Handheld spotlight

[b_arrington]

Anyone have a handheld spotlight/searchlight they like? Looking for one that's ideally rechargeable.

The ones I've seen so far have triggers that cycle through high/low/flashing modes. This seems like a poor design. If you want low, you have to flash through high and that will muck up your night vision.

 

[yobub]

I have one on the boat that I really like. I primarily use it during our 25-mile run back north after the fireworks, to spot buoys along the way, and to make sure I'm clearly spotting our harbor entrance, as the light pattern can be slightly confusing at night. It is really convenient for that.

I'll be back up on the boat in a day or two and will post info. It is rechargeable but cycles through high-low-off which you didn't want. The cycle is a really quick click so it isn't an issue for me in real-world use, but you could just point it up at the sky for the first click if it is problematic for you. Reasonable size, good power, recharge lasts me the full summer with limited use.

I've pretty much stopped using my deck-mounted ACR light because it creates so much light reflection, and I don't really feel a need to replace it.

 

[Gofirstclass]

As an alternative, how about one of those that plugs into a cigarette lighter and has a "twisty" cord that extends and retracts. No cycling through any modes, just on and off. I used that type for decades and loved it.

Much faster than wiggling around the dash controls for your bow spotlight.

 

[Skybolt]

A friend has this one and loves it. I don't care for it but is great for walking the pup on the beach.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082TW1TPL/ref=twister_B083PR4QPQ?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Couldn't find the exact one, but I believe this is the newer model and the light mode is on a dial on the very back of the light and is turned on by trigger.

But I'm with Mike, I have the plug-in one on the CC and is great.

 

[b_arrington]

As an alternative, how about one of those that plugs into a cigarette lighter and has a "twisty" cord that extends and retracts. No cycling through any modes, just on and off. I used that type for decades and loved it.

Much faster than wiggling around the dash controls for your bow spotlight.

That’s what I’m looking for, minus the twisty cord. Trying to avoid a hard-mounted light on either the mast or the bow.

My lighter plug isn’t in the best place for a light, and I don’t have open windows in the front. This is the view of the helm I’ll have to slide back that side window and stick the light out, which isn’t a problem at all. Trying to shine out the front will just be blinding. And yes, that’s Rusty driving the boat.

 

[mdolesh]

I like this one a lot. Works with all my Dewalt batteries. 2 levels of brightness. https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCL043-20V-Jobsite-Spotlight/dp/B00SKOCRCW

 

[yobub]

This is a newer version of the unit that I have. I've used the cigarette lighter units for years and this is WAY more convenient than having to manage a cord around the steering wheel. I've used the small corded units and big honkin light up the moon units, and this has been my favorite by far.
STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS Rechargeable 2200 Lumen Lithium Ion Ultra Bright LED Spotlight Flashlight with USB Power Charger https://a.co/d/9dzTzGZ

 

[copb8tx]

STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS Rechargeable 2200 Lumen Lithium Ion Ultra Bright LED Spotlight Flashlight with USB Power Charger https://a.co/d/9dzTzGZ

My light also has the high/low/flash trigger cycle, which I don't like. How does this one operate?

Do you know how long it holds its charge when not in use? In other words, if it was fully charged how many days can it sit unused and still work when you need it?

 

[DWABoat]

My light also has the high/low/flash trigger cycle, which I don't like. How does this one operate?

Do you know how long it holds its charge when not in use? In other words, if it was fully charged how many days can it sit unused and still work when you need it?

I also have the Stanley Fatmax. Good light. Charges off a USB charger. It did not come with a charger, only the cable. I had one of those larger USB chargers laying around that I just threw in my light storage box. Two stage trigger, first pull high, second pull low, then off. Also came with a red lens cap, which has been surprisingly useful for minimizing my loss of night vision when I only need low-light for a few seconds. I leave mine off the charger for a couple off weeks between uses and it still fires up and burns the leaves. I don't use it that often, however. I will get another one the next time I get one.

 

[copb8tx]

One more question (maybe) about the Fatmax. If the battery is completely flat can you run it off the USB cable, or does it have to charge a while to become useful again?

 

[copb8tx]

STANLEY FATMAX SL10LEDS Rechargeable 2200 Lumen Lithium Ion Ultra Bright LED Spotlight Flashlight with USB Power Charger https://a.co/d/9dzTzGZ

I think this is a perfect light except it doesn't appear to be waterproof. I wish there was a waterproof version to buy.

 

[douglee25]

I have this one. Amazingly bright, however, I believe it has several lighting modes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09CDHDBMR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[jmauld]

I like this one a lot. Works with all my Dewalt batteries. 2 levels of brightness. https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DCL043-20V-Jobsite-Spotlight/dp/B00SKOCRCW

I have and like this one as well.

 

[yobub]

My light also has the high/low/flash trigger cycle, which I don't like. How does this one operate?

Do you know how long it holds its charge when not in use? In other words, if it was fully charged how many days can it sit unused and still work when you need it?

This is a High-Low-Off trigger, so you might not like it. I find it to be fine.

Regarding sitting fully charged, the specs say 12 mos. Mine has sat all winter and still worked the first time I used it during the summer. My usage is low, but I charge it once a summer and it is fine whenever I need it. This came with the boat, I didn't buy it new, and the battery still works after sitting all winter.

There is a waterproof version available, but it is lower power.

Amazon says it will run directly off the charger. I've never tried because I've never had dead batteries.

 

[highslice]

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Cyclops-255-Lumen-EVO-Handheld-Spotlight/5001572277

I have a spot light exactly like this one. I got it at Lowe's for $14. The same spot light, just a different name. One charge lasts the whole season.

 

[KevinC]

You always have good old Harbor Freight...
https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-cordless-2500-lumen-spotlight-tool-only-56526.html

They also have a smaller one that is 220 lumen. I have a bunch of their Bauer stuff and there not too bad. If you add extended battery you could drop it in salt water and still return it.

-Kevin