Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Derek Bever on July 14, 2011 at 11:37am

For my money, the maglite's primary failing is the lack of an OEM tailcap switch. Any flashlight that you can use effectively and quickly is great, but having multiple brightness levels is a huge plus. Blinking flashlights have no place backstage, so most multi-mode commercial flashlights are not really well-suited.

The Hexbright Flex is going to be my new backstage flashlight of choice, and one that I will gladly suggest to anyone. I don't know exactly what modes I'm going to program, but it's going to look like a low level, high level and possibly a way to fade the beam to choose a level. I think the biggest feature I like is a momentary on, using a tailcap switch.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jacob Coakley on July 14, 2011 at 11:46am

Yeah -- my new one has a tailcap switch, and I love it that feature. So much quicker than screwing in a cap for a quick bit of light. OTOH - I don't have programmable levels. That's something to look into...

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jacob Coakley on July 17, 2011 at 11:02pm

A few responses from Twitter:

muse_of_fire Jul 14, 6:36pm via TweetDeck
@stagedirections I'm looking for a new good one too, so no recs, but a vote against maglite. They break too easily, especially the LED ones

jmusarra Jul 14, 2:29pm via Web
@stagedirections My favorite light for backstage use is my Petzl TacTikka XP Adapt headlamp. Best feature is diffuser lens for closeup work.

BlackSheepProds Jul 14, 2:03pm via Twitter for Android
@stagedirections @Ron_Ron816 streamlight survivor w/ gel

MichaelLBerger Jul 14, 2:11pm via Web
@stagedirections @dboevers Shovebox is great as well

fisker3 Jul 14, 11:45am via Web
@stagedirections #2amlx the kind with batteries that are working ;) my go to is a mini-mag-light I've had for over a decade.

kmccoy Jul 14, 11:54am via Web
@stagedirections I have and like the Surefire LX2.

Ron_Ron816 Jul 14, 12:16pm via Twitter for iPhone
“@stagedirections: Alright, techies -- looking for your input. What's the best flashlight to have backstage?" mag lite with gel insert

Ron_Ron816 Jul 14, 12:16pm via Twitter for iPhone
“@stagedirections: Alright, techies -- looking for your input. What's the best flashlight to have backstage?" mag lite with gel insert

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by James Hobkirk on July 18, 2011 at 12:53am

I have a couple of flashlights I like, for over head work when I need both hand I like the SureFire "Saint Minimus" it's small but puts out 100 lumens. For an everyday flashlight that I never take off my hip I use the SureFire "E2D LED Defender" 200 lumens and a defensive tool. Now these are not just flashlights but they what I use

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Bob Shirk on July 18, 2011 at 5:20am

I like the Coast LED Lenser V. It has a nice bright white light and it has a single red LED that is great for signaling someone backstage. It runs on 3 AAA batteries. The only thing that I don't like is that the two switches are on the side.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Patricia A. Cheney on July 18, 2011 at 5:33am

Mini mag light with gel filter -- you can get different colors - works quite well

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by David Makuch on July 18, 2011 at 5:34am

Not having tried many of the flashlights out there, my preference is still the incandescent mini-mag. I've been using them for years and have dropped, kicked, drove over, and abused them. It still fits nicely in my utility pouch along with the Gerber. I like the focusable beam, even though it's also how to turn the light on. I keep a couple around: one as-is and one with a blue gel insert. I also use a rear button LED light, but in my opinion, does not stack up to the versatility of the mini-mag.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by A. Thomas Cavano on July 18, 2011 at 6:57am

I am asking myself the same question. The minimag has come out with a new LED version, and LED flashlights take the cake in my opinion for most puch per watt. Also it's slim, and the convenient, if low tech holster, fits fine between my pocketknife and intercom beltpack. But the Minimag I have flickers - there's an intermittent disconnect somewhere int he system. So I am looking for other designs that combine compact features, LED lamps and increased reliability. The thing is THERE ARE A LOT OF SUCH FLASHLIGHTS ON THE MARKET. Some are "tactical" flashlights, meaning you can spend $60-70 for a little fellow with big output. Then there are the $6 chinese knockoffs of the above (Lowes, Office Depot, etc) that - while I can't swear that the workings inside are the same, seem to be as reliable as anything else. Hitch - the $6 ones don't come with holster. I would be interested in the light other folks can shed (LED or incandescent) on this topic.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Derek Bever on July 18, 2011 at 7:05am

All I'm gonna say is that you've got another twelve hours to get in on the HexBright at reduced cost.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Richelle Thompson on July 18, 2011 at 7:11am

I was a long time mini-mag user, but junked my last on in frustration as it went through bulbs quicker than batteries. I have (temporarily) settled for a no-name LED unit my mom gave me for Christmas - a single AA battery - but am with you on the quest for a replacement when this one dies...

In a side vein, I'm also looking for squeeze lights... I loved the Photon Micro-Light II (single color, but with both squeeze and on-off functions... great for a mic tech on a lanyard) but haven't been able to find them.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sandra Dickson on July 18, 2011 at 7:31am

I have found that the little hex shaped LED with a tail switch works great, I prefer it to the Mag, (for many of the reasons listed below AND that the Mag is over priced now). It's light and small.

If I need hands free, I use my Petzl head lamp. I have never been a bite light user, they always make me drool, (not good for quick changes! lol) I have a co-worker who started using inexpensive book lights that clip to her clothing. They have a flexible neck, so she can point them where she needs light then go back to her book.

I agree with one of the previous posts, if it works for you, then go with it! A flashlight is like a C wrench, keep a variety with you. One, because your needs change. Two, because a spare is good when one dies and ALWAYS have a spare set of batteries! ;) Visit your local dollar store and KMart, there are so many choices out now that fit a stage hand's budget.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Richard Deenis on July 18, 2011 at 8:27am

Check flashlightreviews.com, it hasn't been updated in a year but has some good flashlights reviewed. I like the inova x1 and a little Fenix that fits my keychain.

• ▶ Reply

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• 2
• Next ›
• Page