Keychain lights that take "Rat" abuse and keep ticking?

I'll put a vote in for the ARC AAA. I've had mine for years and it's constantly getting banged around with pocket stuff and still works great.
 
I go for the Inova Microlights.

http://wandernaut.blogspot.com/2008/12/inova-microlights_13.html

I chose it over the Photons because it's slightly bigger which is a good thing for me, especially for bigger hands or when wearing gloves. This is because the LED "bulb" is unexposed unlike in the Photons, which in theory affords additional protection. The switch is also more tactile (again a good thing for me for security and low-light situations).

Down side though is the clip; its not that secure. Change it or attach it to something else and it's good!
 
I've been carrying my Fenix P10 on my keys for over a year. It's holding up like a champ, and a total beast for a keychain light. Some people think it's too big, but I don't find it so. It carries well enough for me, and provides a very effective lighting.
 
Agent Iron said:
Do you fellas feel that the EO1 and the County com unit are small enough to have on a key chain? I have not seen them in relation to anything else?
Click to expand...

Here you go! A E01 with keys:

4136002902_16e69c6803.jpg
 
You guys are great thanks!

I have been focusing on something small and always with you that could take abuse.

Here is a different sort of question. Do you find you like one style or other based on performance other then light output, reliability and sturdieness?

What I mean is.
Do you like certain types of lights because of a battery type/ such as a batteries availability, or ability to continuously opperate?

Do you like certain types because of the type of light they cast, ie. a strong focused beam, or a more broad and general light to see a greater area? What flashlights do which well?

Do you buy certain lights for functions such as the ability to improve vision, but not ruin night vision such as a red color option?

Do you find that when you really need a flashlight, you what a certain style, ie. a mini flashlight size unit, or a small quarter size push buttone design. Do you find one much easier to access?

I am now just considering how much is involved in the flashlight world, and I am probably only scratching the surface. I am planning on trying out three or four options, but would love to hear more feedback before I pull the trigger.

Thanks a bunch!
AI
 
Agent Iron said:
You guys are great thanks!

I have been focusing on something small and always with you that could take abuse.

Here is a different sort of question. Do you find you like one style or other based on performance other then light output, reliability and sturdieness?

What I mean is.
Do you like certain types of lights because of a battery type/ such as a batteries availability, or ability to continuously opperate?

Do you like certain types because of the type of light they cast, ie. a strong focused beam, or a more broad and general light to see a greater area? What flashlights do which well?

Do you buy certain lights for functions such as the ability to improve vision, but not ruin night vision such as a red color option?

Do you find that when you really need a flashlight, you what a certain style, ie. a mini flashlight size unit, or a small quarter size push buttone design. Do you find one much easier to access?

I am now just considering how much is involved in the flashlight world, and I am probably only scratching the surface. I am planning on trying out three or four options, but would love to hear more feedback before I pull the trigger.

Thanks a bunch!
AI
Click to expand...

Well now! It seems you really do need to visit CPF (that's www.Candlepowerforums.com) if you really want to delve further greater info.

That being said, I suppose a universal approach to one's gear (knife, lights, bags, gizmos, etc.) with the four (4) R's: Ruggedness, Reliability, Right Tool and Redundancy.

Ok so you've probably zeroed in on the first two, so I suppose its now a case of Right tool and Redundancy now.

I have three lights (usually carry two though). They have their purposes.

I carry a small LED Inova on my keychain for lighting. Its small enough to always be there just in case you need a light and bright enough for most lighting tasks. Since it provides "just enough" lighting, it's more of for task/area lighting, and serves only as back-up.

For more muscle bright-wise, my primary light is my Streamlight Twin Task. It's a combination of the "throw" of an incandescent central bulb coupled with the efficiency of three outer LED lights. It runs on two CR123's which may not be too common though BUT do have a ten-year shelf life is unused.

Lastly, I have cheap, no name incand headlamp running on two AA's. It affords me to free my hands if needed and its cheap, hasn't failed me yet and easily accessible batteries.

Boils down to the right tool/s for the right job/s.
 
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+1 for the E01. i have that thing hanging from a carabiner from my pants. it flops around and bashes into walls and such all day long, still hardly a scratch on it. awesome lil light, and easy enough to opperate with one hand.
 
untamed said:
Well now! It seems you really do need to visit CPF (that's www.Candlepowerforums.com) if you really want to delve further greater info.

That being said, I suppose a universal approach to one's gear (knife, lights, bags, gizmos, etc.) with the four (4) R's: Ruggedness, Reliability, Right Tool and Redundancy.

Ok so you've probably zeroed in on the first two, so I suppose its now a case of Right tool and Redundancy now.

I have three lights (usually carry two though). They have their purposes.

I carry a small LED Inova on my keychain for lighting. Its small enough to always be there just in case you need a light and bright enough for most lighting tasks. Since it provides "just enough" lighting, it's more of for task/area lighting, and serves only as back-up.

For more muscle bright-wise, my primary light is my Streamlight Twin Task. It's a combination of the "throw" of an incandescent central bulb coupled with the efficiency of three outer LED lights. It runs on two CR123's which may not be too common though BUT do have a ten-year shelf life is unused.

Lastly, I have cheap, no name incand headlamp running on two AA's. It affords me to free my hands if needed and its cheap, hasn't failed me yet and easily accessible batteries.

Boils down to the right tool/s for the right job/s.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the thoughts

I have been voraciously reading the Candlepower forums. I think I am gonna try out a few goodies as a test before picking ones for gifts. I think I have time to do so.

The EO1 sounds like a lock for the collection. It sounds tough, proven, universally liked by all who have tried it, and likely would do the job given any scenario I have concevied. Near water proof is also a big one for me working in th elements, with long run times and readily available battery. I would have shyed away because of size, but I think it would be great for pocket carry. I know it is not heavy, but it might be just to much weight given the numbe of keys I have...not good on the trucks locking ignition assembly.

I am thinking strongly about a Photon Freedom, or x-micro. I think they might work out on the keychain just fine. Sounds like they are sufficiently tough with cool multi-functionality and long run time on low.

I am also interested in the Photon ReX with it's recharability option. This sounds like a tough unit that will last longer then the technology inherent to the unit itself. It seems the new ones have any bugs worked out.

I think I might try the E20 as well.

You guys have been great, and I may start a new addiction by implementing more of yoru suggestions. Thanks a bunch.

One last question.

Anyone reccomend an inexpensive headlamp setup that is still a quality tool?

Thanks again
AI
 
Davereb

How would that light compare to the E01? Is there free shipping on non knife purchases?
Thanks
AI
 
The ITP EOS is basically the same light from Maratac. The ITP is marginally brighter, but no tailstand and no clip.
 
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