"COOLER" New Flashlight

[Mike Orton]

I did not want to hijack a recent thread entitled "Cool New Flashlight" but I have found a product which I beleive far surpasses that which is the topic of the original thread.  In fairness I'll say right up front that I've not used the "Cool New Flashlight" however I am familiar with it's capabilities.  As a career law enforcement officer I've spent a fair amount of time standing tall behind various flashlights in pursuit of the bad boys and girls.  And consequently I've become fairly pickey about the quality of my equipment.

The "COOLER New Flashlight" I am referring to can be found here:  http://www.princetontec.com/products/index.php?id=2&type=1&use=0

This is a head mounted flashlight with two lighting systems and runs on two 3 volt lithium batteries.  For those of us whom have never used a head mounted light you really need to give this system a try, since it not only directs the light where you move your head but also frees up your hands since you don't have to hold the danged thing.

60 lumens of bright light, LED system and a secondary super bright system, flashing capability and two settings of a high/low beam.  I've looked for years for the exact light according to my personal specifications.  This light fills all my needs.

I've also been able to disassemble the bulb and slip in a red filter on one of the light systems, giving me further flexibility.

 

[pdk25]

I'm not certain of the price of this item, so can't compare it in those terms.  I'm just curious why you believe this item to be superior to the one offered by the Wensel brothers.  It doesn't have nearly as much brightness capacity.  It is convenient in that it is a headlamp, but there is an accessory to mount the other light as a headlamp.  Just curious, not looking to pick a fight.

[Mike Orton]

No, no, no....not perceived as a fight partner. Good question.

The primary reasons I believe this product to be better suited to our needs as hunters is the flexibility offered in the circuitry.  Two independent lighting systems affords redundancy (failure rate is pretty minimal with two systems) and the ability to regulate the light beam to a very low setting, thus maximizing battery life (150 hours on a low setting).  That's a big deal when you're counting ounces in your pack in that you don't have to hump spares.

Head mounted systems, IMO are more useful systems for conducting tasks, such as walking, searching for downed animals, and big game processing as well as camp chores.

I do have to disagree with your comment about not having as much light output.  The Wensel's light (according to their web site) offers 60 lumens of light, same as the high output of the light I referenced.  In my experience 60 lumens of light is far too much light to use in the woods for most activities.  Granted now 60 lumens is rather a small amount when chasing the bad people down an alley, but that's not what we're talking about here.)  For use in the woods you want flexibility of light control that translates into maximum battery life time.

As for batteries, both units utilize the same battery; the CR 123 Lithium battery.

FYI, in fairness to the comparison between the two products the product I'm recommending is about $25 more than the Wenzle's product.  And in answer to your next question, "No I've not got a vested interest in the sale of either light".  I just think it's a superior product, a "COOLER" light.

[pdk25]

I'm not sure if you are correct about the power.  It seems on the lowest setting you get only 65 hours of run time with the flashlight, but it actually says you can go to 215 lumens compared to 50.  Agree 60 is usually plenty.  Here's some info from the brothers of the bows website.  Not sure if it is correct.

         
 Main Beam P3D CE Premium Q5 by Fenix
 
 
 Luminosity
 
 
 Six modes of output from 12 lumens up to an unbelievably bright 215 lumens!
 
 
 The General mode gives you approx. 65 hours of illumination @ 12 Lumens plus optional settings of 53 and 120 Lumens. TheTurbo Mode emits an amazing 215 Lumens - the brightest we have seen from ANY other brand!   Includes SOS (General Mode)and Strobe flash(Turbo Mode).

[pdk25]

"215 lumens compared to 50"

Should read 215 compared to 60.

Just so you know, I've got more flashlights than I can shake a stick at and don't plan on buying either one right now.  Just interested in knowing the specs on both and pros and cons.  I bet that light gets pretty hot at 215.  I've got one that goes to 120 and it gets real hot.  As they say on their site, wouldn't want to use it for too long on that mode.

[Mike Orton]

Patrick,
I now see your reference to the 215 lumens. I originally did not see the "Turbo mode" web page.  Point is taken and I bow to your position of greater lumens.  Aside from signaling NASA or jacklighting deer I just don't see much purpose for that much light in the hunting flashlight I use.  I would have no use for that much light bowhunting.  I would make a reference to shooting an ultra fast compound bow at 330 fps or my Traditional Longbow at 175 fps.  Both will get the job done but I shoot my Longbow better than the compound. In this instance I just don't see a need for beyond 60 lumens of light in my definition of a "COOLER" Light.  I'd be more interested in the redundancy of two lighting systems and the circuitry to control light output to maximize battery life.

I do own a Surefire M4 devastator 9 volt light that puts out 230 or 350 lumens, depending upon the bulb selected.  That light is great to work with, but it's not a good light to take hunting.

Either way, that's why we all gets to lays our money down and takes the chances in life....

[p1choco]

Hey mike, thanks for posting about this lamp.  I go night fishing in my kayak and I have the EOS head lamp.  I didn't know they had a lamp that bright.  I often thought while fishing at night how nice it would be to have something a little bit brighter.  60 lumens is plenty enough and I wont have to rig my surefire on top of my head.  Time to take a trip to REI   .

[p1choco]

I would like to add the the "cool" flashlight would make a nice tac light for what you pay for.  I've had so many flashlights, shaking a stick at them would leave your arm sore for a week.  Again, I can't testify to it's durability or reliability yet.  But the "cooler" light imho would be a bit more practical.

[pdk25]

I'll try to summarize this if I can.  The Princeton tec light is not as powerful, costs more, and is slightly more cumbersome to carry in your pack/pocket but it's battery can last a little over twice as long and it is specifically built to be worn on the head and likely better in that scenario.  Does that sound that accurate?

[pdk25]

Forget.  The Princeton tec light also has redundancy of lighting systems for increased reliability.

[Biggie Hoffman]

You wear this with your cop outfit?

[Jeremy]

Here\\'s the headlamp  I use.

3 lighting levels, the max is 35 lumens which is more than I've ever needed in the woods.  It carries easier than any flashlight I've owned, has a longer battery life (which are available at nearly any store) and is less than half the price.

I own two... one is with my gear and the other is in the baby's room with a red lens for midnight diaper changes!  

[Whip]

I use a headlamp just like Jeremy's. It's a great little light that I use a lot.  It weighs next to nothing, is tiny, and it runs on standard AAA batteries.  But I really think the "Cool" light sold by the Wensel's is a completely different type of light for different uses.  

I like the headlamp for general camp use, but it is no good at all for blood trailing.  So I carry a small flashlight in my pack for that purpose and other situations where I want more light.  That is where the Wensel light would really shine.

Different lights for different jobs.  If I wanted only one light, the Wensel's seems to offer more versitility for those times when you really do want more light.

[Biggie Hoffman]

Spoken by a man that can have any flashlight he wants!

[hogdancer]

as far as no need for the extra power at nite while in the woods, it would come in usefull to find your vehicle after trailing or if you come to the edge of a field and need to see farther. I have used head mounted lights extensively running catfish lines at nite and they are perfect for that and work well for coming out of the woods at nite but don't seem to work well for me while blood trailing or going into a stand in the morning when I want to maintain a low presence. But they certainly do have their place, thanks for posting this one.

[ChuckC]

Mike.   never tried yours, but I did purchase one of Wensels.  Now, after having it for a few months, using it a LOT including two weeks in Colorado, numerous hunts for deer, and around the house I feel I can say.. WoW !  

Maybe your find is better, but you need to compare the two to know.  This one offered by the Wensels is awesome.  Multiple settings,  I have been using the same set of batteries since I got it and they still work great.  I placed it into a headband and keep it there.  It is bright enough to use for shooting coons out of a tree at night, and not even needing the brightest mode.

It does not have redundant lighting. (that I know of)  but, most cars don't have two motors, and we still buy them.   I really don't know how this thing could get any better...  well, maybe drop the price a bit.

Anyway.  If I see you out in the woods, please show me yours and I will show you mine. (Did I really say that ?)
ChuckC

[NoCams]

Right now I am with Whip on this subject. We use our existing Streamlight headlamps for walking in and carry a Streamlight Scorpion when needing big light.

If and when funds become available I would strongly consider buying one of the Wensel Brothers lights. Sure do like the variable power from 12-215 lumens all in one package.

nocams

[hunt it]

One can never have too many lumens or lights!

I have three Sure Fires I use all the time which go up to a max of 180 lumens.  They are fantastic lights for tracking and blood trailing. A headlamp is a major necessity as far as I am concerned and Petzel makes the best bar none. They have multiple units that run on both halogen bulbs and led bulbs so you have what you need at your fingertips. They have a new Ultra coming out in Dec that throws 350 lumens from a headlight that is amazing. It's primarily designed for Mountain/search and rescue use but it looks like one fine unit.

[Chris Surtees]

The main beam that is being sold is by the Wensel's is one of best flashlights being made today IMO. Of course there a lot of great lights but with the accessories that come with Fenix P3D "Main Beam" I believe it can take the place of headlamps and small hand helds that most of us carry now.

I had been using the Fenix P2D, which is the little brother to the Main Beam, for about the last year. It was by far my favorite hand held flashlight I have ever owned. Did not have the head strap that the Wensel's are offering which still caused me to carry a headlamp for hands free work but it was still my go to light for most situations. It is upsetting that I have lost it but with all the other lights I have it is not a top priority to replace it right now.

If I had to recommend a light to someone who was buying their fist one I would have to say go with the Main Beam and Accessories.

Now in saying that I will continue to use my Petzl
headlamps, Inova, and Surefire handhelds since I have all I need to meet my outdoor needs.

All that really matters is that you are happy with what you have and it fits all aspects of your hunting. We are all different but if what you use works why change. It is great to have the information in the event you do need a new light though.

[Barry Wensel]

Thanks for all the positive comments on the Main Beam flashlights. I don't want this to sound like a commercial even though we are TG sponsors. It's an unbelievably great product that we're proud to share with our fellow bowhunters. I wanted to mention something regarding the two independent lighting systems affording redundancy (minimal single unit failure). An idea originally suggested by bicyclers and recently adopted by bowhunters is to wear two separate flashlights with two headband holders, one positioned on each side of the head for an insane amount of light for hands-free work if needed. With the lower lumen settings you are also afforded a lot of options. And two Main Beam units still cost and weigh less than a lot of the other big name brand single units. As I've mentioned previously, for those who haven't seen it work, there is a short two-part You-Tube demo tape available to view on our brothersofthebow website. As several of the guys mentioned above, there are many great lights for different applications but if I had to choose only one light, I'm still of the opinion the Main Beam is the best all around hunters light available today. Best of luck to all. BW