New Pocket Flashlight

Triton

Triton

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Aug 8, 2000
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Since I didn't want to derail the maglite thread I thought I'd start yet another one about the elusive pocket flashlight.

As I mentioned before here are the criteria I'm looking at:

1) Reliable
2) Does NOT cost hundreds or even 100 dollars
3) Decent light output preferably in the 25-75+ lumen range
4) Doesn't use some weirdo battery that I can't find at a local store. Would prefer something that uses double or triple As.
5) Must be less than 5 inches long

So far I've found this thing:

ENEELMCL11L.jpg


Someone suggested an Inova X2 which looks like it might be a decent option although a bit bigger then I was looking for. Anyone got anything else?
 
http://www.countycomm.com/aaapolish.html
This is what I carry every day. It's very bright, has 3 light levels, very small, and I have had 0 problems since I bought it this past November. If you don't want SS they have it in aluminum for even less money.
 
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Scott Free said:
Take a look at the Quark AA. It fills all your needs and is $57 shipped. http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297&products_id=1597
Click to expand...

I'll second that, if you like a clicky with multiple output levels. I carry the 2xAA flavor of this light on my belt. Note that it comes in a standard and "tactical" version I think.

See also the Quark Mini AA, which is barely larger than an AA battery, puts out big light, is not spendy, and is a twisty. If you are going for pocket carry, the twisty might work better as it helps avoid accidentally activating the light.

 
If you only want a simple high/low light, the Fenix/Leatherman L1T/LGX200 might fit your needs. Tighten head, high. Loosen head, low. Relatively small, too. I believe Costco sells the light in a pack with a Leatherman Blast, which isn't half bad, considering that the pack costs just a hair over the price of a new L1T.
 
Wow that Quark AA looks VERY nice! That just might do it!
 
Stelth said:
http://www.countycomm.com/aaapolish.html
This is what I carry every day. It's very bright, has 3 light levels, very small, and I have had 0 problems since I bought it this past November. If you don't want SS they have it in aluminum for even less money.
Click to expand...

I really appreciate it, but I'm a bit put out with them. My last light (I'm now lightless) was one of their maratac lights, which was always finicky and finally just quit altogether. To be fair it was only a 30 dollar light but heck I only had it less than six months. :mad: I'm glad to hear that you picked a better light from them. :thumbup:
 
YayILikePie said:
If you only want a simple high/low light, the Fenix/Leatherman L1T/LGX200 might fit your needs. Tighten head, high. Loosen head, low. Relatively small, too. I believe Costco sells the light in a pack with a Leatherman Blast, which isn't half bad, considering that the pack costs just a hair over the price of a new L1T.
Click to expand...

Another good thought, thanks!
 
Whatever you get, consider feeding it Eneloop rechargeable NiMH batteries. Link. Charger sold separately, or get one at Walmart. They have a very low self-discharge rate (so low that they show up in your mailbox almost fully charged), and you just stick it back in the charger when the time comes. Any light that eats AA or AAA batteries will do fine with Eneloops. I have probably 30 of them, and use them in everything from Wii remotes to flashlights.
 
Quark AA: The moonlight mode on this light is great. It's dim enough that it won't wreck your natural night vision as long as you don't shine it on your face. Both High and Turbo modes provides lots of light.
Moonlight: 0.2 lumens for 10 days (1ma)
Low: 4 OTF lumens for 2 days (10ma)
Medium: 22 OTF lumens for 6 hours (50ma)
High: 85 OTF lumens for 1.5 hours (250ma)
Max: 109 OTF lumens for 1.2 hours (350ma)
Click to expand...

The 2xAA version has the same output levels (longer runtimes) except for the Turbo mode is insanely bright for a AA flashlight; I never use it, but it's nice to know that it is there if the situation dictates.
Moonlight: 0.2 OTF lumens for 30 days (1ma)
Low: 4 OTF lumens for 5 days (10ma)
Medium: 22 OTF lumens for 24 hours (50ma)
High: 85 OTF lumens for 5 hours (250ma)
Max: 206 OTF lumens for 1.3 hours (700ma)
Click to expand...

I have the 2xAA version and never twist the head to go into Turbo mode. When I first got the light I tested that mode at night and never again. . .
 
 
I really like the Fenix LD10. Single AA battery, regulated output, multiple settings, 120 lumens max, and a decent price ($60 from Bright Guy). I have one in our emergency kit and another in the house.

I carry the PD20 because it's closer to a keychain size, but it uses a lithium battery. For me, it's the perfect light.
 
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Go with the quark unless you are on a really tight budget, in which case get the iTP A3 EOS for $20. It's really hard to beat the 4sevens quark series. In my opinion they are one of the few companies who are on the cutting edge of what LED lights can really do, not to mention making fools out of the more expensive/established brands by offering better lights for lower prices, but lets not open that can of worms. people tend to get savagely defensive of their overpriced toys :D
 
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Drat, you guys are making it tough. I was whining about not finding any light like I want and you guys have now thrown up two serious contenders (at least for me) the Quark and the Fenix light, roughly the same price now I've got to really do a comparison of the specs. What a problem to have... :):thumbup:
 
Triton said:
Drat, you guys are making it tough. I was whining about not finding any light like I want and you guys have now thrown up two serious contenders (at least for me) the Quark and the Fenix light, roughly the same price now I've got to really do a comparison of the specs. What a problem to have... :):thumbup:
Click to expand...

Specs unfortunately don't always tell all -

Brightness for example - lumens ought to be lumens -

But often manufacturers will quote the "potential" lumens at the "bulb" -
yet others may quote OTF (Out the Front) lumens - which they claim is the actual lumens delivered out the front of the flashlight.
These are different, and not apples to apples.

Best is to read the blurb on the 4Sevens website about OTF lumens.

The link given earlier:
4Sevens Quark AA-R5 Comparison Review
has direct side-by-side comparison of the Quark AA with the Fenix LD10 which shows precisely that specs may not tell all.

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Triton said:
I really appreciate it, but I'm a bit put out with them. My last light (I'm now lightless) was one of their maratac lights, which was always finicky and finally just quit altogether. To be fair it was only a 30 dollar light but heck I only had it less than six months. :mad: I'm glad to hear that you picked a better light from them. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

I can't speak to their quality other than this one light. It's the only thing I ever bought from County Comm. I actually had a bad experience with the one Surefire I purchased. I returned it the same day and never bought anything else from SF. I guess sometimes it's just the luck of the draw (or lack of it).
 
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