I am looking to get a nice LED flashlight for my hunting bag. I have always used the mini-mags in my bag but have been wanting to upgrade to LED. I am looking to spend $50-$100 on this light and would like to stay around the same size as the mini mag or slightly larger. Is it a waste to want the 500-800 lumen lights and just stick with the lower lumen ratings? I know there are some flashlight gurus on this board so any first hand knowledge/experience is appreciated.

Streamlight Protac 2L.

I carry it every day.

I'd look at Streamlight's offerings. Their protac line has a variety of options. I have their rail mounted HL-X protac on one of my AR's and a thousand lumens at night is pretty damn bright.

Staying with Streamlight---their ProTacHL3 for mucho lumens and distance, their Microstream USB pocket light for amazing light in a small unit (and under $30). Recharge a Lithium battery via a USB port. Dual clip works on pocket or cap.

check out Nitecore website, cheaper overall than EagleTac or ZebraLight. They will ship from Texas.

I've got two Streamlight 88040 ProTac HL 750. $60 on Amazon and I've been very pleased.

www.candlepowerforums.com

These guys can give you more information than you'd ever want. Lots of flashlight reviews with pictures of the beams and real runtime. I had to stop going to that forum because it cost me a lot of money. It was addicting and I learned a lot about flashlights. One thing that always stuck with me is that lumen ratings aren't a good way to compare flashlight brightness.

Someone here put me onto Nitecore and now I own several. All have been very impressive. As a hunting light, I would strongly recommend a headlamp. Something like the HC30 would fit the bill well, as the light itself comes out of the headstrap and can be used like a traditional flashlight.

I've heard a dude named Stallman can recommend a good flashlight.

Any opinions on Countycomm.com Maratac flashlights?
Link

drummer0415 said:

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I've heard a dude named Stallman can recommend a good flashlight.

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lmaoooo

drummer0415 said:

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I've heard a dude named Stallman can recommend a good flashlight.

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I heard he used it for cougar hunting but came up short.

drummer0415 said:

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I've heard a dude named Stallman can recommend a good flashlight.

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But how would you rate it? On a scale of 1-10?

In close quarters searching you are correct. Too high lumens makes searching for stuff in the dark tough, although one could angle the light away.

Have both Surefire and streamlight. Prefer Surefire.

Just picked up the Surefire stiletto for pocket Rechargeable

https://www.surefire.com/illumination/flashlights/stiletto-multi-output-rechargeable-pocket-led-flashlight.html

And weapon light

The 600df.

https://www.surefire.com/m600df-dual-fuel-led-scout-light.html

Both can be found on amazon.

Yes, Nitecore is awesome! I now have two, p12 and p12gt and next purchase is probably a head lamp.

The p12gt is awesome wth a really long throw distance. I can easily see out past 200 yards so great to put on a night gun.

Also to address too many lumen concern, most Nitecores, and definitely on the p12s, you can adjust the intensity, so no issues if you need a light indoors or a small/dim light in a deer stand, etc...

LoudestWHOOP! said:

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Any opinions on Countycomm.com Maratac flashlights?
Link

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Had one and a Fenix that were both AAA lights. Liked the Fenix alot more and I think it was cheaper to boot.

you can laugh if you want to, but these are the best light for the money

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/tasco-led-flashlight/prod16420024.ip?&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001971495&pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_1013571787&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=260269102246&wl4=aud-522882023199:pla-428580180174&wl5=9027616&wl6=&wl7=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12={productid}&wl13=&wl15=52755528679&wl17=1o1&veh=sem&kclid=d38005da-3859-476c-82e4-040ab68905ba&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzMX2taTc3wIVycDACh0orgiFEAQYASABEgIP-fD_BwE

I've been pleasantly surprised with my nitecore too.

I have a nitecore p12 that has been great, and I really like the adjustable output levels.

If you're looking for something small I would recommend the Olight I3T EOS. 20 bucks on Amazon. It runs off a single AAA battery and puts out 180 lumens on high mode. I carry one in my pocket every day. It has a pocket clip and is only about 3.5" long. It's plenty for looking through your gear bag or lighting up small spaces. It wouldn't be very good for distance or lighting up large areas. Just depends on what you're looking for.

Surefire. They are pricey, but the best quality/light.

Their weapon lights are very expensive, though.

Acebeam X80

Aggiebrewer said:

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fightingfarmer09 said:

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Streamlight Protac 2L.

I carry it every day.

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so at night you dont...solid plan

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I'll second the Olight brand, been really impressed with them...my carry is the S10R Baton III, I think it is around 600 lumens on max, cost was around $70. Perfect size for pocket carry (about 3"), and Is lite enough and has a strong enough clip to clip it to your hat when needed. They've got some nice weapons lights as well.

fightingfarmer09 said:

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Streamlight Protac 2L.

I carry it every day.

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This. Ditto. Great little light for about $42. I have one I carry all the time and a few others for trucks, gun safe, etc.

+1 for Nitecore. I own several. Fantastic quality, leading edge technology, durable and reliable. Can't say enough good things about their products.

+1 for Nitecore

Have several Streamlights and several Fenix's. I prefer the Fenix.

Have a Streamlight Protac 2L, and two Fenix "?" of the same make. I bought the Fenix, and then after a year of use, bought one for my son. Have the red lenses for each to put on, and a blue one for blood tracking at night.

Both lights are good, but edge to the Fenix b/c you can use either the two CR123 or the one 18620 batteries. The Protac only uses two CR123s. And you can get rechargeable 18620's in variable MHs

Olight. Better bang for the buck than Streamlight or Surefire

I have Surefire, Steamlight and several Felix PD35s. Really like the Felix. Like someone already said, they take CR123 or rechargeable batteries. Normally I don't like rechargeable batteries because of the Air Force maxim that flashlights are long metal tubes designed to store dead batteries. Anywhere that I can't afford a dead flashlight (e.g. my truck), I keep a flashlight with CR123s and a spare set. Other times (flashlight to walk the dog), I use the rechargeables since I have easy access to another rechargeable battery and charger. The Fenix has five intensity levels up to 1000 lumens. When the battery is getting depleted, you lose the highest intensity levels. Even if battery is going, I still have enough juice to finish walking him and get back to house.

You win the internet

I bought 45 of the Streamlight 88077 from Eyeguy back before Christmas as client gifts and they are pretty damn nice.

It might be more than what you're really looking for at 7.5" long but it's a nice light. Rechargeable 18650 lithium battery (with usb charging) which is kinda cool.

I've had the Fenix LD12 for a few years and have been very happy with it. It's small enough to fit in a pocket but will light up the back yard if you need to. Honestly, it's the only flashlight I've had in my house since I bought it and has done everything I've needed.