Keychain light suggestions?

[Longden]

Apologies for what's probably a repeat question, but I'm looking for something to replace my Photon-2 on my keychain.

I've had my 2-CR2016 Photon-2 for about a year now and have given away several to enthusiastic friends and relatives, but I'd like to know if something out there is similar but without some of the shortcomings of the Photon-2, namely:

1) Screwdriver needed for battery change
2) Relatively low life during a continuous burn.

Other than these, I love the design overall, tho cheaper batteries would also be a plus (usually I can find 2016's for a buck or two anyway).

I have an Arc-AAA, but it's too big for my pocket (don't ask), and I hate the twist on/off mechanisms ... too much time and trouble, specially one handed (for me).

I was thinking along the lines of other comparably sized lights, like Photon-3, Lightwave Pocketbright, Inova Micro-light, CMG Mini Task, etc, and don't want to give up on brightness or the constant-on switch of the Photon-2.

I recently bought an Ergo X-ray, and am wondering if any of the other keychain lights use the same power-saving tact as the Ergo (micro-processor controlled pulsing of the LED at a rate fast enough to seem like a solid light, but slow enough to dramatically improve battery life).

Any suggestions or comments helpful. I've seen several threads that talked about individual lights, but not one that compares them. Any links to other threads would also be helpful. Thanks.

 

[Spork]

I'm also searching for a new keychain light. quickbeams site rates the innova above the photon 2. you might even try a photon 3. there were problems with the first p3's but i think its all been worked out? I left my photon 2 on once and I beleieve it did really put out 12 hours of light. although dim it was still usable. i change my batteries every few months at the most so the screws are no big deal. I believe the photons and probably the innova are more reliable than an arc. the twist on lights seem to get dirty contacts often. although i think the new arcs have a special coating to keep better contact. my photon 2 has been soaked in the rain and after drying still works like new. I will probably wait until i find a store that sells a few other lights i want also so i can save on shipping.

 

[Longden]

My problem with Photon-2 needing a screwdriver is something like Superman and Clark Kent. I never seem to see them together at the same time

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You don't need a screwdriver for Photon3. That's what I got.

 

[Longden]

But does it burn any longer than P2?

 

[JollyRoger]

OK, if you don't want to lug your ARC around (ahem..)
Get a Photon III. If you order a white, you should probably get one of the newer ones with the microswitches. William at Texas Tactical will give you an excellent price.
www.texastactical.com

The PocketBright made by Lightwave is not very bright. It has a longer runtime, but then why not just use the Photon III on the "medium brightness" mode? The nice thing about the Photon III is that you can vary the output...similar to the Eternalights using Pulse Wave Modulation? (Rapidly pulsing)

In terms of battery life, almost all the keychain led's using white leds are going to have similar life, b/c they all overdrive the led to 6V using two thin lithium coin batteries. If you want better life, you can try a different color...like yellow (amber) or red...or orange (ok, Aragorn, I know you hate orange!)

But of course there are the different light settings on the Photon III that are convenient...you can set the medium brightness...but whenever you need "more" light, you can over-ride it by pushing the top button! The Photon III has the most features by far...of any "keychain" light.

And battery changes are very easy now...no screwdriver needed. (Plus the whole thing is pretty water resistant now, too.)

BTW, the version IV of the Photon light is inthe works, but no release date announced. (Photon IV would have less delay between modes, etc.)

 

[Longden]

Thanks for that info, JollyRoger.

In fact, I had ordered two Photon-3's from Texas Tactical last week (should be arriving Thurs) on the strength of my Photon-2 experience, and didn't stop to think till afterwards that maybe there was a better light.

Photon-3's are a bit pricier than the other brands, and I wasn't sure if that was based on real value or supply-and-demand.

Anyone have an idea of how long the Photon-3 can be driven (at the same output) compared to the Lightwave Pocket-Brights? I imagine they're comparable, but they seem to use different size cells, so you never know...

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I read this on another thread, kinda makes me want a Pocketbright now. Posted by MY:

"FYI:
In my Pocketbright, I took the battery cover and removed the splines and battery pressure ridges on the inside of the cover. I also took the small O ring off. As a result, there is now enough room to put in two 2032 batteries in and still close the case. The unit is not waterproof anymore but the light is brighter and the runtime has doubled."