Choosing my first real EDC

[Dwirey76]

Hi everyone, pretty new here and new to flashlights. I have a few lights a dorcy 3xaaa, spiderfire P7, romisen rc-n3 and a vector POB. I am ready to purchase a nicer EDC, but don't stay on the upity up like alot of you pros and would love some input and help making a decision. I will state my requirements, single 123 cell, clip, a non blinding low setting, and I have a budget of 60 ish dollars. Was considering a fenix, nitecore and jetbeam. I am still noobish though and always looking for really really bright light and though about a solarforce L2m MC-E. Thanks in advance for any help and info.

 

[hubbytuby]

Hey well first welcome to our world. I just had the same problem as you in deciding the perfect EDC. I just bought the Nitecore SP D10 and I love it. It just the perfect low med and high with my favorite redicoulsy blinding strobe. Look into the SP EX10 if you want to go with the CR123 route. You cant go wrong with Nitecore. My other options where the Fenix LD10 and Jetbeam Element E3P. If you could narrow down other characteristics of you perfect light, let me know and I could help.

 

[OfficerCamp]

Nitecore EX/D10 will make a great first EDC. Very high quality construction, various outputs, unique operation, good optional clip, and good emitter/optics. Also runs off of lithiums/li-ion (EX10), or alkaline/lithium/li-ion (D10).

 

[jhc37013]

This PD30 with clip is brand new design, previous version had no clip and no knurling in middle of body tube. Also its a few lumens brighter then first PD30 version.
http://www.fenixoutfitters.com/flashlights/series/p-series/fenix-pd30-with-clip-184

It is however 2x123 config. and not 1x but its worth the extra size its really pretty narrow and about 4.5 inches long. I have never had problems carrying them.

The PD20 would be a good single cell choice with less output.

Both have multiple modes begging with a 10 lumen low. Good luck their is alot of good choices out there in your price range thought I would would throw a couple out there.

 

[Twinkle-Plank]

Quark from the normal or tactical both are only $59 with free shipping.

 

[vizlor]

I second the Quark. I've been playing around with it some, and it's general modes certainly aren't too bright. It's what I'm planning to use for a while.

 

[alex_ny]

I went with C2H and Quark tactical.

 

[bondr006]

I would highly recommend the LiteFlux LF3XT. I have been carrying mine around every day for the better part of a year now and I love it. Seems to fit your criteria. Single 123a cell, non blinding low, a removable clip, and $60ish. The thing is beautiful, easy to use, and has one of the best programmable user interfaces available. I have mine programmed for 4 constant outputs(0.2%, 12%, 50%, 100%), and strobe. I have no use for SOS, but it can be programmed in to 1 of the 5 settings also. Strobe and high are also instantly available from any one of the other levels. This is an extremely versatile and fun EDC light, and has one of the smoothest beams I've seen on a Cree. There are beamshots of my four constant output levels below.

Features and Specs:
• LED : CREE XR-E Premium Q5
• Made of aircraft grade aluminum; 80 mm (L) x 23 mm (D)
• Type III hard anodized finish, Black color
• Battery: CR123A, Rechargeable Li-ion RCR123
• Input Volatge: 2.0V ~ 4.5V
• Orange Peel (OP) aluminium reflector
• AR coated glass lens
• Switch type: Tail press button for on/off and programming
• Brightness control: 7800 Hz PWM, no flickering at low power. Adjustable from 0.2% ~ 100%
• 4 types of output: Constant On, Strobe, Beacon, SOS.
• LF3XT has 2 User Interfaces. Compact User Interface (CUI), and Full-function User Interface (FUI).
• Can be programmed to any combination, any brightness (0.2%~100%) of the 4 output types in any order
• Can set the number of modes between 1 ~ 5.
• Other functions: Battery over-discharge protection, Memorize the last mode used (can be disable), etc.
• Stable tail stand
• Water resistant

Sitting next to its holster

3 of my EDC's - Milky ME1B Transformer, NDI, LF3XT

(0.2%, 12%, 50%, 100%)

 

[vudoo]

I have the Fenix PD20 and am very happy with it as a EDC. It puts out an amazing amount of light with just one CR123a battery. The only thing is that it does not have a clip..is that crucial for you?

Also it has the ability to ramp up in modes, good if you want to start with a low volume of light to not ruin night vision

 

[Yucca Patrol]

The Nitecore EX-10 is the most fun to play with of all my lights, and that is a good feature for your EDC.

 

[Dwirey76]

Wow lotta good stuff already! The quark and liteflux really caught my attention. Thanks a ton everyone and ya I really want a clip and a single cell. Gonna do some more reading and research still thinkin hard on the nitecore too, The three seem pretty comparable, sigh choices choices

 

[Rotorhead]

The pictures are of my son's P2D which uses the 123 battery you said you preferred. Next to it is my edc the nitecore ez cr2. I tend to emphasize the carry part of every day carry. It needs to be convenient to have in my pocket. Below are some beam shots of both lights at full power. Just something else for you to consider

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[bansuri]

I would highly recommend the LiteFlux LF3XT. I have been carrying mine around every day for the better part of a year now and I love it. Seems to fit your criteria. Single 123a cell, non blinding low, a removable clip, and $60ish. The thing is beautiful, easy to use, and has one of the best programmable user interfaces available. I have mine programmed for 4 constant outputs(0.2%, 12%, 50%, 100%), and strobe. I have no use for SOS, but it can be programmed in to 1 of the 5 settings also. Strobe and high are also instantly available from any one of the other levels. This is an extremely versatile and fun EDC light, and has one of the smoothest beams I've seen on a Cree. There are beamshots of my four constant output levels below.

I too love the LF3XT, but a recommendation coming from someone with a collection like Rob's carries a little more weight. The built-in voltage meter makes it great for EDC as it's easy to see what battery state you're leaving the house with.
I have to wonder if the holiday season might offer some amazing new models, have any old-timers noticed any holiday trends?