Best Small Flashlight

[hiuintahs]

This G2X Pro looks like a great light. Maybe I should go with that one instead of the PA40 since it is smaller. Uses different type of batteries but I dont think that is a big deal. Any thoughts on where I should purchase? I live in California and need it to arrive in time for Christmas. Thank you.

I would not recommend a light that uses CR123A batteries as they are expensive and not as common. If giving this as a gift to someone that is not a flashaholic like the people on this board............it's not a good idea in my opinion . I'd just go with common AA type of batteries.

 

[Dadof6]

I think you're way over thinking this thing. Go for simple. Buy a single AA battery light. There are many good lights out there with a single AA configuration. I've enjoyed Maratac and I really like Peaks. The reason I like one AA as opposed to 2,3, or 4 is because as a gift, the receiver of the gift will: be amazed at the brightness of the AA light by itself; usually be able to find a least one AA battery when they need to use the light; will be more likely to carry a single AA light with them in their pocket on a regular basis; and lastly, because I've found that multiple cell flashlights have more acid leaks than single cell lights.

 

[wakesnowb]

I think you're way over thinking this thing. Go for simple. Buy a single AA battery light. There are many good lights out there with a single AA configuration. I've enjoyed Maratac and I really like Peaks. The reason I like one AA as opposed to 2,3, or 4 is because as a gift, the receiver of the gift will: be amazed at the brightness of the AA light by itself; usually be able to find a least one AA battery when they need to use the light; will be more likely to carry a single AA light with them in their pocket on a regular basis; and lastly, because I've found that multiple cell flashlights have more acid leaks than single cell lights.

Thank you everyone for the recommendations.

I over think everything I know, but it is kind of fun to pick out this light. It is for my dad so I can always help him get batteries if need be. I like the PA40 or the Surefire G2X pro because of the battery life and the non aluminum body. I anticipate it will be thrown around a bit while looking under cars etc.. I am leaning towards the G2X pro because I like the size, brightness, battery life, and simplicity of the high low tail switch. I will also buy a box of 12 CR123A batteries to go with it. Should last him quite a long time and with the supposed 10 year shelf life of the batteries I think he should be good to go. Still open to all suggestions but this is my current thinking.

 

[jorn]

More to think about.
Get a zebralight h52 headlamp. If you do more than just looking, it's a huge plus to have both hands free for work, and still put the light where youre looking at all times. And you can take the zebra out of the headband and put the clip on it for a tiny but useful anglehead light. Rotate the clip so the beam got the angle you want when you put it on the floor, and you got a tiny area work lamp in your pocket. Same with the armytec tiara, the tiny angle head design can be used in many ways

Oh, and a 2xaaa penlight like the 4sevens or terralux might come handy. Long and thin, so you can poke in between hoses or other tight spots.

 

[wakesnowb]

Thanks for everyone's help. I ended up buying the surfire G2X pro in forest green from batteryjunction.com. Also bought a box of 12 surefire batteries to go with it. Should be good to go as a present! Thanks again!

 

[wakesnowb]

Just want to let everyone know that my dad loves his new G2X pro Surefire. We were already using it a lot around the house and checking for oil leaks under the cars etc.. great light! The polymer handle is great and light is super bright. I also like how the bezel is not completely round, it is like a series of flat surfaces to make a circle. This is good because it does roll away too far when setting it down. I bought a box of surefire 12 pack batteries to go with it. Those CR123A batteries are expensive at the local store but the Surefire brand on the internet is very reasonable for a pack. Shout out to ForrestChump on the recommendation.

 

[ForrestChump]

:thumbsup:

 

[earthman]

Wow that website is amazing! Thank you for sharing the link.

+1. :thanks:

 

[aginthelaw]

look at the olight s30r. it has a magnetic base in case you need your hands free or i've seen the p200lc2 on ebay with battery and charger for $60. if you're looking for something like a penlight, try the preon 2 lights. clips in your shirt pocket and is super bright for the size on aaa batteries