EDC LED Flashlight - Which to choose?

[Asthmatic]

Buying my first EDC light and was wondering which one would be the best. I have made a potential list of lights I am considering but would like some info/help.

- JetBeam RRT-0
- Nitecore SR3
- Quark MiNi AA
- Fenix PD20

Was wondering what is best? I want a bright light, good throw, decent flood.
Any suggestions of other lights (similar size range)? Just looking for some info from people who know a lot more than I do.

 

[MedicX]

Yeah, you are beginning your search very similar to mine not but a week ago or so. I was looking for something durable, had a good throw, and some nice flood. I honestly searched every manufacturer I could find and kept the windows open for the lights that I would choose from. Then, I researched them.

In the end, I ordered a custom Ra Clicky Executive 140C. Haven't received it yet, but I know it was the best choice in the long run, especially for now. I don't have an actual EDC light yet, and decided that my first durable, EDC didn't need the furthest throw on the planet; It needed to provide for my daily tasks-mainly closer tasks, and have enough light to light my path further up. Check it out.

Yes, it is a lot of money (to me, at least), but the warranty, ability to customize, the durability, and the output make it all worth while.

 

[vickers214]

Welcome Asthmatic!

i see from your short list you are not fussed about the power source of you new EDC, but here is SOOOOOO many different things to consider its mind boggling. You are also listing twistys and clickys (the way you turn it on) and 1 cell and 2 cell lights, you need to narrow it down quite a bit as everybody has a different idea on a perfect EDC and you will far too many suggestions and you will end up confused.

For what its worth i find a 1AA with a clicky to be ideal as it sits in the hand nice with the clicky on your thumb and the bezel just sticking out of the other side of the hand, a CR123 light is too short for this (unless its 2 cells) but they are more powerfull due to the higher power battery, but trust me a 100+ Lumen 1AA is more than impressive!

They are also very cheap and common cells, but i do suggest Enelops or lithium AA's, and have a lot more charge than a 1AAA flashlight and are nearly as pocketable.

I was recomended a Quark AA Tactical Or a Nitecore Defender Infinity and went for the Quark R5 XP-G which was a mistake as im all about throw and these are all about flood:shakehead It is currently with Ti-Force getting an R2 XP-E installed so it sould be back with throw very shortly

Also i like 2 stage forward clicky lights (short burst of light by a partial depress of the switch) and the modes controlled by the head NOT the switch!

My 2 pence!

 

[Henk_Lu]

In the end, I ordered a custom Ra Clicky Executive 140C. Haven't received it yet, but I know it was the best choice in the long run, especially for now. I don't have an actual EDC light yet, and decided that my first durable, EDC didn't need the furthest throw on the planet; It needed to provide for my daily tasks-mainly closer tasks, and have enough light to light my path further up. Check it out.

Wise words from a newcomer in the flashlight world! :wave:

This is indeed the CHEAPEST way to go, as you don't NEED to buy another light anymore, except a thrower perhaps, if you need one.

As an EDC, the Clicky is the best light you can buy, the 140C is an excellent choice, the most universal emitter. If you like warmer tints, the 100 high CRI is very nice, for more throw the 140/170Cn, my personal choice is for the wider beam.

I have or had all the lights that Astmatic has chosen, all good lights without any doubt, but the Clicky is just the perfect EDC! :thumbsup:

 

[Leif24]

I would go with the Fenix PD20 R4 (2AA) or the Fenix PD10 R4 (1AA). Check them out both are great lights.

 

[Henk_Lu]

I would go with the Fenix PD20 R4 (2AA) or the Fenix PD10 R4 (1AA). Check them out both are great lights.

You certainly mean LD10 and LD20...

 

[Darwinsdead]

I just recently purchased a quark regular 123² and I really like it.
Good throw with a nice spill. As well as easy access to the different lumen levels.

That being said I am really looking forward to getting a clicky 170 for my edc and I'll end up giving the quark to my girlfriend.

 

[JS_280]

I'm relatively new to the flashlight world, so I was in your shoes not too long ago. Not knowing what kind of flashlight I would like, I didn't want to throw a ton of money into a light and not like it. I started out with a Quark AA Tactial and love it. It has been my main EDC for about 4 or 5 months now. I love the fact that it fits my hand nicely, has two well-defined modes (which can be programmed to my liking), uses readily available AA batteries and can also use 14500 lithium rechargeables for maximum brightness.

After carrying the Quark AA Tactical for a few months, I decided I wanted a smaller backup light. Since I was already pleased with the quality of 4Sevens I elected to go with the QMini 123, which remarkably, is just as bright as the Quark Tactical. Through this process I've come to find out that I definitely prefer click activation over twist, however the QMini still fills a nice role for me as a backup/loaner light.

I would suggest trying a few lights first, if you can, to decide what size you prefer, what modes you prefer and what activation method you prefer (forward clicky vs reverse clicky vs twisty).

Good luck with your search!

 

[Ropes4u]

I am carrying a quark aa mini and am very happy with it. I started my search for a aaa light and bought the aa mini to get me by it is small enough to wear in dress pants and bright enough for 90% of my needs.

John

The other 10% is my desire for an aaa light that can run for 12 hours and melt steel with it's beam.