Pocket light...need suggestions and input please

Sproles

Sproles

Joined
Jan 11, 1999
Messages
700
OK--I have the bug for a SureFire E-1, but is it the best pocket bright light on the market? I currently have a smattering of Maglites and they are ok...but I want something that is really gonna' be compact (front pants pocket size) and also going to be BRIGHT!

I currently have a 9P and it is too large (obviously) and I am interested in getting rid of it and finding something along the lines of the E-1. I don't want to spend much more than I would on the E-1 (aprox $60 or less) and I want it to be bright, compact and reliable. Light weight is also a consideration. I carry a Photon Torquiose currently everyday, but that is a "in a pinch" light, not one to really light a place up if needed.

I know that you guys can point me in the right direction...don't let me down. If you can post links to appropriate sites that might have pics and/or prices, etc please do!

David


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David P. Sproles
Eagle Scout Class of 1988
dps2970@hotmail.com
 
I think you should look at two lights. The Princeton Tec, Blast. And the Underwater Kinetics Mini-Pocket. The Blast is $7.95 and the Mini-Pocket is $9.95 at Brightguy. The Blast has a broad spot and the Mini-Pocket has a narrow spot. Both are very bright for a 2AAA flashlight. BTW, I think these should be in addition to a 6P, 2AA Mini-Mag, etc. (or E1).

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"A knifeless man is a lifeless man"
-Nordic proverb
 
I agree completly with David

Either the Princeton Tec Blast or the Underwater Kinetics Mini-Pocket or the pen. The two UKE lights use the same lamp, but the pen has the batteries end to end, and the pocket is side by side. I like the pen because I don't notice it as much in my pocket, but I really think everyone will prefer one shape to the other.

I also like brightguy, or Tanners http://www.tannersstorefront.com/

I also agree that for a brighter really useable light I would recommend either the Surefire 6P, D2, M2, or the Streamlight Scorpion. I think the E1 is going to be about right inbetween in brightness of the smaller 2 AAA light and the 2 123A lights.

Brock - http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/flash.htm
 
I too have to agree with two extremely knowledgeable flashlight freaks in David and Brock. Go with the Blast or Mini-Pocket/Pen.

I would like an E1 like everyone else and I have no doubt that it will be brighter than the Blast and the UKE2AAA, but for $55 compared to about $10 or less, go with a 2AAA light. I have the UKE2AAA and like others have said, it nips the heels of the Mini-Mag even with Xenon lamps. My UKE2AAA has an extremely bright and white light that projects a good beam for almost any activity. The beam has a nice bright center with some peripheral light as well.

So I guess to reinforce what the others have said, go with one of the cheaper 2AAA lights because they are much cheaper and are probably relatively close in brightness.
If you want a cool toy and/or if you don't mind spending 5-6 times as much money for not much more ouput, go with the E1.

Another interesting note to mention is that usually with Surefire lights or other lights that use 123A's, the price of the batteries is an important issue to consider. The E1 uses one 123A battery which lasts for about 90 minutes and costs about $2.00 apiece at some places. http://store.yahoo.com/electronetdistributors/san123alitba.html The other two lights have approximately the same runtime on 2AAA batteries, which will run somewhere in the neighborhood of the same $2.00 for the pair. So suprisigly enough, once the extra money is spent on the E1, runtime per battery set and price to run will be about the same, give or take a little, as the two 2AAA lights.

Bucky

Bucky
 
Depends on your definition of "pocket." What shape do you prefer? I used to like penlights, but now I much prefer the side-by-side battery configuration of the Princeton Tec Blast (http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.html?cart=3052798949419897&sku=PRIBST2NY). It takes two AAA batteries. Much easier to slip into a jacket pocket. Too bulky for my keyring, however. Wife carries it in her purse.

Even smaller would be the Pelican Mini MityLite (http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.html?cart=3052798949419897&sku=PEL1910C_Black). It takes one AAA battery. Perfect on my keyring.

My next purchase will probably be the Underwater Kinetics UK2AAA Mini Pocket Light (http://www.brightguy.com/detail_int.html?cart=3052798949419897&sku=UND09005). It takes two AAA's. About the same size as the Blast.
 
For its size, the E1 is the brightest you'll get. To jump up in brightness, you'll have to go to a larger size light -- something like the UKE 2L will be much brighter, or the Princeton Tec Rage which I predict will also be brighter than the E1 but haven't tested.

For myself, when I want a small light that is bright, I switch between the E1 (brightest for its size) and the UKE 2AAA which is equivalent to the Princeton Tec Blast. The latter 2AAA lights are smaller and lighter than the E1, but won't put out as much light.

BTW, when I carry my UKE 2AAA side-by-side light, I just stick it into the watch pocket of my jeans. Don't even know it's there!

Joe

[This message has been edited by Joe Talmadge (edited 09-26-2000).]
 
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