At $56 its not outrageously priced, but I wonder if this flashlight is anywhere as powerful as is claimed with "up to 1200 lumens". Anyone familiar with this item?
TAC TC1200 flashlight?
- Thread starter vito
- Start date
Pat-inCO
Hawkeye
I play with flashlights quite a bit and I've seen many of the "adjustable"
flashlights that were FAR from as advertised (in other words, I've not
tried one of these). Think about one factor; how do you increase the
output of a flashlight by adjusting its focus? You don't.
So . . . . I went looking. One of the reviews is/was from a "Tactical" outfit
that is claiming wondrous things for it. Then I looked closely and saw that
the picture showing it illuminating a multi story dwelling, was from a flash
with a head diameter three or four times what the base unit has. Humm.
The advertisements on TV show it doing things that a flash with the
advertised output would have temporarily blinded the "BG", not just got
him to cringe (could just be the advertisement). I also looked at the
distance it advertises. 150 to 250 yards. That's not what I expect to see
from a flash with that (advertised) output. I have several models that
are rated a bit less (1K, but produce more like 750 to 775 lumen) that
are rated at 350 to 500 yards coverage.
I'll summarize by saying that I am skeptical.
If you want one in that price range the one that I've had excellent results
with is the Nitecore EA41. It runs on four AA batteries. They can be
alkaline or rechargable (NOT 14500s). There are two versions, one has
about a 350 yard usable, and the other has a 500 yard usable. The
difference is in the reflector cone and price. OOPS! I almost forgot. You
want the 2015 version (higher output).
Here is the 350 yard version:
https://www.amazon.com/NiteCore-Lumens-Flashlight-Compact-Searchlight/dp/B00LNSQRKK
If you do go with one of these LOOK AROUND - PRICE SHOP!
You can get the exact same one for $45 or $100!
P.S. Found the one you were looking at on Amazon for $10
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5ZLTHI?psc=1
flashlights that were FAR from as advertised (in other words, I've not
tried one of these). Think about one factor; how do you increase the
output of a flashlight by adjusting its focus? You don't.
So . . . . I went looking. One of the reviews is/was from a "Tactical" outfit
that is claiming wondrous things for it. Then I looked closely and saw that
the picture showing it illuminating a multi story dwelling, was from a flash
with a head diameter three or four times what the base unit has. Humm.
The advertisements on TV show it doing things that a flash with the
advertised output would have temporarily blinded the "BG", not just got
him to cringe (could just be the advertisement). I also looked at the
distance it advertises. 150 to 250 yards. That's not what I expect to see
from a flash with that (advertised) output. I have several models that
are rated a bit less (1K, but produce more like 750 to 775 lumen) that
are rated at 350 to 500 yards coverage.
I'll summarize by saying that I am skeptical.
If you want one in that price range the one that I've had excellent results
with is the Nitecore EA41. It runs on four AA batteries. They can be
alkaline or rechargable (NOT 14500s). There are two versions, one has
about a 350 yard usable, and the other has a 500 yard usable. The
difference is in the reflector cone and price. OOPS! I almost forgot. You
want the 2015 version (higher output).
Here is the 350 yard version:
https://www.amazon.com/NiteCore-Lumens-Flashlight-Compact-Searchlight/dp/B00LNSQRKK
If you do go with one of these LOOK AROUND - PRICE SHOP!
You can get the exact same one for $45 or $100!
P.S. Found the one you were looking at on Amazon for $10
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J5ZLTHI?psc=1
Tom W
Blackhawk
I bought one. It ate batteries like crazy and once when I went to push the button to turn it on my thumb pushed the switch up into the barrel. I sent it back and got a full refund, and went to the LGS and found a "Slyde" for $30. it's great, has a magnet on the bottom, and a fluorescent light hidden inside, hence the Slyde feature. I don't have a website, but I'm sure Google has.....
OP
The Nitecore looks like a great flashlight, but nothing in the Amazon listing shows the dimensions of the item. We often have various critters around the house at night and when I take my small dog out I like to have a powerful flashlight to keep tabs on the area she is walking in. If this flashlight is not too large it might be perfect for our night walks.
Pat-inCO
Hawkeye
vito said:
It also comes with a nylon "holster" you can put on your belt.
With it you can have it come on at the lowest output, the highest output
or the output you were using last, if it was in between. The Nitecore web
site has a lot of detail. http://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/ea41
Least anyone think I'm trying to sell these . . . I have two and sent one
to my daughter for their new house (it's 3 acres, outside of town, no
street lights and many non domestic critters around their horses).
She loves it!
Vito: There are several lights out there that are actually all the same. The ones they run over with a truck, drop check, even seen one put in a deep fryer. They are actually fairly decent lights. No, they won't blind someone or stop a robbery but they do illuminate a decent area and are focusable.
I think you can find them a bit cheaper if you look. They aren't Streamlights or Surefire but they are decent.
Karl
I think you can find them a bit cheaper if you look. They aren't Streamlights or Surefire but they are decent.
Karl
warren5421
Single-Sixer
Here is what I use to get out to 500 yards: http://www.solarforceflashlight-sales.com/
mohavesam
Hawkeye
I found a couple Defiant 'C' battery models at HD for under $25 - the brightest flashlights I've found without going mall ninja. Put my Surefires to shame, and much cooler too.
I can light up the neighbors 1/3 mile down the road enough so he turns on his lights and comes out armed! LOL! I can light up the stop sign which is an honest mile away.
Way brighter than most headlights.
Mr. Obvious sez TV ads have a team getting paid to get your interest and money flowing. I prefer to put my hands on the goods myself.
I can light up the neighbors 1/3 mile down the road enough so he turns on his lights and comes out armed! LOL! I can light up the stop sign which is an honest mile away.
Way brighter than most headlights.
Mr. Obvious sez TV ads have a team getting paid to get your interest and money flowing. I prefer to put my hands on the goods myself.
Pat-inCO
Hawkeye
mohavesam said:
Accurate! My only "problem" is that 99% of the ones I want to look at are not available
in stores around here. :wink:
pisgah
Buckeye
They are advertised constantly on local TV. I have 3 of them -- different brand name, but the identical flashlight -- bought from China via E-bay for a grand total of $24, shipping included. They're fine for $8, but you'd be embarrassed to confess you'd paid $56 for one.
Peruse the myriad options at batteryjunction dot com.
I've had SureFire (good but expensive), Klarus, a cheap $12 light that claimed 1000 lumens (lies), and 3 Nitecore flashlights.
I gave the Klarus to an inspector at work. I gave a Nitecore to my brother and my brother-in-law. I kept a Nitecore for myself.
I'm going to get another Nitecore as soon as battery junction has another sale. I use the bulk lithium cr123 batteries at $1 each and rechargeable l-ion batteries.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/tpen-tcr123a-.html
I like the P-16, the one I gave to my brother.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-p16-xml2-smo.html
I have the MH25
http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-mh25gt.html
I've had SureFire (good but expensive), Klarus, a cheap $12 light that claimed 1000 lumens (lies), and 3 Nitecore flashlights.
I gave the Klarus to an inspector at work. I gave a Nitecore to my brother and my brother-in-law. I kept a Nitecore for myself.
I'm going to get another Nitecore as soon as battery junction has another sale. I use the bulk lithium cr123 batteries at $1 each and rechargeable l-ion batteries.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/tpen-tcr123a-.html
I like the P-16, the one I gave to my brother.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-p16-xml2-smo.html
I have the MH25
http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-mh25gt.html
