looking for small edc light

[BenCox]

i have just got my first 3 watt led flashlight. and have ordered a lumapower M1 and a princeton apex pro (runs on cr123a's) (i camp) and ive read through a lot but am still confused about getting a small 1 cell (cr123a) edc light. i dont want to spend more than $100 which is still a hole lot of money for a flashlight but there amazing. a point in the right direction would be great. thanks
ben

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy Ben, and welcome to CPF,
Just to get you started, check out the Fenix lights at:

http://www.fenix-store.com/

All around good value and excellent bang for the buck. For a good, bright, multi-level light check out the P2D CE. The CE on the end shows that this is one of the new CREE LED lights, and that is something you should definitely look for in whatever light you get, as the CREE (or Seoul) LEDs are the newest, most effecient emmiters available at the moment.

Be sure and check out the list of available CREE and Seoul lights at the top of the LED forum page:

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=147393

and of course, no investigation would be complete without a visit to:

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/features/buyers_guide.htm

For a light that will be used often, consider getting one that can use the higher voltage of lithium rechargeable batteries. Mainly, just keep reading as much as you can here and at flashlightreviews.com and you will begin to see what you need. Have fun.

 

[Kilovolt]

Hi BenCox, welcome to CPF !!

Since I got my Fenix P2D CE last month there's no other light that I EDC in my pocket. The ratio between output and size is really excellent. But before you decide you have a lot of stuff to read, so sit down comfortably and start.....

 

[Argon]

Have a look a the Pila GL2 imo a much more ruggerd light.

 

[carlsjrman]

if you can find an old model HDS on bst, those are very nice. It'll probably be a little over $100 though. Or you could wait until the new models come out...

Or you could save up your cash and buy a McLux PD. Awesome light.

 

[Hans]

I find the CR123 lights and the AA lights too big for EDC. My personal favourite at the moment is the Fenix LOD CE - bright enough in most situations, decent runtime on NiMH rechargeables, especially on the two lower levels. And it's really small enough, it never leaves my pocket during the day.

Whenever I leave the house I take a second light, in my case a HDS B42XR (unmodded) plus a couple of spares both for the HDS and the LOD CE. That covers all my needs, including any emergencies.

Hans

 

[BlackDecker]

I agree with Hans... lights using CR123 or AA batteries are too large for everyday carry. I use a Fenix L0P SE (uses 1 AAA) battery as my EDC. 3 light levels and comes with a caribiner clip to attach it to my backpack when I go backpacking in the Grand Canyon.

 

[regulator]

Another one who agrees that Cr123 or AA are a bit big for EDC. I think that they are tolerable and can be used often. But I found that an AAA is much less noticable and is easy to carry all the time.

That being said, I have a Fenix E1 which has "decent" output and nice runtime. But it needs upgrading to a Soul LED. The choices I see available now that have both nice runtime AND able to be bright when needed are either the Fenix LOP-CE or the Liteflux-2 (Cree and Soul models are available and the Soul model is a bit shorter). I am eyeing one of these choices.

I still like the extra power reserve of a CR123 or AA and slightly larger reflector. There are some very high quality lights in this range and more offerings. But I eventually get tired of carring a light of this size everyday. Not bad to carry on the weekend though IMO.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

The Fenix lights all come with a dandy belt holster.

I EDC a older plain jane P1. I work on pressure washers, deliver stuff etc.

There are times every once in a while that I would like it brighter, and once in a while I'd like it dimmer.

But at least 80% of the time it's all I need!

I see where the new P1 CE will be shipping before too long... May be forced to beg for one!

Also there is a pretty nice little 1AA light at Target (River Rock 1W 1AA with reflector rather than optic).

GOOD LUCK!

 

[BSCOTT1504]

Welcome to CPF Ben! You are right about many of the new lights being amazing. Be careful about how much time you spend here or that $100 you talk of will be the first of many! Try the Fenix P1D-CE..I love mine! Very small and very bright if you like twisties. :wave:

 

[bondr006]

Well, there are always the 3 small Fenix lights. P1 CE, P1D CE, P2D CE which are all fantastic lights. I have the LOP SE and the P3D CE and I love my Fenix lights. I have also been looking at these lights for small, inexpensive, high output lamps for possible EDC. Ultrafire Cree XR-E WF-602D, MTE 1xAA SSC-P4 42180-U Flashlight, Pocket 142lm CREE P4 Flashlight. Hope this helps in your search.

 

[BenCox]

thanks everyone i was wondering if there was one with a pocket clip

 

[bondr006]

thanks everyone i was wondering if there was one with a pocket clip

This one http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3365 and this one http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3379

Plus the RiverRock 1AA that is available at Target has a pocket clip.

 

[LEDninja]

thanks everyone i was wondering if there was one with a pocket clip

Fenix L0D-CE
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=150892
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_49&products_id=191
You can buy the clip seperately and it will fit most of the Fenix AAA lights
http://fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_49&products_id=184
Review
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l0dce.htm

 

[HarveyRich]

+1 for Fenix LOD-CE. It really shines with Li-ion 10440s as AAA replacement. Any any rate, it can be used with both types and the light with NiMH AAA batteries is quite decent. As mentioned above it sits in the pocket much more nicely, IMHO, than the ones with CR123 style batteries since the light diameter is smaller.

Harvey

 

[TheMechanic]

Wow...I'm amazed at the number of people who think a AA or 123 light is "too big" for EDC!

What are you guys wearing...Speedos??

-=[ Grant ]=-

 

[sygyzy]

Does anyone carry any of the AAA Fenix lights on a keychain (not on a belt, fannypack, or backpack)? I have a Arc AAA Premium that might need replacing. By "need" I just mean I want something in a similar size but brighter.

 

[bondr006]

Does anyone carry any of the AAA Fenix lights on a keychain (not on a belt, fannypack, or backpack)? I have a Arc AAA Premium that might need replacing. By "need" I just mean I want something in a similar size but brighter.

I carry my LOP SE on my keychain. IMHO it is the perfect size for the keychain. Also the LOP SE has 30 lumens which is a pretty good amount for the keychain. The LOD CE has 50 lumens which is not a huge amount of difference. The LOP SE has low, medium, and high settings. The LOD CE adds strobe and sos.

 

[Lite_me]

I carry my LOP SE on my keychain. IMHO it is the perfect size for the keychain. Also the LOP SE has 30 lumens which is a pretty good amount for the keychain. The LOD CE has 50 lumens which is not a huge amount of difference. The LOP SE has low, medium, and high settings. The LOD CE adds strobe and sos.

Oh... but it is. At least to me. I have them both and won't bother carrying or use the SE anymore. After having the CE for just a short time, if I go back to the LE, I think the battery is dead all the time. And this is using primary AAA's. Then, if you go to a Li-ion 10440, your in a whole new ballgame. Not much even compares to it.

 

[carrot]

If you can wait until Surefire releases their Cree-based lights (should be this summer), then pick up an E2L or L1. The E2L is about $80 from OpticsHQ with the CPF discount and the L1... I think $110? Solid lights you can trust, with good runtime and output.