Gerber Omnivore multi-battery

[FMJ]

So I picked up an LED based pocket flashlight today.  The Gerber Omnivore's deal is that it will run on a AAA, AA, or CR123 battery.

Think of it like one of those "multi caliber" rifles.  I think this is a good design feature.  Went outside right now; it has a pretty nice beam.  Only qualm is the absence of the pocket clip.  I got it for 30 bones at REI.  The flashlight is a little thick because of it's multi-caliber-ness, but it's a non issue, TBH.





With the 123s it has the potential for 18 lumes.  I put the AA that came with it, which is rated @ 12 lumens.

I like it's practicality, it's light weight, and short length though I wish it came with a pocket clip.  I almost bought a Surefire G2 today, but I think this was a better option. 

Now I need to find that Gerber folder that I misplaced. 

[StevenTing]

The multi-battery that the Gerber has is a nice feature.  But for me, brightness would be my main issue.  As an alternative, I'd suggest the new special that Costco has currently.  They had them about 9 months ago and then stopped carrying them.  They're back in stock again.

It's a nice LED that sells 2 for $20.  Beginning 3/11/2010, it will have a $5 off coupon.  

Techlite Lumen Master (Costco item# 406343 )
CREE XRE LED 160 lumen
3xAAA (6 provided in blister pack)
Water Resistant - 30 minutes at 1 meter
Vacuum plated reflector.
Polycarbonate lens
Adjustable Focus ring - spotlight to flood.
Aircraft Grade Anodized Aluminum
Shockproof to 1 Meter
Wrist Lanyard

MultiFuntion cap switch
- Constant Current
- 50% & 100% output modes
- Emergency Strobe mode
- Cap light indicator at 20% battery life.
- Momentary switch for immediate light

Here's a picture of it if you want to keep your eyes open.

http://slickdeals.net/forums/attachment.php?s=0b91b530f12887ef0efee2f62fed8261&attachmentid=266390&d=1254356744

[Outbreak]

18 Lumens? The G2 LED puts out 80. The G2 Nitrolon (incandescent) puts out 65-120 depending on the lamp.

I can tell you that after using my Surefires, all at 50+ lumens, 15 is nothing. Totally useless to me.

[FMJ]

Why are so many lumens needed?  Or were all of these high-end flashlights designed for specific missions?


Next time I go to REI, I'm picking up a leatherman.  And in the future when I can net some income, I'll probably upgrade to a nice flashlight.  For now, this new flashlight is my upgrade from a Mini-maglite--which served me well all those years in summer camp.

[StevenTing]

Why are so many lumens needed?  Or were all of these high-end flashlights designed for specific missions?

The more lumens, the brighter the light.

[Outbreak]

Why are so many lumens needed?  Or were all of these high-end flashlights designed for specific missions?


Next time I go to REI, I'm picking up a leatherman.  And in the future when I can net some income, I'll probably upgrade to a nice flashlight.  For now, this new flashlight is my upgrade from a Mini-maglite--which served me well all those years in summer camp.

I actually quoted that 15Lumen figure FROM Maglite's website. That's what the mini-mag puts out.

That many lumens are necessary when I have to see something 6-12" away and the mini-mag can't do the job.

Granted, I have much higher power flashlights cuz I gotta see airplane parts from 10-20 feet away, but I borrowed a mini-mag from my copilot when the batteries ran out on both the Surefire and the backup Sig LED light at the same time. Couldn't see even the close stuff (like I said, 6-12"). I elected to give him his night light back and dig through my bag for new batteries.

[FMJ]

So you use the higher-end light as part of your job; that's important.

This Gerber, is just to be a GP light, whilst I look for a nicer one (like I mentioned earlier).  I'm pretty sure there are better deals than just paying for the Surefire name.  But I won't worry about it right now...

[Outbreak]

I didn't say you needed a Surefire. I'm saying I wouldn't be satisfied with a 15 lumen light for anything. If you find that it works for you, then you're lucky- you've got better vision than I do, and you can save hundreds on flashlights and batteries.

[FMJ]

I understand.  But I wanted to get your rationale for high lumenage.  The reason I want to upgrade someday is because these make good "non-weapons" in restrictive environments, especially in low light.

I'm more interested in getting a leatherman first...but I guess that's another thread.

[Avenger29]

I'm pretty sure there are better deals than just paying for the Surefire name.  But I won't worry about it right now...

You are not necessarily "paying for the name" when it comes to Surefire's less expensive lights such as the G2 series (and really all of their sub $100 lights). They are worthwhile tools.

I'm more interested in getting a leatherman first.

I've got a Leatherman. It mainly sits in a drawer. I get much more mileage out of a good folder than I do a multitool. I've never really liked to use them and they've never actually "saved the day" for me. I find a couple of pairs of Visegrips, a good actual screwdriver (there is a sturdy 4 bit model made by Stanley), a hammer, and a basic socket set, all stored in my vehicle, make for much better nearby, simple tools.

[Outbreak]

I like multi-tools for compact pliers. I carry a Kershaw for a blade, but I use the screwdriver and pliers all the time. I haven't found a screwdriver I can strap onto my backpack yet. Besides, that would be one more thing I gotta carry.

When I'm not at work, I keep a basic set of real tools in my truck, and have plenty in my garage.

[FMJ]

That too, I need to buy a basic ratchet + socket set.  Jesse told me to find one at Sears...

[Outbreak]

Yes. Craftsman is good stuff. When you break even their crappier tools, as long as it says CRAFTSMAN on it, they'll replace it free. I've used that policy more than once.

[Daylight]

I am a professional tool user, have been for years.  I keep a Leatherman on my belt next to my light.  It gets used most often as an extra pair of pliers.  These days I am usually operating out of a manlift, and I have tool bags with me.  When I worked on a ship I carried the Leatherman, a 4 in 1 screwdriver, a pocket flashlight (mini mag in those days) and a 6" adjustable wrench whenever I was on duty.  It was part of what helped control small problems before they turned into large problems.  Think of a multi tool like a pistol--what you carry everyday, knowing when you need it you probably wish you had the full size tool.

For most tools Sears, Home Depot, and Lowes house brands are adequate.  If stores in your area carry Wiha, you can get good quality tools at a reasonable price.  With adjustable wrenches quality makes a bigger difference.  When you can swing it, get Proto or Klein adjustable wrenches. 

Another important light to get is an LED headlamp.  Price and quality vary considerably.  I mostly care about hands free light at arms length, so I can use both hands for what I am working on. 

[Avenger29]

Yes. Craftsman is good stuff. When you break even their crappier tools, as long as it says CRAFTSMAN on it, they'll replace it free. I've used that policy more than once.

Except torque wrenches.

[luke213(adamsholsters)]

On the flashlights, I think once you try a high powered light it's hard to go back to normal mag light. I still keep them around for little stuff around the house but my surefire gets much more use for a weapon of sorts and for around the house. Actually if I leave the house my surefire is on me these days.

On the multi-tools I love the Gerber with the needle nose pliers, take a beating and really easy to open one handed when you need it.

Luke

[FMJ]

I saw that Costco flashlight special today.    I kinda feel that I should return the Gerber to REI and buy the Costco set.

[luke213(adamsholsters)]

Do it man:)

I might actually go get one of those costco lights one of these days, anyone have one and a surefire to compare?

Luk

[StevenTing]

The Costco light is a good light.  Go get it.

[Daylight]

My wife saw them first and told the baby "Daddy is going to buy more flashlights."  I bought the latest Costco light (just before it went on sale) and am ambivilent about it.  Have to hold the switch for about a second before it works in momentary, and have to cycle both brightness levels and strobe to turn it off.  Crenellated bezel and tail means it won't carry in a pocket gracefully, but makes it more usefull for HTH.

[Daylight]

Update on the new Costco light:  the tail switch is easily bumped on, leading to dead flashlight in quick time.

[seanp]

The multi-battery that the Gerber has is a nice feature.  But for me, brightness would be my main issue.  As an alternative, I'd suggest the new special that Costco has currently.  They had them about 9 months ago and then stopped carrying them.  They're back in stock again.

It's a nice LED that sells 2 for $20.  Beginning 3/11/2010, it will have a $5 off coupon.  

Techlite Lumen Master (Costco item# 406343 )
CREE XRE LED 160 lumen
3xAAA (6 provided in blister pack)
Water Resistant - 30 minutes at 1 meter
Vacuum plated reflector.
Polycarbonate lens
Adjustable Focus ring - spotlight to flood.
Aircraft Grade Anodized Aluminum
Shockproof to 1 Meter
Wrist Lanyard

MultiFuntion cap switch
- Constant Current
- 50% & 100% output modes
- Emergency Strobe mode
- Cap light indicator at 20% battery life.
- Momentary switch for immediate light

Here's a picture of it if you want to keep your eyes open.

http://slickdeals.net/forums/attachment.php?s=0b91b530f12887ef0efee2f62fed8261&attachmentid=266390&d=1254356744

That looks like a nice light.  Never seen them in Costco though.  Maybe they are only available in the US.

[StevenTing]

That looks like a nice light.  Never seen them in Costco though.  Maybe they are only available in the US.

That may be.  Costco has had them in stock for the past couple of weeks.  I grabbed 4 more sets.  They have a $5 instant rebate with them so each light is $7.50.  If you want, I'll buy some for you and ship them up to you.

[seanp]

That may be.  Costco has had them in stock for the past couple of weeks.  I grabbed 4 more sets.  They have a $5 instant rebate with them so each light is $7.50.  If you want, I'll buy some for you and ship them up to you.

Thanks for the offer Steve!  I may have to get you to re-ship some stuff for me from CTD one of these days 

Turns out I just wasn't looking hard enough.  I picked up two of them yesterday.  For $7.50 these seem like a really good deal.  They really are noticeably brighter than my 80 lumen Duracel.