Cheap But Really Bright Light

[Velocity]

For anyone who is a CostCo member, they have a "Life+Gear" flashlight that has output of 360 Lumen on sale on sale until Aug 15th - 2pack for $80.

I couldn't pass this one up... Don't have any way to judge the rating, but they are certainly the brightest lights I have (and I have a few). Definitely not pocketable (these are 3 C cell lights), but great for car/truck/house light.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.as ... d=11474620

[KD5NRH]

No idea about their quality, but I've been thinking about ordering a couple of lights from http://www.shiningbeam.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for my bike and helmet.

[shipwreck]

I have seen reviews on CPF about various lumen rates versions of those Costco lights. They are decent if you get them at the sale price, but they are not anywhere near the rated lumen - at least that's what some claimed who tested them.

[Bart]

Costco had a "Lumen Master" 3 pack for $18 a few weeks ago.

[bigred90gt]

I have a Dorcy light I bought at walmart, and it is blindingly bright (I've tested that theory, unfortunately). Last nigt, I went outside to see what my dog was barking at, and had no problems seeing into the trees in my neighbors yard, which are 100 or so yards away.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dorcy-200-Lum ... t/13029600" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It stays on my night stand next to my XD40 SC.

The only problem I have with it is it does not have a momentary switch, only the click on/off.

[Right2Carry]

Went to my Wally World today and picked up a Coleman Max that has a on/off tail pushbutton switch for 24.88. Supposed to be rated at 144 Lumens. The beam is non adjustable. The flashlight is made from aircraft aluminum and uses 3 AAA batteries.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemanc ... 185&brand=" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[shipwreck]

I have a Coleman Max. I've actually owned a couple different models, but returned some after I discovered the brighter brands that can be bought online. They overestimate the lumen ratings - be aware of that. But they are not bad lights.

Get some rechargable AAA batteries, and you will be set.

While not the best light - it is convenient to be able to pick them up at wal-mart. And if it is bright enough and you are satisfied, then that's all that counts :)

[tacticool]

And if it is bright enough and you are satisfied, then that's all that counts :)

I got a LED drop-in for my old Surefire. Cheap upgrade, much more light, and I don't have to buy a new holster and other accessories.

[Right2Carry]

I have a Coleman Max. I've actually owned a couple different models, but returned some after I discovered the brighter brands that can be bought online. They overestimate the lumen ratings - be aware of that. But they are not bad lights.

Get some rechargable AAA batteries, and you will be set.

While not the best light - it is convenient to be able to pick them up at wal-mart. And if it is bright enough and you are satisfied, then that's all that counts :)

Do you have something tangible that you can point to that states the lumen's are overestimated?

Can you provide a link to the brighter brands that are available online that don't overestimate the lumen ratings? Are they comparable in price?

[KD5NRH]

Do you have something tangible that you can point to that states the lumen's are overestimated?

Can you provide a link to the brighter brands that are available online that don't overestimate the lumen ratings? Are they comparable in price?

I don't have the metering equipment, but with fresh batteries in each, my Fenix LD20 on medium (advertised as 47 lumens) sure looks brighter than the "60 lumen" 2AA Black and Decker from WalMart.

One thing to consider is that candlepower is a point measurement, while lumens is a total output measurement; a laser pointer may have a ridiculously high candlepower rating, but a low lumen rating since all of its light is in a tightly focused beam. A 100W bare bulb will have a high lumen rating, but a relatively poor candlepower rating since its light is radiated roughly equally in all directions. Candlepower measured for marketing purposes will always be from the hottest part of the beam's hotspot, which makes it an easy way to artificially inflate a beam's claimed usefulness.

[shipwreck]

Go dig thru the Candle Power Forum - I'd swear I read some test somewhere on there that some one did.

It's also common knowledge that a lot of flashlight lumen ratings are way over stated.

Lights loose about 20-25% of the light when guided thru the reflector. Many makers will post the actual lumens at the emitter - but that's not what is actually coming out. The only ones you can trust is when they state "out the front lumens."

And then, like the Costco and other brands of lights - some makers just flat out lie about the lumens. I've been heavily into lights the past 6 months or so, and have done a lot of reading to decide what to buy. That's what I've picked up along the way

[Right2Carry]

Go dig thru the Candle Power Forum - I'd swear I read some test somewhere on there that some one did.

It's also common knowledge that a lot of flashlight lumen ratings are way over stated.

Lights loose about 20-25% of the light when guided thru the reflector. Many makers will post the actual lumens at the emitter - but that's not what is actually coming out. The only ones you can trust is when they state "out the front lumens."

And then, like the Costco and other brands of lights - some makers just flat out lie about the lumens. I've been heavily into lights the past 6 months or so, and have done a lot of reading to decide what to buy. That's what I've picked up along the way

I would understand if most flashlights were overestimated on the lumens, I figured as much which is why I went for the most lumens at a cheap price.