Looking for a good small light...

[Brian321]

Ok i am looking for a good small light that has decent out put and can handle a beating. I am looking for something that i can hang around my neck or carry in my pocket(will use around my neck mostly) so lightweight is a plus. I prefer single cell, either cr123 or AA (possibly AAA if its good). It must be waterproof up to a couple of feet. ( it will be getting wet and muddy). I prefer multiple levels(Low, Med, High). High should have around 80+ Lumens.(The more the better). I would like to keep this around $50, But if alot of people recommend the same light and it is good then price does not matter. Please let me know what lights are out there that meet this criteria. I was looking at the Romisen RC-N3 II NW. Opinions? Thanks.

 

[scout24]

The Quark series from 4sevens may meet your needs, the MiNi's are twisty and smaller, the "regular" Quarks are clicky, and bigger, depends on your preference. Both are available in AA or 123, and seem to be around your budget. Both are also well reviewed here. Good luck and :welcome:

 

[Gazerbeam]

The Fenix LD01 sounds like the light your looking for.

 

[wingnut86]

I would recommend the Romisen RC-N3 NW. Mine has taken a beating, the beam is pretty good for outdoors, the clip is perfect, and it is the right size for a "small" light, as in not too small, but small enough. Too small of a light is uncomfortable to hold on to for long periods of time.

The only downside is that I don't know if I would trust it to be submerged for too long. It is weatherproof, but the o-rings don't seem good enough for it to be underwater.

The best part is that it is what? $25 shipped....

Many people probably don't trust a cheaper light, but I have 3 Romisens and have never had a problem with any of them, the finish on them all has stood up better than the "HA III" on my Fenix TK20.

 

[kramer5150]

ITP-A3 + Surefire neck lanyard

80L OTF with Eneloop AAA as measured by bigchelis. I ran mine through the laundry and it survived fine.

twist-switches do not fare well in muddy conditions though. So if $$$ is less of an object go for a LD01 + microstream body. That way you can activate the modes with less worry about damage from dirt and water.

 

[Flying Turtle]

For wearing about the neck the Maratac AAA might be another to consider. I think a AA light would be too heavy. It's cousin that kramer5150 just pictured might be the best, since it would hang straight where the Maratac wouldn't.

Geoff

 

[Zeruel]

Since lightweight is considered an important factor;
- Quark MiNi 123 or AA
- Fenix LD01
- Liteflux LF2XT
- Preon 1
- IlluminaTi

 

[DM51]

Moving to LED Flashlights...

 

[Brian321]

What do you guys think about the Fenix EO1? Is it water proof/durable? Thanks

 

[Flying Turtle]

Yes to both questions. At least as waterproof as any non-dive light and extremely durable. Someone tossed one off a porch from three stories up, I think, and it survived in working order. There's tons of info in old threads on this light.

Geoff

 

[joe1512]

I second the itp A3 EOS. It is tough and you could carry it around your neck easily. I do have reservations about the twisty for your purposes, but its a great light.

The A1 uses a CR123 and will give a LOT more brightness in a similar sized package. They are also by far the cheapest solutions, so if it poops out, you aren't out a whole lot of money. (20-24 bucks or less).

 

[vali]

What do you guys think about the Fenix EO1? Is it water proof/durable? Thanks

A very tough light. Keep in mind it is single mode and the output is about 10 lumen, plus the tint is a bit purple and not perfectly round. Its on my list of "I could trust my life on it".

 

[Brian321]

A very tough light. Its on my list of "I could trust my life on it".

Thats good to know. I just ordered one and it will be around my neck while caving to help with battery changes of my headlamp. I also might order on for my survival kit.

 

[carrot]

Quark MiNi is one of my favorite small lights. It is small, durable, and powerful.

However, I wear a Muyshondt Mako on my neck and would trust it to the end of the Earth. Runtime is 20 hours on high and 60 hours on low, and it takes AAA batteries, so being left in the dark is never an issue.

 

[don.gwapo]

Quark mini came to mind. A powerful light in a small package. Sadly their even smaller quark mini CR2 is not out yet.

 

[Brian321]

I am thinking about getting the quark mini neutral warm version but im just not sure ill like it or if it can handle the caving environment. I have the preon kit and dont like it that much.

 

[Dr Rockso]

I've been carrying a Mini123 on my keychain for the past couple months. I've been quite happy with it.