Looking for a good backup/perssonal carry.

[K9shep]

Hello everyone. I happened to come across this website so I figured I would ask for some recommendations. Currenly have a Streamlight LED Stinger rechargeable, never had much of an issue with it except the back button. I am looking for a back up duty flashlight which can double as a personal carry. Mostly going to have it sitting in my pocket/belt/molie backpack. I was thinking of getting the Fenix PD30 R4. I would like to have the option of rechargeable and non-rechargeable. I don't quite understand all the numbers with regards to batteries. So I guess my question to you all would be two parts, do you have any recommendations and where would you recommend I buy it from? I ask the second question because I live in Arizona and have not been able to locate any local dealers for the Fenix lights.

Thank ahead of time for your help.

 

[carrot]

You will have to buy online. I recommend 4sevens.com

Another option would be the Quark 123^2, which is similarly sized and considered by many to be better. You will be able to use CR123A batteries in it (primaries) or Li-ions such as 2x RCR123 or 17670 (rechargeables). For the best runtime you should get the optional 18650 tube and run 18650 lithium ions.

All of the aforementioned lights, batteries and appropriate chargers can be obtained at 4sevens.com

 

[jhc37013]

For backup duty light I would normally recommend a Surefire E1B but since your not suppose to run them off rechargeables I would do what carrot says and look at the 4sevens lights. The Quark AA Tactical and using 14500 battery is nice, I find it just the right size to get a grip on it yet not to large for the pocket. If your ok with the PD30 size then go for the Quark 123x2 Tactical.

You can also order the 18650 body and use the rechargeable 18650 battery for longer run times. I prefer the R2 models over the R5 for the beam tint and the extra throw but that is all personal preference.

If you can go

 

[K9shep]

Thanks for the info guys. This light seems like it will work. Only one question is will it accept the rechargable "surefire style" batts? The optional tube that you speak of im guessing makes it a little longer right? And im ok with that as im a biger guy. Also for the optional 18650 tube, can I use rechargables for that as well? Thanks again.

 

[K9shep]

My partner just brought up a good question. How is the durablity on these lights?

 

[Locoboy5150]

I ask the second question because I live in Arizona and have not been able to locate any local dealers for the Fenix lights.

The Fry's Electronics store where I live sells some Fenix lights. They have a store in Phoenix:

http://www.frys.com/isp/phoenix.html

You might want to try stopping by there if it isn't too far away.

 

[carrot]

The optional 18650 tube does not make the Quark 123^2 any longer, however it might make it slightly wider. The preferred way to run the Quark on rechargeables is to use a single 18650 size Lithium-ion battery (3.7-4.2v).

Durability is apparently quite good on the 4sevens lights. A lot of members have taken a strong liking to the Quarks whom I think would be better suited to answering your question as I don't carry my Quarks nearly as much as my custom lights or modified Surefires.

 

[mpkav]

I use the Nitecore extreme as my backup duty light. It is also my EDC, very small and puts out great light. I don't think there are any rechargeable options but as a back up light it shouldn't get a ton of use!!!

 

[Rocketman]

Hi there.

I have a Fenix PD30 and I love it, it's very nice. I think I should have to recommend a light with a low, medium, and high. The PD30 does that. The Quarks do also.

A few lights to consider: (1) Surefire 6P defender with a Malkoff M60L drop-in, (2) Malkoff MD2 with an M60L, (3) Jetbeam RRT-2 or the (4) Jet-III M.

I think all of these lights have shown themselves to be reliable, I own all but the Jet-III M. Some here will recommend the Surefire LX2 and the Surefire E2D Led defender.

I carry a Polystinger LED in the prison where I work and a Surefire 6P + Malkoff M60LL. I wasn't aware of the 18650 tube for the Quark, now I'm thinking I might look into that. The Quark 123^2 and the Fenix PD30 are going to be quite similar, I'm thinking.

 

[K9shep]

Thanks for all the great info guys. I ordered the Quark! It is very close to the Fenix light IMO. I will let you all know how it works out. Only down side is the light is backordered from 4sevens.com