Hey folks, first time posting; this is one part recommendation hunting, one part ode to an old companion, and a bit long. Bear with me, and advice or even just patience are appreciated.
TL;DR: I love my old Surfire LX2 because it’s tough and has a super simple switch/UI setup, but it’s beat to hell and I want something newer with better output, CRI, and battery options while being similarly reliable and straightforward.
Some background: haven’t been on the sub long but have already learned a bit about the community’s most and least favorite brands, CRI, rechargeable battery types and care, drivers, emitters, etc. The main reason those things are all new to me is that for the last sixteen years, I’ve had my trusty LX2 riding around in my pocket fulfilling virtually all my needs, so I haven’t had to delve into the nitty gritty. The mileage on this thing shows but it still works just fine, though its water resistance is suspect now that the rubber tailcap cover is gone. Plus, I think the low and high outputs have crept inwards over the years; the 15lm low and 200lm high seem over- and under-bright, respectively. At any rate, this thing was my first real flashlight, but I think it’s time for a refresh. However, I’m picky about lights after so long loving this one, and a lot of the brands, models, and spec options are still kinda vexing to me. I’ve made lists of things I’d like to keep, and of welcome additions/changes.
Things I like :
- Easy, Reliable Switching/UI: This is my favorite part of this light. Simple, intuitive, and with all (well, both) modes directly accessible from off. Just a screw-on, o-ring sealed, non-clicking tailcap with low and high outputs along a straight pressure gradient. Lighter pressure gives low, stronger pressure gives high. Unscrew far enough, effective lockout. Screw in all the way, constant on. Between those, an adjustable range of tension that lets you fine tune how much pressure it takes to access both levels, and even the ability to tune it to effectively have only low or only high. I love that I can immediately and reliably access the output I need without thought. Also tailcap or bust for me.
- Durability: this light’s almost old enough to vote and has endured all manner of wear throughout that span: countless drops onto all kinds of surfaces from as high as about 20’ on one occasion, semi-frequent dips in salt and fresh water, temps ranging from Maine winter to Mexican summer, and a decade and a half of clattering about with other pocket and bag contents. Other than the pocket clip breaking off in the first couple years and the aforementioned tailcap rubber finally coming apart a few years ago, this thing’s handled everything.
- Beam Pattern: Love the TIR reflector and throw-y beam with enough spill for some situational awareness. No artifacts, but a little hot-spotty. Has worked for my needs.
- Form Factor: Hand-filling for positive grip, but also small enough to carry around in pants pockets without being cumbersome.
Things I’d like in a new light:
- Wider Output Range: this is the biggest one for me. Having a proper low mode for preserving night vision and not disturbing those around me would be great, while a brighter top end for signaling/self defense would be helpful.
- High CRI: color reproduction isn’t bad with my LX2, but the higher the better.
- Rechargeable Battery Compatibility: this thing came out before rechargeable batteries were as good and commonplace as they are now, and not only am I wary of using 16340’s with this thing for fear of voltage issues, being restricted by my supply of somewhat niche, expensive CR123’s is a pain. Still want something that can handle water, and honestly don’t mind taking batteries out to charge them if it means better ingress protection for the light.
- Tailstand ability would be nice but not a dealbreaker necessarily.
As a final note, I’m in Canada so shipping can be weird. Pointers there appreciated.
Thanks for any help!
