recommend a keychain flashlight

P

PB Wilson

Joined
Jul 17, 2006
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So the cheapo LED keychain light I got as a stocking stuffer a couple years ago finally bit the dust and I'd like to get a replacement. Here's a list of wants and don't wants for my next purchase:

wants: really small and light, can stay on without holding a button, easy to find battery, under $30 or so, somewhat weather resistant

don't want: super tactical expensive blinding light, disposable after a year or so, short run time

I just want something that will help me look for things in my bag/pack at night and be unobtrusive the rest of the time. I want it to be something I'd carry all the time without knowing it is there but is reliable and not junk. Are Photons any good? Which one might work for me? Thanks.
 
So the cheapo LED keychain light I got as a stocking stuffer a couple years ago finally bit the dust and I'd like to get a replacement
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Well if it made it two years I would just go get another one of those... i find keychain lights have a horrible life expectancy, or they just fall off... just a thought.
 
Streamlight Nano is the most bombproof keychain LED I have ever used.

smallest, its bright as hell, and tuff!!!

streamlight-flashlights_2031_274809.gif
 
Photon Microlight II. I use mine all the time. Around $12 I think. Very small and very usable.
-DT
 
Sharp_newbie said:
Well if it made it two years I would just go get another one of those... i find keychain lights have a horrible life expectancy, or they just fall off... just a thought.
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I didn't mention that you had to hold the button down to keep it on. Pain in the rear when I wanted to put it in my mouth and use both hands. It was pretty dim as well and the battery wasn't replaceable.
 
Photon IIs are very durable. Perfect for looking through a backpack. Unlocking a keyed lock at night. I helped some woman find a cell phone beneath a movie theater seat. You can even use it to find your way through a darkened room. Smaller than a quarter! Practically unbreakable and I just replaced the batteries in mine (after a year or so and only to see if it would be brighter). Bought batteries at the nearest drug store. Push on or constant on and cheap. Get one. -DT
 
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+1 on the microlight 2. Fits every one of your requirements perfectly. One of mine is probably six years old and is still kicking.
 
That Streamlight is really cute! I like it, but those Photons look like they have more options. Thanks folks!
 
Oh man Photons are great too!

I have a few.

The streamlight is twist on, and Its size fits in a PSK really well, I also hang one from my stethescope. Photons are proven and great lights. Either way you will not go wrong!!
 
Another vote for the Photon Microlight II. Been on my key chain for six years. All I ever do it replace the batteries.
 
I like the photon freedom lights. I lost mine and now I'm using my photon II which are good but not as good IMHO.
 
Fenix E01. Small, bright, light, tough, twist-on, AAA battery and $15. I keep on one my survival lanyard. Puts all the coin-cell Photon types to shame.
 
Another vote for the Streamlight Nano.

I just got one and so far, it looks like a winner.

It is very, VERY small, but BRIGHT.
 
That Streamlight Nano is pretty cool and the price seems right. I might have to check one out.

My current one is the one on the base of the SwissTech Micro Pro tool. Similar in performance to a Photon but with the added bonus of a mini multitool. Plus you can get them for about the same price as the Photon Micro light.

Does anyone have any experience with Tool Logic? I'm interested in one of their magnetic Trac Lights. Looks like it could come in handy.

http://www.toollogic.com/traclite.htm

51YI%2BFNSP2L.jpg


I know the tiny button batteries can be a PITA but a spare set would take up almost no room in a pack.

Thanks
 
Unlike most of the guys here, I can't stand a huge keyring -"is that a keyring in your pocket or are you happy to see me?" I have had a Nano on it that does more than I first expected and is so small that I don't notice.
 
fishiker said:
Unlike most of the guys here, I can't stand a huge keyring -"is that a keyring in your pocket or are you happy to see me?" I have had a Nano on it that does more than I first expected and is so small that I don't notice.
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You're not alone. I have two sets. Primary has keys for the house, my car and the garage with the keyless entry fob. Thats it. I keep the daily use set light.

Oh, it has the key to the lounge/bar at the club too. Can't forget that one. Very important! :p

The secondary set is the bulky one and it stays in the coat pocket or bag in the summer. That one has the SwissTech, office keys, wifes car key and remote starter.
 
PB Wilson said:
wants: really small and light, can stay on without holding a button, easy to find battery, under $30 or so, somewhat weather resistant
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For around $36 (incl. shipping) you can get the Peak Solutions “Matterhorn” flashlight from Derrick at KnivesShipFree.

It is a 3 LED unit that runs for 12 hours on one AAA battery.

The light output stays constant through the life of the battery.

It may be more light then you’re looking for, but it is much brighter then most lights in this size range, in fact I use mine for hiking after dark.

It is American made and has a great warrantee and customer service; it is built to last a lifetime, not just a year or two.


Peak Matterhorn @ KSF

PS – This light will also fit many Firesteel loops (with a little stretching).




"If you're not living on the edge, …you're taking up too much space."

Big Mike
 
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