Would like to know what type/brands of strobe lights that other use. Is it best to have a smaller light weight style to carry along during routes, or a larger style that can also be used for phase.

I use the pionere pocket strobe here///


http://www.inotek.com/Catalog/pioneer1pm.html

Here is a link to a wide variety of stroboscopes. The PK2X Pocket Strobe and the Nova Strobe DBX pistal grip version are both very popular and are available with TTL output for interface to vibration analyzers.
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Stroboscope-s/42.htm
Just hit more info button for detailed specs and pricing for each model.

Xracer, I use the Checkline PK2 strobe (used to be made by Pioneer) every day. I think it is the best combination of ease of use, light weight, good battery life, and low cost. I carry mine on my tool belt when I run my routes. You can get it with a TTL output that will allow you to take phase readings when you have not tach output from a machine, or no tach tape on the shaft to allow use of an external tach. Battery life is very good... I usually get from 2-3 days of use on a charge during normal route usage. The Palm strobe is also good and has a few more features, but the shape of the Palm strobe makes it harder to use on a tool belt. You can use the PK2 one-handed usually, but not the Palm strobe.