Best Budget EDC Flashlight

B

Bolt

Joined
Aug 28, 2007
Messages
449
Hey everyone. I am looking to buy the best bang for the buck edc flashlight.
I have read a lot of threads and seem to see the fenix L1P and the ARC AAA a lot. I was wondering what other options may be out there.
I would like to have suggestions in two price ranges due to budget issues:
- Best option $50 and under
- Best option $100 and under

Thanks for your help.
 
~$50 - i would get a fenix with the cree LED ie the P1D-CE.

+$50 to $100 - a surefire E2e, or save up about +$30 and get an L4 LED.
 
check out the led lenser single white LED option at home depot.. 3x AAA in a triangular fashion, round handle.. cheap & bright.
if you're not a fan or lose it, you havent spent much.
 
Hard to beat a Fenix for the money...they're all decent, just depends on what size, brightness, and runtime you're looking for.
 
Bolt:

There are so many good ones that it might be wise to narrow the scope of your search by size, battery type, brightness vs. runtime, throw vs. flood, etc. Consider also whether you are a heavy user where a rechargeable battery may be good, or want a low-usage or backup type light where an alkaline or lithium battery might be best.

Let us know what you are after. :thumbup:

I find something small is good for EDC. A multi level light can give you brightness when needed, and long runtime the rest of the time. My current faves come from the Fenix lineup, like the AAA L0D CE or one of the small CR123-powered twisty or clickie fenix lights. www.fenix-store.com
 
I would say that a small light with either a clip or just pocket size would do. Battery does not matter. I am looking for a strong bright light for use in attics or crawl spaces. I am in construction, and I can not tell you how many times I could have used a flashlight on me, instead of having to go get one from my truck.

I have definately been leaning towards the Fenix line. If you had to pick two, which ones would it be? I figure if I save for one Surefire, I could have two Fenix instead.
 
I own about 10 Fenix lights, but can't keep the names straight. :thumbup:

You might like one of the 1xAA or 2xAA lights, after determining your personal preference for size. The 1xAA is a little easier to carry, but the 2xAA flavors offer longer runtime. The 1xAA isn't shabby in the runtime department, though.

The Fenix lights that use the "Cree" emitters (LEDs) are brighter, but do not suffer in the runtime department. They are listed separately at fenix-store.com.

All of them come with nice, nylon belt holsters, if that works for you.

I would vote for the L1D-CE or L2D-CE. https://www.fenix-store.com/index.php?cPath=22_55&osCsid=5e579a48a7ffc2e9d04608be91ed95a0

Both work well with rechargeable NiMH (nickle metal hydride) AA batteries, which you can pick up at Wal-mart (with charger) or just about anywhere on the net. Or with plain Jane alkaline batteries that you are used to.

Bolt: zap me your email address if you don't mind.

cheers
 
I agree with what powernoodle said....

And I'd also suggest the Fenix L1D CE (around $50 and takes AA batts and is small enough to fit comfortably in your pocket)


OR if you want more light and beam options (high/med/low/sos/etc) and are willing to pay $10-$15 more, Fenix has the P2D RB100 and is coming out with the P2D Q5 (both run off CR123s batts)... You're gonna get a longer running light and brighter light on high outta the last 2 for sure.

But I'd suggest if you dont mind a momentary on with a twist-to-lock-light-on function, get a Surefire G2 LED. Can take more abuse than any Fenix light and not look worse for wear since its got a plastic housing. Bigger than the Fenix and runs off CR123s but will give you at least 10 hours of useable light.
 
SIFU1A said:
~$50 - i would get a fenix with the cree LED ie the P1D-CE.

+$50 to $100 - a surefire E2e, or save up about +$30 and get an L4 LED.
Click to expand...

P1D CE is a great choice. I got a couple so even my wife would throw it in her purse. Takes one CR123A and throws 135 Lumens.

I would also get the Surefire L4. Very rugged, takes two CR123A's and throws 100 Lumens. Costs a bit more but believe me its worth it. I have seen some used on various forums for about $130.
 
If your really looking for a nice, cheap light, check out the MTE rebel lights on Deal Extreme. I can specifically vouch for this one.

Its no fenix or Surefire, but man is it bright! Good quality machining, and check out the beamshots. After the first week, I've only had to recharge my 2300mAh NiMH AA once (last night). I've heard it has water resistance issues with the front lens, but I haven't experienced it yet.

If you are willing to sacrifice a little brightness for runtime, check out this one. I used it a lot this summer and would place the overall durability on-par with my mags. Plus it has very good water resistance (mounted to my handlebars, I've biking through more than 1 rain storm with it). Again very bright, but not as much as the MTE (cree vs. rebel). Slightly larger with a heavier tint to the beam.

Both lights are nice, the Ultrafire is quite durable, but I can't say the MTE is a wuss either, just haven't had it long enough to make a statement.
 
The downside with CR123 batteries is that they must be ordered off the internet unless you like paying something like $6 a pop for them. On the the net they are in the $1.00 to $2.00 range generally.
 
RNST said:
P1D CE is a great choice. I got a couple so even my wife would throw it in her purse. Takes one CR123A and throws 135 Lumens.

I would also get the Surefire L4. Very rugged, takes two CR123A's and throws 100 Lumens. Costs a bit more but believe me its worth it. I have seen some used on various forums for about $130.
Click to expand...

i know where ya can get them LNIB for ~$130, PM me if ya wanna know where.
 
Fenix is hard to beat. For well under $100, get the Fenix P3D CE Rebel edition, max output 200 lumens on 2 CR123s... in fact there are many Fenix options under $100 and many under $50...
 
What is considered a convenient pocket size varies by person -
please take a look at a thread from about 2 years ago on flashlights -

Form-Factor, Size, Ergonomics

Although I favor single AA lights on paper - I found them just a bit too big for in-pocket carry, they were just a bit too fat - the same applied to single CR123 lights which were even fatter - so (for me) it came down to single AAA lights - but the smaller ones were just an awkward in-between-y size of being too big for the keyring, and a bit too small for in-pocket carry - as they tend to get "lost" (the opening post in the referenced thread explains it in more detail).

Lower brightness personal task lights -

0) get a Photon 2 - in any color you like - red preserves night vision, but can be hard to see under, yellow seems to make thing more actute and one seems to still see well even at low levels (for me) - white is obviously more general usage. Or get a Photon 2 clone which can be had for as low as < $1. I personally don't like the transulcent bodies - which do look attractive and even impressive - but they give off too much extraneous light and can be distracting and attract attention. So I prefer the solid color bodies.

Put the Photon 2/clone on the key ring - so it's always there - but small enough to be "almost not there" :p

In additon to the Photon 2/clone, to carry in-pocket -

Single AAA LED lights -

First, a bow and acknowledgement to the ArcAAA - it's long been a favorite - and even voted CPF (CandlePowerForum) light of the year - it is still very viable with a great balance of adequate brightness (good for personal close-tasks) and battery runtime. It is no doubt a classic. But I think there are better lights around for the price.

Dorcy 1AAA for $5.94 at any local WalMart
A Classic Revisited - Dorcy 1AAA
a long thread - but that shows how popular this little inexpensive light is.
I like the latest version with the spot beam - it has very even lighting - does not have extraneous light - and the spot is large enough to be generally useful - see Post #104 (link) in that thread above.

Fenix E0 - loooong runtime - good brightness -
Fenix E0 "Dart" - comparison review
priced at $19.99 shipped

Multi-level from personal tasks to very high brightness -

Fenix L0D - either CE or RB80
Fenix L0D-RB80 Comparison Review
Fenix L0D-CE Comparison Review
priced at $46.50 shipped


Hope this helps,

--
Vincent
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