Pocket carry EDC recommendation

[Kloogee]

Hi all, I've been lurking for a while and decided to finally sign up to ask for your recommendations.

Im looking for my first EDC flashlight. I want something I can throw in my pocket and mostly forget about until it's needed. I d is like things hanging on my belt and I've tried knives clipped in my pockets and just never liked them that way, so I'm looking for something that will fit in my front pocket and not look like I'm happy to see everybody.

Budget:
Buy once cry once. I'd rather pay more up front and get what I want/need than to go cheap.

Usage:
I don't have any specific activities I'd use it for other than random needs both indoor and out.

Size:
Probably in the 3-4 , length range, but looking for other's experience.

Battery:
looking to keep it small so probably a single AA or AAA, but could be convince to go with a single cr123 or similar.

Power:
i think I'd like something at least 100 lumens for the high power mode, but don't expect to really use the highest mode all that often. I think I'd be looking for something with 3 different brightness modes. From candlelight mode to a nice medium brightness to the 100+ range.

Mode selection:
Simple mode selection is best for this simple guy. Not looking for anything complex or programmable. I could live with on going either to the lowest power and the cycling through to each higher power or if it remembers the last used setting, I could go for that too.

Quality
im hard on stuff in my pockets, so whatever is going to be in there has to be able to handle constant bumping into things and be able to survive a moist environment. This is probably the most important aspect of the device. If I'm going to buy something to EDC, it has to be able to survive with me.

USA
i would highly prefer a device that was primarily engineered and manufactured in the good ol' USofA. It doesn't have to be 100% USA, but the more the better. If there isn't something domestic that meets my needs, I'll go with an import, but prefer USA if I can.

Thanks in advance for any recommendations you may have. If I can answer any questions you may have, please fire away.

Thanks!

[lightwait]

Lately I am carrying a Fenix LD12. I like it a lot, but I wanted to comment more on the batteries. If you go with a AAA or a AA, I would definitely go with rechargeable such as Eneloops. Sooner or later alkalines will leak and the rechargables give better performance. Lithium primaries is another option if the light will have only occasional use. They won't leak, but too pricy for daily use though.

AAA will give a nice tiny size, if that is what you want. Sometimes though, a tiny light is more awkward to hold and use. A single AA is a nice sized work light for me.

How much do you think you will be using this light? If we are talking a few seconds or minutes here and there, consider a single CR123 light. A little shorter than a AA and on max brightness will generally brighter maximum level. For occasional use, a single CR123 could easily last you many months or more. If you have specific heavy use in mind, like walking the dog, etc, go with the rechargeable AA eneloops.

There are rechargeable Li-ion cells for some 123-sized lights, but there are things to learn to use them safely and a higher initial cost.

There is a flashlight checklist at the top of the forum that may give you some ideas and help others give you more specific suggestions.

[Kloogee]

Lightwait, thanks for the detailed response! It does seem like t the battery is just as important as the light itself. My usage will very likely be for only short bursts for random needs. As you mentioned, it likely only be for a few seconds or minutes at a time.

[Kloogee]

Oh and as far as tail click vs other on/off methods, I think I'd prefer tail click. But does anybody have experience with pocket carryand what is the best operation method and so it doesn't accidentally turn on in the pocket?

[CarpentryHero]

The Sunwayman V10a XPG or XML. Simple control ring mode selection, no hidden modes, and well made. You could get the v10r with AA cell extender so you can use AA or cr123.

If you want to stick to American and simple, the Surefire e1b or the soon to be released EB1 might suit you better, two modes, uses 1 cr123, incredibly sturdy and excellent warranty.

[AZPops]

The Sunwayman V10a XPG or XML. Simple control ring mode selection, no hidden modes, and well made. You could get the v10r with AA cell extender so you can use AA or cr123.

If you want to stick to American and simple, the Surefire e1b or the soon to be released EB1 might suit you better, two modes, uses 1 cr123, incredibly sturdy and excellent warranty.

^^^^ Yup, a V10R with it's AA extension is a good one. If you don't mind doing a x2 CR123A light, a Surefire LX2 is another good one that's available now. After which in a few or more months, you'll have a excuse to pick up the EB1!

The E1b is a good one as well, but the light does come on in high first.

[Kloogee]

The Sunwayman V10R looks interesting. I'm going to check into that one further. My only concern is its seems almost a bit too thick for in pocket carry. Any experience with that? Also, do you know where it was engineered and built?

the surefire eb1 looks interesting, but it seems like it sure could use a medium power mode. Going from just a few lumens to 200, is quite a jump. I would think I'd miss not having some middle ground.

[Danielight]

You might also want to check out some of the EagleTac lights, which come in the twisty switch or the newer clicky switch models (available at sites such as illuminationGear or Light Junction). These are well-built lights that are reasonably priced.

[Kloogee]

The Eagletac D25A clicky looks pretty promising. I think the size looks pretty good on it. The only downside is the interface is a bit more complicated than I'd like, but I'm sure I could get comfy with it.

Keep the suggestions coming. So far some really good ideas....

[fishndad]

JetBeam PA10 is very simple to use You can run simple rechargable AAs

JetBeam Pc10 also very easy

JetBeam RRT01 my favorite light i like it better than my Sunwayman M11R

[Chevy-SS]

I've been trying everything for EDC. I can't find anything better than my Quark 123*2 Tactical XP-G R5. It's the best compromise between size and power. It just kicks butt. IMHO, don't get XML for your EDC. XML is too floody.

[Lou Minescence]

I would steer you to the V10 or V11r also. In post #7 you had a concern the light may be too thick for pocket carry. I do not think so. There is also a slim foursevens mini AA you should look at.

[archimedes]

Peak Logan QTC 17500 stainless steel ...

....
Im looking for my first EDC flashlight. I want something I can throw in my pocket and mostly forget about until it's needed....

Budget:
Buy once cry once. I'd rather pay more up front and get what I want/need than to go cheap.

About $90.

Usage:
I don't have any specific activities I'd use it for other than random needs both indoor and out.

Size:
Probably in the 3-4 , length range, but looking for other's experience.

3.75 inches for keychain version.

Battery:
looking to keep it small so probably a single AA or AAA, but could be convince to go with a single cr123 or similar.

Runs AA/AAA/CR123A/17500-sizes (with adapters), and any battery chemistry (primary or rechargeables).

Power:
i think I'd like something at least 100 lumens for the high power mode, but don't expect to really use the highest mode all that often. I think I'd be looking for something with 3 different brightness modes. From candlelight mode to a nice medium brightness to the 100+ range.

Variable from sublumen to over 200 OTF.

Mode selection:
Simple mode selection is best for this simple guy. Not looking for anything complex or programmable. I could live with on going either to the lowest power and the cycling through to each higher power or if it remembers the last used setting, I could go for that too.

Ultra-simple ... more twist = more output, continuously variable. Note that ramping is NOT especially smooth, nor finely adjustable, however.

Quality
im hard on stuff in my pockets, so whatever is going to be in there has to be able to handle constant bumping into things and be able to survive a moist environment. This is probably the most important aspect of the device. If I'm going to buy something to EDC, it has to be able to survive with me.

Stainless steel is tough, and the electronics are fully potted in Peak torches. Could consider brass (or hard anodized aluminum) instead, if concerned about corrosion.

USA
i would highly prefer a device that was primarily engineered and manufactured in the good ol' USofA. It doesn't have to be 100% USA, but the more the better. If there isn't something domestic that meets my needs, I'll go with an import, but prefer USA if I can....

Designed, manufactured, & built in Arizona, I believe....

[sassaquin]

Have a look at Peak LED Solutions. They design and build extremely tough pocket lights in Arizona. They offer several models in aluminum, stainless steel and brass in a range of battery formats - AAA, AA, CR123, and lithium-ion compatible. The twisty UI is unique as it uses QTC (quantum tunneling composite) for variable light ouput. Peak recently upgraded the QTC pills for improved control and durability. All models are epoxy potted for shock and water resistance.

Peak lights are available directly from their recently upgraded website and from Oveready which offers additional models, LED choices and has a reputation for superior customer service.

Good luck in your search.

[Kloogee]

Thanks for the additional recommendations. Is it just me or does quantum tunneling composite sound like some crazy marketing mumbo jumbo that just makes me less likely to buy something? I'm kind of strange when it comes to stuff like that.

Keeps the ideas coming. There have been some good options so far...

[cheech_sp]

I EDC an ITP A3. Other than putting it in my pocket in the morning, I don't even notice its there.

[cm_mtb]

Another American option to consider is HDS Systems.

[fyrstormer]

A few simple modes, tail-click, buy-once-cry-once...sounds to me like you want a McGizmo.

[LGT]

I would really suggest taking a good look at HDS lights. Somewhat bigger than a AA light. But their durability, lifetime warranty, made in the US, and can use primary or rcr 123 batteries makes them something worth looking at. An EDC exec. 120 can be had for $99. If I didn't already have three HDS lights, I'd scoop one of those up in a heartbeat.

[Kloogee]

A few simple modes, tail-click, buy-once-cry-once...sounds to me like you want a McGizmo.

So how does one actually get a price and buy a McGizmo. Seems like they are great lights, but seems like a secret as to how you actually get one.

[archimedes]

So how does one actually get a price and buy a McGizmo. Seems like they are great lights, but seems like a secret as to how you actually get one.

Just check out the McGizmo subforum ...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...php?51-McGizmo

No secrets, simply contact the maker directly

[Dances with Flashlight]

Is it just me or does quantum tunneling composite sound like some crazy marketing mumbo jumbo that just makes me less likely to buy something?

QTC really isn't any sort of marketing mumbo jumbo. It refers to a material that acts as an insulator when uncompressed but then acts as a metallic conductor when compressed, and the level of conductivity increases with the measure of compression. In short, it allows a variable output without the energy waste caused by resistors.
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[biglights]

I have been using my EagleTac D25A Ti a lot lately. Fits in pocket very nice. I feel that its easy to use, very nicely made to.

Also you might want to check out the Nitecore EC1, this thing unleashes a ton of light for its size.