Keychain flashlight advice?

M

maury

Joined
Sep 24, 2000
Messages
606
I would appreciate any suggestions on a small flashlight that I could comfortably carry on my keychain. Price is sort of a factor (since I tend to loose keys at least once a year!), but basically I would like a light that would be convenient to carry, powered by an easily replaceable bettery and rugged enough to stand up to being dropped and knocked around.

I tried searching and am totally confused by the range of light out there, so: help!!

OK, in short here's what I am looking for:

1. AA or AAA battery powered
2. Positive on/off switch
3. LED bulb
4. Smallest size
5. Solid construction

Am I wishing for something that is really out there?

Thanks in advance for any help!
 
The Dorcy AAA from Walmart will fit the bill perfectly for ya. Less than $6, push button for momentary-on or twist for constant-on, LED buld. Just a bit bigger than the battery inside. I've had one for a couple years and it's still going strong.
 
Grim/Don said:
The Dorcy AAA from Walmart will fit the bill perfectly for ya. Less than $6, push button for momentary-on or twist for constant-on, LED buld. Just a bit bigger than the battery inside. I've had one for a couple years and it's still going strong.
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I'll second that!

I've been carrying one for a year now, and I'm very impressed with this great bang for the buck light. Good light output, cheap to feed, and easy to replace.

Why pay more?
 
I'm going to recomend a Streamlight Key-Mate, it uses four button cell batteries that you can find at the watch counter at the big store of your choice. So it is not what you are asking for. But it is small enough to blend in with the keys on a keyring. And is powerfull unough to be considered a light. The construction is topnotch , it is not to be confused with the photon style lights, this thing is an alumnium bodied twist to operate(like minimags) has an o-ring seal and can take daily use(abuse). The total battery life is listed as 96 hours, but you may opt to change them out sooner in order to keep the power up.
 
thegratenate said:
I'm going to recomend a Streamlight Key-Mate, it uses four button cell batteries that you can find at the watch counter at the big store of your choice. So it is not what you are asking for. But it is small enough to blend in with the keys on a keyring. And is powerfull unough to be considered a light. The construction is topnotch , it is not to be confused with the photon style lights, this thing is an alumnium bodied twist to operate(like minimags) has an o-ring seal and can take daily use(abuse). The total battery life is listed as 96 hours, but you may opt to change them out sooner in order to keep the power up.
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These are great lights. I've had one on each of my keychains for the last couple of years or so and the batteries are still going strong. I'd recommend getting the brushed stainless vs the black color though. After two years, the brushed stainless still looks new and the black model looks incredibly worn as much of the black finish has worn off. Both have had constant pocket carry.

Razz
 
The Streamlight Keymate is what I carry for now too. The downside is the button cells. I have found them at 10 for $1 at DollarTree but they don't always have them. I think the Arc-AAAp and Fenix lights are a lot brighter. The one I want now though is the Fenix LOP special edition. LOP with 3 brightness levels!
 
if ya want the best get the arc AAA or the fenix AAA imho.

the others are not bad but are second string when compared to the arc & fenix.
 
I am surprised that no one mentioned the Inova keychain light, literally made for keychains with three modes, hi lighting, low level light and a flasing strobe in a variety of colors. All of my family members have one and when my daughters VW got stalled on a major road with a 55 mph limit, she simply tiurned on the strobe and all cars from a half mile away diverted. I'll try to attach a pix. http://moteng.com/Products/BrandItem.asp?sid=&BrandID=27&SectionID=66&FamilyID=1008#1008 , anyway, this is the site and page.
Regards,
Ixsnay
 
I'd suggest the Fenix LOP-SE, E1 or EO, depending on your needs. For most, the LOP-SE is THE single AAA flashlight to have.

Scott
 
I say Fenix E0. While they aren't the brightest AAA, that isn't the purpose of a keychain light (at least not mine). At $20 (lighthound.com has them with free shipping right now, $19.90 to your door), you can't beat them.

They are made extremely well, waterproof and will run forever. My keychain lights dont get fresh batteries as often as my primary lights, and the 11hr run time of the E0 works well for that. When I need to light up a keyhole or find something behind my desk at work, the E0 always works.

Just my opinion. I also carry either a Fenix L2T or a Surefire E2D Defender as a primary light.
 
I'd like to second, or third, the Arc-P aaa. Easy to EDC and will always be there with your keys. This light may just be all that is needed for an EDC.
 
Ixsnay said:
I am surprised that no one mentioned the Inova keychain light, literally made for keychains with three modes, hi lighting, low level light and a flasing strobe in a variety of colors. xsnay
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Great light, I agree!

Also the Fenix P1. At this higher price point you tend be very attentative as to where your keys are at all times.

Matador-
 
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