I just bought a couple of those self-charging flashlights (with magnet and coil charging a capacitor). They work ok. I bought them at Wal Mart for 16 bucks. I got a large and a small. I keep one in the truck (large). I keep flashlights in the truck and they are often dead. They both use LED's. The smaller one has to have the button depressed continuosly. I am not sure why they did that.

I edc'd a minimaglite for years. I finally got fed up with the bulb blowing out about every third time I used it. I am going to order a Fenix L1 asap.

Each has its advantages and disadvantages. I've blown two or three mag bulbs in ten or so years and have had a dozen or more LED lights break or fall apart. the LED lights are small and run more efficient for sure but just don't put out a whole lot of light unless you get into the really high end. My ARC AAA will let you see a couple feet in front of you but a AA or AAA minimag will let you see quite a way farther into the woods. I carry one of each and the bulbs in the AAA minimag can be put into the Arc AAA if needed. Its kind of like asking is a fixed or folder better or which caliber is better, depends on the intended use.

what brand is "Al-91"?

I've owned AA minimag lights for years and swore by them. I recently have had to put my AA mag lights to daily use. I got so that I felt I didn't get enough light from it so the other day, during a wal-mart run I decided to see what they had in the way of small lights. I came across a Dorcey 1 watt LED, powered by three AAAs. I figured for the price (12-14 bucks) it wouldn't hurt to try. Lots more light, belt clip, and on-off switch on cap. Ok it doesn't focus but the amount of light makes up for it. I'm replacing all my AA mini mag lights with this light.

i don't know the brand, but it is distributed by Nuwai.

Much like you can get folding knives for ~$20, but it's worth it to spend more (at least $70 for a spydie endura, iirc), Maglites can be had for cheap, but there are _Much_ better lights out there.

www.flashlightreviews.com has already been mentioned

Another excellent site is www.candlepowerforums.com

There they discuss everything about flashlights. Literally, everything. Many of those forum-goers also make their own custom lights that you can buy. I've simply not seen such quality lights anywhere else.

However, many of these higher-end lights can run in excess of $200. In the end, you get what you pay for. Those wonders measure in less than 4 inches, output several light levels, run off of a single battery, use LEDs, and are still brighter than Maglites. O_O

However, if you're not up to spending all that money on a single light, the Surefire G2 is an excellent light. It costs around $35, runs off of two lithium batteries (you should purchase these online! Surefire sells them in packs of 12 and prices them many times less than what they go for in stores!), fits in the palm of your hand, and is several times brighter than a 3-D cell maglite. On top of this the batteries have a shelf life of ~10 years (lithiums last much longer than Alkalines, and don't suffer the same low-temperature restrictions as alkalines), and the light is nigh-indestructible. Well, most surefires are nigh-indestructible. ( www.surefire.com ).

In all seriousness, a good light can be as important as a good knife, and at least as useful in everyday life. A good flashlight is definitely not something to forget about.

Did a search on the forums "solitaire kit" No luck.

Could someone direct me to a British/Dutch site which sells LED/click switch lits for the solitaire?

Much obliged,
Reinhardt

Sorry, have to disagree with you there. I E.D.C. a AA maglite with conversion along with various other bits. You very quickly get accustomed to carrying the extra weight. I just think that, within it's limits the AA LED meets my requirements. Ofcourse if anyone comes out with a torch that can illuminate a gnate at a 1000yrds, weighs 1oz, indestructable, waterproof to 2000ft, explosion proof, 200hr battery life, lifetime warranty, $10.oo each etc, etc, etc I might just possibly consider buying one or two or three......

Exactly, five years ago almost everyone thought Maglight was the dog's ********* now Surefire has taken over. I still carry my Solitaire (and Swiss champ, but thats another story <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />) for map reading.

Two questions: one: what is a gnate?? Two, A 1000yards, for a maglight mini?