Regarding lights, is 6v's enough?

[cmogi10]

I am trying to slowly track down everything I need to hunt for coons, my pup is still a pup so I am trying to save money to get the essentials. I still have to purchase a tracking system, (I am going to try to find a used tracker maxima for around 300).

I have found that coonhunting lights are extremely expensive as well! I don't want to buy Junk, but I can't afford to spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a light.
My main question, is 6v enough power to enjoy myself or am I going to need 12, 17, 21, 28?
I was looking at the 6v Blazer Box light, it is marketed for "youths", I am not really a youth.
I am going to get sick of a 6v light fast and want to upgrade? Or will it do everything I need.

Thanks

[cmogi10]

So after some more research I am going to do some saving (or keep looking for one used) and get the 12v Budget Belt light by Moonshiner. Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about this light? any better ones in that price range (under 200 dollars) that I should look at?

[buckshot]

I know you said under $200 but just a little more you can get you a 20V Valley Creek Belt Light ($235) or 17v Mini Blazer Box Light (very light $225).....I have both and they have taken the abuse.

My son has a 6V Valley Creek Box Light that also has held up...........but I would use 17v or higher for coon hunting.

My Blazer is probably around 6 years old or more. Can't remember my VC but son's VC is 5 years old. All 3 take and hold a charge.

JMO, unless the used light still had a good warrantly left, I'd buy new.

[slowandeasy]

i agree with buckshot on the blazer lights, tuffer than pine knot! good luck what ever way you go.

[driftwood blue]

http://www.showmeoutdoorsupplies.com/

Doug Koch ---Richmond MO.. I have one of his 8 Volt lights. got it in 93 Very dependable ---Light weight $179.00 ---about 2 years ago I reloaded the batteries.. no problem blowing bulbs like I have with big volt lights.. his bulbs are a 7,2 volt and the prices are reasonable.. I also got a LED head from Tim's Hunting Supply that works on this battery box that cost $55. makes the battery last 5 nights easy..

those lights from Doug --- I think he still gets a lot of his material from Blazer..

shoot, I got a Bright Eyes and still find myself going back to this Show Me light...

[cmogi10]

thanks for the advice guys,

Buckshot-I have heard nothing but fabulous things about the valley creek lights, they are definetely on my radar. The blazers as well.

It just seems like there are a ton of good options, not a lot of bad ones.


Driftwood Blue- That is one brand I had not heard of yet, I liked what I saw. It seems his burn times are a little lower then some others? Maybe his are just more accurate.

So it seems that in california we have a 9 volt limit. Show me lights has a 8v belt light for 199 that seems like a good buy.


Edit: Nevermind the 9v limit, I just got lost in my rules book.

[slowandeasy]

wow!!! you guy's out there better be careful or they will try to regulate your toilet paper. good luck with what ever light you pick.

[cmogi10]

I think I was wrong in my interpretation of the rule book, it might be 9v limit in some areas? I don't know maybe if another california hunter can chime in with some fact they can clear things up.
This state has it's up's and downs, and I've been learning about a lot more downs when it comes to running hounds.

[joshtee]

How are the LED lights they sell for around $100-$120? Lights like the K-light 4200.

[cmogi10]

How are the LED lights they sell for around $100-$120? Lights like the K-light 4200.

I was wondering that too,
There was a light on the Valley Creek site that kept catching my eye, that Valley Creek "Critter Getter" (it can be found here http://www.valleycreekhuntingsupply.com ... clight.htm)

I have not heard much about the LED options, I'd like to hear more.

[buckshot]

The Critter Getter is designed more for a youth light -- even VC has mentioned it.

As far as the LED's -- If you want the best LED lights, they are the $175 - $200 LED heads hooked to a 17v or higher battery pack. - So almost double your price range.

You have to remember on these little LED bump cap lights that you will not get the burn time or brightness on typical lights as the battery packs are tiny.

Example -- Look at the new VC Pro 5 LED head and light package and the Mini Pro Package.

BURN TIMES FOR THE MINI PRO ARE LISTED FIRST, FOLLOWED BY THE PRO:

CLICK 1: 260 HOURS ...... 400
CLICK 2: 90 HOURS ...... 133
CLICK 3: 27 HOURS ...... 42
CLICK 4: 4 HOURS ...... 6



As the battery package gets smaller so does the burn times. Imagine the burn times and brightness on those cap lights -- not even in the same ballpark.

Also, they are different type light -- alot more tighter lighter.

I have 2 of the small LED lights.....but I am using them for rabbit hunting at night where I don't need to shine trees.

[BEAR HUNTER]

It depends on where you are at. Certain parts of Ca are 9 volt only. The area I am in (Red Bluff) is 9 volt only. Areas South of me (Colusa County) there is no limit. I have heard (but aint gauranteeing) that if you are training (no gun) you can use larger lights. Check with F&G though. Where in Ca are you located?

[cmogi10]

I'm up in Siskiyou County, I did not now that Red Bluff was a 9 volt or less area, that is very good to know to avoid trouble in the future.