EDC clicky questions

[DRJames]

Hey Fellas,

New guy here, I've only been into lights for six or so months now. So a little background on what I'm looking for: my first buy for an edc light was a Fenix LD10, which I was very happy with, but it's a little big for carrying in the pocket (I like to carry loose in my right front pocket). So, after a few months I moved on to the FourSevens Mini ML and have really fallen in love with the size and high lumens it allows. Problem is, I'm not totally sold on the twist activation, as it has a tendency to activate in my pocket, and is a little tedious to activate quickly on occasion.

So, I'm looking for possible recommendations in the same size category as the Mini ML, but with the clicky option as a must. I'd like to use either cr123 or AA and stay somewhere around $50 bucks. I've looked at the EagleTac d25c but am having a hard time anticipating its size carrying loose in th pocket.

Also, as a side note for all you light afficionados, why does it seem so hard to find a small light with a clicky on it?

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Also, as a side note for all you light afficionados, why does it seem so hard to find a small light with a clicky on it?

I have no fricken Idea! Apparently they think it will make the light to long so it would look bad against competitors twisty lights. The other thing I have noticed is they are always big around, hardly anyone makes just a little clicky button it always has to be a big rubber boot, 1/2" or more in diameter and they all have a ridiculously long spring to contact the battery. A Quark mini AA or CR123 with a clicky would be great even if it was a little longer, but the D25's aren't much bigger.

Id say get the D25C AA clicky with XM-L or XP-G2 other wise there is the Preon 1 with Preon 2 clicky tail or Peak stuff with the momentary plunger but thans not a clicky.

 

[Al_D]

E03 and I-mini ;D

Both options are feature packed, very well built, ~$30 or less (E03 can be had for much less).
Both are multi-cell (E03: AA/14500, I-mini: AA, 14500, CR123A w/opt tube)

I, too, went through the journey of loathing twisties. ;]

 

[pointedspider]

Welcome to CPF!

 

[Gunner12]

The Zebralight SC51 or SC80 are both small 1 AA lights. The SC51 does seem easy to turn on accidentally, maybe even easier then a twistie, but the SC80 is said to have a more recessed and stiffer switch. I've got the SC51c as an EDC but I haven't had much problem with accidental activation.

 

[DRJames]

I have no fricken Idea! Apparently they think it will make the light to long so it would look bad against competitors twisty lights. The other thing I have noticed is they are always big around, hardly anyone makes just a little clicky button it always has to be a big rubber boot, 1/2" or more in diameter and they all have a ridiculously long spring to contact the battery. A Quark mini AA or CR123 with a clicky would be great even if it was a little longer, but the D25's aren't much bigger.

Id say get the D25C AA clicky with XM-L or XP-G2 other wise there is the Preon 1 with Preon 2 clicky tail or Peak stuff with the momentary plunger but thans not a clicky.

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the D25C (had a few too many adult beverages watching football last night, which tends to soften my buying inhibitions). Should come in Tuesday, so I'll be excited to try it out.

I hasn't thought about it much, but I am really curious now why clicky buttons are always so large, like you mentioned. Maybe is has something to do with ease of activation?

Also, I thought the Preon 1 only came with twisty? Is the Preon 2 tailcap interchangeable?

 

[DRJames]

Welcome to CPF!

Thanks! I've already learned a ton just browsing around, I think I'm gonna enjoy my time here.

 

[DRJames]

E03 and I-mini ;D

Both options are feature packed, very well built, ~$30 or less (E03 can be had for much less).
Both are multi-cell (E03: AA/14500, I-mini: AA, 14500, CR123A w/opt tube)

I, too, went through the journey of loathing twisties. ;]

Interesting, I really like the look of the E03. I've never heard of multi-cell lights, is there any disadvantage there? I'd think the advantage of being able to use multiple cell types depending on the situation or availability would be attractive.

 

[ScaryFatKidGT]

Interesting, I really like the look of the E03. I've never heard of multi-cell lights, is there any disadvantage there? I'd think the advantage of being able to use multiple cell types depending on the situation or availability would be attractive.

The disadvantage would be a little less run time. Having a wider usable voltage usually means the driver isn't as efficient.

V10R+AA extender
V11R+AA extender
RRT-0+AA extender
Zebra light SC80 (can also run on a 17500, the other can to if you get the extender bored)

 

[weez82]

Interesting, I really like the look of the E03. I've never heard of multi-cell lights, is there any disadvantage there? I'd think the advantage of being able to use multiple cell types depending on the situation or availability would be attractive.

The E03 is the same size as the LD10. I have both and like them but if you want smaller then the ld10 the e03 isnt it. I think the EagleTac D25c is going to be the best bet. It is same diameter as the mini 123 and length is very close, mini 123 is 2.3in the D25c is 2.9in

EDIT: posted wrong length for D25c clicky. It's 2.9in not 2.7in. 2.7 is for the D25c twisty. My bad :)

 

[Al_D]

Interesting, I really like the look of the E03. I've never heard of multi-cell lights, is there any disadvantage there? I'd think the advantage of being able to use multiple cell types depending on the situation or availability would be attractive.

Options are always a good thing.

As mentioned above, the main disadvantage would be loss in run time in return for the higher output.
Also, you tend to lose the lowest output mode- the E03's lowest mode jumps to 100 lumens on a 14500 (not low, by anyone's measure :P).

Main advantage-- whopping short term output. Take the E03, 130lumens on an AA, 430lumens on 14500. Take it for what it is.

 

[Al_D]

The E03 is the same size as the LD10. I have both and like them but if you want smaller then the ld10 the e03 isnt it. I think the EagleTac D25c is going to be the best bet. It is same diameter as the mini 123 and length is very close, mini 123 is 2.3in the D25c is 2.7in

The E03 wins out big for me due to the cost. I source mine directly from a distributor for $20. You tend to lose these types of EDC lights more often so for the price of one LD10, you have two E03... in different colors and emitters. :)

 

[weez82]

The E03 wins out big for me due to the cost. I source mine directly from a distributor for $20. You tend to lose these types of EDC lights more often so for the price of one LD10, you have two E03... in different colors and emitters. :)

the op wanted something smaller then the ld10 (he already has this or had it) for pocket carry. He mentioned he wanted something as small as the mini123 or as close to it as can be had but with a clicky. The e03 isnt the light for him, going by the post he made.

 

[Al_D]

the op wanted something smaller then the ld10 (he already has this or had it) for pocket carry. He mentioned he wanted something as small as the mini123 or as close to it as can be had but with a clicky. The e03 isnt the light for him, going by the post he made.

Yes, of course. My point has certainly veered.

DR, it does seem you've looked hard at the Eagletac offering. I would suggest you find a local user or retailer so you can actually judge for yourself the carry characteristics. :]

 

[DRJames]

the op wanted something smaller then the ld10 (he already has this or had it) for pocket carry. He mentioned he wanted something as small as the mini123 or as close to it as can be had but with a clicky. The e03 isnt the light for him, going by the post he made.

You're right, I am looking for something around the size of the mini123 at the moment, so I think the EagleTac might be the best bet so far. Even at 2.9 inches it's still significantly smaller than the ld10 (just over an inch I think).

 

[DRJames]

Yes, of course. My point has certainly veered.

DR, it does seem you've looked hard at the Eagletac offering. I would suggest you find a local user or retailer so you can actually judge for yourself the carry characteristics. :]

No harm in veering a little off topic I think. My interest in the E03 would be for a different category of usage, maybe like a backup light for my bag. I'm afraid I might be starting a dangerous spending trend. Thanks for the input!

 

[Gunner12]

The closest might be the Zebralight SC51 as I posted above. It has a side switch for activation instead of a tail switch or twistie.

Sizes according to manufacturer specs
4sevens Mini AA:
17.7 mm (0.7") wide
76.2 mm (3") long

Zebralight SC51:
22 mm (0.85") wide
80 mm (3.15") long

Zebralight SC80:
23.9 mm (0.94") wide
81.6 mm (3.2") long


Or if you don't mind a full flood right angle light:
Zebralight H502:
21.3 mm (0.84") wide
70.1 mm (2.76") long

The H502 has the switch on top of the light and is full flood, so it doesn't project far.

Are you looking for short, thin, or both? If you want thin, the CR123 battery is 2 mm wider then an AA battery.

 

[Al_D]

No harm in veering a little off topic I think. My interest in the E03 would be for a different category of usage, maybe like a backup light for my bag. I'm afraid I might be starting a dangerous spending trend. Thanks for the input!

"Hello, my name is _________ and I am a flashaholic." :D