hi power special battery type, something goes out you just go in the house and fix it. Being on the road is a much different world of crap... thats my 2 cents.
VERY COOL LIGHT THOUGH!! THANX... you got to love youtube..

there were many comparison videos here's the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8krMleTw ... detailpage

goinggear dot com produced them

Alright now that you got my curiosities tweeked to the max, I'm hot on the trail of this lumintop TD15 at 420 lumin. If you had asked me the day before yesterday what a lumin was, I probably would have answered, a new car by saturn? Now I'm using lumins in everyday conversation.



Today I set out to visit the local anarchist store, which turned out to be closed until monday, due to being at a trade show. So I went just up the road to my favorite gun shop. They all had big grins on their faces when I walked in, I like guns and they know it. They were fooled and surprised when I said I was looking for a flashlight and not a gun. Rob the gun guy hung his head in disappointment and shuffled off to get Larry the light guy. I was so proud of myself when I asked larry if he had a lumintop TD15 light, he froze then he took a long swallow and had a look on his face like he just pooped himself and didn't know what to do about it. (I knew right then I had him). Larry then replied (after he wiped) I've never heard of that one. Larry begins to show me their line of sure fire lights. I tell larry the lumintop TD15 is 420 lumen. He moves over to the display case and pulls out this huge war club a larger sure fire, he says this one is 400 lumen. I replied no the one I'm looking for is 420 lumen and 1/6 the size of that one. Now Larry's checking me for crack cocaine residue, he says I'll be right back. Larry checked on line came back and informed me that he found it and stated that he was amazed that such a small light was offered in 420 lumen.



Larry demonstrated to me the power of 400 lumen with the war club he showed me earlier. Now I was the one amazed, he shined the light on his hand and the reflection hurt my eyes. Another customer with obvious interests asked if he could see the light, while Larry was showing the customer the light I was looking at guns. I was about 10' away when Larry (I'm sure purposely) swept my eyes with the beam. WOW! I thought a UFO landed in front of me.



Anyway I'm hooked, Monday I continue my quest for fire.



Ride...Safe

Thanks for the info and the link. I perused the site, and while it offers info for many of the appliances I own, the battery type I use the most in flashlights is the A123.

Granted, I use the flashlights more as a safety tool, not an extravagance, but it would be nice to save a bit. I just figure that at some level a "tool" is a 'total loss' item if you need it.

When I buy SureFire batteries on-line there really is no price break if you buy 12 or 72 at a time--other than shipping costs. I seem to buy for my whole family, but it's not every month lately, so I shrug it off.

I do have an entire closet shelf packed with those Radio Shack NiMH batteries for headphones, remote controls, etc.

I'm hoping that there will be a lower cost option for rechargeable A123 (other than SureFire's current option), and if anyone knows a source, speak up.