Help, I need a better pocket light!!!

[fordwillman]

I have been happily carrying a Gerber Sonic keychain light for some time. Went ATVing with two friends over the weekend and we stopped at a cave (it was safe, cut out of solid rock and only about 150 feet long) and went in. I volunteered I had a light and pulled out the sonic--bad move, we couldn't see 5 feet!
HELP--what is the BEST AND BRIGHTEST POCKET/KEYCHAIN LIGHT??? I now feel VERY under powered in the EDC light department. All suggestions appreciated!

 

[paulr]

You should be able to see just fine for 5 feet with a Sonic. Was the rock completely black or something?

There are some Luxeon mods for lights like the Arc AAA, that run about 5x brighter than the Sonic. If you don't want to deal with that, try one of the 3-led versions of the Peak Matterhorn, www.peakledsolutions.net .

Next step up is a Firefly, which runs on a CR123 cell and uses a Luxeon, at 650 mA around 10-15x as bright as the Sonic. But it's a bit large to be called a keychain light. It's about the same size as the Infinity Ultra, if you're familiar with that.

 

[fordwillman]

Where is a good place to find the Firefly? I did a quick google and did not come up with what I think you are talking about. The size would be ok if it is like the Infinity Ultra. Thanks for your input.

 

[beam_me_up]

Get the Nuwai Q-III. It is the best cost-effective EDC light you can buy

 

[KevinL]

By pocket/keychain size I take it that you are limited to 1 x CR123. The problem is, the brighter lights have limited runtime.

For crazy bright you probably want the "TW4" combination. This is not an actual Surefire product, rather a slick combination put together by an enterprising dealer. You can build your own out of a Surefire Z57 clickie tailcap, E1e body, and KL4 head. Slap a rechargeable CR123 cell in and you have 25 minutes of insanely, crazy bright light. It's the brightest thing that sits on a keychain, period. You are essentially getting the full power of the Surefire L4 LumaMax (nominally rated at 65 lumens although some have said it "feels" more like 80). The problem is that it runs for just half an hour.

In between the wimpy 5mm LED (Sonic, CMG Inf Ultra, ArcAAA, keychain LED, etc.) and the TW4, there is my personal favorite, the Surefire E1e+KL1. Mine is an older KL1 that is dimmer, but runs for 2 hours. The newer upgraded (4th generation) KL1s run for maybe 90 minutes, but are brighter. Not as bright as the KL4, perhaps only half the power, but more than twice the runtime.

If you ask me, I'd carry a larger (two-cell) light.. my E1e+KL1 is a backup that sits on the keychain, my main light is the U2.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif 150 lumens on call for all those moments where you absolutely, positively, cannot afford to compromise /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[diggdug13]

fordwillman,
another good light to look for is a TnC Keylux N Cell, soon to be back avail at http://tnccustomproducts.com

It is a good little light for an EDC it's small enough to fit on a keychain or in a pocket in any attire.

 

[Double_A]

I think the next step up would be a Peak AAA with 3-5mm LEDs, perhaps the Peak AA 5-5mm Led's (both hi-power only!) and then up to a Luxeon based lights such as the Firefly.

I have the E1e/KL1 and the E1e/KL4 (3.75"x 1.1") for "me" both are far too big to be considered key chain lights. Even the Firefly is a bit big (2.75"x0.8")

 

[Minjin]

Sounds like he wants throw. Just get an E1E.

Oh, and I've EDCed a Firefly on my keychain for a long time. Works fine for me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

Mark

 

[gorlank]

I think the Peak is the best of the production "keychain" lights. The TNC N cell is really nice but it's pricey and they are hard to get a hold of. Arc AAA's can be had for about $40.00 up in used condition. Keep checking the BST, cuz good lights go fast.

For slightly bigger jacket carry, the QIII is a super nice light that's priced right, the Surefire's are nice but twice the price.

 

[Double_A]

[ QUOTE ]
Minjin said:
Sounds like he wants throw. Just get an E1E.

Oh, and I've EDCed a Firefly on my keychain for a long time. Works fine for me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

Mark

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, so have I, it replaced my ARC AAA.

But like I said it's still a bit big for "me". I realize others may not think so, I've seen people carry a 4" adjustable wrench on their key chain. I wonder how their ignition switch is holding out?

 

[HID]

HDS Systems EDC. Too many pluses to mention them all, but I'll try:

1. 1xcr123 Lux III light about the same size as the ARC 4's
2. 4 instantly selectable brightness settings with 19 or 20 programable settings.
3. 42 or 60 lumens max depending on the model.
4. Clicky tailcap switch that is flat to allow "candle" mode.
5. Compatable with rechargable batteries.
6. Inteligently recognizes and adapts to battery voltages up to 7.2 volts. Circuitry supports 5 normal battery types and 3 rechargable types.
7. Thermal management.
8. Waterproof.
9. Removable pocket clip (bezel up).
10. Fully regulated.
11. Programable modes and operational settings (SOS, locator flash, 2 types of momentary on modes, etc.)
12. Reflector instead of "optics".
13. ... and some more ...

See the HDS thread in the Manufacurers forum here, or go to hdssystems.com for more info. It is a high end light obviously, and may be bigger than you want for an EDC, although it can be had for less money and is smaller than some of the other recommendations here. It is the successor to the ARC4+ and apparently is not going to suffer from the the 4+ weaknesses based on the (few) reports from the ones that have shipped. There is one review on the net that I know of so far at ledmuseum.org.

Hope this helps; good luck finding your perfect EDC. I have been looking for a long time also, and think the HDS is it (ordered mine in Nov, and am hopefull to be on the shipping list soon)!

 

[Pydpiper]

How about a Surefire L4 and some really big keys so it doesn't look out of place.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
The good news is with all the extra room left in your pocket because of the missing funds you will never know the difference.
But seriously.. An L4 would not have only saved the day but all your friends would still be telling you how cool your light is.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
Good luck on your quest.

 

[mossyoak]

i edc a princeton tec attitude as of late (can't aford 123s for my e2e, being a student is tough)