Thinking of a new light

[David Mary]

The Fenix PD35 was great. It died after a few years.

Klarus XT2C was the best I've ever had. Perfect interface. Thumb switch with partial press momentary turbo, full press and click toggles turbo. Secondary thumb switch for momentary press strobe, hold for two seconds and toggles strobe, or when already toggled on, cycled between turbo, high and low. Died, too.

Olight M2T Warrior..... meh. It's serving the role now.

The Klarus was my favorite because the super intuitive minimalist interface that could be easily navigated with the thumb only.


What might I like as my next EDC "tactical" torch? Thanks!

 

[gazz98]

What kind of battery source are you thinking? Budget?

I'm an AA guy myself. I had CR123 (3 volts are nice..) but I want something I can easily replace off the shelf if needed.

I love my Fenix E20 v2. $45ish. Since I'm not using a fancy battery, I like 2 x AA and this Fenix does it in a 5" overall length. Many other lights are over 6" and we all know 5" is plenty long enough.

You might not like the single button interface tho. I prefer it myself.

 

[David Mary]

I have a bunch of USB rechargeable 18650s and some RCR123s with a wall charger. But I'm not opposed to 2 x AA. I'll check out the E20, thanks!

 

[Dadpool]

super intuitive minimalist interface that could be easily navigated with the thumb only

My friend, you need to try a Malkoff. After a few years of enjoying multi-function programmable lights, I found that half the time I'd pull out that day's carry and find I'd forgotten the quirks of its interface, and/or I'd get annoyed because it was so powerful that I had to keep it locked out in my pocket, which I find inconvenient.

Malkoffs are USA-made, with impeccable fit and function, dead simple interfaces, and bombproof construction (including fully potted electronics). Navigating the options can be a bit challenging, but the lights are superb. Great customer service, too.

An easy 1x18650 choice would be the MD2 with the hi/lo ring. Click for high, or twist the head and it will come on in low instead. With a high-CRI emitter, the modes are ~400 lumens/15 lumens, which I find just about ideal.

I also love my MDC 16650, which has a simple L-M-H interface (one button in the tailcap) and always comes on in low. With the high-CRI emitter, modes are roughly 15/70/375; again, a great distribution. This is much easier to carry all day than my MD2, and has pretty much supplanted it for EDC.

I also like Elzetta in this category, but the MDC 16650 has replaced my Elzetta Alpha as well. (Not to mention all of the other lights I packed away after getting my first Malkoff...) They're that good.

 

[David Mary]

But are they heavy? The Olight was noticeably heavier than the Fenix and Klarus in its size. Tolerable, but I like to save on ounces since I EDC so many items, and walk, cycle or run everywhere I go.

But yes I will look into those as well, thank you so much!

 

[Dadpool]

But are they heavy?

The MD2 is chunky, 6.4 oz. with the battery. But the MDC 16650 is much lighter, just 3.8 oz., and slimmer all around. It also has an excellent built-in clip and carries deep, whereas the MD2 requires an add-on clip.

There's also a 1xCR123 version of the MDC, which comes in several flavors. I haven't tried those yet because IMO the high-CRI emitter doesn't put out enough light to justify the size/weight, but they should be lighter than the 16650 version.

 

[David Mary]

Thank you guys. I discovered that Klarus has a similar but upgraded model, which I was able to find at Flashlightworld. Klarus XT2CR 1600 Lumens Rechargeable Tactical Light. I ordered it, and can't wait to put the Olight away, haha.

 

[dogboye]

I use Fenix, Olight, and Nitcore (discovered in that order). I started on Surefires, but found the expense/feature ratio untenable for me. I know they're good.. GREAT... reliable lights. But cost too much for what they do.

Between Fenix, Olight, and Nitecore, I currently lean toward Nitecore for their features. At least on some of them. Mostly, I buy whatever has the features I'm looking for. I THINK I might be a little picky, but I use a flashlight a LOT in the winter outside, and I need a LOT of throw.

Fenix: TK16V2 and PD36 TAC have the features I like.
Nitecore: P10i or P20i, MH10S
Olight: Warrior X Pro or Warrior M3R

Of all those, M3R has the absolute best user interface, IMO. I have it set so I use the side switch for low light, and tail switch for medium or Turbo.