Chasing Daydreams » flashlights

Princeton Tec Impact XL

Jay — Sat, 03 Feb 2007 04:16:36 +0000

The Impact XL is an underwater flashlight that can also be used for above-water outdoor activities or, if you prefer, an above-water flashlight that can also be used for underwater activities. Per manufacturer specifications, it is waterproof up to 100m. It has a single Luxeon LED bulb which can throw 17 lumens of light as far as 50m. 4 AA batteries provide burn-time of up to 50 hours. Its tough plastic body is clad in molded rubber for grip as well as additional protection. A lanyard loop at the tail end allows for the attachment of a lanyard, wrist strap, or clip. The switch is a rotating bezel. It has enough rotations to minimize the chance of opening and flooding the batteries while underwater. However, you turn it in to activate so there’s a chance, albeit pretty small, that a push, say from water pressure, will move the head in and activate. Other than that, I’ve no real complaint about this light. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4/5

Surefire G2 Nitrolon

Jay — Fri, 26 Aug 2005 16:52:32 +0000

Surefire is known for one thing: personal tactical lights. The G2 is the economy version of the classic 6P. Unlike the 6P, which is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, the G2 is made of Nitrolon, a lightweight, corrosion-proof and non-conductive synthetic material. So although it is less durable than the 6P, it comes quite close. You still get the same bright pre-focused beam Surefire is known for. In fact, they share the same lamp assembly. Very good for activities in the dark. Of course, there is a price to pay for the bright light: The 2 CR123 battery cells last only an hour and can be quite expensive. But then again, tactical lights were never meant for searching. That’s why the primary way to activate it is via a tailcap button that you press and hold for momentary illumination. You can have constant illumination by twisting the tailcap though. Lastly, this light is only splash-proof and not waterproof so don’t go around scuba diving with it.

Rating: 4/5