Thanks for all the info- this is truly an amazing amount of feedback for such a short time since my first post. I'm afraid there's no way I can really respond to all the points brought up. I'm still researching a lot of the suggestions as time permits.
I have the feeling I'm going to end up with 2 or 3 lights just out of curiosity, and pick my favorite for EDC. I'm just starting to get a feel for what's really available out there.
Just for clarification, for the scenario I think likely, I don't consider 2-3 hours of usable light adequate. For the light that I keep by the bedside (currently the Pelican Stealthlight) that's fine, but a crisis in the subway is likely to be a protracted one. Given that the light may see a little routine use, and might not have a full charge at the start, I'm thinking a minimum of 10 hours of usable light, enough light to walk by, in some mode. 15 would be better.
Lights like the Surefire E2 are intriguing, but I get the impression that a lot of their value is in throwing a LOT of light for their size. That being the case, going for a reduced-output (but still incandescent) lamp seems like it's sort of killing the point. I can see something like this being the best choice, but for somewhat different scenarios.
I always carry a Photon 3 on a key ring, and sometimes a second one in my pouch. They weigh next to nothing; there's no reason not to.. so I'm probably Ok for backup. The Photon 3 also has an SOS mode, though I have trouble seeing a scenario where that would be really useful in the subway. If they're looking for you, they're going to have a pretty good idea where you are, and they'll know you're in distress. Seems likelier that the real problem will be that there's no one down there looking.
I have also carried a Zipka (old orignal model) for awhile, but it seems to have gone missing...
I don't see particulate matter in the air being a high priority- it's basically the same air that is used to ventilate the cars when the subway is moving. There are no internal combustion engines down there- if there's a fire or gas attack, that's way beyond what a filter mask will help with. I routinely carry a large (1 yard square) , thin, tightly woven silk bandanna, which might help with this scenario if needed, and is more versatile than a filter mask.
One of the worst (well, worst survivable) scenarios would be being caught under the river. I don't know how long it would take the subway tunnels to start flooding if the pumps are out, but I suspect the people in that situation might not be waiting 10 hours in place. A few years ago an ice storm put several stations out of commission that way- the rails have their own power source, but when the station pumps cut out, the third rail MUST be killed before the water reaches it, and the pumps must be on again for some time before the trains can move again...
The UK 4AA eLED seems too inexpensive not to try, and I like the fact that it has a real switch, but is still pretty waterproof. Those are the qualities that led me to the Stealthlight.
I'm not sure what to make of the Enternalights or the Inova 24/7 yet. They seem to be exceptions.
I have been avoiding lithium cells for decades now (for backpacking) based on cost and availabilty, but the price on the Surefire site has compelled me to reconsider. The weight savings, high output, and not having to worry about fresh batteries every year or so if it's NOT used, probably make this worthwhile at the current price point. I have no problem with $15/12 at all, just curious why it hasn't driven prices down in general.
I'm probably ready to try an Inova X5T. Anything wrong with the slightly beefed/subdued version on Countycomm?
A am intrigued by the Streamlight TwinTask, very tempted, but a little confused. I mean, the concept seems basically the same as the Surefire A2 aviator, but the Surefire sells for more than 6 times as much. What am I missing here?
Many thanks for all the suggestions, still researching...
Mr. D.
