Best EDC Flashlight? [Archive]

OutofGum

10-15-2004, 04:07 PM

I just found out that Arc is out of business... the AAA was my first choice. I think you're right about Stream light not having an AAA, for some reason I thought they did.

I'm looking for a small LED which is bright, uses an ordinary battery, is under $30 and it tough. As far as I know, there are no other companies which make an LED with a single AAA, so I guess I'll have to go with an AA.

I know Gerber makes the ultra infinity task light, and inova has the x1 sportlight, but I don't know any others, and I don't know if the lights I mentioned are any good.

RLR

10-15-2004, 05:03 PM

Not exactly keychain, but small, versatile and bright: Streamlight Tasklight I cel lithium:

http://www.streamlight.com/tasklight_info.htm

Best light under $20.

rycen

10-15-2004, 05:12 PM

Check out Peak Led at TAD (http://www.tadgear.com/x-treme%20gear/flashlights%20main/peak_led_solutions.htm)

seaman

10-15-2004, 06:56 PM

How about a photon.

Simon G

10-15-2004, 07:04 PM

OutofGum,

After trying a number of "key chain" lights, I was never satisfied. For a couple of years now, my EDC flashlight has been a Surefire 3P. So impressed, I put the bigger 6P in the car.

I know this may fall outside of your remit for EDC but I don't think there are better lights.

Regards,

Simon.

Moon

10-15-2004, 07:29 PM

I recently purchased a Peak AAA prototype 1 led and an Arc AAA. For the $15 shipped for the Peak I would say it was well worth it. I gave the Peak to a friend of mine when I received my ARC though.

If you can afford an ARC at ebay prices, go for it. If not I would check out Peak, I plan on purchasing one of the AAA 3 LED's from them in the near future.

http://www.peakledsolutions.net/flashlights.html

jbake

10-15-2004, 08:06 PM

Steamlight does make a "KeyMate". It uses four button type cells. I believe it gives you a lot of flash for the cash (It is really small and bright).
I really like it. Here's an OLD thread with pics:

http://www.spyderco.com/forums/showthread.php?p=11429#post11429

I keep an inova led light on my keychain - much dimmer with a non standard batt, but so small you don't know it's there.

In addition to my keychain lights, I've been adding bigger EDCs. Just bought a SureFire L2 :cool:

samosaurus

10-15-2004, 08:11 PM

Photons = :cool: :spyder: :cool:

sam

OutofGum

10-15-2004, 11:42 PM

I actually do have a photon light on my key chain now, but I like having something I can pop rechargable / easy to find batteries into.

Thanks for the info on the Peak LEDs, rycen and Moon. They do look a lot like the ARC. How does the brightness / build quality compare? I was looking at the ebay prices - just a couple months ago the AAAs were in the low 20's, now its more like 70s. A bit too high for me.

I've looked at surefire, and they look like great lights, but are definitely out of my price range at the moment. Great tactical light I'm sure.

I'll do a little more poking around, but I'm liking the Peaks a lot right now. Thanks for all the replys.

Ted

10-16-2004, 02:33 AM

Arc AAA - try to get one while you can...
PeakLed's AAA models are way bigger and less bright I've heard.
I hope my Limited Edition Arc AAA will last a lifetime...

Ted

DAYWALKER

10-16-2004, 04:08 AM

Aloha!
I'd have to agree with jbake on the Keymate by Streamlight...bright little sucker for something so small! Plus, it has a clip! ;)

I recently used it on a Bomb Threat at my facility as our 3D Mag lights were not working...typical.

I have an ARC, but it is VERY temperamental...works only when IT wants to?! LOL!

Mahalo jbake...ya old fart! LOL! Kidding man! :D

Uh, KOM..."care to share"? My eyes are bleeding!!! :cool:

king-of-mars

10-16-2004, 04:49 AM

I agree with DayWalker about the Streamlight Keymate, it's very cool! (Thanks Chad)! :D I also like the Inova X1, and the new Inova T1 is excellent, as for EDC I'm using the Surefire E2D, it might be overkill, but you never know when you might need the ol' Flash and Bash! (If there happens to be an Onion or Brownie near!) :p

Jimd

10-16-2004, 10:38 PM

I like Surefires because of their sheer durability, plus they're darn bright.

Even is you don't choose a Surefire (they ARE expensive, I agree), check out their batteries; you can buy a box of 12 of their SF123 Lithium batteries for $15. That's a great deal!

Moon

10-16-2004, 10:41 PM

Arc AAA - try to get one while you can...
PeakLed's AAA models are way bigger and less bright I've heard.
I hope my Limited Edition Arc AAA will last a lifetime...

Ted

The peak prototype I had was identical in size to the Arc. I have heard the newer production models are a bit bigger due to the removable tailcap.

The Arc is brighter though.

Jurphaas

10-17-2004, 01:16 AM

Hi All - I aggree with Jimd in that I feel that the Surefire lights are simply the best. (period)
I've been facinated with lights for a long time and like the latests devellopments in LED technology (Luxeon Star) a lot. Still they do not compare with the sheer power a (any) SF flashlight will bring you.

I'was very sorry to hear about the fate that Arc flashlights took, as I highly appreciated Peter G's work.

Still, compared to SF all your investments in other brands are second choice.
My advice: save up and buy 1st quality.

See the light guys - go get them! :)

DAYWALKER

10-17-2004, 04:19 AM

Aloha Jurphaas!

Are you "coming or going"? :confused:

God bless you EITHER way!

RAT 54

10-17-2004, 04:40 AM

IMO Surefire is worth spending the money on.I carry a Surefire 6P pretty much every where. For strong white light the 6P is great.I have tried a bright (~40 lumen) LED, but the Surefire is my choice of EDC, well one of them...

I also carry a little ToolLogic Traclite (an LED light) on a cord around my neck. Sounds like a strange place to have a light I know. It started out going there because I did not have room on my key ring for the light, but I have found that it is a handy place. I have often used the light when I have put my keys down i.e. would not have the light if it were on my keys.

The base of the light has a magnet. Again this sounds strange, but the number of times that I have found it to be useful. Stick it to the inside of my car boot when hunting for gear, (My boot light does not work since a wee mishap with a lamp post :o ) inside of a PC case when swapping a cards etc.

I find the low output of the Traclite useful. Often the 6p provides too much light, and having something the provides less light is better. The type of light you get from a LED is different , and having both is IMO an advantage.

Moon

10-17-2004, 04:44 AM

The base of the light has a magnet. Again this sounds strange, but the number of times that I have found it to be useful. inside of a PC case when swapping a cards etc.

Carefull with that magnet near your PC, I have heard that a magnet can damage your HD. Im no computer guru, thats just what I have read on the net ;)

LaBella

10-17-2004, 10:07 AM

SureFire M3 Combat flashlight!! :)

severedthumbs

10-17-2004, 01:12 PM

I like the 10x Dominator.

voxnaes

10-17-2004, 02:29 PM

ARC AA or ARC AAA!! :) I also use INOVA´s. The X1 and T1 are very cool, but too big for the keychain :(
Vox.

severedthumbs

10-17-2004, 02:31 PM

if it fits on a keychain does it really qualify as a flashlight?

Jimd

10-17-2004, 04:25 PM

I have an LED head for me SureFire E2e (the KL-1 LED Head). It throws about fifteen lumens, I believe, which is okay for close-range work like the searching in the prison that I do daily. I like it because it extends the battery life immensely.

I also have a Z3 and a C3 Combatlight, both of which are incredibly bright, and will illuminate people 100 yards away easily.

I also plan on getting one of the LED heads for these lights, to extend their run time as well. The heads cost a bit, but in the long run, they're money-savers, considering how often I use my lights (daily). What's more, in an emergency, such as a long-term power outage, a box of batteries would last a LONG time, when resupply might be impossible.

Finally, I bang my SureFires around, drop them, and generally abuse them on the job, and I've never had one single problem with them. They've proven very durable. Plus, it's fun to blind people with that beam of light! :)

Ray.Hood

10-18-2004, 07:04 AM

I bought a Surefire Exec recently. It is as bright as a car headlight! Kinda expensive for people on a budget tho.

Mr Blonde

10-18-2004, 07:15 AM

For daily use I carry a AAA Mini-Maglite, it's an OK utility light and the best street-legal palm stick I know, but that's more an MBC issue.

I never leave the house without a Photon II light, great "back-up" lights!

When I know beforehand that I will need a light, when going out after dark for example, I grab for my Surefire. Usually a Executive Defender, and I keep a souped up G2 (120 lumen) on the nightstand. It's always fun to use your surefires on a camping ground, hehehehe I always win the "who's got the biggest flashlight competition". You see these kids lugging around huge Maglites, and then I present my palmsized G2. Of course I never tell them how expensive it is :D

aggat

10-21-2004, 04:41 AM

I carry in my keys an inova blue microlight.
it´s a great light !!!! :cool:

buferoe

10-21-2004, 10:45 AM

Hi Guys,

Normal i carry a Led Lenser V8 on my keyring, and the Photon II in my pocket with the Ladybug.
And on my belt i carry a Inova X5. ;)

regards,

Buferoe

Echo63

10-22-2004, 11:20 AM

hmm - best edc light
well i carry a Surefire L4 and and Inova X5 with me nearly all day every day
and they both run on pila Rechargeable lithium ions too
i also carry a CMG Infinity ultra on my Keys (1x AA - 20ish hours of runtime)
The Peak lights come in Standard and High brightness versions (the high brightness is equal to arc aaa)

so here is my list of small lights to carry

1x AAA
Peak aaa (1 and 3 LED heads)
CMG sonic (1 led only)
Mag Solitaire (not a very good choice)

1x AA
Peak (unsure of what models are available)
CMG Infinty (long runtime)
CMG Infinity Ultra (shorter runtime - 2x as bright as std Infinity)
Inova X1 (very tight spot - no spill beam)

2x AA -
Mini mag 2AA (with or without LED Retrofit)
Streamlight Junior Luxeon
Gerber Trio
Longbow Eco

4xAA
Underwater Kinetics 4aa lights
E-led, Q40 and others
really solid bright lights

1xSF123
Peak Led Solutions lights (range of Brightness/finish options)
Surefire E1
Surefire E1 + KL1 or KL4 head
Streamlight Twintask 1L
Longbow Micra
Nuwaii Q3

2xSF123
Surefire E2
Surefire E2 +KL1 or KL4 Head
Streamlight Scorpion
Streamlight TL2 + TL2 LED
Pelican PM6 and PM6 Led
Longbow Mini

I know i have left lights of this list - these are the ones that came of the top of my head, anyway - have a look at www.candlepowerforums.com for more ideas (or try running searches on the above lights)

Codeman

10-22-2004, 01:42 PM

I've got about 12 Photons and I keep a Photon III Covert in my pocket all the time. On my keychain, however, is a Streamlight Key-Mate. It is a great little light.

To be honest, though, I hardly ever use either. I always have a Surefire A2, G2Z, Z3, or E2 within reach. Nothing beats a Surefire, IMHO. A single cell E is very "pocket-able" and will blow the Key-Mate's/Photon's out of the water.

You can get a G2 for around $35 these days, which is probably the best buy in flashlights anywhere.

DAYWALKER

10-23-2004, 10:12 PM

Aloha!
Too lazy to change the battery on my Photon, plus the LED was all scratched up. Passed by a Maglite Solitaire. Remembered reading here that Allen carried one. So I bought one...

I must say, it is a definitely improved model from their first Solitaire design...Plus, I like the "Gun metal finish"...I would NOT have bought one of these again...but since Allen mentioned it... :D

I still have my Keymate, but I have that one stashed on me while on duty.

Mancer

10-24-2004, 06:09 PM

Well a fairly pricey light out there that I really like the look of is the new SureFire Executive Defender (E2D) Flashlight.

Looks like a real cool light for those that have experience with shortsticks.
Cant wait to get my hands on one :D

Cheers

MaNcEr

OutofGum

10-24-2004, 10:58 PM

Moon

10-25-2004, 06:04 AM

I found a discussion of this on CPF.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=729361&page=2&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

I've spent sometime over there... they really love surefires. Still out of my price range, but they do seem to be the best. Am going for a peak led... looks like they cost $30... but a lot of people talk about getting them for $15. Was that the old price?

The Peak prototype is $15. It is not anodized and has no warranty, but for $15 I think it's worth it.

You can find them on Peak's Discount Page (http://www.peakledsolutions.net/disc.html) The AAA prototype is on the bottom of the page.