Flashlight For Dad

O

ojohnny400

Joined
Sep 13, 2006
Messages
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Looking to get my Dad an EDC flashlight. It would need to be small enough for front pocket carry. Thanks in advance
 
Incandescent 2AA Mini Maglite with a Nite Ize or Terralux LED module. Kinda the upper limit for front pocket carry. I use the 1/2 watt Nite Ize as an all around utility light, and I've seen the 5-watt Terralux used for patrols. For a subcompact light, I'm actually eyeballing a Fenix E01 (runtime) or E05 (output) as a replacement for my Energizer coin cell light.
 
Streamlight Protac 3AA model. 180 lumens on high, cannot remember the low setting, and strobe. Weighs almost nothing, stupid-simple, rugged little light. My pick for EDC. YMMV.
 
I like the Peak Eiger (AAA). You could also check out the Peak Logan for AA or 123.
 
I carry a Fenix PD32 and get a lot of use out of it. I use the lowest two settings most of the time but my friends seem to use the two brightest settings most of the time. One of these times I am going to ask why they feel like blinding themselves, but so far I usually just shrug and let them do their thing. If they were going to use it for a while I would point out the run time difference and the price of batteries.

Some folks might consider it too big for carrying in ones pocket everyday, but I don't mind.

It does get asked to be borrowed probably more than my knife and I use it probably more often myself

No matter what you get if he carries it he will use it
 
The Fenix ld10 is mighty handy. Anything bigger I find to be too big for front pocket carry. If I remember correctly, their pd line is great as well.
 
Thanks for all of the replies, about to check them out. It will be a little surprise for him, and his first EDC flashlight. Hopefully I pick something he actually uses.
 
I forgot to mention he likes push button on/off. Only one I've seen so far is fenix LD 15. But I have no experience with Fenix
 
I got my step-father-in-law a fenix E21. I also have an E21 I use for loaner use, common battery type (2xAA) and very simple operation, rear push button on/off, head tight = high, head loose = low. Its only rated at 154 lumens but (a) its got great battery life even on alkaline's and (b) that 154 lumens is focused very well, its intensity is ~7,20ux meaning its hot spot appears quite bright vs. even my 850 lumen foursevens quark.

My dads dead but if I would have ever got to buy him a nice flashlight his likes would be the total opposite of mine, minimal modes and settings, simple UI, off-the-shelf battery type. That's also why I have one as a loaner, no teaching session required like say for example a zebralight (which I personally love)
 
you might consider the whole EDC thing .....whistle, simple twist light like Fenix E05 (with lithium AAA cell) and pill fob for an aspirin or so in case of a heart attack... the E01 has longer run time, but the E05 is at least 2x brighter

the Streamlight Tac Pro I (left of pic) is cr123 powered and over 100 lumen... my Fenix E21 is my choice for a AA and is in my hurricane preps

 
If it's his first EDC light I would recommend a pen shaped light, or even a pen with an integrated light. My first was a browning pen/light combo. It's so easy to clip to your pocket or shirt, and forget about it until you need to write something down or look for something in the dark. After a while he's going to start looking for a brighter alternative and that's when I would recommend some of the suggestions given above.

My only edc light is a JetBeam PA10. I carry it in my back pocket next to my wallet and it fits perfectly there.
 
GoingGear.com is the place for flashlights, period.

Fenix works fine, but check out Klarus, Niteye, Nitecore, JetBeam, Olight, Streamlight, Eagletac, FourSevens, etc.

I would choose first by LED bulb, then by battery type.

You can't go wrong with a XML, but the XML2 puts out more lumens. They should have some good deals on lights with XML bulbs now that the 2nd generation is out. The XP-G is used on some older lights but is now cheaper.

Then decide if you want something like a AA, or if you want to step up to a CR123. The CR123 puts out more voltage, so you can get a brighter light, and they come in rechargeable versions. GoingGear.com even has package deals that include smart chargers that won't overcharge the battery, along with the batteries and light.

Most of these are somewhat waterproof as well with aluminum bodies and o-rings. I prefer the Klarus lights because of the the push buttons on the endcap. Only the Klarus has two endcap buttons, one for on/off, the other for mode (Hi, Low, Strobe). Take a look at the XT1C for something small.

http://goinggear.com/flashlights/fl...123-245-lumen-tactical-flashlight-w-clip.html

Happy hunting!
 
Les Snyder said:
you might consider the whole EDC thing .....whistle, simple twist light like Fenix E05 (with lithium AAA cell) and pill fob for an aspirin or so in case of a heart attack... the E01 has longer run time, but the E05 is at least 2x brighter

the Streamlight Tac Pro I (left of pic) is cr123 powered and over 100 lumen... my Fenix E21 is my choice for a AA and is in my hurricane preps

Click to expand...

That's a good alternative to just a flashlight. Depending on his level of mechanical comfort, a keychain leatherman, swiss army, or swiss+tech hooked to a flashlight and any choice of whistles, pill fobs, lighters, mini prybars, etc. Use a flexible keychain, like an "aviation mechanics key ring", or a short loop of ball chain for comfort. Just make sure that the knife is on a quick release and the assembly doesn't get to heavy. I've found that 4 oz is about the maximum weight I can comfortably carry clunking around in the botton of my pocket.

You might probe around to find out what he really needs. For myself, I've found that I a pocket knife with scissors and a #2 phillips driver, a low power (5-10 lumens) flashlight, memo pad/pen, and earplugs are indispensable. I'me still working on a way to attach the earplugs to my keyring.
 
He's kind of a minimalist, I know he wouldn't like a bunch of stuff in his pocket. He might not even EDC the flashlight. I know he'll use it regardless.....
 
I am a big Fenix fan, but I also like the Foursevens Preon series for their size. They make a great EDC. You can not go wrong with the one or two.
 
The pushbutton requirement eliminates a lot of the really small lights. If he likes to keep thinks minimal and simple, then a 1xAAA flashlight with a low number of modes would be my recommendation. I've heard good things about the Streamlight Microstream C4 (1 oz, a little bigger then a Maglite Solitaire). There are smaller and more convenient coin cell lights, but the retail prices for the batteries are ridiculous. ($4-5/cell vs $0.50-0.60/cell for AAA bulk packs).
 
Check out the Streamlight Microstream. I've had one as my EDC for many years and never been disappointed. Hard to beat for $20!
 
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