EDC Flashlights!

aznpos531

aznpos531

I like sharp and pointy things...
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
1,176
I realize that I'd probably get some better info over at CPF but the last thing I need right now is to be hooked on another forum. :rolleyes:

I'm currently EDCing the Fenix LD-20 and I really love it but for its length. All of its features like multiple output modes and 72 hour runtime make it perfect for my applications. However I'm looking for something that's a little more pocket friendly.

One of the lights that have caught my attention is the Microstream by Streamlight. It's the perfect size for the watch pocket on my jeans and seems to get some pretty good reviews. The only problem I have with it is that it only provides 2.25 hours of runtime; being used to 72 hours, that is quite the down-grade!
I've also looked into the Quark Mini series by 4Sevens and they seem pretty good but I'd like to have some more options to pick and choose from.

So it would be greatly appreciated if you folks could suggest some other options based on what you guys use that meet the following criteria:
- Runs on 1 AA, AAA or CR123; i.e. small size that can fit in the watch pocket of the jeans
- Longer runtime; lumens isn't a big deal. the LD-20 runs for 72 hours on a 10 lumen output and I find 10 lumens to be more than enough for most tasks
- Various output modes would be nice to have
- LED bulb is preferred
- Don't really have a budget but something that won't break the bank is preferred (rather spend the money on knives!)

Thanks in advance guys! :D
 
for 1xAA zebralight sc51, for 1xAAA itp a3 eos r5 upgrade edition, 96 lumens for 1 hour or 1.8 for 50, which is plenty bright for up close and in home, use this mode mostly, as well as a middle mode. the zebralight has the same brightness as the ld20 (200 lumens on high) or .2 lumens for 16 days, 2.5 lumens for 3 days and 5 other modes. Both awesome lights
 
Preon 2

Liteflux LF2XT (if you can find one)

Muyshondt Aeon: I highly recommend this light. It uses CR2 batteries which wasn't part of your criteria but it is worth it. It's two modes, great regulation, very durable & small! Check it out :). Muyshondt.net
 
Nitecore D11. I have had the prev gen D10 for over a year and
I still like this one the best of any I've tried.

Reasons I like:
1. AA bat.
2. 3 - 145 lumans infinitely adjustable
3. 100 hours on the low setting or anywhere in between
4. reliable electronic-controlled switch
5. perfectly sized for EDC, not too small or too big
6. stands on tail/used as candle

check it out.. Goinggear.com has a video.
 
Quark mini warm cr2 on a necklace. Hugging people is uncomfortable. Aside from that, amazing.

Zero
 
I've taken to carrying a Maratac AAA.
Using A Single Duracell AAA battery, Count Comm got the following results:
Medium Mode, 18-lm Output for 4 Hours
Low Mode, 1.5-lm Output for 50 Hours
High Mode, 80-lm Output for 48 Minutes

Low mode is enough for most of what I need.
 
4 sevens mini quarkX with XM-L led. single cr123. its something like 2.5"x0.9" with 200ish lumens OTF which is amazing. nice thing is the xm-l led is very floody and the 200 lumens projects it far so its a great combo. pretty hard to beat for its size and for 50 bucks!
 
While I EDC the NiteCore EZ CR2 occasionally, I wouldn't recommend it or any other CR2 light as a first choice mainly because the CR2 is not the most easily accessible battery format, especially in an emergency.

I only bought my EZ CR2 because I had about 18 CR2 LiIon batteries not being used for anything. They're also pretty pricey at $5 to $10 each depending on where you get them. If you are going to go the CR2, CR123 route buy your batteries in bulk online from Lighthound, Battery Junction or another one of those online battery suppliers.

My main EDC lights for the last 10 yrs or so have been CR123 lights, again because I bought about 30 or 40 CR123 batteries in bulk online at about $1.25 US each.

One of my other EDC lights is the iTP EOS A3 Upgraded version which I think is a great choice. I carry it or my EZ CR2 in pocket as a backup to my Fenix PD20 Q5 which is always in it's holster on my belt. The iTP is small, runs on readily available, and very small (read "easy to carry") spare AAA batteries. Since I've found and am happy with my current EDC light set up I haven't been visiting CPF much for the last year or two so I'm not too familiar with the newer CR123, CR2, AA and AAA offerings beyond the Maratac, NiteCore, Fenix, 4Sevens lines. If you're looking for a smaller form factor than your current LD20, maybe consider one of their single AA lights like the LD10.

Regarding the size factor, twisties are generally shorter than clickies so that's another factor to keep in mind. I personally prefer clicky lights for my main lights. Twisties are ok as backup.

Good luck!
 
I checked out the Muyshondt Aeon, reminds me a lot of the CR2 Ion that was popular about 4-5 yrs ago. At $125 for a regular one and $295 for a Ti version that's way too much $$ in my opinion. That's also the reason I never bought one of the original CR2 Ions. My dream light back then was Doug Stevens' Fire~Fly III but I don't think he ever got it to market.

fiskking said:
Preon 2

Liteflux LF2XT (if you can find one)

Muyshondt Aeon: I highly recommend this light. It uses CR2 batteries which wasn't part of your criteria but it is worth it. It's two modes, great regulation, very durable & small! Check it out :). Muyshondt.net
Click to expand...
 
I edc a Peak Matterhorn. It's a single level, 3 led, 110 cp output, aaa twisty. It's regarded sort of as the heir to the Arc light aaa. It's not the most modern edc light in the world, but the 3 leds make it incredibly efficient given the high output, and it works well given for my applications. It lives comfortable on a keychain, or in any pocket sheath with a light/pen pocket.
 
Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. I'll look into all of them. In the meantime, do keep the suggestions coming! :)
 
The only thing I have that small is a Gerber Tempo:

http://www.rei.com/product/753122

98187.jpg


I have two of them right now. One is a back-up of my back-up. The other is just sitting around looking all lonely like it lacks purpose.
 
Fenix LD10 is the way to go, I've been carrying clipped to my pocket for a couple of weeks and its great.
 
jaynick said:
4 sevens mini quarkX with XM-L led. single cr123. its something like 2.5"x0.9" with 200ish lumens OTF which is amazing. nice thing is the xm-l led is very floody and the 200 lumens projects it far so its a great combo. pretty hard to beat for its size and for 50 bucks!
Click to expand...

This is a great light in that size requirement. I bought my son one about a year ago, no issues. Buy rechargeables and a charger with the money you save.
 
really check out the fenix ld01. It has an 85 lumen, 27, and 9 lumen mode. Its longest runtime is 9 hours which should be plenty imo. If battery costs are distracting you from some lights consider getting Sanyo Eneloop batteries for your lights. Highly cost effective.

As for the streamlight. I had one of those as my starter lights and I thought there could be nothing better. However I have found it to be underpowered when compared to lights from other companies. And regarding the 2.5 hr runtime... I believe that is for the 2nd generation which has not been released yet. The 1st generation which you will likely find in my findings runs less than an hour.
 
I keep a Fenix LD10 in my pocket EDC kit and a Fenix E01 around my neck... The LD20 rides in my EDC pack...
 
fenix L0D on my keychain
Maratec AAA in EDC bag
Fenix LD20 in BUG
4Seven Preon2 in work bag

All have been good lights.
 
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