I doubt it David, Ultra Stingers are extremely bright when working properly.
I have 3 ultra stingers and 5 batteries of various ages so I have done lots of comparisons over the last few years.
These are great lights but you have to keep up with the condition of the battery as well as the bulbs. I have spent money on batteries and bulbs but probably much less than disposable batteries would have cost.
Old bulbs wil cause about 15-20 percent of lost brightness and old batteries (even when fully charged) will cause very poor performance which includes low brightness and short life.
Check your bulbs, when turned off, by comparing the clearness of them to a new one, if you have any darkness at all in the bulb it is old and will not work as well.
The picture shows two fully charged ultra stingers, the dim one has a battery that only charges to 6.7 volts and the other one is fairly new and still charges to 7.1 volts.
Stingers use 6 volt batteries but they charge to over 7 volts when everything is working right.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/streamlight_ultsting.htm
I use the PolyStinger DS LED. Using Stingers daily inspecting aircraft, when I saw another inspector using the DS LED, I had to have it (way brighter than my Stinger). It has such a bright white light I use the dimmer (hi, med and low holding down the button) most of the time. Here’s a review with probably more info than you need.
Just found this thread and it’s timely. My primary flashlight (Strion) died on me yesterday. I’m in search of a new one and came across this one:
https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?products_id=650
Does anyone have a Fenix? I hear they are pretty good. This one has an output of 240 lumens!
Or, how about this one, it has an output of 500 lumens:
http://www.batteryjunction.com/olight-m21-luminus.html
Anyone using the M21?
Kevin
500 lumens? Now that’s a flashlight I’d be interested in.
David,
And there this one with 700 lumens!
http://www.batteryjunction.com/olight-m30-triton.html
I just ordered the M21, so I’ll soon see if it lives up to the hype. I needed to get something quick, because I’m using my back-up flashlight. It’s actually a very good price for what you get.
Kevin
Kevin,
Update this thread when the light arrives. I’m next in line.
I’m curious as to how long this light will stay lit continuously on one charge.
Will Do…
Kevin
Output and runtime (2x18650, to 50%): High Mode 700 lumens/1.5 hours,
1.5 hrs of continuous output at 700 lumens should be adequate for a full three hour inspection. But, I will put it to the test!
That get’s me thinking. How many minutes would you say you actually have your flashlight “on” during a normal 2-3 hour inspection.
Would you say…15 mins, 20 mins, 30 mins?
Kevin
I use a couple of Ultra Stinger’s and batteries last about 1 hour which is about right for me for one inspection.
I always have one on the DC charger…
That’s why I want your final feedback Kevin. I want to make sure the battery life will be adequate for the day or for 1 inspection.
Update!!
I have been using this flashlight for about a week now and find it simply amazing. This is the brightest flashlight I have ever bought.
I have an Ultra Stinger and two smaller Strions. The M21 is way brighter than the Ultra Stinger.
The battery life is amazing as well. I completed 2 1/2 full inspections (2.5 to 3 hrs each) until the rechargeable battery finally died out.
It comes with a cool case and a nice belt holster. I also purchased the rechargeable battery kit that’s compatible with the flashlight.
Simply amazing!!
http://www.batteryjunction.com/olight-m21-luminus.html
http://www.batteryjunction.com/combo-tl100.html
Kevin
A little pricey but good to know.
Most important is,does it make a cool searchlight beam in the sky.?
Will the batteries charge as many times as the ultra stinger flashlight batteries? I like the idea of having that little flashlight but I don’t want to have to replace the batteries all the time.
One of the things I really like about the stingers is you just connect it to your charger and in a few hours it is ready to go. And I have had one of my stingers for over five years and have not had to replace the batteries yet.
On the one I own and Dale bought ,the batteries will last a good 20 to 30 inspections and it is only 3 C cells.
This flashlight uses Lithium Ion Batteries. I believe they typically last for about 1000 charges.
Kevin
Bob now I’m not flat out saying that’s impossible but I do have a hard time believing three C batteries would last that long.
My average inspection is approximately 3 hours and I use the flashlight the entire time shining it at ceilings, in the basement and attic. In fact I carry two ultra stingers because it’s not uncommon for the first one to start to fade before I get into the attic.
So what was that flashlight you and Dale bought anyway? Don’t make me dig back a few pages for it.
Ray o vac extreme.
Mine is used maybe 15 to 20 minutes tops but less in a Condo.
I use it for checking tape jobs on suspect walls,looking at caulk and grout lines in bathrooms,cabinets,Electrical panels primarily.
I do not just leave it on constantly, even in most attics as I need to see the light coming in and they usually have pull chain lights.
I am going to have to leave it on sometime and get exact ,but those bulbs last forever and they use far less juice.
Still the M21 sounds good ,though it would be nice to see in person.
If you’re ever having a campfire this flashlight would be great if you forget your matches at home!! But for home inspections I don’t know if my insurance company would cover me if my flashlight would start a home on fire.