Best EDC Flashlight?

Z

Zemapeli

Joined
Jan 26, 2013
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I used to have a Kobalt 150 lumen flashlight that was wonderful. The flashlight literally turned night to day with the push of a button. I recently checked on Lowes.com and Kobalt.com and it is no longer carried by either. I got rid of it years back and am in the market for a new EDC light. Advise or good experiences with a flashlight/torchlight?
I am looking for a powerful flashlight in a small package. I want the light to be at least 150 lumens +. I want the light to turn night to day and be reliable every time.
Edit: It was the Kobalt 150 lumen light I was referring to.
 
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I'm just getting back from a week long road trip/camp and find my promethius qr beta to be the most used item I brought.
Easily fits anywhere, can be fitted with a pocket clip, one hand use, and at 85 lumens (has 3 modes) it was plenty for pitch black woods and rain storms.

Also brought my promethius ready made, i think 500 lumens. Now that turns dark into day.

 
5.11 ATAC A1

1-AA Duracell Battery and Break-Away Lanyard Included

Cree XP-E LED with regulated circuit for 103 Lumen output and 50 minute run time on high/ 11 Lumen output 28 hour run time on low

Intelligent Switch with High/Low/Strobe and momentary On

Aerospace Grade Aluminum, with Stamped Metal Pocket Clip, Black TPR Soft Touch Anti-Roll Ring and Gold Plated Contacts; water resistant
 
This is an entirely subjective discussion, largely based on what you define as "small". My favorite pocket light is a Fenix LD02, which is both compact (barely larger in diameter than a pen and less than half as long). It's small, doesn't print, and can be hidden away in just about any pocket. You've also got lights like the Olight S1 Baton and Zebralight SC52 which are similar in length but much larger in diameter, can accommodate larger batteries, and as a result will produce a much brighter beam.
 
I've been using a Streamlight ProTac 1L for the last three years and it has been a great edc light. It's been used as part of my daily EDC setup and has never let me down. This particular model has traveled w/me on countless hiking trips and fly fishing excursions and has preformed beautifully.
 
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I love HICRI lights, and lumens aren't as important, so if that works for you, the best value I have found is my EagleTac titanium with the Nichia 219. It uses Cr123A's but it lasts forever and has just the right settings.
I definitely recommend it for all around use.

I also carry a Peak Eiger with a nichia 219 mule head, and it has been a perfect camping light. It is just bright enough for anything I have needed a light for, and looks great, too.
 
Small EDC light... dead gods man! There are many to choose from everything from throwaway Sipik68 clones to 900 lumen AA/14500 battery eating monsters.

Very broad subject. Nitecore EA11, Fenix E12, EagleTac 25A, Thrunite T10 for AA flashlights.

There are some flashlight forums out there as well if you are inclined.

Best of luck, most single AA are well above 90 lumen now.
 
man, if you thought 90 was bright, better get some new shades, because 90 would be a minimum for a lot of folks. There are a heap of similar threads from the past six months with a lot of reviews of different lights. Do a bunch of reading and that will start you along the right path. I'd hate to send you over to candlepower, a good way to loose days, and your wallet!

I roll with a fenix e-05 on on my keys, an E-12 if I know I'm going to be out and about after dark. E21 for in the bush, and a heap of headlamps depending on what I'm doing. Lots of good sub 50$ choices, and lots of amazing +100$ ones.
 
I don't know if it's the best but I just picked up this Eagletac from a forum member and so far I really like it.

E5540CD2-07E9-4711-A52B-B01F2A9F4FCB_zps8kxvvzwm.jpg
 
've always had great luck and success with Fenix lights. I guess I can't vouch for any others simply because I've never tried any others. The Fenix performed well for me so I never went looking for anything else. I've got an older LOD in my pocket that runs on one AAA. It's an older one with 5 modes. low, medium, high, strobe and SOS. This sucker will not quit. Every once and awhile, I'll give it a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol bath on the contacts and it has NEVER failed me...EVER.

Will somebody please tell me how old these are? I've got CRS syndrome, (can't remember sh*t)
 
tuckerone1 said:
I've been using a Streamlight ProTac 1L for the last three years and it has been a great edc light. It's been used as part of my daily EDC setup and has never let me down. This particular model has traveled w/me on countless hiking trips and fly fishing excursions and has preformed beautifully.
Click to expand...

I second the Streamlight. I have a PT2L that's been my EDC for several years. I even wear it when I swim at night. It's been through a lot and always performs well.
 
Figure out what battery you want to use first. I recommend AA or CR123. CR123's have more energy, but the AA's are cheaper and more commonly available. AAA's hold a good deal less energy than the AA's, so I would avoid them and AAA lights are not that much smaller than AA lights.

Once you figure out which batter type you want to use then go look at the appropriate Fenix, Olight or Jetbeam model. There are many others that would work, but I own lights from all 3 of those manufacturers and they all are tough, quality lights.
 
I like my mini maglite pro+. $30 and it's brighter than I need 90% of the time. But it's cool being able to carry a spotlight in my pocket.
 
SaintZe said:
This is an entirely subjective discussion, largely based on what you define as "small". My favorite pocket light is a Fenix LD02, which is both compact (barely larger in diameter than a pen and less than half as long). It's small, doesn't print, and can be hidden away in just about any pocket. You've also got lights like the Olight S1 Baton and Zebralight SC52 which are similar in length but much larger in diameter, can accommodate larger batteries, and as a result will produce a much brighter beam.
Click to expand...

I was going to recommend this light, but you beat me to it! I love single AAA size lights, as they fit easily in a back pocket without being annoying.

I carried a Fenix LD01 for several years, which is a great light too. It allows the use of a 10440 rechargeable battery, which will put out close to 300 lumens of light, which is ridiculous in this size of a light. It has a low level that I like better than the LD02, but the LD01 is a twisty light, and I LOVE the click switch on the LD02.

Edited to add: the Fenix LD02 will put out 26, 8, and 100 lumens on its three levels.
 
I love my Zebralight H52W. It's small, super bright, and has good enough runtime for my uses in an EDC role, as well as being able to use 14500 lithium batteries. I've been using it for a couple of years now and haven't had a reason to look elsewhere to replace it.
 
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