Flashlights

Need2Know

Need2Know

Joined
Aug 31, 2011
Messages
7,247
Ok, I am always looking for the smallest illumination tools with the highest output and features.
These are a few I am trying out to fill the role, but none is perfect for me yet. I do have a HDS Rotary on order, but it won't be ready for awhile.
In the photo:
4 7s Quark mini X 123 the model w/ max 210 lumens
Nitecore Iniflux IEF1
ZebraLight SC80
Jetbeam PC10

What lights have you found that work best for a small, powerful, feature-filled device?

Oh, and because this is the Hinderer forum,there is appropriate scenery in the pic.

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Nice Lights N2K:thumbup: Can't think of anything nicer to compliment the Hinderer EDC than a nice tactical light. I was a Big Fenix fan until I started getting some failures.
If it is going to ride in my pocket with the BEST knife in the World - it better perform. I think I am back to my SureFire for now.
 
I have both Fenix and Surefires too. Still looking for a small high output light with at least high/low + strobe and IPX8 waterproofing, 3 meter drop testing and tolerable battery life. Battery life is what I will give up if a light meets or exceeds my demands for brightness and ruggedness.
 
The Quark X 123 is an awesome light. Stupid bright on high, longer runtimes with medium and low output. Plus it has a strobe if you are into that. And its tiny.

No Hinderer in my arsenal, though I did just order a ZT0560. :)

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Quark X 123.
 
Of those, I the quark and nitecore.. and I have several others in that size.. many... and so far the nitecore 1FE1 is the best smaller light with nice features, and bright as hell. Just is more of a throw beam than flood, which is ok for what I want it for..

At 3/4" longer you could get the Olight t20, which is brighter and throws farther.. simple to use..

I like the mini 123, and the ITP eos1? Can't think of the correct name off the top of my head.. but they are both TOO tiny and seem to burn too fast. Plus, I don't like twist ON lights.. twist to adjust is ok.. but twist to turn on annoys me :)

Sorry not much help, but I am sticking with the nitecore so far myself as my favorite/best light in a 4" package. cheers!
 
This is "Pocket Fare" lately....

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On my keyring is a Fenix PD20 (small, wicked bright and has strobe among high/low/med settings) AND a clicky end which is a must for me.
 
I'm still waiting on my Rotary, as well.
I don't have one yet, but based on my previous EagleTac experience, I'd look at their D25 series. All are pretty small for their given format; can be had with your choice of emitter for max brightness or throw; AA, CR123, 2xAA, 2xCR123, or 18650; cool tint for brightness or neutral for color rendition; lots of modes (some hidden;) aluminum or Ti; twist or (just released) click.
If I was selecting smallest & brightest, to go with a Hinderer it would be:
D25C Ti with XM-L.
Good luck!
 
I am lovin' this thread. Thanks for the thoughts, I have a little homework to do now.

Hey, while we're no the topic, anyone else think the rate of flash on some of their lights with strobe is a little odd? I like a fast and rhythmic pace to my strobes. A few modern lights I have acquired recently have a stuttered flashing pattern.
 
I have a tendency to look for Companies these days that offer (seemingly) a "Hinderer Feel". To that end, I am enamored with
ElZetta Lights. They do not seem to satisfy a prerequisite for small size (they are about 5-6") BUT for those interested in "Made in the USA" add it to the homework list.

Wish List: Maybe Rick/Rob will look into creating the Next Greatest Thing, a line of - "Hinderer Tactical Lights" :D
 
I was buying good LED lights starting at least 5 years ago and I had a good selection for my needs, but now years later I've discovered that the state of the art in LED's has progressed a lot and my older good lights are somewhat outdated. To jump to the ending I have recently bought 2 lights that I consider to be fantastic- a Fenix PD32 and a Fenix LD01.

These are by Fenix lights. The PD32 uses 2 CR123 batteries, and is very compact for that battery load but provides very good output and different modes to allow it to work for various circumstances. The LD01 is very small, barely larger than the single AAA battery it uses, but has outstanding output for that size. It puts to shame all of my older lights that use 2 CR123 batteries. Also in that photo is my first Fenix, a PD1 I believe. It uses a single CR123 battery and has good output for that size, but I replaced it with the LD01.

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These are my older lights. The best of these are the Streamlight, Nuwaii and Pelican. I also have lots of modified Maglites. The mini-mags lend themselves to plugging in certain single LED's that operate on 3V, or newer high output LED's that have their own circuit board such as products by TerraLux. Some of mine have the single LED plugged in and they have reasonably good output but very long battery life. The one with the new Terralux module has very good output, on par with some of the good Fenix lights, but the modules are available very cheaply on ebay. I have a larger maglite modified with a carrier for 8 AA batteries and an incandescent bulb from medical equipment. It puts out between 25 and 30 watts and is almost like a motorcycle headlight.

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I guess what I am seeking is a light with close to 300 honest OTF lumens, IPX 8, shock proof, overbuilt, but small as possible with a clicky, multiple outputs, strobe, and possibly a rotary for more output flexibility. If it ran 1CR123 or RCr123, even if I had to replace or recharge often, I.'d be all over one of these.

Anyone know a light that fits this description?

I will probably give the suggested EagleTac a look or try. Any other ideas for a small, robust high output device?
 
I found a great little Titanium light (1 AAA battery-100+ lumens- tail standable-pocket clip reversible, etc.) by Titanium Innovations. It is kind of an upgrade of the iTP A-3 EOS. I only bought 1. Now they have disappeared. So I tie the thing to my big toe when I sleep at night (don't want to lose it).
 
Need2Know said:
I guess what I am seeking is a light with close to 300 honest OTF lumens
Click to expand...

I'm not an expert on the exotic lights, but the Fenix PD32 is the one that I have and they advertise 315 Lumens. It will run on a pair of CR123's or a single rechargeable (18650?), plus it is relatively small and compact. They have larger models in their TK line but I don't know what advantages they have to offset the increased size.

The PD22 says 190 Lumens with a single CR123, and 190 Lumens is nothing to sneeze at.
 
N2K,
I was going to mention the Lumapower IncenDio. It's available with XM-L from a particular supplier of illumination gear. Tiny little thing, but no rotary control, and I don't see any strobes. Plus, small as it is, I don't think it's terribly overbuilt, but I haven't seen any complaints of it being underbuilt.
Another possibility is Sunwayman's V10r. Not quite as tiny, the original Ti one is very highly regarded, but only about 210 lumens (XP-G). The limited-edition Ti2's look awesome, but nearly impossible to find. The just-released Ti+ seems to meet most of your criteria (but again, no strobe,) but seem to have some teething problems - early-adopters aren't happy with the F&F or tail switch.
JETBeam's RRT0 might be worth looking into - mighty bright on RCR, but not that small for a single 123 light. And I don't see a strobe.
Their new RRT01 is small enough, but is rotary-only, with no click. And still no mention of strobe.
So, I'm going to stick with my EagleTac recommendation. I may need to get a D25C clicky neutral for myself if the Rotary doesn't get moving soon.
Otherwise, your Quark or an X 123 Tactical of it is likely the next best thing.

If you drop your output requirement to the 200 Lumen range, it opens you up to a world of possibilities.
 
tjs- You are a wealth of flashlight knowledge, what's your take on the whole "lumen" rating?
I have found it to be somewhat misleading with some lights.

Honorable mention to many for their very informative input, Man I HOPE Rick comes out with a line of Flashlights sure would make life easier:) He would knock it out of the park.
 
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You should defiantly checkout Peak flash lights. I just got the elcapitan AA model and soon going to purchase the logan 123 in stainless. There super bright for the tiny size, not to costly about the same or less than a quark. Best of all made in the USA. But they don't have modes just twist on and keep twisting to go brighter. There is an optional momentary switch.
 
Thanks for all the replies.

Ok, I own a jet beam Raptor, a lot of 4-7s, a Fenix LD20, etc. I thought the Raptor was the answer, but feel they mislead a bit on their output claim of 550 ANSI Lumens on a RCR123.

I am definitely going to research every light suggested in this thread!
 
Great thread. Commenting on it so I can search and research the suggestions made here as well. Very informative. Thanks to all who offered insights.
 
For those looking for bullet proof quality (IMO) and 5" acceptable - SureFire has a new P2X Fury (500 Lumens) that is serious light.
If I was bugging out I would be grabbing that and my Hinderer XM 24 DLC (with out question) along with an Hk Mp5k and a Glock 19 (same ammo) and a case of Speer 124 gr 9mm +P
 
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