need help with flashlights

[phillyrube]

Abridged version of the following post: Do NOT get the Stinger. Period.

It isn't a memory "feature," it is a memory FLAW. The C4 LED might regulate the Nicad battery better than the old incan stingers, but Nicads should still be avoided with so many better Lithium ion choices out there. Recommending a nicad powered light these days is like recommending a Geo for a patrol vehicle.

I'll also add that the multiple modes on the Stinger isn't necessarily an advantage. I think multiple presses of the same button to change modes is clumsy. For duty light, I prefer something that is full power, all the time. If you don't want full power, you would be better served by a smaller extra light you can leave on your belt or put in a pocket. Or a light with a seperate side mounted switch, like the Lumapower MRV.

If you want a docking rechargeable light with multiple modes, the Inova T4 is a FAR better choice than the Stinger.

I also challenge the assertion that the Stinger is "brighter" than the Pelican. I don't believe that for a second.

In short, don't waste your money on the Stinger. It isn't a horrible light, and if one were issued to me I would use it without complaint. BUT if you are spending your OWN money on your OWN light, there BETTER choices for the same amount of money.

The Streamlight website says:

Q: Is there any way to prevent the rechargeable Ni Cd battery from developing a memory?
A: Research has shown that the "memory effect" is a rare phenomenon and is almost nonexistent in high-drain applications such as flashlights.

Some tips to help prolong the life of Ni Cd batteries:

The light should be returned to the charger when it is not in use.
It should never be run until the battery is completely exhausted.
Return the flashlight to the charger when it begins to dim.

My Streamlight SL20X lights (I have 3) seem to eat batteries just sitting in the charger, like the directions say.

There are better lights out there

[Resq14]

Re: the above:

An LED is not a high-drain application. A halogen or xenon filament bulb? Yes. So NiCad LED lights will only exaggerate the drawbacks of NiCad's.

I second toasterlocker and phillyrube that there are better options.

[Till]

Abridged version of the following post: Do NOT get the Stinger. Period.

Agreed, but I must say my Stinger is still operating on a 3-year old battery, and I have not noticed any ill memory effects.

Whether I use it for 5 minutes or until the battery drains completely, it goes back in the charger whenever it's not being used.

Needless to say, I've subjected it to A LOT of charge/drain cycles.

Maybe I got a good one.

[0311Matt]

I have previously carried a department issued stinger and recently bought a pelican 7060 led, and theres no comparison, the pelican is way brighter, had better throw and spill, and stays brighter longer, btw does anyone make a rapid charger for the pelican

[LifeShock]

If your looking for a good hand held flashlight check out ITP C6t. Up to 230 lumens with the option for multiple battery configurations. I know the grip looks really wierd but is really comfortable when holding it.

[toasterlocker]

Agreed, but I must say my Stinger is still operating on a 3-year old battery, and I have not noticed any ill memory effects.

Whether I use it for 5 minutes or until the battery drains completely, it goes back in the charger whenever it's not being used.

Needless to say, I've subjected it to A LOT of charge/drain cycles.

Maybe I got a good one.

I hear ya, I think the memory issue probably isn't as big an issue as many (myself included) have made it out to be. Which is exactly why I say if I were issued one, of if I already had one, I wouldn't be bothered too much by that fact.

That said, if I were in the market for a new light, I would NOT consider it with the multitude of other options out there. I'm not suggesting that the people who already own them should toss them and spend $100 on a new light, I just wouldn't get one if I needed a new light is all.

[ACS1719]

Save yourself the trouble and get yourself a Fenix TK10 (if you plan on using primaries aka. CR123A's) or a TK11 R2 (if your planning on using the rechargable 18650 Li-ion).

The TK10 has excellent regulation on primaries and maintains a solid 225 lumens for around 2 hours.

The TK11 R2 is regulated at 240 lumens for the first 2:00 on 18650's with another hour of slowly declining light down to around 70% (which is still a solid 168 lumens).... then tanks over the final 15-25 minutes. It is also compatable with CR123A primaries if your battery craps and you dont have your spare 18650 cell with you.

Either of these 2 option will save you the hassle of the NiMH memory curse or the unregulated NiMH/Li-Ion declining light issue, which can be a real bitch if your in the pitch blackness and ur light isnt giving off a solid beam.

Also remember to carry some kind of backup... maybe a Fenix PD10 or PD20 (both of which are just due for release) or a Surefire E1B or a Novatac 120T. All of those are really good options