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What is the best type flashlight and best brand battery?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by candun, Jun 7, 2009.

The best flashlight for truck driver is...

  1. *

    a large, heavy duty Magnum

    14 vote(s)
    29.2%
  2. *

    a small hand-sized Magnum

    4 vote(s)
    8.3%
  3. *

    a forehead mounted light

    6 vote(s)
    12.5%

  4. one that takes "lantern" batteries

    0 vote(s)
    0.0%
  5. *

    a high-quality LED handheld

    23 vote(s)
    47.9%
  6. *

    anything that's cheap and shines light

    5 vote(s)
    10.4%
Page 1 of 5
  1. Jun 7, 2009 #1
    candun

    candun Bobtail Member

    25
    4
    May 27, 2009
    Raleigh, NC
    0
    I remember my dad had a Magnum flashlight that was built like a Space Shuttle component. I don't think a nuclear blast would have damaged it! However, I'm sure it was very expensive, plus it was heavy. I've also heard some say that the big ones aren't available any more.

    I also remember having an old "lantern" battery style flashlight that was big and bulky. It seems to have the benefit of having a flat bottom so you can lay it down and it won't move. I'm not sure if the big lantern battery inside is a positive for long life or a negative for weight.

    I've also heard some talk about forehead mounted lights that always shine light where you are looking. However, I'm not sure how powerful and long lasting they are.

    Anybody want to offer their wisdom for the best flashlight for a truck driver?

    Also, what is the best value in flashlight batteries? I'm sure, there are cheap ones that die quickly and expensive ones that last long. Its not as easy to say without experience which of those options provides the best value. Are there any cheap brands that also last a long time?

    Thanks
     
    candun, Jun 7, 2009
    candun, Jun 7, 2009
    #1 + Quote Reply
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  3. Jun 7, 2009 #2
    Coonass

    Coonass "Freshy Fresh"

    1,080
    1,179
    Sep 23, 2008
    0
    You just CAN"T beat the 4 D Mag flash lights.
     
    Coonass, Jun 7, 2009
    Coonass, Jun 7, 2009
    #2 + Quote Reply
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  4. Jun 7, 2009 #3
    lostNfound

    lostNfound Road Train Member

    3,506
    2,261
    Jun 28, 2007
    Home of the Stampede
    0
    I have:

    - a wind-up flashlight in the driver's door pocket for when I do my vehicle walk arounds

    - a rechargeable 2,000,000 candle power spot light behind the seat for things like reading street signs in the dark

    - a head-light for doing things like putting on chains, or any repairs in the dark

    - two mag-style penlights, one in my tool box and one by my bed

    The best flashlight? There isn't "one".
     
    lostNfound, Jun 7, 2009
    lostNfound, Jun 7, 2009
    #3 + Quote Reply
    GAPrincess, panhandlepat, striker and 1 other person Thank this.
  5. Jun 7, 2009 #4
    panhandlepat

    panhandlepat Road Train Member

    3,255
    2,240
    Jan 12, 2007
    0
    good point LNF!!! i need one of those spots, i HATE trying to read street signs in the dark:biggrin_2552:
     
    panhandlepat, Jun 7, 2009
    panhandlepat, Jun 7, 2009
    #4 + Quote Reply
  7. Jun 7, 2009 #5
    nikondvr

    nikondvr Light Load Member

    173
    69
    Feb 7, 2007
    0
    What he said
     
    nikondvr, Jun 7, 2009
    nikondvr, Jun 7, 2009
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  8. Jun 7, 2009 #6
    25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    18,639
    42,288
    Sep 18, 2006
    the road less travelled
    0
    Best D or C battery is a DuraCell; Energizers collapse.

    I have a 6 D Maglite, and have had several other sizes, it's where you need a structurallly tough battery, even the 4 D ones need a good battery.

    I like the small LED lights and have probably had 15 AA Maglites. I don't like the clip,on cap lights.

    I carry a 10 to 20 million candlepower searchlight but I seldom use it, would use it more reading street signs in the city or backing up to a dark dock, but don't do much of that at present;it's more for emergency use. It also has a good LED light built in. Have several that you can use, they tend to get lost in a truck, and sometimes it's good to have more than 1 in reach.
    ​
     
    25(2)+2, Jun 7, 2009
    25(2)+2, Jun 7, 2009
    #6 + Quote Reply
  9. Jun 7, 2009 #7
    GAPrincess

    GAPrincess Road Train Member

    1,379
    411
    Jan 18, 2009
    0
    lostNfounds seems to have a pretty comprehensive and reasonable list. :yes2557: I can't think of anything to add, other than I prefer Duracell Ultra batteries. Standard Duracells will do in a pinch, but Rayovac's seem to have the shortest life of any battery I have used. They are down there with your generic supermarket or store brand battery in my book.
     
    GAPrincess, Jun 7, 2009
    GAPrincess, Jun 7, 2009
    #7 + Quote Reply
  10. Jun 7, 2009 #8
    gearjammer-2000

    gearjammer-2000 <strong>Clutch User</strong>

    670
    205
    Dec 18, 2007
    columbus Ohio
    0
    don't forget a 4 to 6 d maglite has another useful trait, as a self defense weapon properly used they will bring down a 5oo lb gorilla.
     
    gearjammer-2000, Jun 7, 2009
    gearjammer-2000, Jun 7, 2009
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  11. Jun 7, 2009 #9
    GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

    6,257
    4,355
    Oct 23, 2005
    Vegas/Jersey
    0
    Here's a minor issue that could turn into a big one. If you have flammble on the truck the flashlight needs to be approved for use in explosive atmospheres.

    Maglites are the best. I always carried one on my belt and the company provided the 6 "D" Maglite I kept in the truck.
     
    GasHauler, Jun 7, 2009
    GasHauler, Jun 7, 2009
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  12. Jun 7, 2009 #10
    didntitellu

    didntitellu Light Load Member

    284
    75
    Jul 31, 2007
    Ohio
    0
    I agree with the other posts. A heavy Mag light is great, but I do have 2 of the cheap LED pen lights as well as a few other misc sources of light. I am cheap so value is important. And if you dont loose that Mag light you will have it forever.
     
    didntitellu, Jun 7, 2009
    didntitellu, Jun 7, 2009
    #10 + Quote Reply
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