Mini flashlights?

1Tracker said:
I want something like the Zebralight but not sure spending $50 on something made in China is really a smart move. I've heard of some failures of them since they came out, and sending something back to China is'nt my idea of a good warranty IMO.

I know that most of these brands are made in china these days, but would like to get an American made product. Any suggestions on a good AA light?
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For Zebralight and several of the more popular Chinese manufacturers the only place to buy in my mind are from USA-based retailers... I have bought a LOT of lights from 4sevens.com (same owner as Fenix-Store.com). With the CPF8 discount code he is cheaper than anyone else out there and his customer service is great and all based in Atlanta. I have had numerous occasions (not all about failures... but I have quite a few Fenixes pass through my hands) to deal with their CS and they really go out of their way to help you out. If you have problems, just call them and ship it off to Atlanta, GA, and you'll be taken care of.

For AA's... many USA-based manufacturers are still using CR123A for their most powerful lights, but Novatac is going to be releasing a 2xAA based light soon. Who knows what soon is, seeing how long they took to get the Novatac EDC to market since the announcements but they are American. I have heard mumblings that it will be a good bit under $100 but I am almost certain you won't be paying more than $150.

I am pretty sure Inova is still USA-made, and their AA Bolt lights (as well as the Victorinox rebranded models) are pretty decent but do not really compare well to their Chinese counterparts brightness-wise. They are well-made and tough though. The lithium-based (123) lights, especially the tactical models, however, are a different story and by far better than the Bolts (Bolt is their low-end consumer models).
 
The mini powerhouse flashlight arena as far as I can tell is owned by the Fenix LD01.. Not much bigger than a pinky finger and spits out 80 lumens.. You just cant hardly believe something so small is so bright... It runs on a AAA with a Cree LED and makes an ARC of similar size look like your holding up a struck match.. Unreal..
 
gnius, thanks for that link to LA Police Gear. Think I'll try one for that price.

I've got a Gladius Night Ops that I've been pleased with but it's just slightly on the large size and is more of a tactical use light. I find the best place for it is on my nightstand.
 
Wouldn't give me the free shipping. Wanted $9 to ship one. I'll give 'em a call. Meanwhile, I think I'll pick up a couple of the E01's from the Fenix Store. They seem to be well thought of and closer to the price point I was hoping for for a light use, tiny flashlight. Compared to the Mag Solitaires I've got these E01's kick some serious flashlight butt. I might just give the two Solitaires to my kids to mess with or keep in their school bags.

Using carrot's coupon code, I just ordered 4 E01's for $55.20 shipped. Thanks carrot!
 
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blade06 said:
Another vote for the Fenix E01!
Also, just picked up this Streamlight Microstream. It takes 1 AAA and is rated at 20 lumens. What I like most is the tailswitch - momentary on/off.
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I EDC one of these. It takes the abuse of an industrial enviroment, uses AAA batteries, gives plenty of light, and you can get one for $20. The only problem I had was the clip was broke when I snagged it. It's small enough that you won't notice it in your pocket. I have others that might be a little bit better but they cost much more.
 
I have found the Pentagon mini molle light to be super effective...I have used it a bunch in my two jobs ( both LEO)...its ability to go hands free is immeasurable
 
here is a blurb on one of the retail sites...

Bringing back the anglehead design of the past for today's MOLLE equipped gears, the MOLLE Light fits through PALs webbing for secured hands-free attachment on Maxpedition packs, MOLLE vests and other compatible equipment. The top-positioned button enables operation without removing from the webbing. Rotate clip to the back for carrying in front of a pocket or other clippable surfaces. Rotate clip to the side for attaching to regular belts or duty belts. Its anglehead design provides personal illumination anywhere, anytime simply with a push of its top-positioned button. High efficiency LED provides up to 40 lumens of light output. This shockproof light source has over 5,000 service hours, making bulb-changing a nusiance of the past. A filter is included for providing low visibility light and is useful for map reading and plotting aviation charts. Filter can be secured in the base of the light when not in use. MOLLE Light package INCLUDES Magnetic Compass Tail Cap, Color Filter, and one (1) Duracell AA Battery! Specifications: Brightness: 40 Lumens; Run-Time: 3 Hours; Lamp: 0.5 Watt White LED; Filter Color: Red for Tan light, or Green for Green light; Length: 3.4" (86 mm); Weight: 1.5 oz. (42 g). Features: MOLLE PALs Webbing Compatible; Hands-Free Illumination; Rotatable Clip.
 
The problem with the little Streamlight from what I can tell is the short runtime (1.5 hours). Not so good for back country use IMO.
 
Carrot thanks for your post, lots of info in there. I am familiar with the Fenix Store online, just seemed their prices were higher on a few lights then other places. Now that I am looking at Novatec that's problably what I'll wait for the 2AA model to come out.
 
Yeah, I'm looking for longer run time too, at least from a single AA, or 2AA at most. I also prefer a wider beam than a pencil shot beam because it gives you a wider field of view at night which is a must for usefulness. That is unless you're trying to point out the Cyclops headed your way!
 
For those with Fenix E01 I strongly suggest replacing the factory o-ring with a better quality o-ring. The one from the factory is of poor quality and does not hold water out well.

You can get decent cheap o-rings from home depot.
 
Trace Rinaldi said:
The mini powerhouse flashlight arena as far as I can tell is owned by the Fenix LD01.. Not much bigger than a pinky finger and spits out 80 lumens.. You just cant hardly believe something so small is so bright... It runs on a AAA with a Cree LED and makes an ARC of similar size look like your holding up a struck match.. Unreal..
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Re you the guy of the same name that makes those beautiful Damascus knife blades:confused::eek::cool::thumbup:
 
Not sure how much you want to spend but the boys at candlepowerforums.com have good things to say for the Romisen RC-G2, RC-H3, and RC-N3 for a budget light. If you go there and look under LED Flashlights, there is a sticky on budget flashlights. If you arent familiar with candlepowerforums.com, they are to lights what we are to knives.
 
As emergency lights for four different packs, I'm with those who have recommended the Fenix EO1. Load them with eneloop rechargeables or lithiums and forget them.
 
blade06 said:
Also, just picked up this Streamlight Microstream. It takes 1 AAA and is rated at 20 lumens. What I like most is the tailswitch - momentary on/off.
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Another big +1 on this light. I've had one for a while now. Very efficient on one AAA battery. This is the best small light I've ever had.
 
dd61999 said:
For those with Fenix E01 I strongly suggest replacing the factory o-ring with a better quality o-ring. The one from the factory is of poor quality and does not hold water out well.

You can get decent cheap o-rings from home depot.
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good tip, I'll have to check that out, thanks. :thumbup:
 
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