Looking for the perfect EDC

[creyc]

I'm updating this thread as I refine my requirements based on experience with lights recommended in this thread, and an increased understanding of what's available on the market.

So I recently purchased an S-mini with the intentions of carrying it everyday. It's bright, sure, but I've come to the realization I'm looking for a smaller light for EDC use. 18650 is simply too big and the most noticeable aspect is the thickness of the body, so that probably rules out CR123 lights as well.


This leaves AAA or small AA sized lights but, short of buying them all, I'm not really sure what To get.


I'd like to be able to start the light in a low "moonlight" mode, and be able to easily switch to higher output modes as needed. Twisting or clicking is fine, so long as I don't have to jump through hoops to get there.


In low I'd like ~1 lumen, high around 100 lm. I'd like a neutral white emitter.


I'd prefer stainless or titanium, but not opposed to a good HA-III annodized. Raw aluminum is OK as well since it won't show wear. And a pocket clip is desirable as well.




Since I don't know any lights offhand that satisfy all my requirements, I've listed a few examples that come close or at least catch my interest, and added those recomended in this thread:

AAA lights:
​

• IlluminaTi - own this, titanium, small, no neutral white, many twists to switch modes, no true "moonlight"
• Maratac AAA - Similar to IlluminaTi, no longer interested
• DQG AAA - Similar to IlluminaTi I think, no longer interested
• Preon P1 - Ability to use clicky switch, can't tell if neutral white option available?
• Olight i3S - Cheap, similar operation to IlluminaTi
• Fenix LD01 - Undesireable operation (M>L>H?) No neutral options?
• ThruNite Ti2 - Have this, cheap, awesome UI, no neutral white, "moonlight" could be lower

AA lights:​

• L3 ILLUMINATION L10 Nichia - have this light, neutral white, very nice moonlight mode, affordable, 4 mode twisty makes getting high output a chore
• Spark SL5 - don't know much about this
• Zebralight SC52w - Neutral white, small for AA light, good UI, true moonlight modes, not yet available!

It looks like my perfect light will be the Zebralight SC52w when it is available, although there is certainly a premium price to go with it. Is there anything else on the market right now that's similar to the Zebra?

 

[AVService]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

i have had each of these aside from the DQC and the LD01 is on one set of my keys and has been since I got it.

I did find one in SS and I think they are still out there it just took a little time Google-ing around to turn one up.
I should have bought a few because everyone who see it wants one.
That said there is also nothing wrong with the standard LD01 I am sure and it will be lighter too.

 

[chazz]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

I have the P0, i3S, and LD01. I use the i3S the most (out of those 3). But I don't use the pocket clip on any of them so can't comment on that. The ld01 (at least the current model) is a little tighter beam than the i3S, and the P0 is a mule floody, so they are quite different. Just have to decide what you need/want it for. I like the P0 ok but it would be one of the last on my list for my only edc light. At least for what I use my lights for, YMMV. The Maratac AAA is on my list to get but not so sure I would like the 2 mode with no medium, might try and wait till they update it again and hope for my preferred L>M>H interface.

 

[creyc]

Looking for an EDC under $50

i have had each of these aside from the DQC and the LD01 is on one set of my keys and has been since I got it.

I did find one in SS and I think they are still out there it just took a little time Google-ing around to turn one up.
I should have bought a few because everyone who see it wants one.
That said there is also nothing wrong with the standard LD01 I am sure and it will be lighter too.

I've seen a few aluminum LD01s that have been EDC used for a while and they start looking a bit rough after a while which is why I'd prefer bare stainless.

I plan on carrying in my jeans pocket, and I think a clip would help keep it in place. I'm not too interested in keychain ability, I can't stand a big keyring so its pretty minimal anyway.

As far as my uses, I'd like a bit more focus than a mule/bare LED. I frequently need to get into some confined space with the light and I'd like it to be able to throw around 10 feet.

 

[AVService]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

I've seen a few aluminum LD01s that have been EDC used for a while and they start looking a bit rough after a while which is why I'd prefer bare stainless.

I plan on carrying in my jeans pocket, and I think a clip would help keep it in place. I'm not too interested in keychain ability, I can't stand a big keyring so its pretty minimal anyway.

As far as my uses, I'd like a bit more focus than a mule/bare LED. I frequently need to get into some confined space with the light and I'd like it to be able to throw around 10 feet.

Me too,the LD01 has an OP reflector too not a mule if that is what you are referring to?

The Maratac and Olight do have a clip and are nice but not in SS either I don't think? Maybe the Maratac is?
The Preon just does not seem all that rugged to me and mine have all looked pretty ragged in short order.

 

[BarryG]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

Don't forget the IlluminaTi over at batteryjunction!!! Listed at $29.95 in AL and $49.95 in TI

Discount code makes them even lower. Titanium looks great after years.





Barry

 

[creyc]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

Don't forget the IlluminaTi over at batteryjunction!!! Listed at $29.95 in AL and $49.95 in TI

Discount code makes them even lower. Titanium looks great after years.

That's a really cool looking light, especially in Titanium, which I honestly hadn't even considered within my budget.

Definitely considering it.



Barry

 

[aaronhome27]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

I have been EDC an LD01 SS model since they first came out. If you plan to EDC one go with the stainless. Mine, if buffed with a little mothers poilsh looks like new. I carry it loaded with 14440 cells and if needed it can put a small ray of light out there that can turn a few heads. Aside from that on teh lower levels it is quite nice. Mine has been through the washer I would venture to say dozens of times as well as the dryer. Would never know it the way it looks and runs. Just cant go wrond with the old LD01. May be a bit more money but I can tell you it will outlast several other lights put together. If I had to choose a different light I think the Tank 007 would probably be my second choice. I have been quite pleased with it as well but I know it will never stand up to what teh Fenix has.

 

[jorn]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

Have had all those lights, not the i3s, but the older i3.
The maratac aaa in copper is awsome. One of my favorite aaa ligths. Ages well, looks great with some tarnish. The 2 mode is great, really great with a 10440 :)

 

[creyc]

Looking for an EDC under $50

Very cool looking in that copper, looks rustic.

I went with the IlluminaTi AAA (in titanium of course) and its quite a nice light, and very bright. There are a couple things I'm still looking for in my perfect EDC however, so I'm continuing my search.

Titanium threads aren't the smoothest so its difficult to activate the light without two hands. It's of course tiny, I'd like to see some small AA lights to see if they might be easier to handle but still not bulky in a pocket. I love that it always starts in low, but now I'm wanting a light with a moonlight mode. The LED isn't terribly tinted, but a bit warmer LED would be wonderful.


So in summary for my perfect EDC I'd like:

AAA or small AA
Stainless body
Neutral white or warm white LED
Ability to start in low
Have moonlite mode

 

[Cereal_Killer]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

Have had all those lights, not the i3s, but the older i3.
The maratac aaa in copper is awsome. One of my favorite aaa ligths. Ages well, looks great with some tarnish. The 2 mode is great, really great with a 10440 :)

Dude that looks great! I wasn't at all shopping for such a light, and it won't replace my SC52 as my EDC, but that pic (and the info that you run it on 10440's without issue) just made me order one. Now to decide if i want to keep it perfect in the box or let it get distressed / tarnished, either way they look bad ***.

 

[Serenity]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

AAA or small AA
Stainless body
Neutral white or warm white LED
Ability to start in low
Have moonlite mode

That's pretty much my with list for a key chain light (although I think AA is too big for that). My first EDC is an LD01 (Black Alu version) on my keychain. The stainless steel version wasn't available. But after more than half a year, the anodization has been holding up pretty well. It's just around the chain ring hole that it's worn. Maybe a strong cord would be a better option than a steel ring that has a few sharp points.

As I wanted another light that is easier to operate for more frequent usage (and not connected to a key chain), I got an EagleTac D25A Clicky (XM-L2 Neutral White version). It's pretty small, and I don't think I would mind EDCing it if I would need a light more often. I wasn't worried about wear, so I got the aluminium version. But I think titanium wouldn't be a bad material for a clicky. The only reason to twist this light is to change the start mode (L-M-H or turbo) or the output levels. If you consider this light, it does have a slight preflash on moonlight/low mode. And mine makes a high pitched sound in some modes (mainly medium). Some people reported noticing PWM like strobing as well. I haven't had this light that long yet, so I don't know yet whether those issues will bother me a lot.

 

[jorn]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

Dude that looks great! I wasn't at all shopping for such a light, and it won't replace my SC52 as my EDC, but that pic (and the info that you run it on 10440's without issue) just made me order one. Now to decide if i want to keep it perfect in the box or let it get distressed / tarnished, either way they look bad ***.

If you let it tarnish, just use it as a edc and your pocket will buff it out. You end up with that even half tarnished look. I think it got the best look when i use it every day :) Smooth copper treads. The weight is just right so it feels solid in in your hand compared with most of the aaa's in this size. With a 10440 you got a pretty bright lo mode, and really bright hi mode. Great when i need something bright, dont have to skip any real lo mode.
Both modes are dimmer on alkaleaks etc. I think it's a little aaa gem.
It looks stunning out of the plastic vacum bag, So prepare to go nuts is you plan to keep it like new :)
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?282510-Maratac-AAA-Cu-tarnish-progression

 

[fyrstormer]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

ThruNite Ti. Two mode, progressive-twist interface. Costs about $15. You could buy two spares and still be under budget.

 

[creyc]

Looking for an EDC under $50

ThruNite Ti. Two mode, progressive-twist interface. Costs about $15. You could buy two spares and still be under budget.

Looks pretty neat for the price, keep the suggestions coming guys!

I feel I may end up with quite the collection.

 

[Cereal_Killer]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

The thrunite Ti (and newer Ti2 with XP-G2, $19 vs the Ti's $15) are pretty good little lights, I have one (Ti2) myself and everytime I think I might want to gift one to someone another (usually 1xAA) light wins out.

Have you looked at the preon P1? It's much more useful than the P0 and being that it uses the same head as the P2 it can handle a 10440 (not factory recommended but its well documented)

 

[creyc]

Looking for an EDC under $50

The thrunite Ti (and newer Ti2 with XP-G2, $19 vs the Ti's $15) are pretty good little lights, I have one (Ti2) myself and everytime I think I might want to gift one to someone another (usually 1xAA) light wins out.

Have you looked at the preon P1? It's much more useful than the P0 and being that it uses the same head as the P2 it can handle a 10440 (not factory recommended but its well documented)

I see most people talking about other Preons like the P0 a lot more than the P1, but I've always considered the P1, especially with the options like tail clicky, removeable clip, shared head with other Preons, etc.

It certainly looks like a nice light with some very useful output levels, I just wish for a neutral white or stainless version!

I stumbled across the L10 Nichia 219, and for the price it satisfies a few of my requirements, namely neutral white/high CRI and small size. It doesn't appear to be the highest quality, so I'm not sure how it would handle everyday usage, but its hard to pass up for the price.

 

[davidwestonh]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

I picked a site goinggear selected flashlight, clicked battery size aaa, under $50, body stainless
returned 5 choices
nitecore T5s
foursevens preon 0
foursevens preon o v2
Klarus x6 ss
rofuser10
this Aaa rules out lights like zebralight. (not stainless)
will this light be attached to a keychain?
cold white, warm light, neutral light, or hi cri at all important?
What will it be used for dog walking, finding things?

Missed your second post about pocket clip and what it will be used for..
i would lose something that small pocket clipped . I lose all my lights into the lazyboy at times.

 

[creyc]

Looking for an EDC under $50

I just received the ThruNite Ti2 and have to say this UI is excellent.

I love the 2 stage twisty, 3 lumens with a light twist, tighten further for 80 or so lumens. No back and forth business. I don't usually like twisties as much as clickies but this one is truly great.

I suppose a neutral white emitter is a bit too much to ask for, though.

 

[Philip2]

Re: Looking for an EDC under $50

I've seen a few aluminum LD01s that have been EDC used for a while and they start looking a bit rough after a while which is why I'd prefer bare stainless.

I guess aluminum is more lightweight than stainless steel.

I plan on carrying in my jeans pocket, and I think a clip would help keep it in place. I'm not too interested in keychain ability, I can't stand a big keyring so its pretty minimal anyway.

As far as my uses, I'd like a bit more focus than a mule/bare LED. I frequently need to get into some confined space with the light and I'd like it to be able to throw around 10 feet.

I think it is much better to carry it invisible in your trousers pocket, attached to a thin cord, that is attached to your belt. Then the mini flashlight is somewhat protected from scratching, from pickpockets' views, from falling on the ground or in the water, etcetera. If you use a flashlight in a heavy emergency situation, like a car crash or a fire, you can easily drop it and loose it, at the unexpected moment in your life, when you most need it.

I need at least 60 lumens in a 1x AAA flashlight for EDC.