CCW / Pocket Light - Reccomend me a good light for CCW use. - CCW / Pocket Light

[Bone_Enterprise]

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1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?:

• I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.

2) Budget:

• I have no limit.
• I'm flexible, tell me what you got.

3) Format:

• I want a flashlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

• Every day carry small (2-4 inches.)

5) Emitter/Light source:

• LED

6) Manufacturer:

• I am not biased on this, it can an out of box experience or a custom build.

7) What battery type do you want to use?:

• Any, however something that provides the ability to use rechargeable batteries, so this is pretty much open.

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?:

• I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens.)
• I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens.)
• I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens.)

9) Throw vs. Flood:

• Less than 1 yard/meter.
• Less than 5 yards/meters.
• 5-20 yards/meters.
• 30-50 yards/meters.

10) Runtime:

• Due to the nature of my request, I can not be picky on the runtime. The longer (standby) the better however as this will not be used all the time, but need it to fire up when needed.

11) Durability/Usage:

• Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
• Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival.)

12) Switch Type and location:

• I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights.)
• I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only.)
• I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights.)

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection.

• I would prefer a multi-level, light that has at least SOS/Strobe capabilities.

14) Material/Finish/Coating:

• Anodized Aluminum
• Titanium

15) Special Needs/extras:

• Pocket/belt clip (not a deal 'killer if it does not have one.)

16) Use / Application for flashlight:

I know a thread like this was posted already, I read it then went back to find it and for the life of me I do not know where it went, so with that being said.
The primary function for this light is going to be pocket carry for use in conjunction as a hand held weapon light. I conceal carry and do not have a rail mounted light, this light will also be used as a general use flashlight.

So far I have been looking at the following:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_456&products_id=2821High CRI Quark 123
KLARUS XT1C
KLARUS NT10
EDC Tactical
Microfire TL2-R

Are high CRI lights better in a scenario like this, or would a "standard" CREE LED be fine?

Orange peel lamps vs smooth lamps, which is better?

I would prefer something that has a "cigar ring" style grip (ability to add one or native), as it would be nice to have the option to hold it in between the fingers vs holding the light, however that is not a requirement, just more of a convenience feature, although for a light of this small size, may not be able to be fulfilled.
Sorry for the overload of information, but if I am going to be dropping a significant amount of money on a light like this, I want to be sure it is going to cover all my bases, and be the best light possible for my needs.

Thanks for your time, now make me some recommendations!

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[reppans]

Well my $0.02 is that the HDS is the best and probably the most reliable light in the group, but they have had supplier problems (i hear now fixed) and have been significantly backordered... you should get one if you are patient.

Next up, I'd go for a Quark for versatility, and warranty. I think 4/7s has the best warranty and customer after Surefire, HDS and the American custom shops, plus they can probably handle repairs in the US vs the ship back to China thing. Take a look a the "Custom Quark AAX" thread in the LED section, quite a few of use run that set-up. A 1x14500 will get a from ~300 lumens on max to ~200 hours on moonlight (I actually think these super lows can have tactical advantages in many situations), not to mention the ability to run safer NiHm and accessible alkalines, not an option for 123 users. Also a choice of interfaces regular/tactical. Big rebranding sales currently on Quark AA^2 Xs, but you need to get the extra 1xAA body.

I personally don't like lights that have double digit low modes.