Back up lights

[caveflyer]

Moderately frustrated in my search for some new back up lights, it seems most are either rechargeable or twist "on". I'd like a button or switch for one handed operation and "regular" throw away batteries because by definition back-ups hardly get used so I want a realible known good/fresh power source. Anybody got a recommendation for a non rechargeable switch/button type light. Oh and I don't want to pay $hundreds either. Alternatively can anyone convince me why a twist on, rechargeable back up is the way to go......

[Danseur]

I bought this Intova on the way to the airport when I forgot to pack my Salvo Rats on my last trip:

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-tvtct/to...0-lumens-torch

Under $50, reliable, push button, fits your requirements with 3xAAA...

[cavekrazi]

I have these intovas and the ones with the switch on the side that use the 123 batteries (from CA). I like them both, but the only time I needed a backup in the past ten years, I deployed the push button on the back and...nothing. So my vote goes to the ones with the switch on the side for reliability. Great beam and nice price.t

[Greenwood_60]

Most of the backups that use rechargeable 18650s will also use a pair of CR123s (or 2 18650s and 4 CR123s). The voltage difference is 3.7 vs 6.0 (or 4.2 vs 6.0?). Most drivers handle the higher voltage, and quite a few will tell you you can use either configuration.

[Dsix36]

I like my intovas with the switch on the side. Good light beam, cheap price, CR123 batteries, small size, and have been dependable for several years now.

[midway]

I bought this Intova on the way to the airport when I forgot to pack my Salvo Rats on my last trip:

http://www.leisurepro.com/p-tvtct/to...0-lumens-torch

Under $50, reliable, push button, fits your requirements with 3xAAA...

+1 Unless I'm mistaken it has only one o-ring but hasn't flooded yet. Keep it in the pocket just in case my primary and two backups fail. All being LED, probably hell will freeze over before that happens.

[fishinmaniac]

+1 Unless I'm mistaken it has only one o-ring but hasn't flooded yet. Keep it in the pocket just in case my primary and two backups fail. All being LED, probably hell will freeze over before that happens.

They have two o rings, those little lights are all I've used for backups and diving offshore. Work great, built well and reliable. If yours won't turn on with the button twist the end cap back and forth a quarter turn. I dive the 50$ triple a versions, cheaper batteries than the cr123s.

[cavekrazi]

They have two o rings, those little lights are all I've used for backups and diving offshore. Work great, built well and reliable. If yours won't turn on with the button twist the end cap back and forth a quarter turn. I dive the 50$ triple a versions, cheaper batteries than the cr123s.

Good tip. I'll try that.

[tbone1004]

with lithium technology as reliable as it is these days I don't bother with non-rechargeables in my backup lights. It was more of a problem with NiMH where the battery life was unpredictable, but with 18650's there is almost no voltage loss over time so you are pretty safe using them, it's the way of the future, and I'd just embrace it....

[ARY]

Moderately frustrated in my search for some new back up lights, it seems most are either rechargeable or twist "on". I'd like a button or switch for one handed operation and "regular" throw away batteries because by definition back-ups hardly get used so I want a realible known good/fresh power source. Anybody got a recommendation for a non rechargeable switch/button type light. Oh and I don't want to pay $hundreds either. Alternatively can anyone convince me why a twist on, rechargeable back up is the way to go......

Twist on eliminates switch which is a potential failure link. Magnetic switches can activate and discharge batteries when multiple lights rub together in transit. I like Scouts they have good grip and batteries found at any gas station. For helmet mounts when sidemounting however I use intova and other alike small lights, with magnets, for helmet mount twist is not convenient, and usually it is 3-4 backups not classic 2. I like them flood not spot, flood works better in mud, and keep another spotty one in a pocket for signaling.