Help picking a single 123

[FlameOn]

I've read enough here to make my head spin...and every time I decide on a light, I read about another one...I have vacillated between the E1B, Fenix PD20 and Nitecore extreme...then someone mentions the Quark or some other wazoo light...so I figured it would be best to put down what I want, and maybe you guys can steer me in the right direction...

Single CR123
great thow
anti-roll and non slip body (but not a cheese grater in the pocket)
crenellated bezel (but not something sharp enough to excavate with)
forward clicky/momentary on (I will have this on my duty belt)
don't need infinite levels...a few practical modes would suffice....high, medium and low.
Ideally, I would like a really low low so if I use it in a restaurant people don't look at me like I'm guiding a ship into the harbor. Strobe would be nice but not a deal breaker since I have never understood how to get it there quickly anyway.
$75 budget

Now don't blame me for wanting all this...I learned to want it all from all of you....

 

[Flying Turtle]

One to think about is the LiteFlux LF3XT. It will give you everything you want with the possible exception of maximum throw. It is a programmable light that will allow 1-5 possible levels in any order or brightness, adjustable strobe, a low low, momentary, and even a battery voltage report. And it's less than $75, assuming they are still available.

Geoff

 

[Cole07]

Go for the Surefire!

 

[Burgess]

I have vacillated between the E1B, Fenix PD20 and Nitecore extreme...
then someone mentions the Quark or some other wazoo light...

$75 budget

that SureFire E1B costs WAAAY more than yer' 75 dollars budget !

 

[Monocrom]

Tried out an E1B at an Authorized Dealer's shop. Way too slippery unless your hands are absolutely dry. For pocket-carry, the two-way clip isn't. Bezel-down is fine. Bezel-up causes the light to lean out of the pocket.

I own a PD20, and highly recommend it if you're not looking for a tactical light. It'll do a variety of different lighting chores well. Mine is the latest version with the clip.

Also own a Novatac 120P. Excellent programmable light. Unlike the company's newer line of lights which are junk, the 120P is part of their older line that is made with actual quality.

My overall favorite single-cell light is the Surefire L1 Cree. Not as bright as the others mentioned above, but still quite bright. Bullet-proof reliable operation with two modes. A bit longer than the average 1xCR123 light. But that means you can get a better grip around the light than you can with a typical 1xCR123 light. Nowadays, far too expensive if bought new. Check out the CPF Marketplace for good deals on one. You can usually pick one up for around $90 in mint condition.

 

[FlameOn]

that SureFire E1B costs WAAAY more than yer' 75 dollars budget !

I know, but I have a friend who owns runs a sporting goods shop and he could get me a dealer demo for $65.

 

[pjandyho]

Set a more realistic budget and go for one of the best that money can buy. Personally I find HDS clicky EDC or Tactical hard to beat. With the Tactical you get 170 lumens OTF and it has a narrow beam for throw. Whether it could outthrow the E1B I am not sure as I only have the 140 wide beam to compare with. The 140 lumens wide beam puts out a wall of light compared to the E1B but the hotspot of the E1B is brighter. I believe the 170 lumens tighter beam version would do better.

What is good about HDS lights is that it is built to be very tough. Is pretty efficient on battery usage too, takes rechargeable batteries very well which in the long run would more than offset the initial costs of buying the light. It does have 4 preset levels which has a low mode as well. It hurts to pay so much up front but it is a light I never regretted throwing my money on. What's more, HDS stands by their product and offers a lifetime warranty.

 

[FlameOn]

Thanks men, I'll look into all your suggestions.

BTW, since I carry an ITP A3 all the time, I may not need the compactness of a single 123 since I doubt I will put it in my pocket...so I think I'll go with a 2 X 123...have been looking hard at the eagletacs...

 

[Monocrom]

For a light running on two cells, although I'm not impressed with the strength of the clip, check out the Surefire LX2.

 

[nativecajun]

I've read enough here to make my head spin...and every time I decide on a light, I read about another one...I have vacillated between the E1B, Fenix PD20 and Nitecore extreme...then someone mentions the Quark or some other wazoo light...so I figured it would be best to put down what I want, and maybe you guys can steer me in the right direction...

Single CR123
great thow
anti-roll and non slip body (but not a cheese grater in the pocket)
crenellated bezel (but not something sharp enough to excavate with)
forward clicky/momentary on (I will have this on my duty belt)
don't need infinite levels...a few practical modes would suffice....high, medium and low.
Ideally, I would like a really low low so if I use it in a restaurant people don't look at me like I'm guiding a ship into the harbor. Strobe would be nice but not a deal breaker since I have never understood how to get it there quickly anyway.
$75 budget

Now don't blame me for wanting all this...I learned to want it all from all of you....

Google Fenix PD-20 and look for the old style one. It has a square section on the body so it DOES NOT ROLL A BIT. I have this light. I think it is the best in its catagory. Of course a lot will disagree. It is a wonderfully made light and no complicated this and that. You will be impressed. And you can still buy them from a lot of places. You said you would not put a light in your pocket. This PD-20 comes with a decent holster for your belt. It goes in bezel up. The flap comes over the light and velcro close's over the entire light. The flap is the same width as the holster. And the flap goes all the way to the bottom of the holster. It will not come appart ever.

I have too many lights but would have a hard time ever giving up my PD-20 old style one. I do not know what the new ones do. I suppose they are much more compact. But Fenix does make some very good quality stuff.

Look up ITP C9 and see what you think about that one. I have a brand new one. With all the rules on this forum I never know if I am going to break one or not. Lets just say I would not mind if someone else had it. I got this one from Knives Ship Free. You accumalate points when you buy from them. I had a bunch of points and I picked this ITP C9. I do not need it one bit.

I EDC my MyShondt AEON which is the best. My opinion but I think that their would not be to many to disagree on this one. But you said you did not want a small light. And I think you said you wanted a lot of throw. I have not had this out at night lately. So I do not remember what the throw is like. But it has a twist switch bezel. You turn to the first brightness Low then keep turning for the second brightness High. Just a very durable all American parts/made. This light screams quality and for a good reason, it is. A light that gives light not a bunch of stuff you will probably never need. But I do not know you so I cannot speak for you. But that Fenix PD-20 is the simplest to operate and it is extreemly bright and has very decent throw and has all the extras and they are very easy to access. Very fast to access.

 

[FlameOn]

I will research the Pd20...thank you...and all the rest...

 

[ZMZ67]

Since you are looking for throw the Nitecore Extreme comes to mind.Meets most of your criteria though it might be a little rough on a pocket.I like the Quark 1XCR123 but the smaller reflector isn't going to give as much throw as the Extreme.I would also look for a neutral or warm tinted LED as I have found them to work better outdoors but YMMV.

Edit:If you are going to go with 2XCR123 I like the Malkoff M60W if you can find one.With an inexpensive host like a Solarforce you might be able to stay within your budget but an MD2 from Malkoff would be well worth your money.Tough to get those Malkoffs though!