blazenut Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Hey guys. Im in the market for my first "good" flashlight. I have been using 3D mags, there ok, but they are not that bright and the switches keep going on them. I want to get a rechargable light and Im doing my best to find a good LED so i dont have to replace bulbs once a month. Do you guys have any experience with the streamlights out there? I was looking at the Streamlight® Stinger® HP C4® LED - AC & DC Fast - 75785... Any thoughts? here is a link: http://www.streamlight-flashlights.com/ ... 75785.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad Fabry Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 I have four Streamlights. I hate them all. They're the least dependable flashlights I own. I have a 5 watt LED light that was made in Korea. I know that because that's all the light says" Made in Korea" and it's better, more rugged and more dependable than the Streamlights I now rely on as back-ups to my $30 Korean light. I should have left my Streamlights in the piece of crap Ford truck I sold last year. I wish I thought of that; it would have been the perfect accoutrement for a truck that got stuck because the drive wheel was parked on a wet newspaper. That way, if the truck got stuck in the dark, the new owner of the truck that won't go up a 5% grade if it rained in the last month could have put the Streamlight under the tire for traction after the switch failed or the batteries exploded. They could then try to take a picture of the whole fiasco with a Kodak 1012IS only to later discover that the flash is focused about two feet above the intended subject matter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazenut Posted October 27, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 hmmm. Intresting opinion. Anyone else? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caryseidner Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 I have 2 ultra stingers with the standard bulbs. I bought the 1st one when I started up 5 years ago and when the battery stopped holding a charge, 1-1/2 years later, I replaced the battery and bought a the 2nd ultra stinger. I find them to be very dependable and super bright. In 5 years I've had to replace 2 bulbs and 2 batteries, which I think is very reasonable considering the amount of use and abuse they go through. Each unit came with a home and car charger. During the warm months I keep one unit in the car charger, and during the colder times I keep both units in the home chargers. Works for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Manor Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Based on Kurts glowing review of the Fenix TK11, I bought one. It's ridiculously bright, batteries last a long time, and it seems to take abuse well. I got a pair of lithium batteries and a charger with mine - when the battery starts to weaken (after about 4 inspections) I just swap it for its twin and I'm all set, no need to hang the whole flashlight in a charger overnight. -Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 I have two ultra stingers. They charge in the truck. Sim plying swapping them between inspections keeps them going strong. I replaced 1 battery in 4 years. Water got to it. I was using the light to direct parking at church one rainy night. The need to replace the bulb has been directly related to hard bumps while the light is in use. They fail shortly after a drop. I wound up with two when I replaced the one I thought I lost. My daughter had borrowed it and left it in mom's car. I quietly purchased another before finding the one in mom's car. Of course this was a few weeks after I purchased a new one to replace the one that rolled off of my bumper. It seems that is where I left it when I was packing up after my am inspection to drive 90 miles to an afternoon inspection. They serve me well. If I would only loose one of these I'd HAVE to look at a Fenix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Raymond Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Charlie, If you'd like to accidentally mail one of them to me, I'll be sure not to return it so that you can get that Fenix. While your at it, accidentally send the other one to Cory. Tom Don't forget the chargers[:-dev3] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 TK11 or TK30 Also one of those $9.99 rechargeable 1million candlepower wash and wear models from K-mart. Bigger is better when you let folks handle it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnmcq Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Another nice thing about the Streamlights (I have an Ultrastinger and a Stinger LED) is you can get 'em fixed for free at the factory. Last week I dropped by Streamlight HQ in Eagleville, PA, to drop off both for repairs -- the light module in the 2-yr-old LED, the switch and lens in the 4-yr-old Ultra. The counter man took both, no questions asked, and handed them back 10 minutes later with all defective parts replaced -- free. Whoa. Nice warranty. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caryseidner Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Wouldn't ya know it! I blew another bulb today during my afternoon inspection. Who jinxed me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Katen Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 For the past few years, I've been using a pair of Stinger HPs. I mostly like the size & weight. They fit my hands, don't pull my belt down too much and are very rugged. I tried Brendon's Fenix a while back and found it just too darn small. When I need brightness -- in attics & crawlspaces, for instance -- I use a 3 watt cheapo light that I picked up at Home Depot for $16. It easily last long enough for two inspections, but begins to fade on #3. I may try a little surgery on it per this video: - Jim Katen, Oregon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Charlie, If you'd like to accidentally mail one of them to me, I'll be sure not to return it so that you can get that Fenix. While your at it, accidentally send the other one to Cory. Tom Don't forget the chargers[:-dev3] Well if you must know..... I had a client do a crawlspace with me about a month ago. It was in a city about 50 miles south. Want to guess where I left his light! On the bumper. The home seller gave it to his agent who called me. Go figure. Sent the lady a priority mail box full of bubble wrap, a label with my address and postage to put on the outside of the box. No gift, coffee card or anything. She sent the light back anyway! Go figure. Fenix Fenix Fenix Fenix (Oh, what did I say dear? nothing) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlieb Posted October 27, 2009 Report Share Posted October 27, 2009 Another nice thing about the Streamlights (I have an Ultrastinger and a Stinger LED) is you can get 'em fixed for free at the factory. Last week I dropped by Streamlight HQ in Eagleville, PA, to drop off both for repairs -- the light module in the 2-yr-old LED, the switch and lens in the 4-yr-old Ultra. The counter man took both, no questions asked, and handed them back 10 minutes later with all defective parts replaced -- free. Whoa. Nice warranty. Local cop shop performs the warranty here. Of course, It helps that they sold all 3 to me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randynavarro Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Fenix TK11. Hands down the best flashlight I've owned so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bain Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Fenix TK11. Hands down the best flashlight I've owned so far. I dig mine, too. The only downside is, since they're made in China, the paint likely contains lead, and there's probably some sulphur lurking somewhere, as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazenut Posted October 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 couldnt help myself... i ordered the Streamlight® Stinger® HP C4® LED - AC & DC Fast - 75785. Although I have to say, the Felix does look cool, and small. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 How does being small make a flashlight undesirable.....(?)..... Fenix. Period. Streamlights are outdated junk compared to the TK11. Also, I do what Les' does; I have a couple of those $16.95 models that I give to customers to carry around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazenut Posted October 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 How do you guys carry them around? Does it have a ring or do you just put it in your pocket? I use a tool pouch and i like being able to just throw it in and out of its ring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neal Lewis Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Can you get a TK11 that just plugs into a charger, like the Streamlights? I think I would go all the way to TK40 if I do go for a Fenix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I'd love to hear from anyone who's used the Fenix TK11 (R2) for more than a day or two who does not like it, or use it as their primary flashlight. A lot of flashlights have been sent into retirement because of this masterpiece. I picked up a back - up flashlight that has the same bulb as the Fenix, and uses the same batteries for about 12 bucks on- line. I haven't touched my Mag's since my purchase. I tried Brendon's Fenix a while back and found it just too darn small. Jim, I never told you that I had the flashlight set to low during that inspection (didn't realize it since I wasn't doing much). Maybe you would have thought it was bigger with the blazing sun shooting out of the tip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I picked up a back - up flashlight that has the same bulb as the Fenix, and uses the same batteries for about 12 bucks on- line. What is it? Got a link? Reason being, I don't really need the "tactical" features of the Fenix; I'd just like another teeny little light that was cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kurt Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 How do you guys carry them around? Does it have a ring or do you just put it in your pocket? I use a tool pouch and i like being able to just throw it in and out of its ring. The holster that comes with the Fenix sucks. That's pretty much universally agreed upon. I made my own, some folks use cell phone cases, on occasion I've just kept it in my pocket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad Manor Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 I use the Fenix supplied holster - it does indeed suck. -Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted October 28, 2009 Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Hi Kurt, Here it is for 19.99. I'm pretty sure I paid less, but can't find the info. It was so cheap that I probably just threw away the receipt, or deleted it. Reviews look pretty good, but..... I don't use mine that much (dislaimer). The switch must be fully depressed/ clicked on to get the light to turn on-- that annoys me when I want to get a quick flash of light. Also, as you will see on the reviews, the battery fits loosely; I think this is why my light flickers at times. I'm sure I could fix that quite easily, but it's a back up flashlight that I've only used around the house so I haven't messed with it. It's 19.99 with free shipping at the site below: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18473 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blazenut Posted October 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted October 28, 2009 Is that light rechargable? If so, what kind of charger does it come with and how long to charge the battery? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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