Off Topic EDC flashlight

T

That_Knife_Guy

Joined
May 30, 2017
Messages
88
So I am lacking a flashlight in my EDC and want a slim one that I could carry within the pocket. I also want one for a more powerful at home or trips out hunting or fishing. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
Even though this is in Knife discussion, I'll still make some suggestions.

For small light:
•Maratac AAA
•TnC Nanolux
•Both with a Nichia 219 LED

For a larger light:
•TnC Ultralux 18350
•Nichia 219 is recommended

My opinion is that the Ultralux is the best flashlight in the world. I'm a hardcore TnC fanboy though:D
 
My favorite edc flashlight is the Maratac AAA in pure copper. Liked it so much I purchased a 2nd one when they became available again recently. The Nichia 219 on the latest release is particularly nice. I Went through a lot of small flashlights before settling on the Maratac.

My larger flashlights for hiking, fishing and use around the house are a Fenix PD35 and a Nitecore P12. Never had a problem with either for several years.
 
Last edited:
augustus88 said:
My favorite edc flashlight is the Maratac AAA in pure copper. Liked it so much I purchased a 2nd one when they became available again recently. The Nichia 219 on the latest release is particularly nice. I Went through a lot of small flashlights before settling on the Maratac.

My larger flashlights for hiking, fishing and use around the house are a Fenix PD35 and a Nitecore P12. Never had a problem with either for several years.
Click to expand...

I'm looking at the maratac lights on blade hq and i'm looking at the copper and the black one. I like the black one better just because it matches with the other items i carry but what makes the Nichia 219 so great? I would get the copper one if the Nichia is a lot better but I would prefer the black.
 
I like the Maratac AAA too. I carried the Rev1 on top in the picture for several years on my key chain. I bought it new not long after they were released. It's still going strong but I finally broke down and bought the black Rev4 because of the upgrades.

View attachment 715836
 
HDS Systems EDC Rotary. Muyshondt Flieger Mk. I or the upcoming Muyshondt Beagle Mk. I if you want something really nice.
 
That_Knife_Guy said:
...but what makes the Nichia 219 so great?
Click to expand...
High (92) CRI. Also, the benefit of a copper body is its relatively high thermal conductivity. This will prevent the light engine from stepping down too soon and provide lomger runtimes in general.
 
I carry a Streamlight Microstream 1AAA

Also have an olight i3E EOS AAA on my keychain.

I love them both for exactly what they are. I have other flashlights that are much more powerful, but these are a great balance and dependable as well as priced fairly.

Everyone should have an Olight i3E EOS!
 
Similar to the Maratac, the Lumintop AAA and good old Led Lenser P3 are my favorites for EDC

20170526_114812_zpsfcq0xfgf.jpg


tough and ultra lightweight
 
I'm a cool white beam fan so Nichia emitters don't do it for me.

For work EDC (office/construction site) I usually carry an Eagletac D25A Ti 2014, 2015 or 2017. It's an AA light that nearly disappears clipped in blue jeans and offers lots of light and different modes to fit your needs.

Lately on the weekend (usually shorts) I have been carrying a FourSevens Mini MKII Ti or AL. Both are CR123 lights, both are solid, both are compact and both put out an outrageous amount of light. Both also offer different modes.
 
I carry a fenix e05 and use a solarforce with a p60 drop in at work. Both have been very dependable. The solarforce has taken at least 2 drops to concrete from 8-10 feet with no real damage.
 
The best solution for me is a light big enough to be useful for a long time, capable of putting out both low and high illumination -- about 800-1,000 lumens. I clip a Fenix PD35 to a belt loop on my jeans. I can use it quickly and with one hand most of the time without unclipping it, but it also unclips in a second if I need too. Lots of illumination. Lots of run time. Doesn't take up any pocket space.
 
oh and for a USB rechargeable light, cheap but durable and very well regarded by most flashlight folks as one of the best bang-for-your-buck lights out there:
Nitecore TUBE

2016-11-20%2021.15.26_zpswhpp9p9a.jpg


and it's successor Nitecore TIP

20170124_105035_zpsxapjwzko.jpg
 
The LED Nichia 219 casts a warmer light that shows color more accurately. It is a bit weaker in brightness but more pleasing to the eye when compared to the typical LEDs used in flashlights which has a blue or green cast. "Neutral" is another tint that is sometimes offered which is inbetween the two. When you fall down the flashlight rabbit hole and look for these things (like I did) you are known as a Tint Snob.
 
You may want to spend more money. But, I have a Coast HX5 that works great. One AA, adjustable beam, great clip. You can hot rod it with a different battery. I haven't. Stubby and solid for pants pocket carry.
Last year I bought a bunch of Defiant 2xAAA penlights and gave 'em to a lot of friends. Super slim, bright, and so far reliable. I think they were 2 for $10 at the big orange box store. Long and skinny, like a pen. No extra feature and only an average clip.
 
For everyday pocket carry I'm a big fan of the humble Streamlight Microstream. If I'm wearing pants, there's one in my pocket.
 
Die-hard Surefire Aviator user here. After carrying one for many years, that low output red LED secondary beam is just something I have become accustomed to, and can't imagine being without. I have a number of other lights, but this one is always in my pocket.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top