3 light recommendations

[naq]

Hello All. :wave: I'm new to the wonderful world of flashlights. I've been reading many reviews and posts and now feel like I'm naive enough or perhaps dangerous enough to make a post. :ironic: In the past I was a simple user having incandescent Maglites and a crank based emergency unit. Now I'm in the market for 3 flashlights. One for keychain, one EDC/home use, and a 3rd for more aggressive uses (in the vehicle, evening outdoor projects, basement, attic, woods walks etc).

So far my thoughts are the Streamlight Nano for keychain. Something small that I can hook to my vehicle fob along with my Spyderco ladybug. I don't like bulky things in my pocket but can deal with options. I can keep the fob/ladybug/light in a jacket pocket during harsh Chicago winters yet small enough to fit in pockets the rest of the year.

EDC/Home: I'm looking at the Sunwayman V11R. I like the linear ability for versatility. I also don't have many battery based items I use but do have items using the CR123, which I keep about a 4-6 battery supply. This torch fits the bill.

Finally I'm looking for a catch all rechargeable unit. Maybe the Nitecore MH1C. More utilitarian in nature that will use the RCR123 platform. Thoughts are I can use the flashlight to charge any RCR123's I'll purchase and use them in the V11R. Realistically the V11R and MH1C are close in performance so I also thought about going to a 18650 (MH25). That unit would offer the next step in lumens/lux abilities, is rechargeable but still allow me to use the CR123's in a pinch.

Any recommendations on lights that would better fit the bill? Perhaps a different rechargeable RCR123 that out performs the MH1C that would keep me using only RCR123's? Or maybe get a stand alone rechargeable unit for RCR123's and sacrifice a bit of performance by using a 2xRCR123 solution instead of a 18640 single cell. It would be cool to have a recharge device that would accept 18650's and RCR123's so I could have a rechargeable battery for each device (except for the Streamlight).

Price isn't a huge concern, but based on the flashlights listed you can see approximately the range I'm considering. I appreciate everything the members do here, and hope to draw upon your experiences for my future purchases.


Thanks for the time.

 

[dss_777]

This is actually a very complex request. ;)

Sounds like you're looking more for a system, which is a good way to think about this, IMO. My thoughts, in brief:

First, while the Nano might seem to be an attractive option, it's a silly light. Output is weak to the point of being almost unusable, and it uses expensive batteries. You're better off with one of the many 1xAAA lights, from the inexpensive Fenix EO1, the Fenix EO5, Quark Preon, and so on. So many other keychain lights that are better. Using the AAA batteries make them viable.

FWIW, I have an older ARC AAA on my keychain, and even thought the specs for it and the Nano are about the same, it's MILES above the Nano it replaced.

Second, for around the house use, consider a headlamp. The Zebralights are excellent, but there are other choices you can learn about here at CPF. The ZLs can be had in different battery configurations, depending on how you want to go with that.

For the outdoor option, the sky's the limit, so that's up to you, but I think that would depend on which battery choice you go with on the second light. I think the 18650 rechargeables are great, backed up by a supply of the CR123 primaries. Just be sure all the lights you intend to use these with can take the voltages supplied by the different battery types you're considering.

For example, 18650 maxes out at 4.2 volts, but 2xCR123 outputs 6 volts, and 2x RCR123 outputs 8.2 volts max. Some lights can't handle that difference in voltage range...

Battery size is also an issue. A Surefire that takes 2xCR123 WON'T accept an 18650 cell because it's too big around. Other lights are different.

For a specific example, my choices are an ARC AAA on the keys, a Zebralight H600w headlamp and a Malkoff MD2. A great combo for about 95% of what I do.

Disclaimer: my ZL and MD2 can share the 18650, but the ZL can't take 2xCR123 (while the MD2 can). My compromise is to have a bunch of CR123 batteries and know that if I run out of 18650s, I'd rely on the MD2 exclusively.


Hope this helps. Welcome to CPF!

 

[naq]

Thanks DSS!

You've given me some things to consider and convinced me that the Nano is probably not the solution. I think the V11R would probably serve as the keychain/EDC. The and it seems I have to do some more research on battery options to ensure my flashlight 'solution' can handle the voltages. I appreciate the detailed reply.

 

[Starkadder]

Naq

Good thread; I am a newby too and you ask just the questions I would have asked if I had thought about it a bit more clearly.

FWIW my EDC needs are currently met by an Eagletac D25A clicky. Proved its worth during recent power cuts, and light and small enough to carry in a pocket without really knowing it is there. I have come to realise pretty quickly that for most every day purposes, a turbo charged light sabre bright enough to signal Mars is probably not absolutely necessary, while something with variable brightness sufficient to light a path, get round the house in the dark, and read by, is what is really useful.

Interested to see if you get any more advice on this thread.

 

[Ironside]

I was a newby a year ago and now I have 19 lights!
My advice would be to just get what you want if its expensive as you will likely spend less overall because you will get quality.
OK I've spent way too much time researching this stuff and your needs are basically the same as mine You will not be unhappy with what I recommend so here goes:
Keychain: I have the Quantum D in SS, the Foursevens Titanium Atom and am getting the Dark Sucks Prometheus Beta QR as its a Nichia high CRI emitter and detaches quickly with a patented system.
These are all top drawer lights for a keychain. The Quantum is wow factor (EVERY person whose seen it wants it) but funny batteries, infinitely variable very high tech quantum tunnelling electronics - the future of lights maybe. Atom is AAA and 2 mode PURE flood cool beam. Beta QR is highCRI and is "artisanal".
EDC around house. V11R was my cheaper most desired light and I'm not saying don't get it but consider the fact that once you start using them you have to dial in the lumens each time and the novelty will wear off. There are multiple steps to getting what you want which is a certain level of light.
plus that control ring isn't going to last more than a few years.
I got a MR Elfin M11R with the "Premium" XML T6 4C emitter. It's on sale for $49 half what it sold for a year or so ago. It's a dial no switch just low med high. It's the ultimate EDC UI.

I would spend the money on an HDS light from the get go. if you want infinitely variable get a rotary. it's $200 but you will save yourself money as you won't want another light.
I just ordered a legacy one for a big discount as new ones just came out.
Chargers: I got a Nitecore i4. Charges anything. I bought a case of non rechargeable CR123s, case of lithium non rechargeable AAA and AA plus some AW protected 16340 and 14500 for the juice.

Ds777 gave good advice. Get a ZL H52Fw or other H series for around the house.
his three recommended lights would not disappoint ESP the ARC.
if only three I would say Quantum (easy to find gen2 now) or Atom (harder to find now but thats half the fun) for keys, a zebralight H series for house depending on battery, and an HDS high CRI rotary for EDC and out of house. Total $330 or so but believe me if you don't go for top quality lights from the get go you will spend more overall as you will try different lights and reject them. I did that and wish I just got the good stuff right away.

 

[tubed]

I would just add that i own an MH25. I got it much for the built in charger, that i like. Much WAS good about this light but about 9 months into it the UI went. A little finicky at first, now mostly dysfunctional.
I've concluded that Nitecore sometimes tries to pack too many gimicks into one light.

 

[Jash]

I would just add that i own an MH25. I got it much for the built in charger, that i like. Much WAS good about this light but about 9 months into it the UI went. A little finicky at first, now mostly dysfunctional.
I've concluded that Nitecore sometimes tries to pack too many gimicks into one light.

Oh look, another Nitecore failure! Nitecore should be renamed Crapcore. All mine died within 18 months of purchase, and two after being 'repaired' by Nitecore. A friend bought an MH40 against by better judgement and lo and behold, it doesn't work except in max mode. Head loose and the modes skip around at random, plus the built in charger was rubbish. I loaned him one of my chargers and he reckons he got double the battery life after charging the cells externally.

It bothers me to no end when so any people recommend Nitecore to anyone, especially noobs. Every Nitecore I've seen in person has had issues. I'll never buy another Nitecore, and FWIW my other Chinese lights (Fenix, Foursevens) don't give me any grief apart from regular maintenance issues.

 

[tubed]

yeah,
i don't want to make a big thing of it since many people seem to love them but i've pretty much crossed that brand off my list

 

[Poppy]

This is actually a very complex request. ;)

Sounds like you're looking more for a system, which is a good way to think about this, IMO. My thoughts, in brief:

First, while the Nano might seem to be an attractive option, it's a silly light. Output is weak to the point of being almost unusable, and it uses expensive batteries. You're better off with one of the many 1xAAA lights, from the inexpensive Fenix EO1, the Fenix EO5, Quark Preon, and so on. So many other keychain lights that are better. Using the AAA batteries make them viable.

I carried the Nano for almost a year. It is cute, but it essentially NEVER got used. dss_777 sums it up pretty well. An ugly blue beam, low power, and little batteries. I didn't want to run them down and I didn't want to replace them.

Recently I got
DQG AAA IV World smallest CREE XP-G2 R5 4A NW Stainless Steel EDC Flashlight from cnqualitygoods
it is less than twice the size of the Nano.
I only have it a month, but it has been used dozens of times. I love the NW tint on it.

 

[naq]

Thanks for the info on Nitecore, I've seen mostly positive things but was mostly 'in like' of the built in charger which I've moved away from. What about their charging option, I scraped the MH1C and am looking at dedicated chargers. I really like the ability of the Intelligent I4 to handle all rechargeable options since I don't have any big batteries to charge. I've seen mostly good things mostly from this forum.

FWIW, I picked up the v11r for around the house. I like the extender option which came with my purchase, giving me AA and CR123's plus 16340s and 14500's. Thanks all for your input.