Re: Tatical Light
How much do you plan on using it, and what type of batteries do you want to run?
Just my personal choice, but I opted for the Nitecore Defender Infinity for my duty light. It runs AA batteries in primary (throw away AA's), Nimh AA's, or the higher voltage lithium rechargables. Note the rechargable lithiums will give you greater light output due to their higher voltage. You can pick up a nightcore for around $70.00 here -
http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-ndi-r2.html
For a good Nimh charger, look here -
http://www.thomasdistributing.com/shop/-p-405.html?value=frontpage
I like the MAHA C9000. For batteries, if you don't already have any, go with the new slow self-discharge Nimh kind.
If you want to get into rechargeable lithium batteries you need a charger made for recharging lithiums - not many places make or carry them. Here is the most recommended model if you want to go that route -
http://www.flashlightz.com/product.php?product=171829
This charger will recharge AA and 123 lithium rechargables. Note you will have to buy the spacer kit for the 123's or make your own.
If you want to step up and spend more money on a tactical light with a bullet proof warranty and something that is built like a tank check out the RA cliky line. I have the Executive 140 and the Tactical 170. These run on either primary (throw aways) or the RCR123 lithium rechargables. If you are going to run this type of light using this type of batteries, it pays to look for models that will take the rechargables, as using only primary batts can get costly depending on how much you use them.
Sure the cost of the charger and recharable batts is there, but over the long term, you'll be money ahead.
See the RA clickies here -
http://ralights.com/?id=Products
Alot of folks will recommend surefire. I can't and won't say they are good or bad as I have no experience with them. When I was really looking into tactical lights, there were no surefire's that I was aware of that could run the rechargable batteries - only primary throw aways, so that lead me towards nitecore and RA.
All three of these models can be user programmed and include tactical strobe. The Nitecore has infinite settings - on high it's either high or tac. strobe, and the second setting is any infinite lower setting you desire. Very easy to adjust just by twisting the head in sequence.
The RA clickies are also highly customizable, but it's a little more work. They will give you an A, B, C setting with an addtional momentary setting. You can choose what output each setting is.
Both have their pros and cons. The nitecore uses 1 AA. AA's are plentiful and cheap. It's also slightly smaller in diameter. The Clickies use 123's or RCR123's giving higher output in a comparable sized light. The plus here is that primary 123's have approx. a 10 year shelf life. Keep some of these around in a holder in case of emergency and run rechargabeles the rest of the time.
You can read for days over on candlepowerforums if you want to spend the time.
Here's another option I have on my key chain -
http://arcflashlight.com/arc-aaa.shtml
Arc also makes the ARC6, but it's costly and has shorter run times compared to the clickies.
All in all, I'm very happy with just owning these 4 lights. I could get buy with one less clicky and go with only 3. I'm not into collecting lights as some are. I just wanted to buy high end lights that I would use.
Good luck and remember - buy once, cry once. Torches are like good glass, you do get what you pay for and in the long run you'll be money ahead.
Take note that you'll need both chargers if you run Nimh and lithium rechargable batteries. To my knowledge, there isn't a company out there that will make a charger that does both types in the same unit. Has something to do with liability and the different voltages that rechargable lithiums take.
