Looking for advice choosing single R123 light

[LordNorth]

Hi All:

Just as the topic says, I'm looking for some advice in choosing a light powered by a single 123 cell. Even more important, it needs to be able to reliably use a rechargeable 123. Obviously, opinions of the "best" are going to vary widely and aren't realistic, but I certainly value the input from this group.

Some features that are important:

• Runs on a single R123 (specifically, an AW CR123)
• Adjustable output (at least 2 modes)
• Compact size (will be used for EDC)
• Solid run time

So far, I've considered a Quark 123 or Fenix PD20+, but I'm sure there are others out there that I just don't know about and I'd value your thoughts.

Thanks everyone!

 

[aceo07]

What's your budget? That'll help to narrow things down a lot.

 

[ThesaurZA]

If you don't mind twisties, the Fenix PD10 is out.

And...

there's a new mini Quark in the market place

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=202183&page=13

and there's Nitecore EZ123....and Nitecore EX10 if you like the piston drive...

 

[LordNorth]

Budget's not so much of an issue, but I suppose I'd like to keep it under $100 if at all possible. However, if one is clearly better than another, I don't mind spending the money.

 

[lrp]

RA Clicky!

 

[steamfish]

For quality and primaries the Fenix PD20 is a winner, especially in olive drab

For a cheaper thrill, my EDC is an UltraFire WF-602c mainly 'cause it handles 16340's. And at $13.24 it's really hard not to love it...

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10806

Yep. I added the GITD o-ring and tailcap, next is an XP-G R5

Here's both:

 

[Gatsby]

The lights that immediately spring to mind for me at least are (from largest to smallest):

Ra Clickie - built like a tank, 4 programmable levels with a "toggle" style interface.

Novatac 120P - built like an armored personnel carrier, 4 programmable levels with essentially the same UI as the Ra. Between the two it is something a matter of size I think.

Liteflux LF3XT - well built with a whole host of programming options from 1-5 levels as well as a 3 level with infinite adjustment mode.

All of these are specifically designed to work on RCR123s - have nice beams, good runtimes and will serve you well as an EDC.

 

[pipspeak]

RA Clicky!

for under $100? I guess the EDC with free shipping would work.

 

[LordNorth]

For fear of sounding really green, could someone point me in the direction (i.e. a link) of the RA Clicky? I'm not familar with that one and I'd like to take a look...

 

[LordNorth]

Scratch that. Google did it for me :thumbsup:

 

[LordNorth]

The new mini Quark looks awesome. Does anyone have any idea when it will actually be available for purchase?

 

[recDNA]

If I understand the UI correctly there is no memory. No way to go directly to high? I'd like a single mode version with ONLY high. I only use a single CR123 for 10 minutes at a time - max

 

[HarveyRich]

How about the upcoming 1A ItP for only $24.95 at Battery Junction (and they have a coupon code for 5% off at the Dealer's section on CPF. It's expected to ship 11/15? I may buy one myself since it's so tiny (2.35" long ). It's a 3 mode twisty, with 1.8lm (very low), 35lm (8 hrs), and 190 lm (for 1.6 hrs). I have the ItP 3A and think it's great--especially bright with 10440 li-ion battery. It beats my old Fenix lod hands down on size and is even a bit brighter. The build quality of the ItP is excellent. There have been a couple of threads on this light and it's sister, the Maratac AAA recently.

 

[gilly]

You might want to wait and see what the reviews are like on the upcoming Jetbeam RRT-0. It is promising to be a very versatile light.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=245920

 

[chef4850]

+1 on the Ra edc-e gret light. How about the NEX. with in the price range, very bright and a decient low also.

Chef

 

[Gunner12]

The Nitecore EX10 could also be a good choice.

According to this post from 4sevens, the Quark Minis are supposed to ship the 25th.,

 

[jdb]

and the Nitecore SmartPD EX10 ?

piston-drive, adjustable level, memory + SOS, Strobe and security lock for the SP model

the best, imho :thumbsup:

ach ! grilled by Gunner12

 

[Gatsby]

I have to hand it to 4sevens for getting an important feature right on the quark mini - the high is I believe roughly 80ish lumens. Perfect and a hard decision in an era where many (including myself at times) are always asking for more and more lumens. My Nitecore EZ has a blistering high but it is truly a burst momentary mode only as the small body simply cannot dissipate enough heat to sustain that super high level. I almost never use it as a result and would have much preferred a lower high that could be used for more than a few minutes. Muyschondt lights seem to take this approach of having a high that is sustainable and usable, even if it isn't the highest.

The mini looks like a compelling little light although I am a bit predisposed against the twisty on/off UI...

 

[LordNorth]

How about the upcoming 1A ItP for only $24.95 at Battery Junction (and they have a coupon code for 5% off at the Dealer's section on CPF. It's expected to ship 11/15? I may buy one myself since it's so tiny (2.35" long ). It's a 3 mode twisty, with 1.8lm (very low), 35lm (8 hrs), and 190 lm (for 1.6 hrs). I have the ItP 3A and think it's great--especially bright with 10440 li-ion battery. It beats my old Fenix lod hands down on size and is even a bit brighter. The build quality of the ItP is excellent. There have been a couple of threads on this light and it's sister, the Maratac AAA recently.

I think you may be on to something here. Looks like it's going to be between this and the Quark MiNi. Thanks for the tip - I never would have found the ItP A1 on my own. And at these prices, I may just do one of each and call it a day :thumbsup:

 

[Tixx]

And...

there's a new mini Quark in the market place

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=202183&page=13

\.

I would point you this direction as well. This is going to be my next EDC.