Recommendation: EDC Flashlight

K

Klingsteve

Joined
Sep 12, 2010
Messages
220
I have a Birthday coming up at the end of the month and I don't want a knife (WHAT? :eek:) but I am looking for a good EDC Flashlight. Thought I'd ask my fellow knife-nuts their opinion, as I've trusted it many times in the past on blades.

I'm looking for maximum light output and throw, light in weight enough to EDC. I'm trying to keep it under $130 or so. Something along the lines of a Nitecore, Fenix, Surefire, etc. Lithium batteries Ok. I'd also consider a rechargeable battery system.

Any recommendations, comments, help would be greatly appreciated. I'll check this post periodically if there are further questions.

Thanks! :D

-- Steve
 
I started carrying a streamlight stylus pro a couple years ago and absolutel love them. Same one still resides in my work bag. Led, aaa batteries last awhile. And reasonably priced. I wanna say about 25$.
streamlight-stylus-pro-colors.jpg
 
I currently use a 4sevens preon 1 or 2 everyday. They are lightweight, powerful, have multiple output levels, and have great battery life. I use a Nitecore D10 for work, because it uses AA batteries instead of AAA. Other than that, the Preon lights would be my full time EDC.

That said, in today's flashlight market, it's hard to go wrong with the brands you've listed and your budget. They all make excellent flashlights.
 
I had a similar question a couple of weeks ago. I had some great suggestions from BF members.
Here is what I ordered and love
Nitecore ex11
I also ordered a Lumapower Incendio V3+
Also check out the Sunwayman M10R

I also have a 4Sevens MiniQuark CR2 that is small and very bright, I've actually ordered several of these and either given them away or sold them to friends. Be sure to check out 4Sevens before you make a final decision

Eric
 
Deerelight C2H, Trust me you wont be dissapointed. Out of the nearly 100 lights I own (many costing more then a few hundred) it gets the most pocket time.
 
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Zebralight SC51: 1xAA; smaller than most other clicky 1AA lights due to side-clicky configuration; 200 lumen on max; runs best on rechargeable Eneloops; 3 main settings high, medium & low with two subsettings for all three main ones (high has four: three brightness levels and strobe); all three main settings immediately selectable from off, 0.3 lumen moonlight mode, good pocket clip, headband included in packaging. 64$ shipped from Zebralight directly.
 
Surefire "Backup".

Has High and Low Beams with one click of the button.

All the Best!
 
I carry a Surefire 6P...I'm VERY pleased with that light.
 
I'd order a HDS/RA Executive and be done with it. Programmable, well-constructed, and made in the USA. It's a fan favorite over at candlepowerforums. I'm going to get one myself.
 
If AAA lights are your thing check out the Fenix ld01. The best AAA light out there right now IMO. I like it slightly better than the 4sevens Preon, maratac aaa, ipt aaa, and the Streamlights. Its about 40 bucks shipped. 85 lumens at max! wow!
 
Surefire E1B is a good choice. Myself, I love my Quark Ti Mini 123.
 
another vote for surefire backup, small enough you never leave home without it even in dress clothes.
 
I carry a Fenix LD10 and it puts out a lot of light for a 1xAA light. If I was going to buy another light right now though I think it would be a Fenix PD31, it runs on 2XCR123A or 1X18650 but 304 lumens for around $70 sounds pretty good to me. :thumbup: BTW the quality of all the Fenix lights I've held is just great, and they're pretty efficient as well for being so bright.
 
I'm going out on a limb - I'd recommend the Streamlight PT 1L. It's a small, comfortable, bright 1xCR123 flashlight that feels solidly built. I've had it in my pocket for the last week... I like it! Compared to the pocket presence of my E1B (w Z68 tailcap/F04 diffusor) it's just incredibly comfortable. It's bright, almost as bright as my SF and it has the same throw, also an fairly easy UI (high, strobe, low).

I really like it, and for $32 it's a steal.
 
kamagong said:
I'd order a HDS/RA Executive and be done with it. Programmable, well-constructed, and made in the USA. It's a fan favorite over at candlepowerforums. I'm going to get one myself.
Click to expand...

+! I have been carrying mine for almost 6 months and love it.
 
+1 to the Surefire Backup since your budget allows for it, you can get it around $110 on CPF MP but you'll have to look around, if you do go with Surefire I emailed you a place where you can get a CPF discount (most authorized SF dealers won't do CPF discounts for Surefire anymore).
 
I EDC a NiteCore D10 in my back left pocket everyday. On lower settings, makes a great work light with some extra battery life. On high, it will certainly suffice as a tac light if the need arise. Has cool memory features, strobe, 3 mode brightness ramping, etc. I think they are very solid comfortable little lights. I'm a little bummed NiteCore moved away from the the smooth cylinder to more tactical ridges etc as it probably makes for less comfy EDC pocket carry. Anyway, I'd highly suggest the D10 if you can get your hands on one!
 
I really like my fenix LD10. Can out put 132 lumens on high mode, and uses a single AA battery.. Plus you it comes with a pocket clip so it will sit nicely in your pocket. Here's a pic for you.


 
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