EDC Light to Compliment Pistol

[Spiffytexan]

Howdy, all!

I've heard a lot about this forum around the internet, and I'm wondering if you fellas can help me end my search!

After a chilling experience, I'm looking for a flashlight to pocket carry along with my handgun. One night, I heard a person screaming for help and being chased. I had a gun and a phone, and dialed 911. It was too dark to see what was going on. The screaming guy was chased towards two idling parked cars, both of which drove away together after a few seconds. No idea what happened to the guy, but it probably wasn't good.

I realized in that moment that a gun and 911 are useless if you don't have a flashlight. Looking for something to carry in my left pocket 24/7.


==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?
Online!

2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
I'm a poor college student. Cheaper is definitely better, but I can pay up to $50 or so if necessary. I'd rather spend about $25.

3) Format:
Pocket-sized flashlight

4) Size:
TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
(I could make a joke here

5) Emitter/Light source:
LED.

6) Manufacturer:
Don't care! Can be Chinese!

7) What power source do you want to use?
Anything, just NOT disposable lithium!

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
I don't care what charger format it uses.

8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need?
More is better. Appx 150-300 lumens. I would LOVE a strobe option on the first click! If no strobe, then I want it to be so bright that whoever I'm pointing it at will feel like Saul on the road to Damascus!

SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.
I'd LOVE Turbo mode.

9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.
Don't care, honestly. More throw would be nice.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
Probably 5-50 yards.

10) Runtime:
If I'm needing to blind someone, I don't care if it lasts only 10 minutes. If it's a multi-mode light, I'd like more battery life so I can use it for daily tasks
Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)

11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.
It'll be in my pocket 100% of the time. Probably not getting banged around too much.

12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):
Tail mounted.

13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.
My main priority is a brightass light, preferably with strobe! Second priority is a very battery-saving low mode.

14)Material/Finish/Coating
I don't care.

15) Water resistance
Don't care.

16) Storage conditions
In my pocket 24/7

17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.
MUST have a pocket clip! Preferably a low-riding one.

 

[kj2]

You could take a look at the Eagletac D-series. The D-series has AA format also well CR123 and 18650.

 

[reppans]

Foursevens Quark Tactical (QTA) programmable 2 mode with foward momentary clicky. Run it on 14500 rechargeables for 250-300 lms or NiMh/Alks (about half that max).

 

[BillSWPA]

First of all, getting involved in third party fights is a very bad idea. As tempting as it is to help someone, you need to be 100% sure you really know what is happening. How do you know that the situation you saw wasn't two undercover cops chasing a drug dealer? Or two mugging victims who got the best of their mugger?

George Zimmerman was knocked to the ground, mounted, and was getting his head slammed into the pavement by a significantly larger attacker. Despite his acquittal, his life is a mess. He owes $2.5 million in legal fees and can't get a job. That is a consequence you may very well face when getting involved in situations that do not directly involve you.

Turning to lights, most of the smaller ones will use lithium primaries. The Klarus XT2C can use 18650, and is about the biggest thing I would want to EDC. You get instant access to both high and strobe, and easy access to medium and low. I have been told that a Comp Tac belt pouch for a Surefire 6P bezel up will hold this light, although it will sit a bit high.

If you want to be able to use AA primaries or NiMH, you have some decent options. Klarus makes an XT1A and XT2A, which operate in the same way as the XT2C but use either 1 or 2 AA cells.

FourSevens Quark Tacticals can be obtained in 1xAA (QTA) and 2xAA (QT2A) formats. The lights are programmed so that you get one mode when the head is tight, and another mode when the head is loose. I set mine for strobe with the head tight, and maximum with the bezel loose.

FourSevens offers a 12% discount (see the FourSevens subforum on the CPF Marketplace for "Out with the old, in with the new." CPF discounts of 10% and 8% can be obtained on Klarus from Going Gear and Illumination Gear, respectively. Check the Good Deals subforum in the Marketplace for the CPF discounts thread.

The most inexpensive option I have seen recommended is the Energizer tactical lights. If you absolutely cannot spend any more, you at least get a usable light. However, spending the $ on a FourSevens or Klarus will get you a quality product you will use for years and not regret buying. In particular, FourSevens has a 10 year warranty (compared to 2 years for Klarus). I started carrying a gun when I was a poor law student, so I understand the financial constraints. When you buy something inadequate, you end up making a second purchase to buy what you should have bought the first time, which is what is meant by the stingy man paying the most.

 

[cland72]

Foursevens Quark Tactical (QTA) programmable 2 mode with foward momentary clicky. Run it on 14500 rechargeables for 250-300 lms or NiMh/Alks (about half that max).

I 2nd this suggestion.

 

[Spiffytexan]

Thank you all very much for your suggestions! You've helped me get into the "class" of flashlights I'm looking for! (What cheap rechargeables do you recommend? I won't be using the light heavily, so I only need one battery)

Also, I'm having trouble deciding between 14500 and CR123 rechargeables. Any thoughts?

Currently these are the 5 lights I'm looking at thanks to you gents! Can you help me narrow the list?

AmazonFoursevens QT2L-x

AmazonFoursevens Quark Tactical AA

AmazonEagleTac D25C2

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THESE?

AmazonEagleTac D25LC2

AmazonEagleTac D25C

Link removed as per the banner at the top of the page
Why has my link been removed? - Norm

 

[Spiffytexan]

Also, I'm realizing that strobe is unnecessary because all these lights are plenty bright, as long as I can make "high or turo" come on first

 

[BillSWPA]

If going with FourSevens, I would stick to those with XP-G2 emitters. FourSevens lights with these emitters have a faster strobe rate than those with XM-L2 emitters, and the difference is big enough to have a noticable effect on the effectiveness of strobe mode.

If you are considering a lithium ion rechargeable, do not go cheap. Get a good quality protected cell. Spend some time reading in the flashlight electronics subforum for a lot of good information. I have only recently ordered my first 18650's so I will defer to others for specific brand recommendations, but in general you want an internal cell made by Panasonic or Sanyo, with the protection added by a company with a good reputation and track record for safety.

Also, if using 14500 with FourSevens lights, stick to 1xAA lights. Two of these cells will take the voltage up to 8.4 volts and fry the light.

 

[Labrador72]

If on a budget, you could take a look at the Nitecore MT2C, I think in the US you could find it for less than $40!

With the head tightened the light always and only comes on on the max output so it could fit your needs.

With the head loosened (user-defined mode) it's a whole other story: it will come on on the last mode saved but you cycle through 3 brigthness levels and 2 flashing ones by using the forward clicky so if you try to use the momentary on, it's very easy to change levels accidentally! In terms of reliability i wouldn't dream of using that light with the head loosened not even with a kitchen fork, let alone a pistol!

 

[Spiffytexan]

What brand of 14500 or cr123 is very affordable and cheap? I really only need one battery or set of cr123.

That Nitecore mt2c looks very affordable! Thanks!

 

[Labrador72]

14500 are not that expensive compared to the 18650. AW and Nitecore both make decent 14500. CR123 are not rechargeable, I'd buy Duracell or Panasonic but there many reliable brands: buy online, won't go for cheap unreliable brands.

 

[Labrador72]

Ah you need RCR123: same story, AW and Nitecore make good ones.

 

[BillSWPA]

Also, I'm realizing that strobe is unnecessary because all these lights are plenty bright, as long as I can make "high or turo" come on first

Those who are doing force on force low light training are finding that strobe is very useful. Those who show up for training without lights with immediately available strobe typically run out and buy a light with this capability immediately thereafter. There is a sticky in the LED forum describing a study done of police use of strobe. I have been strobed in training exercises, and it definitely makes it more difficult to perceive what the person holding the light is doing and where they are moving.

Given your budget, you want to get what you need with your first purchase. With that in mind, get something with immediately available strobe.

 

[BillSWPA]

What brand of 14500 or cr123 is very affordable and cheap? I really only need one battery or set of cr123.

That Nitecore mt2c looks very affordable! Thanks!

I will emphasize again that if you are buying lithium cells, cheap is NEVER a good idea. Poor quality cells can turn your light into a pipe bomb and/or vent gases that will permanently damage your lungs.

Again, if you are going to use lithium primaries or rechargeable - especially rechargeable - spend some time reading in the electronics subforum and in particular the hot cells subforum. There is way too much information there to reproduce here.

If cheap is really that important, stick with alkaline or NiMH (preferably NiMH, which will save you a lot of $ in the long run and will not ruin your light by leaking).

 

[rednek]

What I would recommend would be something like the Sunwayman S10A. AA powered and when the head is loosened it starts up in strobe mode.

 

[JedSmith]

I had similar requirements as the OP and went with the Olight M18 as a 'carry everywhere' light. It has an absolutely terrific tactical user interface. You can instantly get Turbo mode (500 lumens) or strobe mode with the rear mounted forward clicky switch (often the set up used in tactical lights to employ with a pistol. Try another switch configuration and you'll see why rear clickys are preferred.) No twisting of the head or awkward pushing of a side button. I find it the best tactical UI including that on my Klarus XT11 which has two rear mounted switches that can feel crowded, and can be slower to 'feel around' for the right one to activate. NOT good in an emergency situation. I often have my M18 in the 5 lumen moonlight mode, which is really handy. I can instantly put it in turbo or strobe when wanted, with my thumb at the rear clicky. Moonlight, mid level, Turbo, and strobe. Nothing else. I prefer to keep it simple when it comes to a tactical light. No SOS, colored LEDs or other un-needed distractions.
I was so impressed with the M18 that I bought an Olight M22 which uses a similar user interface as the M18, but has a larger head and puts out almost twice the light. Its for when 'things go bump in the night' on my property outside my home.
The M18 uses 18650 batteries with considerable storage capacity. I like that size and find that it fits my hand well & can comfortably be used with a pistol. Some may prefer a smaller light. They make the M10 with the same user interface, but it uses a CR123 or RCR123 battery in a shorter light. I find such lights too small for my hand, personally.

Price for the M18 is around $50-55.

 

[MichaelW]

I thought you were looking for cheap and good.
I suggest you hit up Shiningbeam & Bryan. The Spark xp-g neutral-white tactical, seems like it is right up your alley.

 

[Spiffytexan]

Alright! Thanks to you guys, I have it narrowed down to the following, looking for input on a final choice:

Nitecore mt1c $36
Olight M10 $42
FourSevens AA tactical $52

The foursevens is a good bit more expensive... Is it really worth it?

 

[reppans]

The foursevens is a good bit more expensive... Is it really worth it?

There's a couple things that Fourevens/Quarks have over anything else.... If you use them they'll be well worth it, but if you'd don't, then go with a cheaper alternative.

Extreme versatility: a 200-400 hrs per AA moonlight mode (emergency runtime, preserve your night vision); wide voltage tolerance - fully supports anything between 0.9-4.2v - all lower modes retained at spec, perfect current regulation, in a pinch with a piece of MacGyver tinfoil you can run anything between AAAs and 9Vs through to CR123s and 18650s; and Lego-ability - use 2xAA, 1xCR123, 1x17670 batt tubes, different clips, clickies, etc. makes a great customizable "system" if you have the parts, which I do. As a camper that can be off grid for a while, all this versatility is critical to me.

A real US style warranty, customer service, and location. The only Chinese manufactured light that can come close to rivaling the quality US manufacturers in this regard. But chances are that any light you buy from these mid-tier manufacturers will work fine for a long time to come.

I'm sure you'll be happy with any your choices .

 

[cland72]

In my opinion, yes, the 47 is worth the extra money. Have you checked into the warranty offered by each manufacturer? I know 47 is 10 years, not sure about the other two.