handheld searchlight recommendations please

Nos4r2 · 28 March 2009, 16:23

I'm looking for a handheld searchlight. Any recommendations?

Maximus did tell me the make of his about 10 times but I've forgotten it again...

codprawn · 28 March 2009, 16:38

The most amazing powerful thing you can find at a sensible price is a KC daylighter sealed beam. It is a car spotlight - stick a handle on it and some heavy duty wires - job done. Beware it draws about 14amps!!!

Mollers · 28 March 2009, 16:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Maximus did tell me the make of his about 10 times but I've forgotten it again...

It may have been a 'Night-blastter'. They are one of the best handhelds.

Nos4r2 · 28 March 2009, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

The most amazing powerful thing you can find at a sensible price is a KC daylighter sealed beam. It is a car spotlight - stick a handle on it and some heavy duty wires - job done. Beware it draws about 14amps!!!

That might be a bit much

Besides, it needs to be waterproof.

codprawn · 28 March 2009, 16:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

That might be a bit much

Besides, it needs to be waterproof.

It is -it's a sealed beam. Bit of silicone around the wires and job done.

http://www.outbackautomotive.co.uk/d...757-196570.php

Just looked and it seems they are being discontinued. probably a bit over the top. They really are incredible awesome. Would light an oil tanker up stem to stern from 1 mile away no probs!!!

These people are selling just the bulb which is all there is too it anyway - put it in your own housing - bulb/reflector unit is £26 - not bad for the best light around - think I will buy a few before they run out!!!

All the new ones use a 130w halogen bulb and aren't sealed - just not the same.

biffer · 28 March 2009, 17:19

ave a look at cquip page 90

Nos4r2 · 28 March 2009, 17:21

I don't think it'd do my alternator much good with that and everything else on as well.... That'd be nearly 250 watts all told.

Nos4r2 · 28 March 2009, 18:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by biffer

ave a look at cquip page 90

Cheers Biffer!

Next question. Where can I buy one off the shelf?

Ribshop · 28 March 2009, 18:57

http://www.rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp...ageHistory=cat

Is this the one?

Nos4r2 · 28 March 2009, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribshop

http://www.rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp...ageHistory=cat

Is this the one?

Damn.It is, but I wasn't budgeting for that much. I was looking around the 50 quid mark-though that might change if I can't find anything.

Has anyone tried the Optronics blue eye beam ones?

Siochair · 28 March 2009, 21:34

http://www.watt-power.co.uk/catalogu...3_158_161.html

About half-way down the page - is this any use to you?

PeterM · 28 March 2009, 22:10

I ended up with the cheapest I could find , on the basis I can buy a new one every so often if I need to :

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12V-HAND-BOAT-...1%7C240%3A1318

Seems OK so far - but I guess it depend what your using it for - I just use it to find the channel marks in the harbour !

willk · 28 March 2009, 22:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackroady

I ended up with the cheapest I could find , on the basis I can buy a new one every so often if I need to :

Seems OK so far - but I guess it depend what your using it for - I just use it to find the channel marks in the harbour !

Yeah, I bought one of these from another seller - they seem ok, a very good knockoff of the original. The lens on mine is a bit cloudy but the thing works very well, robust and bright. 12V have a nasty habit of adding VAT after the fact - beware!

Nos4r2 · 28 March 2009, 23:14

Cheers guys!

I've got a rechargeable one, but it only lasts about 10 minutes per charge and takes ages to charge up again. It's not waterproof either.

Blackroady and Willk, what's the beam like on your ones?

Bigmuz7 · 29 March 2009, 14:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ribshop

http://www.rib-shop.com/prodtype.asp...ageHistory=cat

Is this the one?

Yeah I've got that one .. not a bad unit .. sealed etc.. I find the switch a bit fiddly as its encased in rubber, mines a cigarette lighter socket job, and came with a spigot so you can mount it on your dash when youre not holding it

PeterM · 29 March 2009, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Cheers guys!

I've got a rechargeable one, but it only lasts about 10 minutes per charge and takes ages to charge up again. It's not waterproof either.

Blackroady and Willk, what's the beam like on your ones?

Hard to say as I've nothing to compare it to . I purposely avoided battery power as I felt they would be heavy to hold up & not as bright as a 12v job (and as you found run out). I reckon 2 x85 Amp hour batteries will run it for a while & 200hp of opti should be able to cope with he extra current ( just ) !