Super Compact LED Light

Blackfox

Blackfox

Joined
Aug 5, 2010
Messages
125
I'm looking for a super compact/high output LED light that won't break the bank. I have some of those cheapo $5 led lights that output like 10 lumens from Wal-mart/Fry's/etc. While they work and are decently well built, they are weak, inconsistent, and seem to die much faster (using AAA) than another light that I have that uses cr123a batteries.

I also own a Streamlight nano, and thats a bit too small. I'm looking for something that uses cr123a possibly (I have alot of them.)

I was looking at the Quark MiNi 123. Does anyone own one of these and what are your thoughts?

Can anyone recommend a compact/high output light that is the best bang for the buck?


PS - I own a few LED lights, but I'm not a flashaholic (yet) and would rather just have some feedback from people here than join another forum or scour amazon for hours.
 
I would suggest something from Surefire. Just go to their site and compare the specs. You are also likely to get recommendations for Fenix and maybe Quark and maybe a few others. SFs are a bit more expensive but they are great lights. I've bought like 5 of em' including a couple gifts. Much like you, I am not a flashlight nut (yet) so hang on for additional answers. You can glean a lot of info from manufacturer's sites. The technologies have advanced so rapidly in the last couple of years that stuff I bought three years ago is all but obsolete today. You can get a light of bang (or a lot of lumens, as it were) for your buck these days. You can also modify lights that you currently own to performance levels that would really impress. But there will be some homework to do. Unlike knives, flashlights can explode in your hand or burn your house down if you go about it haphazardly. ;)
 
The Mini 123 is a good bet. If you want to light up a large area at once instead of objects at a distance, go with the MiniX instead. Our customers seem to prefer those a bit more these days.

Surefire doesn't have anything quite that compact, unfortunately. The smallest light they have is the T1A, and it is about $250.
 
Streamlight PT-1L Really bright (100-110 lumens), very compact (about 3 inches), ony uses one cr123 (practical), and costs about $45.
 
The 4Sevens MiNi series of lights, as well as Preon 1, are all very nice and compact. The interface is very well thought out to prevent having extra modes turn on. For something even more simple, the ITP series of small keychain lights (A1, A2, A3) only have a low, medium, and high. The quality isn't quite as nice, but I have yet to have any trouble with them.

If you want a simple one-mode nice and bright CR123 light, the Romisen RC-C3 is a great bargain light.
 
HuntBomb said:
Streamlight PT-1L Really bright (100-110 lumens), very compact (about 3 inches), ony uses one cr123 (practical), and costs about $45.
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I agree with this, streamlight makes great stuff for the price and that is an awesome light :)

JW
 
Wow I had no idea about those ITP lights, those are pretty cool. Thanks for all the suggestions guys!
 
I've been carrying a Maratac AAA. ~$25 plus shipping. I like it better than my 4sevens.
 
Any telescopic batons out there which house respectable candlepower LED's in the grip that are waterproofed, to say 1meter depth?
 
storl said:
The Mini 123 is a good bet. If you want to light up a large area at once instead of objects at a distance, go with the MiniX instead. Our customers seem to prefer those a bit more these days.

Surefire doesn't have anything quite that compact, unfortunately. The smallest light they have is the T1A, and it is about $250.
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I really like my MiniX from 4Sevens, but if you would consider a CR2 battery the 4Sevens Mini CR2 is an excellent light with amazing performance, plus it fits nicely on a keychain or in you pocket. If you want smaller yet, but still want some serious power the Preon Revo is excellent.
 
Blackfox said:
I was looking at the Quark MiNi 123.
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Thats exactly what I was going to recommend. It as well as the Mini X 123 will both feed on rechargeables as well, if you are into that. Which you should be. :)

The Preon 2 is also a fine light, if you prefer that form factor. It will also feed on rechargeables (I prefer Eneloops because of their low rate of self-discharge). But the Preon 2 does not put as as much light as the Mini. Though it still puts out plenty.

The Mini AA and 2xAA are also fine lights, which can also be fed with rechargeables if you care.

Good stuff. Its a nice time to be a flashlight freak.
 
I love my Fenix E05. Plenty bright, durable, cool looking, and perfect size for watch pocket on jeans. Keep in mind it uses AAA, but that hasn't been a problem for me so far.
 
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Take a look at the 4sevens mini, quark, and quark tactical. The only issues with these are mode skipping on the minis, and preflash on the quark/tactical. For soemthing smaller, try the itp eos a3.

When you are ready to step up, get a surefire e1b with a diffusor cap, and the flat/tail stand-able tail cap.

-Freq
 
I'd suggest these two: Maybe the AAA Maratac to get started ($30) and then if you want to go to CR123 batts, the E1B.

P1070739.jpg
 
Olight T10 uses 1 cr123 battery, 190 lumens, low, med, high, and strobe, best compact light I own, and its made in the USA! Goes for 50-60,bucks
 
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