Can anyone recommend an EDC LED flashlight?

[tsuki2000]

I'm looking for a reliable LED flashlight for EDC purposes (mostly for illuminating dark areas at night). My budget's only around $50-$60. Here are some things I'm interested in:


-Very bright. The few small flashlights I have are pathetic in this regard. I can use my phone to illuminate things if I need to see something in a theatre or car, so I'm more interested in a flashlight that's as bright as possible.

-Fairly small. I need something that I can fit in my front jeans pocket fairly easily.

-Preference for AA batteries just for convenience. I always have a mountain of those lying around so I'd prefer something that takes AA's unless there's another flashlight that is vastly superior and uses something else.


That's about it, really. Multiple modes/brightness levels would be a plus but aren't required. I was looking at both the Fenix L1D and the Nitecore D10, but I've heard some bad things about reliability (though it should still give you an idea of the form factor and brightness I'm interested in).


Anything you can recommend?

 

[JS_280]

4Sevens Quark AA Tactical

Runs on readily available AAs or on a 14500 lithium rechargeable for maximum brightness.

 

[boulder]

+1 on the Quark AA

The only thing I don't like about that light is the clip on it. Its is strong but isn't as deep as I would like it to be.

The Quark 123 Regular is also nice. Smaller, brighter, and easier to pocket-carry. I have the clip-less version. CR123's are a bit pricey but well worth the punch that they pack.

Also, are you looking for something with more throw? Or more floody? The Quark is very bright and pretty floody.

 

[fishinfool]

Aloha and welcome to CPF tsuki2000!:wave:

My favorite edc's that I rotate every few days are the Nitecore D10 and the Fenix LD10. :twothumbs

They both use 1*AA battery and are both around your $50-$60 budget or cheaper if on sale. Good luck.

 

[Nameless]

Take a look at the Dereelight C2H. It can run on normal AAs, CR123A and 14500 or 16340 LiIon, can be really bright, has a forward clicke and can tail stand.
I carry mine every day.

 

[Darwinsdead]

Quark would be my suggestion. Just got my Regular 123x2 and it's very nice. My only reservation is the 123 batteries, depending on your usage they can become expensive.

 

[stephenatl]

Take a look at the Dereelight C2H. It can run on normal AAs, CR123A and 14500 or 16340 LiIon, can be really bright, has a forward clicke and can tail stand.
I carry mine every day.

+1

I second the C2H! It's my favorite light right now....that thing packs a punch!

 

[mcnair55]

ITP A2,small,light and will fit in your jeans dead easy.About $25 less your CPF discount.

Bright enough at 80 lumens on high for most jobs plus you get money left out of your budget to buy other lights in the future if you want to.

 

[scott2907]

+1 quark AA tac.

If that's too expensive - Ultrafire C3. Similar flashlight, less quality, much less money.

 

[BarryG]

:welcome:
Jetbeam Jet-I Pro V.3....$56 after discount
ITP SA1 or SA2.......about $40 before discount

Barry

 

[Egsise]

-Fairly small. I need something that I can fit in my front jeans pocket fairly easily.

Fenix LD15, Nitecore EZAA, Quark Mini.

Other 1xAA lights are thicker and may not fit to front jeans pocket comfortably.

 

[torchfreak]

Zebralight SC50

But if lower modes don't interest you, order the C2H from Alan at Dereelight as a single mode. I've ordered one for my sister @ 75% brightness (have the standard 3-mode one myself) she wants it simple, and will be using CR123's. (would get hot real quick putting out the 300 or so lumens @ 100%)
With AA's, a single mode 100% might be fine - ask Alan.
This is about as bright as you are going to get using a single, standard AA.

 

[fonarik.com]

Fenix LD01 with car key or LD10 R4 on the belt.

 

[AlphaZen]

If you want brightness, front-pocket carry, and AA batteries then I suggest the Quark Mini AA. It is a great value at around $35 and just slides in the pocket perfectly.
The C2H is an amazing light as well. It is a bit larger, but can take 123's or AA's.
These are two of my favorite lights.
This post has pictures of both lights, as well as the recommended Ultrafire C3 in stainless.

 

[druidmars]

I will second the iTP EOS A2. With its three modes and a little bigger than the battery itself it's very comfortable, bright and above all else, afordable. It has a twisty interface. Very simple. Given your budget, I'd say you could buy two or save the money for something else.

 

[Flying Turtle]

I'll also jump on the wagon for the QMini AA. If you're carrying it in the front jeans pocket, like I do, you'll want as small as possible. I never quite got used to a AA light in that pocket, so my EDC has been a AAA. If you want a AAA light too, check out the Maratac AAA.

Geoff

 

[Batou00159]

Aloha and welcome to CPF tsuki2000!:wave:

My favorite edc's that I rotate every few days are the Nitecore D10 and the Fenix LD10. :twothumbs

They both use 1*AA battery and are both around your $50-$60 budget or cheaper if on sale. Good luck.

+1:welcome: