bug out/in situation what kind of flashlight do you prefer? Why?

[11b1776]

A rechargeable or straight battery operated flashlight? Rechargeable's now days have 120v/12v charging options. Also solar devices to collect from the sun.

I see a lot of people have surefires with extra batteries, I personally like the rechargeables. Is there something I'm missing?

 

[jrusling]

I have an LED that uses rechargeable batteries or CR123. I think that this is the best of both worlds. I do have 3 rechargeable batteries for it that I rotate the first of every month. I also like my 3 cell mag light with an LED bulb. It is good for about 40 hours on one set of batteries.

 

[skyydiver]

Some great AA lights out there now, with all the recharge options listed above.

 

[11b1776]

Can you point me towards the ones that use both, I have not seen these. Thanks.

 

[Glocktogo]

I dropped a Cree XML LED into my C2 Centurion, plus had it bored to accept 18650 Li-Ion rechargeable batteries. I now have a pocketable 520 lumen flood/spot lamped flashlight that uses both. This this thing is straight up badass now!

 

[ez bake]

CR123 batteries are less than $1 a piece at places like batteryjunction.com - its hard to beat those prices for the power/longevity you get from them.

CR123-powered flashlights always put out more lumens and last longer than their equivelent AA versions. Rechargeable flashlights often run the risk of dying on you with no way to replace the power-cell. With replaceable rechargeables you gain the best of both worlds, but certain flashlights don't support rechargeable batteries (especially modern-day LED flashlights that rely on very specific voltage regulation).

 

[langston302]

I really like the pocket AAA models for bug out purposes. I have carried a County Comm AAA model for about two years in my pocket while at work and off duty. It has never failed and lasts forever. Plus AAA is cheap as helk.

 

[SMS]

I vote both. I have AAA, AA, D, and CR123 lights (not bound to one type of battery...I want to be able to use what's available) but I also have one AA/AAA recharger. Most solar rechargers take a very long time to build up a workable charge but I keep one to add some depth to my options.

(I actually seem to use my AAA headlamp more than any other model for non-gun work...so handy to have the hands free)

 

[Glocktogo]

CR123 batteries are less than $1 a piece at places like batteryjunction.com - its hard to beat those prices for the power/longevity you get from them.

CR123-powered flashlights always put out more lumens and last longer than their equivelent AA versions. Rechargeable flashlights often run the risk of dying on you with no way to replace the power-cell. With replaceable rechargeables you gain the best of both worlds, but certain flashlights don't support rechargeable batteries (especially modern-day LED flashlights that rely on very specific voltage regulation).

I tend to agree with you and will always keep a supply of Panasonic CR123's on hand from battery junction, but so far I've had excellent luck with the 18650 Li-Ion rechargeables I got from Lumaforce. They specifically call for them over the CR123's for Cree XML LED. So far, they seem to outlast the CR123's and I've had one sit for up to 6 months with no appreciable loss of charge. I tend to use three lights daily, this one, a Fenix LD-10 and a Terralux LED, both of which use Energizer rechargeables. I rely on rechargeables for my everyday use lights, or my monthly battery bill would be staggering!

 

[Wheel Gun]

Recharging issues aside, my go-to light is my trusty 4Sevens Quark 123 Tactical. Mainly because I can make you stop coming toward me by putting it into strobe mode and shining it into your eyes. There are other reasons, but that's the only one I really care about.