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Old March 27, 2008, 01:59 PM   #51
black bear 84
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THE CLASSIC SUREFIRE E1E EXECTUTIVE ELITE
FLASHLIGHT

This light is a beauty, short, light weight, with considerable power and with a decent run time for an incandescent light
In today’s market it is a little obsolete in the power department, as the Fenix line of small pocket/key chain lights put out more lumens and have more features.
Still, the Surefire E1e is the “classic” small light that arrived at a time when 15 lumens was only achieved with big lights using 2D batteries.

The E1e is extremely well made and finished in hard anodized type III in an olive drab finish; it weights 2.20 ounces and has a length of 3.40 inches. The lens is Pyrex and the reflector is stochastic, meaning that is finished with a light stippled pattern that makes the beam free of defects, rings and artifacts.

The light runs on one of the RC123’s batteries with a run time of 1.5 hours, the beam is nice, but will not throw far as the reflector is quite small, and small reflectors produce quite a flood.

The tail cap has three positions: unscrewed a couple of turns it will lock up the light (what is considered a safety position); screwed a little more, will allow activation of the momentary position by pressing the rubber button; screwed further, will activate the light on constant.




The little light charges the battery from the front, that means you have to take the head out to install the battery, as there is not enough room for the battery to enter if you remove the tail cap, as in most other lights.

The 15 lumens lamp is called MN01, and is 15 lumens of course; the MN02 is 25 lumens but it’s used in the E series Surefire that carries two batteries, as is the more powerful 60 lumens MN03.

I see this light as ideal for a woman’s purse or a man’s pocket. Although the retail price is $79 USD the light is so well made that is worth it. Finally, the light sports a clip that can be used to clip it to the edge of a pocket for quick retrieval, or to the bill of a cap if you need to do some chore using two hands.
Cheers

Black Bear
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Old April 7, 2008, 04:49 AM   #52
black bear 84
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HUSKY 2D 3 WATT LED LIGHT

I was at Home Depot and I spied a new light in the flashlight section. The new torch is a HUSKY brand, which is a brand name of Home Depot. I have used some of their inexpensive lights; they are made in China and represent a good value in some models.

The new light uses two D batteries (that are included in the package) and the source of light is a three watt LED. The difference in this torch is that the switch activates three different levels of illumination.
The package lacks any instructions and doesn’t even mention the output of the light or the run time. So I am guessing that the first mode (the first click) is a 12 lumens light, second click at 40 lumens and the last click about 80 lumens.

The idea of having three different levels is good, it will conserve battery juice when you just need a little light for illumination, and at the same time, the other two settings are there for more lumens when you need to reach farther or put out more intensity.
As this thread is all about comparisons, I decided to pit the new HUSKY against a Maglite 2D LED 3 watt that I bought a few months ago. I purchased the Maglite from Wal Mart for $24 USD, but I think that it was on sale at the time, still price wise the two lights. Compare.

The HUSKY is ½” shorter, otherwise they compare physically to each other and they weight the same, although the HUKY have a slightly smaller head.
The outside of the Husky is finished in a slightly duller anodizing than the Maglite; both lights look handsome on the outside.
In the inside the Husky shows the threads of the tail-cap, body and head very rough. Removing the head I found an adequate heat sink, although the mounting of the LED looks a little lousy. I wanted to take a look at the reflector and plastic lens, but it was not possible to remove the bezel despite my superhuman and my weight-lifter friend efforts - the bezel seems to have been super-glued in place.

The tail-cap sports a flimsy lanyard that I will not trust to hold the light for long, and looking inside at the switch, I found it very cheesy looking, more appropriate for a toy than for a flashlight. The little strip of metal where the battery makes contact with the switch, it doesn’t look good either.

The Maglite 2D on the other hand, is a high quality product with butter smooth threads, a switch that will last forever and a lot of well thought-out features (cam action, self cleaning switch, etc).
The Maglite is an American product that should cost much more of what it does now. Old timers may recall that when they first show up in the 1980’s the price tag was $60 USD and that they were selling like hot cakes, the engineering of the Maglite was at that time well above any of the existing lights, including the Kel-Lite.

In the picture you can see the Maglite 2D LED on left, the Husky light in the middle, and the red one on right is a Black Bear 720 lumens, (1 ½ million candlepower) a custom made light that shows how much illumination we can put into a Maglite “host” 2D, with a little ingenuity, and if the people are willing to pay the price of a custom product.




Here are the beam shots for comparison, 35 yards to the fence.

HUSKY 3 watt



MAGLITE 3 watt



BLACK BEAR 720 LUMENS




My impression is that the Maglite has a much better beam, in color rendition and in intensity. Also, I can throw the beam of the Maglite much further than the Husky. Even though both lights are 3 watt, the Maglite is better in quality of LED and power.
Granted - the Maglite has a 2” full reflector, while the Husky could be only 1 ¾ “ that could account for the better throw, but the Maglite definitely has a whiter beam and it is more intense.

Best wishes
Black Bear
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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old April 17, 2008, 09:39 PM   #53
gorgon24
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Inova X5 T Led Flashlight

Just picked up a non-black INOVA X5 T LED FLASHLIGHT at target. They are not marked clearance but take one to a scanner and get a nice surprise. The "off color" ones are marked down 75%! I got my grey/silver X5 for $8.34. I would have picked up a bunch for everyone but they only had one.
Sorry.

Best part is I took the light bender off the end of an old AAA mag-lite and now I have the brightest bore light known to man. I can spot a speck of dirt in a gun barrel 100 yards away! LOL

Check your local target.
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Old April 27, 2008, 12:43 PM   #54
black bear 84
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SUREFIRE E2e MODIFICATIONS

Judging for the mail I get from people, there is some interest in modifying the E2e (or E2O) for more lumen output.
The standard question is: Do you have any lamp that will make the E2e brighter?

There are two modifications made to the E2e to make it brighter. Both of them involve the P-61 lamp from Surefire, an incandescent lamp that output 120 lumens for 20 minutes.

The NASCAR modification (more properly named This_is_Nascar, for its developer), involves removing the stock reflector from the P-81 lamp and using the head and reflector of the standard E2e.

On top is the E to C adaptor model, below is the NASCAR model.




And this is the E to C adaptor on top and below the NASCAR modification.




It is necessary to stretch the bezel of the E2e to accommodate the longer P-61 lamp. This is accomplished by installing an O ring between the head and bezel and using a thinner mineral crystal instead of the Pyrex lens.
A washer is also used to bring the lamp to the proper focal point in the reflector. This modification has a run time of seven minutes, when the heat of running the 120 lumen lamp will reach the batteries, causing them to kick the thermal protection. This stops the juice to the lamp. Of course, after the batteries cool down, the light can be used again.

This happens because of the little mass of metal at the head and reflector. If there was more mass of metal at this point the heat would be absorbed (and displaced forward as infrared) and the batteries would continue to provide the full run time of twenty minutes.

And it is here where the second modification makes its appearance; by using an adaptor to bridge the gap between the E series body and a C series head. It is possible to use the P-61 lamp without removing the reflector. All the mass of the adaptor, coupled with the bigger head and the mass of the reflector, perfectly handles the heat of the powerful P-61 lamp, and the full run time of twenty minutes can be achieved, as well as less heat in the part of the light that is held by your hand.

There are a couple of versions in the market of this E to C adaptor. The one shown here was made by Doug Speck in Toronto, Canada. It is hard anodized to match the body of the E2e (or E2O) and the Z-44 (The head of the Surefire Centurion II).
Also, as the reflector (and head) are bigger, the range (throw) is increased over the smaller reflector of the stock E2e. Not to mention changing lamps is a breeze.
For more run time, the P-60 lamp (65 lumens) can be substituted; it will give the light one hour run time with much better throw than the stock E2e.

The NASCAR version has some use when somebody desires a rifle light in the smaller format with an intensity of 120 “real” lumens, and a good flood coverage for clearing rooms. Using a 1” scope ring and a plastic bushing, it is possible to mount the light to any Picattiny or Weaver base.

Best regards,
Black Bear
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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old July 14, 2008, 05:58 PM   #55
black bear 84
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Q-BEAM MAX MILLION II
TWO MILLION CANDLEPOWER
SPOTLIGHT


I very recently bought a new Q-Beam two million candlepower spotlight. I am a big user of spotlights, in my case I use them to give demonstration of the power of the Borealis 1050 lumens flashlight, in police reunions, night shots, and seminars.

When my eight month-old battery for my two million candlepower Optronics spotlight gave up the ghost, I had to get a new spotlight.
I spied the Q-Beam at Wal-Mart and I bought it on the spot. It is a large spotlight with a four-and-three-quarters inch reflector, and with some extra features not available in other spotlights.

For starters, it comes with two removable batteries. One battery could be on the light while the other is charging, a good feature. Unfortunately, in my case, one of the batteries was already dead and is not recharging. I will have to return the unit and get another, hoping for better luck.

However, bad batteries are nothing new in big spotlights. It seems that the Chinese haven’t gotten the hang of making lead acid batteries last any decent amount of time. I know; I have the corpses of seven spotlights to prove it (some day I will get around to rounding them up and take a picture of them).

I can safely say that I have tried all of them, and I can tell you that a quality spotlight is not available in the USA, unless you buy one of the Australian’s Night Force spotlights. Australians, with their liberal night hunting laws, know a thing or two more about night hunting and lights that the average American hunter does.

For law enforcement the panorama is different. With the advent of the Borealis 1050 lumens flashlight (12 ½” long, 28 oz) a spotlight in the cruiser is no longer needed.

After all, spotlight use for law enforcement is confined to operation from the car, which is why you don’t see a trooper conducting a traffic stop with spotlight in hand or chasing down a suspect with one in tow.

Coming back to the Q-Beam Max Million II, it also has another feature that was not available before in any other spotlight; a double trigger that when touched high, can activate mechanically a spring that will push the smaller part of the two-part reflector/ bulb holder, forward. This causes the focus to change to a wider flood; interesting concept, but perhaps of dubious utility. I have seen it employed in flashlights before, but by the use of two filaments positioned in the bulb envelope at different heights.

Here is a picture of the Q-Beam together with the Borealis




Unfortunately the Achilles’ heel of any spotlight is the quality of its batteries. In the normal use that I give them, they never last more than 6 to 8 months, which is why I am not looking to pay more than half a century note for one, with is just what the new Q-Beam cost me at Wal-Mart.

How does it compare with the Borealis 1050 lumens (two million candlepower)?
To answer that question, I move them to the backyard of my local church, where I have a solid wall of trees and a range of 35 yards (I try to avoid solid light-painted walls that produce too much reflection and confuse the camera).

Q-Beam Max II Spotlight



Borealis 1050 lumens flashlight




Black Bear 720 lumens flashlight





The new Spotlight did well in comparison, but it is more inside the range of the Black Bear 720 lumens (10 “ long 23 oz) than of the more powerful Borealis. Here are the pictures for you to judge; of course the Borealis and the BB 720 are better law enforcement tools as the side spill is bigger and the intensity and the color are brighter. Of course, you need side spill to avoid panning a tight focus’ light and losing precious seconds when clearing a room or warehouse.


For those that use the Q-Beam for varmint shooting (with a partner to hold the light of course) the light will do okay up to 300 yards.
For that use you can take advantage of the red filter (at shorter distance) and the other two filters, ( blue and amber), are completely useless for varmint shooting and for any other use I can imagine, as I can not see a blood tracker using such a big spotlight with the blue filter on it.

Respectfully,
Black Bear
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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old July 30, 2008, 07:03 PM   #56
wpd8918
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i am a cop in ohio. i carry a standard issued stinger on my belt. eventually i am going to be purchasing a new duty light and have no intentions on holding back as far as expenses are concerned. the light that on paper has caught my interest the most is the AELight Topgun Tactical LED light. it is tailored for LE use and looks incredible. i was wondering if anyone has had the pleasure to experience and use this torch. thanks
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Old July 31, 2008, 09:55 AM   #57
black bear 84
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THE UTG BARREL MOUNT



Hi guys,
For those wanting a barrel mount for a flashlight or laser, I have had good
results with the UTG barrel mount.
Initially purchased for an AK rifle, I found out that it can be mounted in
other rifle barrels, for example, it fits perfectly in a .22 rifle and also in
a Mini 14 I have.

It is a tri-rail mount with three Picattiny rails that will also accept Weaver
style rings. My model is the #2 mount which have two slots; the UTG is also
available with five slots that will accommodate the red dots scopes that are
in the market.

Picture of the UTG # 2


]

Another view






The UTG fully loaded with two TACM III tactical lights (one with a red filter)
and a laser.





The UTG is sold by Cheaper than Dirt and I imagine others places that cater to
tactical rifles. Just look in their catalogue in the AK accessories page.

Cheers
Black Bear
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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old September 16, 2008, 08:24 PM   #58
black bear 84
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VERY INTERESTING ARTICLE BY JAMES MAURER
ON THE BRIGHTEST LIGHTS IN THE WORLD
THAT YOU CAN GET OVER THE COUNTER.

THEY ARE ALL THERE
THE TORCH, THE POLARION, THE BOREALIS,
THE SUNFORCE, ETC.

READ IT IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN LIGHTS

http://www.jamesmaurer.com/worlds-br...flashlight.asp

CHEERS


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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old October 19, 2008, 12:06 PM   #59
black bear 84
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REMOTE SWITCHES
WITH PRESSURE PAD

Hi guys,
I have been using remote switches in my tactical lights that are mounted in rifles, shotguns, and bows, for quite a few years now.
The most effective of them are the ones with a direct connection to the solder pad that touch the battery (no spring), like the ones in the TACM III tactical lights.
The reason that they are more effective is that they don’t rob the system of any voltage (in the way of internal resistance) as do the ones with heavy springs.

Internal resistance is the name of the game, some of them, for example the TAC STAR pressure switch, can really make a bright lamp like the P-60, looks dim and murky, due to too much internal resistance in the design of the tail cap.

THE TAC STAR REMOTE SWITCH



A good one that I have used for years in mounting lights on my friends’ bows and rifles, is the G&P tail cap with remote. Its design is quite good and the internal resistance is low, but it is not designed for pump shotguns as the cord is just straight and not curly.

THE G&P REMOTE SWITCH



A very good one that I discovered recently is the Aimshot curly cord remote, the spring is copper and quite light and it seems to have very low internal resistance.
I discovered the Aimshot in Cheaper Than Dirt catalogue and at a very good price ($14.97) and it has become my favorite.
I just used one in a Pelican M-6 tactical light and mounted it using a UTG Tri rail mount in an AK rifle, it does the job well.

THE AIMSHOT REMOTE SWITCH



Cheers

Black Bear
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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old October 28, 2008, 09:07 AM   #60
black bear 84
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THE 200 LUMENS BATTLE

There are now a number of aftermarket lamps for the popular series of Surefire lights.
They will fit the Surefires series: 6P, C, Z, D, G, and maybe others.

I just received a new one that claims 290 lumens and is called a Cree R-2 (it’s supposed to be even more powerful than the Cree Q-5).
I decided to do a shoot out with an assortment of lights that I have in the 200 plus lumens class. That way the members can see how they perform against each other.

Run time was not measured for lack of time and because I am running short on 123’s batteries. The bigger lights, namely the Surefire M-4 with the MN60 lamp (225 lumens for 60 minutes on four 123’s disposable batteries) and the Bear Cub from Black Bear Flashlights (220 lumens for 90 minutes on rechargeable Li Ion batteries) are big throwers and with them you can see clearly objects 120 and 150 yards away.

On the other hand the small reflectors of the Surefires G-2, Centurion 2 and Fenix T-1 are dispersing all those lumens close by, creating a great flood.
Those pocket lights will be great to use as tactical lights by law enforcement personnel, and especially good at clearing houses, while the Surefire M-4 and the Bear Cub will make great lights for car, truck and the open spaces.

The literature of the Fenix states that it’s good for 200 yards, it will probably make a reflective target like a stop sign glow at that distance, but it would hardly illuminate any other object. My perception from trials I made, is that this light as well as the others LED’s can’t be count to illuminate (poorly) objects beyond 60/70 yards.


In any case, a lamp upgrade if you own a Surefire pocket light, is a good idea as any of them are more powerful than the stock incandescent lamp of 65 lumens or the stock LED lamp of 80 lumens.


The lights as they appear in the picture are, from left to right:


Surefire M-4 MN60 lamp 225 lumens for 1 hour (running on four 123’s batteries)
Bear Cub 220 lumens for 90 minutes, rechargeable
Surefire G-2 in yellow. It is 65 lumens for one hour with the stock P-60 lamp
Surefire G-2 in black, Lumen Factory lamp incandescent of 160 lumens
Surefire G-2 in green, Cree Q-5 by Deal Xtreme, 200 lumens
Surefire Centurion 2 in Jungle Camo, 290 lumens (claimed) with the Cree R-2 lamp
Fenix T-1, 225 lumens using a Cree Q-5 lamp




And now the pictures, target is 20 yards away, watch also the amount of side spill as well as the throw.

SUREFIRE M-4 DESVASTATOR 225 LUMENS



BEAR CUB RECHARGEABLE 220 LUMENS



SUREFIRE G-2 YELLOW 65 LUMENS



SUREFIRE G-2 BLACK LUMENS FACTORY 160 LUMENS LAMP



SUREFIRE G-2 GREEN, DEAL XTREME LAMP CREE Q-5 200 LUMENS





continues in next post
__________________
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and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old October 28, 2008, 09:08 AM   #61
black bear 84
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SUREFIRE CENTURION 2, CREE R-2 290 LUMENS (CLAIMED)



FENIX T-1 CREE Q-5 225 LUMENS





One word of caution with high intensity LED lights: most are not thermally regulated and they will suffer from their own heat if used for an extended period. They will get very hot and the tint will change. Short use of 5 minutes or less is recommended, especially in lights like the G-2 that has a plastic body and head.

All metal flashlights like the Surefire 6P are better at dissipating the heat, and in them a few more minutes of constant use can be achieved before the heat will damage the module.
The big heavy head of the Fenix acts as a heat sink, and this light can manage to run much longer without the heat affecting the module.

Besides, the Fenix has a second setting that will run the light at 60 lumens for 10 hours.
So, if you already have a Surefire you want to upgrade, the aftermarkets lamps are great.
If you need a new light look at the Fenix line.

If you need a truck, open spaces light, the Bear Cub is a great value as it is rechargeable and very bright as well as a 150 yards thrower.

Cheers

Black Bear
__________________
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http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old January 14, 2009, 10:30 PM   #62
black bear 84
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TERRALUX LIGHTSTAR 220
FLASHLIGHT

For the last two months, I have been using one of the Terralux Lightstar 220 lumens flashlights, which runs on two AA batteries.
This light has two settings on the click-tail cap; the first setting clicks on the light and emits 220 lumens for 1.5 hours.
The second setting of 100 lumens for 6 hours is accessed by softly pressing the rubber button switch.

The LED is a Cree RXE Q-4 and is controlled by a microprocessor for a constant light output. When battery juice is running low, the LED will flicker to let you know that is time for new batteries.
The unit comes with two Energizer AA batteries, a lanyard and a soft nylon holster. At an even six inches long, the light is quite portable and also features a clip to attach it to your belt or waistband.





It is very similar to the popular 3 watt 80 lumens Ray-O-Vac Sportsman Xtreme (but is slightly longer as the click tail cap needs more room for the mechanism), and the head is smaller with a small orange peel reflector.
Due to the small reflector the beam throws quite a flood despite the 220 lumens figure. Small reflectors don’t really have much throw no matter how many lumens you make the light puts out. However, it is quite adequate for most chores inside a house and practical, too, for walking the dog or a walk in the woods.

LIGHTSTAR AT 20 YARDS WITH THE 220 LUMENS




LIGHTSTAR WITH THE 100 LUMENS SETTING






The really nice thing about these lights are that they are very inexpensive to feed as they use common AA batteries. As I use rechargeable AA batteries in all my lights, it is even more inexpensive to use.
The dark green anodized body is quite resistant to scratches as the light is still like new even after a couple months of sharing my pocket with keys and coins.

Cost of the light varies depending where you buy it, but it is around $35 to $40 USD; your best bet is to Google it to see who has a special on it.
I like this light to the point of recommending it to anybody that is looking for a light with these characteristics. The light is as good as the Ray-O-Vac Sportsman with the added power of the 220 lumen setting.
Cheers.

Black Bear
__________________
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http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old January 17, 2009, 12:05 AM   #63
Larry Spencer
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This light uses only one AA battery and weighs 1.7 oz w/o battery.
Uses a Cree 7090 XR-E LED

Mode-1: 9 lumens (34hrs)
Mode-2: 47 lumens (6hrs)
Mode-3: 94 lumens (2.2hrs)
Mode-4: 120lumens (1.5hrs)
Mode-5: Strobe

The LD-10 - - 17 days of survival use (2 continuous hours per day in Mode-1) About $58


Or the Military/Police 5.5zoz: 225 Lumens Tactical - TK11 -- $78

And what I like best is their: "NO QUESTIONS ASKED" - UNCONDITIONAL LIFETIME WARRANTY!
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Old February 17, 2009, 07:27 AM   #64
black bear 84
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WHEN A LUMEN IS NOT A LUMEN

A lumen is not a lumen when somebody intends to throw a big bunch of them out of a small reflector the size of a dime or nickel. At least it seems to be that way.

It used to be easy to tell the power of a light by the lumens figure, not anymore. You could be an experience user of lights, say a policeman that had used for years a 200 lumens Magchager and is well acquainted with its capabilities. Now he reads about this small light the size of a thumb that also outputs 200 lumens and is all excited to get the new marvel.

He does and is promptly disappointed because the small light seems to throw a good amount of light, but all close by, and is nothing that can compare with his duty Magcharger that can illuminate objects at 100 yards.

Besides emitters in the 200 lumens bracket can kill themselves with the heat that they produce when they are used in small lights with poor heat sinking. It is mostly a novelty thing and it should be used with caution. Some of them come in lights with multiple settings, and that is fine when the literature advice you to use the 200 lumens sparingly, and you follow that advice.

To illustrate the point, here are a couple of pictures of beam shots at 20 yards, you can clearly see the superiority of the Bear Cub (reflector size 2”) over the Lightstar 220, (reflector the size of a dime) even when both lights are rated at 220 lumens.

LIGHTSTAR 220 LUMENS AT 20 YARDS



BEAR CUB 220 LUMENS AT 20 YARDS




Some manufacturers wishing to quote big numbers are now putting clusters of these small reflectors on duty size flashlights. Mind you these clusters that are from three to four are still all small reflectors with limited throw.
So, somebody putting a cluster of four reflectors in a big head can claim 800 lumens, but you know better now, knowing that those 200 lumens for each reflector are not really behaving like real lumens!

Unfortunately I don’t have one of those lights to prove the point. But I can get my own cluster of lights in the 200 lumens bracket, and demonstrate by picture what can you expect.

I have here two of the Lightstar220 lumens, plus a Fenix P3D of 205 lumens and an Ultra Fire with Rebel emitter of 200 lumens, all of which together in a cluster will throw the figure of 845 lumens.

The opposite number is a Black Bear 720 lumens flashlight, a light that is 10” long and weights 24 oz. and uses a 2” reflector that can throw several hundred of yards with a strong white light.

HERE IS THE PICTURE OF THE CONTENDERS



The distance for both beam shots is in this case 35 yards to the target (The no trespassing sign tacked in the tree). The camera is 20 yards from the target.

CLUSTER OF REFLECTORS 845 LUMENS




BLACK BEAR 720 LUMENS ONE REFLECTOR 2”



Observe how the beam of the 720 lumens light travels beyond the range of the cluster lights, illuminating objects that the cluster lights are not capable of showing.
So, if you are in the market for a new light, this use of small reflectors in clusters to boost lumens figures is something you should be aware off.

Cheers
Black Bear
__________________
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http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old March 2, 2009, 10:17 PM   #65
black bear 84
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NEW BULB FOR THE BOREALIS FLASHLIGHT
750 LUMENS FOR 75 MINUTES

As you may know the Borealis 1050 lumens flashlight is the most powerful military/police flashlight in use today.
The Borealis will make 1050 lumens for 50 minutes on rechargeable batteries. Now a new bulb is available which will run the light for 75 minutes with a drop of only 300 lumens.

Lights in use by police today are the Magcharger, the Stingers, the SL 20 up to 200 lumens, the Ultra Stinger-295 lumens, the Pelican 7060-135 lumens, and the Fenix TK series up to 240 lumens.

Military forces use a variety of Surefires as weapon lights with 120 lumens and hand held like the Surefire M-4, 350 lumens and the Surefire M-6 at 500 lumens.

So, the above statement of the Borealis been the most powerful is not an exaggeration, many are been used daily by police and many are doing tour of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq.

What the new bulb does is extend the run time to 75 minutes without reducing drastically the output.

As no other duty flashlight with the same lumens is available, I decided to conduct a shoot out against a big two million candlepower spotlight, the one at hand was an almost new Brikmann Q beam Max million II (two million candlepower) with a reflector of five inches wide and a big bulb of 75 watt.
All this in competition to a bean sized 30 watt bulb and two inch reflector of the Borealis.

DAVID AND GOLIATH




FIVE INCH VERSUS TWO INCH




This particular Borealis has a Light Stippled reflector, a reflector designed to give a good balance between flood and throw, but given the semi custom character of the Borealis three other reflectors are available, smooth for maximum throw, orange peel for just a little less throw but more flood (also called side spill) and a medium stippled reflector designed for a big flood but with the range limited to 100 yards.

As the night was bitterly cold I decided to take the pictures and shoot the beams right out of my second story kitchen window, with the short tripod legs resting in the kitchen sink.
The target is the white and blue cabana which is the second building in the picture after the fence.

The target is 74 yards from my window, with back trees as much as 85 yards (they are still visible with both lights).

Due to the big reflector in the spot light, the beam is concentrated in the center of the picture and illumination from the side spill is not as great as it is with the Borealis 750 lumens bulb.

Observe both pictures and you will see more area illuminated by the Borealis 750 lumens bulb, than is illuminated by the two million candlepower spotlight.
Still the intensity of both beams is similar at the center of the target area.

Q-BEAM MAX TWO MILLION



BOREALIS 750 LUMENS 75 MINUTES BULB




In conclusion the new Borealis bulb of 750 lumens is worthy for those that will want a run time of 75 minutes. Even after loosing 300 lumens the Borealis still is the most powerful flashlight used by the police and the military.

The light can be ordered with the 1050 lumens bulb installed and the spare as the 750 lumens or vice-versa. You can also order the reflector most appropriate for you work, the only light in the Industry that offers you a choice of four reflectors.

Cheers.

Black Bear
__________________
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http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
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Old July 21, 2009, 05:28 AM   #66
black bear 84
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Posts: 246
SANYO ENELOOP LOW DISCHARGE
AA NIMH RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES

Here is a product that I can recommend highly.
The batteries are very low self discharge; the claim by Sanyo is that they will keep 85 percent of the charge for a year when they are left in the shelf unused.

They can also be used without charging right from the package the first time, as they are fully charged at the factory.

I recently had the opportunity to test their claims. Last year about this time I left a Borealis flashlight loaded with nine Eneloop batteries in my buddy’s fishing shack he has in the Adirondacks.

After a period of over a year, I tested the Eneloops and the powerful Borealis flashlight (1050 lumens, over two million candlepower) to see how much remaining charge it had left.

This particular set of batteries has been recharged and used quite a few times, and the run time of the Borealis with them was 40 minutes when fully charged. (Batteries gain capacity when recharged several times).

Under controlled conditions and watch in hand, I ran the Borealis until the beam started to weaken, and got a run time of 36 minutes, just 4 minutes short of full run time after a year of seating on the shelf. I say this is an amazing performance for a rechargeable battery that is also high current coping very well with the powerful almost 3 ½ amps of the Borealis’ bulb.

Ever since the Eneloops are in the market, some other batteries have come out with the same chemistry, however, I cannot comment on them as I haven’t used them to the extend I have used the Eneloops.

Cheers

Black Bear
__________________
builder of the BOREALIS 1050 lumens flashlight
http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
e-mail [email protected]
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Old August 5, 2009, 10:43 AM   #67
neoseikan
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Join Date: May 11, 2009
Posts: 6
Officers. If you carry a Surefire M6, then you can carry a NEOFAB LEGION II as well. It has a higher output and a up to 3 hours runtime. (20 mins for Surefire M6.)
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Old September 18, 2009, 03:29 PM   #68
gngtools
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Location: Morgan Hill, CA
Posts: 38
Someone just gave me a fenix TK11, and I really like it. Lots of light and fits in the centurion holder on my belt.
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Old October 24, 2009, 12:23 PM   #69
SunflowerAmmo.com
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Join Date: October 24, 2009
Location: Olathe, KS
Posts: 8
Fenix TK40

Have you guys talked about the Fenix TK40. It is a great all purpose light.
Features/advantages:
- It will go from 13 lumens@150 hrs to 630 Lumens@2 hrs
- Runs on AAs. I use the NiMH LSD rechargeables and carry lithiums for back-up due to their shelf life. In a pinch I can get AAs also most anywhere.
- Strobe mode can be used at 630 lumens for self defense when no other weapon is available.

I bought one that I keep on my night stand. I liked it so much I stocked it at SunflowerAmmo.com
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Old January 4, 2010, 11:01 AM   #70
black bear 84
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Posts: 246
SOLARFORCE L-2 LED FLASHLIGHT
5 FUNCTION MODULE

I have lately been using some components of Solarforce flashlights to make me a couple of tactical lights (to use in a Remington 1100 shotgun and in a Kalashnikov rifle).

I bought a couple of loose bodies, heads, and modules, and for the remote cable switch I used a couple of Aimshot tail caps with pressure pads.
The modules are simple one function 200 lumen (or so) R-2’s, and have enough throw to make 50 yard shots possible. As the shotgun and rifle are intended for home defense, 50 yards are all I needed.

The bodies were intended for CR123 batteries and I loaded them with red Surefire batteries before mounting them on a Weaver 1” ring and clamping it to Picattiny’s rails in the long guns.




More recently I received a Solarforce L-2 five function flashlight. It also uses the R-2 module and sports a reverse clicky tail cap, which, when activated, goes to the last function (or level) that was stored in the memory.

The levels are full power (about 200 lumens), medium power (about 100 lumens) low power (about 40 lumens), strobe in the 200 lumen level, and SOS also in the 200 lumen level.
To activate each level, you just press softly on the tail cap.




The claims that I have seen advertised for the lumen output are much higher than the ones I am estimating here, but these estimates are based on my vast use of lights and in direct comparison with my Fenix TK-11 Q-5 flashlight that is billed as a 225 lumen light.

This wild throw of numbers of lumens is because the emitters are measured in Integrated Sphere Spectotometers without the reflector, head or lens, and are of course much higher than when the flashlight is used with these in place.

The true out-the-front numbers are much lower due to losses from the reflector and reflection from the lens.

The Solarforce model I have comes with the larger internal diameter body that will accept 18650 Lithium Ion rechargeable batteries, as well as the RC123’s and the rechargeable RCR123’s.

Having several 18650 batteries and a charger, I prefer to use the large Lithium Ion rechargeable battery.
Fortunately for those that will want to use the light on a rifle or shotgun, the Weaver 1” ring clamps to the 18650 body without a problem.

Prices of body components or entire lights vary depending where you purchase them. Your best bet is to Google the Solarforce name and see what is available and where at the time of your search.

I have been using the Solarforce L-2 for the last two weeks in my pocket and I don’t care for the sharp crenellated bezel that is very rough in my pocket’s liner. It was bothering me so much that I finally removed it in favor of a Z-32 Surefire bezel that I had in my spare parts box.

The strobe function is used in tactical lights with the hope it will bother the opponent more than the straight beam. To me it is of no value as a deterrent, but it is a good function to have if you ever are in need to attract attention and are unable to call for help.

I wanted to take some beam shots but the snow here has been so bothersome lately (we had 26 inches on the ground) and prevented me from doing so. In any case, the beam is so close to the beam shots I have made with other 200 lumen R-2’s that you can see them in the post titled “The 200 lumens battle,” and you can imagine the beams to be the same.
Cheers
Black Bear
__________________
builder of the BOREALIS 1050 lumens flashlight
http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
e-mail [email protected]

Last edited by black bear 84; January 4, 2010 at 11:58 AM.
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Old January 5, 2010, 01:55 PM   #71
Barzten1
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Join Date: January 5, 2010
Location: Rio Rancho, NM
Posts: 19
So glad I found this place. Ive been in the bar business for 16 years. My flashlight is my pocketknife. I take it everywhere! I swear by my Blackhawk Gladius (have 2 of them) and love the strobe option. I own a Surefire 6p which Ive had 11 years and have bought about 8 G2's for my security. I was going to treat myself to a new light and started doing research. I was origionally looking at the Surefire LX2 but it doesnt offer the strobe option. I want something with at least 200 lum. What is your opinion on the Blackhawk Gladius? Others I was looking at are the Jetbeam RRT-2, Insight HX200, Olight M21 or the Fenix Ta21. I was totally impressed by your lights but need something similar in size to the ones I posted. Thanks for any help
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Old January 6, 2010, 07:04 PM   #72
black bear 84
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Join Date: April 23, 2005
Posts: 246
All the lights you mention are good. But I don't have personal experience with them.
For your particulars needs I would buy the Solarforce L-2 for about $30 right in this forum.
Here is the link (Jindo thread)
http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/...d.php?t=358790

The light has all the features of the other lights.
Get some good quality 123's or if you are using the light a lot get a 18650 battery and an Ultra Fire charger.

Cheers
Black Bear
__________________
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http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
e-mail [email protected]
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Old January 7, 2010, 05:37 AM   #73
Barzten1
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Location: Rio Rancho, NM
Posts: 19
I actually bought one of his lights tonight. Thanks for the honest info. I feel good about my purchase and cant wait to put it to work. I might make the company buy one of your lights. Im curious to see its power. I just know it will get lost, stolen or broken at work. Thanks again.
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Old January 8, 2010, 12:24 AM   #74
Barzten1
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Location: Rio Rancho, NM
Posts: 19
Ordered a second light from him today and a Olight m30. Ill give you guys the review
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Old February 17, 2010, 12:50 PM   #75
black bear 84
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Posts: 246
SOLARFORCE L2-P
5 MODE FLASHLIGHT

I recently reviewed the Solarforce L-2 flashlight and criticized the sharp crenellated bezel of this light, because it feels rough and uncomfortable in my pocket.

Solarforce has now introduced a new model that has a new bezel and tail cap. The new bezel have a low profile rounded crenellated that is great for you pants pockets.

It also sports a new tail cap that recesses the rubber button and it now sits flush with the edge of the tail cap.

This is good if you want to use your light in the candle mode; standing it on the tail cap so the light shine onto your ceiling and illuminate the adjacent area, much like a table lamp would.

However it precludes any use as a “tactical” light as my thumb cannot push the rubber button far enough to click it, I have to do it with my index finger, and the click switch is harder to push than the one in the previous model, the L2.




This light was advertised as “the professional” and it is a little different as I explained in the tail cap and head-bezel, also the color is black matte instead of the black glossy anodizing of the L-2 model. This is called hard anodizing type III and is marked that way in the body of the new light, however I doubt it is the same quality anodizing that Surefire uses, as my sample is already chipped in the tail cap showing a bright spot.

This is no doubt due to the poor protection in packing the light, I received it in a bubble pack envelope which was broken and half the light was sticking out of it.

The interior of the light is anodized in a soft gold color similar to the Surefire interior, as this light is a clone of the Surefire it is a good idea they protect the interior this way, instead of the bright aluminum interior of the L-2.

The body of the light is exactly the same as the L-2 model, except of course for the label and color.

The module is the same used in the L-2 model, it have five functions, low, medium, high, strobe and SOS.

This R-2 lamp is advertised at 300 lumens, which I have difficulty seeing, as my Fenix TK-11 with a Cree Q-5 rated for 225 lumens is a little brighter than this lamp.
Nevertheless, even if it is only 200 lumens, it still is a good lamp.

I much prefer the switch of the previous model as I have more control over it and is easy for me to activate.

The overall quality is improving. The threads are smooth and the switches positives, the beam is white and free of shadows or distortions, this light reach 45 yards with enough light to show detail.

For run time I can only offer a copy and paste I took from The Firing Line forum from a sales thread that is featured there:

Here it is:
High Level (~300 lumens) approx. 1.25 hours run time
Mid Level (~165 lumens) approx. 2 hours run time
Low Level (~100 lumens) approx. 3 hours run time
That said, if a person uses (1) 18650 rechargeable lithium ion battery their run times, on average, usually increase by approximately 200%. Though their overall output is lessened a bit.

I can’t vouch for the veracity of these run times, I run the light myself using a rechargeable 18650 battery, but it can also run with two 123’s for those that like to waste money and batteries.

Solarforce also have some L2 bodies for those that like to put their own lamps in. It is mostly necessary for those that are building a weapon light, as the remote pressure pad switch will cycle this R-2 lamp on the different modes, and weapons lights need only one mode (full power).

Solarforce makes an R-2 lamp with single mode and Lumens Factory has other incandescent and LED’s lamps that will fit Surefire as well as Solarforce lights.

Respectfully
Black Bear
__________________
builder of the BOREALIS 1050 lumens flashlight
http://thefiringline.com/forums/show...=169074&page=3
and www.BlackBearFlashlights.com
e-mail [email protected]
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