Unsung Heroes

 Of

Ghost Hunting

2/10/09

There's are many pieces of equipment that get more attention than others, but the most important and most taken for granted is....

The lowly Flashlight.

Yes, the Flashlight...your guardian angel of the dark.

It prevents you from stumbling, or falling down stairs, running into walls, bumping into each other, banging your head on low ceilings, and prevents you from getting spider webs on your face.

It alerts you to dust in the air so your photos won't be polluted with 'orbs'.

The Flashlight...our eyes...our guides...our saviors.

Where would we be without it?

Probably laying at the bottom of a staircase with a head wound and covered in spider webs...

Flashlight technology has made advancements by leaps and bounds in the last few years, and these new wonders are not your father's flashlights anymore.

There are many varieties of flashlight out there, ranging in size and power, from the keychain to the ultra-mega candlepower that take two people to carry and can guide aircraft. There are the cheapies for a couple of bucks at the dollar store to some that I've seen that cost upwards of $60.

A GOOD flashlight is essential...one that is small, yet reliable, durable, and long lasting.

The aforementioned Dollar Store Cheapies are cost effective sure, but you get what you pay for. They may be ok for a 'back-up' light, but not very good as your primary weapon. Its sort of like comparing a Glock to a Saturday Night Special, or a Bazooka to a Peashooter.

A good, durable, and reliable flashlight will cost you from about 20 bucks on up.

My flashlight fetish is known far and wide throughout the land, and I'm always in search of 'that perfect flashlight'.

Well, I'm still looking, but I've found a few that are pretty darn close. They're small in size, yet powerful enough for outdoor use or a good distance.

My favorite so far is made by Dorcy.

This 3-WATT LED beauty can adjust the beam from a wide flood light to an intense spot beam good for about 100 feet. It fits into a pocket, or can be hung from a carabineer when you add a ring to the lanyard hole. It runs on 3 AAA batteries. This is about $25.

Number 2 on the list:

Rayovac

This is another 3-WATT LED. VERY intense bright beam...comparable to a full size D-Cell Mag-Lite. This was about $25 also.

Number 3 choice:

MiniMag LED

3 WATTS of power...reasonable distance, tough, and reliable....About 19-20 bucks at Walmart.

Now there are regular MiniMags, so don't be confused. They're not LED, and not as powerful as the MiniMag LED.

The regular MiniMag is an "okay" light for use as a back-up light or the glove compartment of your car.

If it doesn't say MiniMag LED on the package, its not what you're looking for.

I carry the top three lights in my camera bag. I have all the power I'll need in a compact and easily transportable size. The less you have to lug around, the better.

Some lights to avoid if you can help it

These are just suggestions and helpful hints mind you. I'm just trying to provide advice for the best possible light for your safety and convenience, and ease of use.

The good ol' Dollar Store flashlight

They're bulky and suck batteries dead in a very short time.

6-Volt Spotlight

These are too heavy and cumbersome to carry around for any length of time, unless there's a shoulder strap that goes with it. These are a bit of over-kill for your average "house hunt". They're good for raccoon poaching though.

(I didn't say that)

The kind of flashlight that's the best is small and powerful LEDs. They'll operate on either AA or AAA batteries. Its a good idea to keep all of your battery powered gear of the same battery size...cameras, recorders, flashlights...then you just have to buy one or two different sizes, and if need be barrow some from your buddies, because you'll all be carrying the same ammo. (see where that comes from?)

Small flashlights are the best, because there have been times, and I'm sure you've done it too on occasion, where I've stuck my light in my mouth for hands-free operation.

Now, if you're hiding some latent talent you're not sharing with the rest of us, the full size D-Cell Mag-Lites are a bit much to hold in your mouth.

If you can do that...well, never mind. (baseball, rocking chairs, ugly strippers...ok, I'm good)

The full size Mag-Lites are ok for outdoor use or expansive buildings, and even better if you buy the LED Upgrade Bulb. HOWEVER, their size makes them difficult and awkward to transport, carry or set down.

A handy trick for "oral operation of your flashlight", is to wrap the end with a couple of layers of black electrical tape. This will cushion your teeth.

I've also cut pieces of bicycle inner tube, and slid them over the ends. This also helps your grip. With the smaller MiniMags, an old 10-speed bike inner tube will fit...the tube for the skinny tires... 1-1/8 x 1-1/4 x 1-3/8"

You have to wash that green sealer snot out of it first.

So to you, the mighty flashlight...I salute you!!

Without you, we'd be...in the dark.

I declare this day, February 11th...Honor Your Flashlight Day.

Show your appreciation for all its thankless work, and guidance its given you. Clean its lens, change its batteries, wash off the case, give it a new paint job, hell throw on a coat of turtle wax...

(cut back on the coffee ken)

          ~copyright 2009 Dr. Ken~

None of this material may be used without
the written consent of Dr. Ken