Maglite Solitaire replacement....Fenix E01 alternative

[aim54x]

My first thread!

I have been meaning to phase out the 3 other Mag Solitaires that reside on the various sets of keys in the house. One Solitaire has been replaced by a Fenix E01 which my sister (the lucky owner) has had no complaints with (thanks CPF for the recommendation).

I am now looking to move the other Solitaires out of service (namely my battered blue one is a priority). So what I am looking for is the form factor of a Solitaire (ie 1xAAA) with an emphasis on runtime and durability. I only need enough power to read maps, find objects etc. If I am out and about my Wolf Eyes Defender 260 is my main light so I have no problems with brightness.

Why not the E01? No other reason other than the fact that I want to find out if there is anything else out there worth looking at, and I dont really like the idea of a lens-less reflector on a keychain. Is there something else with the same mix available for the same or cheaper?

I have used LEDtorches.com.au (EO1) and DX (Romisen RC-N3 - since deceased) for purchases, and would prefer go with either seller again (free shipping and I am in Australia).

Thanks in advance

 

[wingnut86]

I would look into something like this. I've read good things about these lights. This seller ships to Australia for $5.95...

 

[blademan]

I don't think you'll find better for price than the EO1. I've edc'd mine on key chain for a year and never hurt the led.

 

[mfm]

I would look into something like this. I've read good things about these lights. This seller ships to Australia for $5.95...

+1.

The iTP A3 obsoletes the E01. You can find it for $23.49 shipped worldwide on ebay.

 

[Gunner12]

The iTP A3 would be a good choice if you want small and bright. But it is more expensive then the E01.

Most 5mm AAA LED lights have exposed LEDs. The beam pattern might change a bit though use due to scratches on the LED, but the emitting portion of the LED will be fine. It does feel odd though, since most lights have a window over the emitter/bulb.

 

[carrot]

Titanium Arc-AAA GS fits your criteria, but it ain't cheap...

 

[ewok8]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

Here's a real budget light.
http://www.rayovac.com/flashlight/brilliandSolutions_brsledkey-bmf.shtml
(Moderator: This is from the Rayovac site and is not a sales offer).
In American Wal-Marts it costs only $3 US, so I'm not sure this info does you any good. but it's a decent LED, runs on 1xAAA, is very small and has a "lifetime warranty", whatever that means to you.

 

[oronocova]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

I also second the iTP A3. Same basic size (if not a tad smaller) as the solitaire you already have. It will trump the incandescent solitaire and his bigger AA, C, and D cell cousins in output. Get the 3 speed and you'll have the option for longer runtime if needed.

 

[carrot]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

Also there really is no problems with having an exposed reflector on this sort of light. It is not a real reflector, just there to make people feel better. Most of the beam is exactly what you get out of the LED epoxy dome (which is extremely tough).

 

[aim54x]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

I have been reading lots of good things about the ITP and the Maratac on this site, but I have to say that the grip on the ITP doesnt look so nice and the Maratac keychain looks rather flimsy.

Good to hear that the E01 survives on keys well. DX is sold out and on backorder and LEDtorches only does black...are their any other reuptable sellers that I can use for a coloured (blue) E01.

I will def consider the ITP A3 EOS Upgrade though....now if only it was knurled like the E01 or the Maratac

 

[boomhauer]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

I have been reading lots of good things about the ITP and the Maratac on this site, but I have to say that the grip on the ITP doesnt look so nice and the Maratac keychain looks rather flimsy.

Good to hear that the E01 survives on keys well. DX is sold out and on backorder and LEDtorches only does black...are their any other reuptable sellers that I can use for a coloured (blue) E01.

I will def consider the ITP A3 EOS Upgrade though....now if only it was knurled like the E01 or the Maratac

The Maratac looks nicer, but I have no complaints with the grip of the iTP. Since it's a keychain light, with the proper size keyring you can put your pinky finger through the ring, which makes a nice extension for holding the flashlight. It's just a twist, and the grooves on the iTP work fine. If I were using it off a keychain, then I might consider the Maratac for a couple bucks more.

 

[drifts1]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

The Maratac looks nicer, but I have no complaints with the grip of the iTP. Since it's a keychain light, with the proper size keyring you can put your pinky finger through the ring, which makes a nice extension for holding the flashlight. It's just a twist, and the grooves on the iTP work fine. If I were using it off a keychain, then I might consider the Maratac for a couple bucks more.

That exactly how i use mine. the A3 is easy enough to twist.

 

[carrot]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

I have been reading lots of good things about the ITP and the Maratac on this site, but I have to say that the grip on the ITP doesnt look so nice and the Maratac keychain looks rather flimsy.

Good to hear that the E01 survives on keys well. DX is sold out and on backorder and LEDtorches only does black...are their any other reuptable sellers that I can use for a coloured (blue) E01.

I will def consider the ITP A3 EOS Upgrade though....now if only it was knurled like the E01 or the Maratac

4sevens.com has the E01 and has free international shipping...

 

[Illum]

Re: Maglite Solitaire replacement..extremely low-tech alternative

Also there really is no problems with having an exposed reflector on this sort of light. It is not a real reflector, just there to make people feel better. Most of the beam is exactly what you get out of the LED epoxy dome (which is extremely tough).

actually, I had one of my E01s "reflector" polished and found that now it examplifies the LED artifacts, its much better the way it is stock.

Carrot is right though, consider the black gerber infinity, the "reflector" portion is absolutely unreflective, but that didn't affect the beam did it?