Looking for budget 1x AAA key ring light (not key chain)

[shelm]

Hi,

i am looking for a 1x AAA light with a sturdy key ring attachment point. the light should be directly attachable to the key ring where the actual keys (car key, house key, ..) are attached. most holes for the mini split ring or wrist strap/lanyard are too small or thin for a standard key ring :sick2:

You know any budget (or not so budget) lights for key rings?

Thanks!

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy shelm, and welcome to CPF,
The Klarus Mi X6 should fit what you're looking for. However, many CPFers (myself included) like adding a smaller 1/2" split ring (available at most hardware stores) to their AAA keyring light, and then use that to attach to the keyring. This gives a lot more flexibility when using the light, and of course opens up the possibilities for different lights as well.

While a bit heavier than others, I love my Fenix LD01 stainless steel AAA keyring light. It's SS finish holds up VERY well to the many abuses of keyring carry.

Good luck in your search.

 

[shelm]

Dear Derek :)

i see the Klarus has a very nice key ring attachment point. I will check for actual pictures where only 1 single ring is depicted and where the Klarus plus some keys are attached.

The Fenix looks sturdy too because it's stainless steel. Is a pocket clip included in the standard packaging?

Thanks so far!

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy shelm,
From what I can tell, it appears that the pocket clip is usually included with the black, aluminum version of the Fenix LD01, but most folks (including me) who've purchased the SS version report that it does NOT come with a clip, however, it is available as an accessory for $1.50.

One of the things to look for when selecting a keyring light is the UI (user interface). Many of the small lights these days will turn on in the lowest level, which some folks prefer, however, my personal preference is to have my keyring light come on in the middle or high mode, as that is the mode I use most often. The Fenix LD01 is one of the few single AAA lights that actually comes on in the medium level.

Here are some good flashlight review sites:
http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html
http://www.flashlightreviews.ca
http://www.lygte-info.dk/review/Reviews UK.html

HKJ's site (the 3rd link) has several nice photos (scroll down the page) that show many 1xAAA lights lined up next to each other, and he also compares their beamshots and specs.

Also, learn to use the Google search box located in the upper left corner of most CPF pages. Leave it check marked for "CPF Only" and it will limit it's searches to CPF. It's a very useful tool for finding relevant threads of interest.

EDIT: By the way, the new NiteCore T0 single level keyring light might better fit your need for a "budget" light. 12 lumens may not seem very bright, but it's plenty when it's dark, and with 21 hours runtime you won't be changing batteries very often. The lug on the aluminum version seems to have a large hole and be quite substantial.

 

[davecroft]

The attachment holes on the Fenix E05 are larger than you normally get on such a small AAA light. Might be worth a look.

Lumintop Worm is another.

Both inexpensive lights but I prefer the E05 - mine has nice white beam and pretty long runtime on energizer lithium.

 

[shelm]

Thanks for the fine suggestions. I will do some more reading on the Fenix E05, Nitecore T0, Lumintop Worm over the weekend.. and i think that i've already fallen in love with the design of the worm :huh: .. indeed a very affordable light compared to the others.

And another idea to this thread's subject: Instead of 1 single standard keyring, or, instead of 1 standard keyring plus 1 mini split ring, maybe it's even better and compacter to use that mini split ring plus 1 small keyring. I have only a max. of 3 standard-sized keys on me so i dont really need a standard-sized keyring.

A standard-sized keyring would be optimal if it was the *only* ring i used (my original idea, this thread's topic).

But since i must admit that two rings are much more favourable (the rotational angles and degree of freedom), i better use 2 small thin rings instead of 1 standard (=thicker and bigger) keyring!!

The ring problem is solved. Now i need to take a purchase decision for 1 particular flashlight model, well chosen. hmmmm :)