OT: Lights & Multitools

I agree with sirahren, incandescent lights are becoming an outdated technology for general and edc use. LEDs have caught and in many case passed incandescents in this respect.

As for lights I'd strongly suggest looking at the Surefire 6PL or G2L. Same bomb proof surefire design and dependability with the addition of LED technology. Not the brightest by any means but a respectable 80 lumens in a proven, reasonably priced package.

For a little more versatility and output (slightly less reliability??) Fenix seems to be a pretty good value. This ones been tempting me lately:

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_52&products_id=226

Best of luck finding what works for you.
 
I carry an ARC-AAA Premium on my keychain everyday. It is one hell of a bright little light for a single AAA.

http://www.arcflashlight.com/arc-aaa.shtml

I also have a SureFire G-2 Nitrolon that is extremely bright for such a small lightweight package. My only real complaint is that there is no lanyard hole on the light. I have also used an Inova-5 LED but I can't find it. It worked really well when I knew where it was.

As for multitools, I use a Leatherman Wave virtually everyday. A great tool. I have the original Wave, but I would imagine the new ones are good as well.
 
I have a Leatherman Surge, but it's kind of heavy for what it does, so I'm thinking about a smaller version; still handy...
As for lights, I really love the Surefire U2 LED light. It's really bright, but the beauty is that it has 6 settings for different levels of brightness from sort of dim, for up close use, up to a bright intense beam for searching... So you can use only what you need for the task at hand which allows you to conserve battery power for longer usage overall. I carry mine everywhere. It has replaced my Surefire M2 incandescent light for EDC. :thumbup:
 
I only EDC a small multitool, an SOG Crossgrip, but I carry multiple lights. On my keyring, I have an Arc AAA and a Lummi Wee Ti (80 lumen version). Main EDC is a Mcgizmo Ti Mule with a clicky pack backed up by either a Ti PD-S or Ti S27-PD (both McGizmo's). I also carry a Fenix P3D Q2 version in my left inside jacket pocket, which is very rarely used, but it's a nice way to carry spare batteries for my Mcgizmo's. Yeah I know, I'm a geek :o

In case some of you were wondering what Mcgizmo's are, here's a pic:

 
I like this little guy, I have a couple muititools but never use them. Look up the Fenix line of flashlights, good quality for the money.

Novatac1.jpg
 
The leatherman wave is my favorite since the blades can be opened one handed.

sure-fire is also my favorite light.
 
But remember, those CR123's are a little pricey (cheapest I've ever seen is $1, and I've had some cheapies blow out my bulb) and can be hard to get if you cant order them from the internet.

Thats all the SureFires use...
 
Tony G said:
After trying a few and giving them away I have had a Leatherman Wave for about five years and it works well.:thumbup:

About lights...
I just carry the brightest headlamp I can get. Consider one; most often when I need light it is because I need to do something that requires my hands so a hand held light just doesn't work well. I can put it on my head or strap it to anthing else to hold it.

Tony G
Click to expand...

Didn't realize how many of us have Leatherman Waves -- I'm yet another (old original -- of course!).

Not an expert on lights, though. I have a number of functional acetylene head lamps (caving gear), if that helps! :D
 
Fenix L1T light for me - 1AA battery, 75+ lumens - no bezel teeth to get me kicked out of line, cheap battery, long-life LED bulb.
Fenix L1T

Good service and fast shipper. No problems, only had 30 days or so, but love it - bright, small, cheap to operate.

My multi-tools are mounted on my hunting backpacks, gerber on deer pack, leatherman on waterfowl pack, no particular reason for choice, just how they wound up. I don't carry one otherwise.


\.
 
Inova XO3 x 2, Surefire Digital Lumamax, L4 & L2. Leatherman Wave. I carry the Inovas + batteries, 3 pocket knives (Strider/Buck 881 SP or tanto + a couple of US made Gerber LSTs), L. Wave, 50' paracord, spare lighters, etc. in my Maxped to work. The Surefires, my SnG, etc. elsewhere/elsewhen. LED 'lights and VG to E knives are the only way to "fly". PIGmsayre (Pete)
 
sirahren said:
But remember, those CR123's are a little pricey (cheapest I've ever seen is $1, and I've had some cheapies blow out my bulb) and can be hard to get if you cant order them from the internet.

Thats all the SureFires use...
Click to expand...

www.batteriesandbutter.com. :thumbup: I get bulk duracells for a buck or buck fifty each when I buy in bulk.
 
Lights:
Surefire 9p (medium size, intense beam, Great for camping, using around the house, blinding people)
SUR-9P-BK-hand.jpg

Surefire L1, for enc (every night carry) I go on walks at night, and the L1 is perfect.
21EbLDWl42L._AA280_.jpg

The folder I edc most is a Benchmade Prisidio(except i stripped mine and polished it.)
520.jpg

And for my multi-tool it's gotta be a Victorinox hiker. It's always on me, and I use it everyday. SAKs rule. My first knife was a SAK, I got it when I was 10 and i've always had at least one ever since.
vm_53831_sol_a02.jpg
 
If you are looking for a light with more bang for your buck, I don't think that you can beat a Rayovac. wallyworld has them with three wat LEDs that run on a pair of AA batteries for under twenty five dollars. The one wat has a longer run time and about half the output. Both of them are good choices.

As for multi tools, I upgraded to the gen two wave about a year ago, seems to work fine.
 
i only own two multitools, and both are leathermans. a charge ti and a micra tool. both are great.

for lights, led is the only way to go. brighter and more efficient. you will get much longer battery life with an led.

the larger surefire u2 ultra is the best light i have ever owned, and has been my duty light for about a year. it replaced a surefire c3 incandescent.

the u2 has variable output, and is adjusted by an easy to use dial. but it is pricey, about 250 iirc.

the smaller surefire is an e1l, great light, but also expensive.

the fenix is the new l1t. way brighter than the e1l and less than half the cost. my main complaint with the fenix line is they didnt offer a momentary on. that has been solved with the l1t. it is now my pocket light for off duty. it was under 50.00.

the novatacs are also nice, but i thought a bit large for pocket carry. at least larger than i had thought they would be. also in the 150 range.

lightstools.jpg
 
I was in Home Depot last night and saw a tone of Husky flashlights for $5. 9 bulb LEDs that take 3 AAA batteries. Looked like aircraft grade alumninum. Lifetime warranty. Great deal if you just want to scatter some flashlights around glove boxes and/or packs.
 
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