Good all around EDC lights?

[Alteran]

I was thinking about what lights might make a really good in-general EDC. I know you're all going to say how it's about personal preference, but I just want to know what you think.

Possible contenders:

Fenix P1D-CE
Fenix L0D-CE
Nuwai Q3
Amilite Neo T5
HDS EDC Ultimate (any version)
Surefire E1e
Surefire L1
Surefire E1L
Orb Raw (Any version, cree included)
Arc AAA-P
Inova Microlight
Inova X1
Photon 1/2/Freedom
Photon Proton

Any and all new ideas are great. I am not using this to decide what to buy (at least not now), I just want to see what my fellow CPFers think. I only own one of these, the P1D-CE, but I really like it for EDC. But since it is the only light on the list I own, I can't make any comparisons. This is mainly for production lights, things get way more complicated when you get into customs.

 

[ScooterBug]

of all the lights you listed i only own the e1e and like it alot. i do have a Fenix LOD on my key ring but it is not the cree version. i seem to find myself switching lights as needed but the LOD is ALWAYS with me. after looking at your list i have a few more lights to obtain.

 

[glockboy]

Lion Cub.
Chameleon.
McLux.

 

[Casual Flashlight User]

Can't beat the HDS lights for sheer build, quality and usefulness...the king of EDC's (IMO).

The Arc-P is also a cut above all other AAA lights for keychain/neck carry...great back up light, construction and finish is second to none.

The new Amilite Neo T5 also looks like a rock solid light


CFU

 

[Groundhog66]

With my limited knowledge, if you are looking to go HDS for EDC I like the Basic 60LE

 

[FlashInThePan]

Hey Alteran! I own many of those lights (HDS U60, E1e, P1DCE, Arc AAA-P, etc.), and I have to be honest - the one light I'm never caught dead without is my 99 cent lighthound fauxton coin light. It's always on my key chain!

Of the lights you listed, the HDS U60 is probably my favorite; as an EDC, the P1D-CE can't be far behind. They're both versatile, compact, and bright. But always remember that the most important light is the one you have with you when it's actually needed; and since I can't always carry my favorite with me - the McLux III Ti-PD-S - that means the fauxton. =)

- FITP

 

[dw51]

I too cannot speak for many of your listed lights. I do have my E1e with me 95% of the time. Great little underappreciated light.


+1 on the fauxton. Always with me. I tend to forget I even have it.

 

[Derek Dean]

That's a nice list, and I think ALL of those would work as an EDC. My personal favorite is my McGizmo XR 19-C. It is just right in every way. Perfect heft and weight so it sits deep in my pocket, and yet it's easily accessible and instantly on (either momentary or full) with the neato clicky.

I've got a AAA Arc Miller modded Cree on the keychain along with a Lighthound coincell, and a Jetbeam C-LE in the other pocket attatched to a small Swiss Army knife........ but the McGizmo is my constantly used go-to light.

 

[tebore]

The HDS is my pick. Non-clickies don't do it for me. The rest don't have the same feature set.

 

[GeorgePaul]

Photons International CR2 Ion (on my keychain and my most used light) and SF E1e (in my laptop case). Just got an E2e today and I think it would be an excellent EDC.

 

[gunga]

I like to keep my EDC small and disecrete. So I use an LOP SE. Will switch to an LOD CE or Liteflux LF2 someday.

I EDC an L1D CE in the pack, but the LOP stays in my pocket.

 

[jon1996]

QIII

 

[Alteran]

There are a lot of these lights that I would love to have, but it would take a lot of saving and hoarding to get one. Like the HDS, Orb, Ion, etc. For now, I have my eye on the Amilite Neo T5. :naughty:

 

[Wyeast]

There are so many factors into what makes a good EDC for you. Power vs size vs runtime vs whether or not you want to look like you're carrying around a bat utility belt.

I'd agree with the HDS being the most versatile - but at a price. For some of us who are a bit more prone to dropping/losing lights, maybe something more economical like a Q3 is up your alley.

But for now you've got the P1D. I think it's a fine choice for EDC till you run it into the ground. Is there anything in particular you don't like about the P1D that makes you think about carrying something different for an EDC?

 

[Spydie]

HDS: and and all
Surefire: and e-series, Aviator, and when wearing jeans the U2.

 

[Alteran]

But for now you've got the P1D. I think it's a fine choice for EDC till you run it into the ground. Is there anything in particular you don't like about the P1D that makes you think about carrying something different for an EDC?

Just 2 things. I wouldn't mind sacrificing a bit of the compactness for a clickie switch, and I wish it went low/med/high/strobe/sos, as that is the order of how often I will use said functions. But I have no other problems with it, and they are not enough to make me feel a need to replace it. I just feel it's good to have extras, if you know what I mean.

 

[jumpstat]

Only got the SF L1 and E1L. Both are robust and compact lights. L1 got excellent throw and coupled to a F04 beam shaper, you get side spill as well. 2 stage with very useful low. E1L is compact, single cell and rated at 25 lms. does quite well in most situation.

 

[NutSAK]

Lately I've really been enjoying a Peak Caribbean as EDC. It's nice and compact with the pocket body, very sturdy and well built, and simple. I have a 2AA body and a 2 CR123 body (w/storage of extra cell) that I can use with it for versatility.

 

[TORCH_BOY]

Fenix L1D-CE for the pocket
Fenix L0D-CE for the key ring

 

[MikeSalt]

Just a thought, how about a Fenix P1? They will be cheap to come by now, and doubles up as a useful spares carrier for your P1D-CE cells. Also, being single function, and having saved money, you can buy a body to accomodate a clickie. It's an abstract idea, but it might just work for you.