[Doublej]

I need a few flashlights for the house. What's a good brand?

LED or Plasma?   

[TomS]

Here is an audiophile approved one, priced to match

http://www.surefire.com/g2x-pro.html

[kc8apf]

Being audiophile approved makes me think of the tube vs SS amp arguments.  At 320 lumens, that must be the tube flashlight: quality lumens over quantity.  For the SS side, there is the Bruiser 9000.  Looks like they now offer the Bruiser 12000 (12,000 lumens) as well but only on request.

[Larkston Zinaspic]

Don't know if it's audiophile-approved, but I've been using a Nitecore EA4 860 Lumen CREE XM-L U2 LED with Sanyo Eneloops to do my inspections with, and it's been holding up well. It's roughly the size of an empty toilet paper tube, and fits in the hand nicely. The Streamlight stinger is another option.

The Ultrafire WF-502B CREE XM-L T6 5-Mode LED is not bad for a 'cheapey' light, if you keep some good 18650's handy.

Should be good enough to find the directional arrows on your cables at night>>>>>at least.

[mcgsxr]

Depends what size you want, and if you want regular batteries or plug in and recharge.

I keep one of these magnetically attached to the old fridge in the basement - about 3 feet from the main electrical panel.  It plugs in and can be used just as a flashlight, or you can pull it out longer and it becomes a much larger work light.

Bought it 3 years ago when it was on sale for around $15.  Should have bought another!

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/motomaster-29-led-work-light-0379460p.html#.UnaLeBAURSQ

[milford3]

I carry this one at work.  Just love it.

http://www.streamlight.com/en-us/product/product.html?pid=153

[JerryM]

I have two of these from Nitecore. I will get at least one more. 

Have fun,

Jerry

[Bob in St. Louis]

I have two of these from Nitecore. I will get at least one more. 

How much?

Here's what I've got. Fenix PD30.
Compared to some of the wicked units you guys are using mine is a bit weak at 220 lumins, but it's has gone strong through several sets of batteries, very reliable.

[drummermitchell]

Would sure like to find a flashlight that can be left in the vehicle(especially -20-35)and hold it's power for a few months.
Nothing worse than needing a light at night if your vehicle breaks down especially in winter and then finding out the batteries are dead.
That's what I am looking for,a flashlight that you can basically throw in the glove box and more or less forget about it .

[Bob in St. Louis]

Last time I was at Autozone (not an act I perform frequently, trust me) I bought a couple small anodized aluminum lights. They were two for $5.
They're each about the size of half a roll of quarters. I threw one in my glovebox, and one in the wifes.
That was several years ago, and they still work. And I mean several years ago. Not sure what brand they are. Last I noticed, all they said was "China".

On another note...
My Mom gave me a "crank" flashlight. It sure seemed like a good idea. There's no replaceable battery, so when you need it, all you have to do is pull the crank handle out and give it 60 seconds worth of rotational elbow grease. That was in my glovebox for a few years. Then one night I was run off the road, over the ditch, and came to rest in a corn field. When I needed the (damn) flashlight, it didn't work. The battery wouldn't hold the charge I was giving it.

[wln1111]

I have one of each from Home Depot, they are very sturdy and bright for home use.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-ArmorMax-3D-Tactical-Flashlight-809-3731-D/203657321#specifications
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-ArmorMax-3C-Tactical-Flashlight-809-3721-D/203657319#.UncZs_nxauo

[JohnR]

IMO the best flashlights are the ones that run on the rechargeable batteries that you already have with your cordless tool kit.

Other than that, I'm about to order some of these: http://joby.com/gorillatorch/flare/ (I have a stack of rechargable AAs already)

[coke]

For a vehicle lights, I prefer lights that run on AA.  There are several out right now that run on 3 or 4 AA and produce close to 1,000 lumens.  For lights around the house, I like AA or 18650 (rechargeable)

It's also important to get a light with a good low mode for vehicle or nightstand use.  You don't want to turn 1000+ lumens on when eyes are adjusted to the dark.
 
Do some research on LED tint.  I prefer warm or neutral.

Do some research on hi CRI.  It's amazing how much of a difference something like a Nichia 219 makes with colors.  This is bascially how accurate the colors look under the light.

Learn and understand the difference between Lux and Lumens.   Also learn the difference between emitter lumens and out the front lumens.  Basically higher lux equals more throw.  Lumens is the measuremnt of total light output.  A 50k lux 200 lumen light can shine just as far as a 50k lux 2,000 lumen light, but the overal output will be less.  For use inside the house, a low lux flood light is a good option.

For batteries, get some sanyo eneloops and a charger if you plan on using the light a lot.  If you don't use it a lot or don't want rechargeable, get Energizer L91.  Both of these are AA size.

The most common rechargeable battery in flashlights is the 18650.

Some quality brands off the top of my head:
Zebralight
Eagletac
Sunwayman
Nitecore
Thrunite
Xeno
Olight
Fenix
Jetbeam


Check out this site for some quality custom/modified lights at good prices.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?140-Vinhnguyen54

I just ordered one of these.   It should shine light over 3/4 of a mile while still having good spill
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?370542-WTS-1-Must-Have-K40vn-Thrower-(Just-ordered-15-more)

The stop sign is 617 yards away 


Not bad for a light this size.

[JerryM]

How much?

The first one was a gift. It came with a cool charger, and two different types of batteries for power. I bought the next one on Amazon for $68.00 shipped. The bitchin' single Nitecore battery cost another $19.00 shipped.

Have fun,

Jerry

[Bob in St. Louis]

That's pretty reasonable.
Mine was that much (years ago) and your blows mine away.

[jqp]

I got one of these little Crees.

http://www.amazon.com/300LM-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable-Focus/dp/B00828MZ3W/ref=pd_cp_hi_3

Liked it so much I ordered 7 more for stocking stuffers.

They are inexpensive, work great with rechargeable batteries, super bright at shorter distances such as in a house, adjustable beam.

They are from China, take a 2-3 weeks to arrive but worth it for the price!

[Bob in St. Louis]

That's an amazing price. 

[murphy11]

thanks jqp just ordered 10.

[Bob in St. Louis]

I get an email from these folks periodically. They've got a neat selection.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/

I've never ordered a light from them, but I do buy batteries from them.
The battery my light takes cost $7 at Walmart, but cost $1 there.

[Doublej]

http://www.amazon.com/300LM-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable-Focus/dp/B00828MZ3W/ref=pd_cp_hi_3

thanks jqp just ordered 10.

How are they? Some of the recent Amazon reviews don't look so great. I splurged and bought a couple of similar looking ones from Meritline for an extra $1.50.