Flashlights?

[MattC]

Hey

In my theater (high school level) we gave the crew mini mag-lights for each show. (we had a total of two shows that required a large enough crew to give out the lights)
Anyways, by the end of the second show, out stock of flashlights had gone down from 12 to 2 from two breaking, several getting lost, being used as improv tools by bored actors, and, just a guess, crew members thinking they could keep the flashlights.
I am now thinking of investing in my own flashlight and was wondering if there were any suggestions. Also, if anybody had any suggestions for the theatre itself to replenish the stockpile (probably to only 6 ish this time) and any good systems they may have about holding on to them for longer.

thanks,

Matt

[BayAreaSM]

Matt,

Personally, my favorite flashlight is from Surefire. Here's a link to the one I have:

http://www.surefire.com/6P-Original

I was drawn to it back in 2002, when the Broadway SM team from Baz Luhrmann's La Boheme sent me off to go buy one for them. Because I admired the team so much, I had to save up to get my own. It's a bit heavy to hold with your teeth (not recommended for wardrobe crew), but it's the best I have come by. They also have a newer version of it, which is called the 6P LED. Obviously not something the school should buy, as these are rather expensive and I'm sure students would walk off with them. However, this is a great one to have and keep all to yourself. (and you get can colored gel filters as well, which flip up for when you don't need them) - And it won't break when used like a hammer.

[loebtmc]

um, wow. No one ever bought me a flashlight...

I am finding myself loving the LED battery-free ones that you pump up before a show and then use for hours and hours with no diminution of power. Not a mag, but useful, lightweight, and hey no dead batteries!. And so cheap that replacing them is no big deal - will try to get info on them since they are sold locally at the 99cents only store...

[cprted]

I carry an LED mini-mag.

[KMC]

I'd recommend the tried and true maglite (or newer MAG-LED).  They cost a few dollars more than a cheapo flashlight, but I've had the same mag for over 10 years and it still works like new.  Just keep a packet or two of spare lamps in and some fresh batteries handy and you'll never be without light.

[Smurf1331]

I have a few mag lites (good because you can remove the lens, and slip in a blue or red gel to dull them for backstage) and a Fenix LED that can light up just about anything for just in case...

[Jonas_A]

I own a Petzl headlamp (www.petzl.com) and I swear by it. I'm also a Scout and have tried just about every kind of torch out there (including the ones you shake that can look more than a little... suggestive  ) but the Petzl has been perfect. Runs off AAA batteries - chews through them at the start but if you don't mind it being a little dim they then last forever. Only issue is that they all seem to have a very wide throw... not sure how you would fix that.

[avkid]

I got a Surefire 6PX Pro for christmas and love it.
http://www.surefire.com/6PX-Pro

It beats the pants off any flashlight I have ever had.

[goldbird]

  I personally love Inova lights - the X5 is a great wash light for backstage & walking around, and the XO3 is fantastic if you need a lot of light a long ways away (like seeing up into the grid).  The lights themselves are not that expensive and near indestructible (especially the X5- it's been dropped, run over, submerged in water, and runs great, plus the LED lasts forever)
  The batteries cost more than AAs, but you can get them online for a whole lot cheaper than at stores ($0.75 compared to $8 each)

[Amandanellb]

I bought the Black and Decker Clip Light (2AA) at Wal-Mart for a cheap, last minute replacement in a time of crisis. I normally use a Mini Mag. This $10 Clip light is fantastic. It comes with 3 color clip on lenses, which is convenient since I Gel my flashlight, and has a clip in addition to the belt holster.

And in the case it were lost or kidnapped… I could get another one 24 hrs a day for only $10.

[pandora12]

I like the 4 color LED... you get white, green, blue, and red (I mostly use blue and white for backstage)

newbielink:http://coastledlenser.co.cc/cheapprice/coast-led-lenser-77364-led-flashlight-4-color-sign-B000P70RVA [nonactive]

[BalletPSM]

I know...another old thread but I'm finally done with grad school and catching up on everything!!

I love my surefire.  I have the "backup" model.  It's little and fits perfectly in my hand as well as easily into a pocket (no chance of falling out), push button on the end that stays on (so I don't have to hold it down like some surefire models).  It has a clip that slides onto my belt and two settings, bright and dim.  It does eat batteries on the bright setting though - I go through one about every two-three weeks.  I don't recommend it for people with larger hands.  My boyfriend tried using it backstage at a show and he didn't like it because it was too small. 

I also carry a cheap-o flashlight from walmart or somewhere like that; takes 3 AAAs; I love it because the beam is very dim and but very focused (it looks like a little spotlight that's been irised down), so its great when you need some light but don't want spillover into a blackout or low-light scene on stage. 

And finally, I still carry my trusty maglight around.  Because it's still just a great all-purpose flashlight.

apparently I'm a flashlight hoarder in addition to other office supplies (refer to my recent post in this forum about cleaning out my office).

[snowie86]

I just ordered a MAGLITE XL200. The reviews seem pretty great. The lights can also be dimmed.

[catalinacisne]

I have a Ray-o-Vac mini flashlight with clip-on gels, which I really enjoy.

As for the second part of your question, you can check out flashlights like theatres check out scripts to their actors. Each flashlight gets a number (silver sharpie, or if they have a metal case you can etch the numbers in), and the SM keeps a list of which crew member has what number flashlight. When the crew members are given the flashlights, they're told the value of the flashlights and that they are responsible for returning the flashlights to the SM at the end of the run, in good working order, or else they will owe the department the cost of the flashlight.

[BARussell]

My new Gerber flashlight! I like it cause it has all the colors I need, no need to bother with annoying gels, downfall, it's really bright cause it's LED but I always have a cheapo one in case I do need that super dim light

http://www.gerbergear.com/Tactical/Lights/Recon-Flashlight_22-80016