Mini Flashlight Question

[bushmattster]

I'm trying to find a mini light for EDC. The two I have received have been defective and was sent back to the seller with no problem. I tried cleaning the threads and contacts as suggested by the members here but still no good. I can't find or do not know of any high end makers that sell "minis" except for Mcgizmo, and the Saphire 25 does not have the lumen output I would like.(I will have a Mcgizmo of some kind in the future!) Some members have suggested the Peak flashlights and I may try those in the near future. I do like clickys instead of the rotating heads. It seems like more could go wrong with the rotating heads, but I could be wrong about that.

The minis have the smallest head diameters of most flashlights. (i.e. 4sevens mini aa, Etac D25A)

My question is: Can the smaller heads create more problems because there is less room for the electronics to fit in? Harder to solder(how do you spell sodder?:thinking:) things together without creating shorts maybe?

If this is a stupid question I apologize, I'm just trying to make better decisions in the future. I know many CPFers have bought minis with no problems. I have also read where quite a few have had problems. If I could avoid more potential problems buying larger bezels, (i.e. Fenix PD,LD series or any brand with that size bezel), I could learn to EDC those instead. I like inside the pocket carry best, that's why I like the minis and clips. I'll probably edit this somewhere, I never get it right the first time!
I should have titled this: Another Mini Flashlight Question!

 

[cland72]

I don't think its a problem due to size. Try a 4sevens mini. You might enjoy it, I have.

Posted using Tapatalk on my HTC Evo

 

[127.0.0.1]

when you say mini, how big, actually ?

 

[bushmattster]

4sevens mini aa size

 

[archimedes]

Might want to check out Peak or Muyshondt ....

Purely in terms of switch reliability, "twisties" are generally more durable than "clickies" .

 

[somnambulated]

Check out the new Eagletac D25A clickies. AA, small form factor, great clip. Fits comfortably in a coin pocket.


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[Gunner12]

It's not too hard to solder in small sizes without creating shorts. Look in some laptops, tiny parts right next to each other and there can't be any shorts. The space in those mini lights is larger in comparison.

I've been recommending this a lot lately, but also look at the Zebra SC51 or SC31, small bright lights with a side switch (I really like mine!).

Or if you prefer twisties, the 4sevens mini is a well recommended light. There's also the DQG AA, A small 2 mode light, and the Olight i2 or iTP A2.

 

[reppans]

Curious which minis gave you problems?

 

[bushmattster]

I didn't want this to be a trash post but since you asked: 4sevens Mini AA and Eagletac D25A series (clicky Ti). These were the most recommended lights so I gave them a try. I'm sure I just had some bad luck and both sellers took care of me. I'm trying the Etac again, such a fine looking light and great clip.

I will try the Peak El Capitan next. I wish Mcgizmo would make a Sapphire 25 type in AA with about 20 lumens.

 

[shelm]

4sevens Mini AA and Eagletac D25A series (clicky Ti)

What exactly was your problem with the D25A Clicky Ti?
Please could you describe it in detail on CPF, either in this thread or the proper thread?

 

[bushmattster]

What exactly was your problem with the D25A Clicky Ti?

After 4 days it became stuck in high? mode. I tried different batteries, cleaning the threads and contacts but nothing worked. I'm not willing to go any further than that in fear of voiding my warranty. The seller was nice and is sending me a replacement.

 

[cland72]

You know it's funny -- I've had more problems with AA based lights than 123 based lights (and this is within the same brand/manufacturer as well).

If you liked the mini AA, try a mini 123. Slightly shorter and should prove to be more reliable.

 

[bushmattster]

You know it's funny -- I've had more problems with AA based lights than 123 based lights (and this is within the same brand/manufacturer as well).

If you liked the mini AA, try a mini 123. Slightly shorter and should prove to be more reliable.

My wife has the 4sevens mini 123 and no problems so far. I would really like to have all my lights in AA if possible but I will be thinking long and hard about your suggestion. It could be coinsedence, but I notice most of the high end lights are 123's. I wish a high end builder could tell us their thoughts about AA vs 123 from a build standpoint, not just output and runtimes. I doubt that will happen because of respect to the many companies that make AA and 123 lights. Maybe there is no difference. Someone who has a better vocabulary than I could ask this in the proper forum.

 

[reppans]

I didn't want this to be a trash post but since you asked: 4sevens Mini AA and Eagletac D25A series (clicky Ti). These were the most recommended lights so I gave them a try. I'm sure I just had some bad luck and both sellers took care of me. I'm trying the Etac again, such a fine looking light and great clip.

It happens, but that is a case of bad luck. I've bought at least a dozen FourSevens lights for myself and as gifts, including 3 MiniAA Tis, and I've only had one QAA2X come in DOA - there was short in the head, it would warm up, but not produce light. The dealers take of you in the first month (swapped my out, no issues) the manufacturer thereafter, and I know 4/7s has very good CS.

From what I can tell companies like SWM, Fenix, and Zebralight spend more up front on QC, but lack CS and warranty coverage later on, while 4/7s and ET are the reverse (not sure about ETs CS, but its warranty is there with 4/7s).

 

[bushmattster]

From what I can tell companies like SWM, Fenix, and Zebralight spend more up front on QC, but lack CS and warranty coverage later on, while 4/7s and ET are the reverse (not sure about ETs CS, but its warranty is there with 4/7s).

Thanks, that's good info