Best flashlight to get the job done?

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fenderpicks

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Hey guys I know there are a few of you there that use a high lumen flashlight to find swirls and scratches.

I was wondering what you guys can suggest to me.
Because I'm in the market of looking for a bright flash light that can spot out swirls and scratches.
 
I have been using both the Brinkmann Xenon and LED flashlights for over 2 years with good results. I recently purchased a Fenix HP11 LED headlamp and find that it is much more convenient and useful than a handheld flashlight. The HP11 works great for spotting paint defects and illuminating vehicle interiors. It may seem insignificant but not having to constantly pick up a flashlight and trying to hold it at the same angle as you were before you set it down to find paint defects saves time.

The major downside to the Brinkmann flashlights is that they have internal batteries and take hours recharge. This can be a major inconvenience if battery dies during a detail and you do not have a suitable alternative. While the Fenix headlamp uses 4 AA batteries that can easily be changed mid-detail which means you have one less thing to worry about.
 
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I'd go with a headlamp as well. It saves time and usually the batteries holds forever, plus you can change them when their done.
I'm currently waiting for Petzl myolite 3 which has both LED lighting and a Xenon bulb as well, which is supposed to be perfect (I'll let you know what I think of it when I test it), and it is on sale through Amazon.
 
Headlamp is the way to go.
You free up your hand to do what really matters and the batteries go a long way.

In my opinion the Brinkmann is overrated, build like junk and awkward to hold.
 
Yea i got a Energizer headlamp 5 led... it's decently bright i guess....

I just want something that is super bright and is portable, handheld to check over my work when im done polishing and what not.

I was looking at the Fenix brand flashlights
 
I'm using the Brinkmann Tuff Max LED light AG sells. It's very bright and takes 6 AA batteries (not a rechargeable light). The battery life is pretty good for how bright it is and that it's dual pivoting LED lights. Problem is, build quality of the light is poor. I've had it for 5 months or so. Since new, I've had to take it apart to fix a bad wire. Also? The little groove lines that hold the battery door on broke, now the door is being held on with Velcro straps. Yesterday I went to replace the batteries, and the battery carrier was stuck in the light. I gently tried to remove it, when all of a sudden, the battery contact points that sit on the carrier flew out. They just float in there. I'll have to epoxy them in. When I get done beefing it up and all the repairs, it'll be a great light. However, I'd still recommend it, as I feel it's very bright and the right light color for finding defects. Also the dual swiveling light is nice.
 
fenderpicks said:
Yea i got a Energizer headlamp 5 led... it's decently bright i guess....

I just want something that is super bright and is portable, handheld to check over my work when im done polishing and what not.

I was looking at the Fenix brand flashlights
Click to expand...
Fenix makes excellent led lights.
 
fenderpicks said:
Yea i got a Energizer headlamp 5 led... it's decently bright i guess....

I just want something that is super bright and is portable, handheld to check over my work when im done polishing and what not.

I was looking at the Fenix brand flashlights
Click to expand...

I use the 133 lumen mode while I am polishing and the 277 lumen mode when inspecting the paint. You will definitely want to get a flashlight with at least 300 lumens. If I was in the market for a new flashlight I would buy the Fenix TK35.
 
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