My dream EDC keychain flashlight

[mudmojo]

Hi all,

I'm a newbie looking for a stock or CPF modded light for full time duty on my keychain.

For me, the term EDC implies keychain light. I understand that some or even most people carry belt holsters, belt clips or rucksacks wherever they go however I don't... but I do carry my keys with me.

My dream keychain light would be smaller than an Arc AAA so I imagine it would be something Lilliputian in stature like an NLS, a FireFly, a Keylux or a Nano-Mate.

It should have a shell that has either undergone hard anodization or be made out a hard plastic so that it doesn't flake or chip like my previous Mag Solitaire. Cripes did the finish ever flake! To make matters even worse, the paint flakes cut into my hands like little shards of glass whenever I dove into my pocket... not good.

It should be powered by Lithium cells (ie. 123A, N, coin, button, AAA soon, etc) so that it'll fire when I need it and so that it is lightweight. The smaller and more lightweight it is, the more transparent having it around will be.

I currently have a Princeton Tec Eclipse on my keychain (http://www.princetontec.com/outdoor_eclipse.html) but its light output just barely meets my needs so I'm looking for something with some more pop. I find it difficult to see my 2 feet on the floor with it.

To some degree the light is actually bright enough but its blue hue causes me to not be able to perceive objects properly as everything is whitewashed... or bluewashed in this case. So ideally a good light, IMO, would be preserve colour representation like sunlight... a full spectrum light if you will. Sorry, I didn't mean to dive into a human psychoperceptual rant there so just ignore me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

So what can people like myself readily buy today that'll fit the bill? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Fitz]

Well, the "readily buy" might not apply here, but something to think about is the TnC_Products N cell luxeon light. The pre-order is over, but if your lucky you'll be able to pick one up after they are finished either in the B/S/T or there will be some extras made. I don't know if anyone makes a lithium N cell, but then again you can't get lithium AAA's yet either. Here's a link to them-

TnC N cell

 

[mudmojo]

Thanks Fitz... I just emailed Chris to inquire about availability of that product.

My goof on the Lithium N cell... I haven't seen any either.

 

[nerdgineer]

For the cash constrained, you could get an Arc AAA (excellent electronics) and couple it with an N cell body ( picture ) from Peak Electronics custom shop. A Peak AAA body only cost me $5, and the N cell should be the same or not much more. I think Peak has both split ring type N cell bodies and square tailed N cell bodies for minimum length. I think Arc head + peak tail is about the best of both worlds.

 

[jayflash]

After using a Solitare for years and then an Arc AAA on my keychain, I tried a small, coin cell, LED, on it. I preferred the less bulky feel of the LED and keep it on the keychain, with my Arc AAA in a pants pocket. Carrying two lights this way feels more comfortable than only one did before. If you haven't tried a small, flat, coin cell light, give it a go as a backup to your brighter EDC.

 

[keithhr]

I think you might be out of luck. There are no known finishes that I know of that will withstand being placed in a pocket with keys. Maybe a diamond finish of somekind but otherwise if you find something let us know. If you want something plastic that is pretty bright there are a lot of little keyring lights that would suffice.

 

[mudmojo]

Thanks for the help guys.

Keith: Can you suggest any plastic keychain lights that will fit the bill?

Part of the problem here with micro keychain lights for the masses is that they haven't been independently reviewed by anyone here at CPF... and that makes total sense to me but I don't know what to expect.

Correct me if I'm wrong but if I want to find out the Lux@1M stats for these micro lights I'm pretty much SOL right?

I use a plastic keychain light now in the form of a Princeton Tec Eclipse which is a pretty snazzy little thing with its two strobe settings, three stage output, 9gm mass and smart auto-shutoff so it will fire when you need it but, even on the best of days, it doesn't quite throw enough for me. Again, I'm not looking for a massive amount of light, just looking for something that will throw 5-10 feet.

I had considered just getting an Arc AAA and be done with it but if the finish will flake off in my pocket in no time, then I'll have to go plastic only.

I just checked this page...
http://flashlightreviews.home.att.net/articles/output_vs_throw/chart_throw.htm
... and apparently my Princeton Tec Eclipse is one of the better lights. So maybe this is as good as it gets, I do love the auto shutoff and the flyweight package.

Maybe I'm just getting itchy and want to buy something to tide me over until a LionHeart ends up in my hands, LOL.

 

[wholeflaffer]

[ QUOTE ]
keithhr said:
There are no known finishes that I know of that will withstand being placed in a pocket with keys. Maybe a diamond finish of somekind but otherwise if you find something let us know.

[/ QUOTE ]

Maybe this application is a good candidate for brass. Although it needs occasional polishing to maintain its lustre, it is pretty impervious and free from maintenance (assuming you don't require it to stay shiny). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon6.gif

 

[stockwiz]

There would be no advantage to using Peak's N cell body.. it's as long as the Arc AAA body, wider, and the head of the Arc is not even compatable with the body of the Peak N cell anyway. Your best bet is an Arc AAA or a peak 3 LED AAA or an Arc N if you can find someone to sell you an adaptor which were made a few months back...

Your description of the ideal keychain light sounds just like mine, and I have been waiting for a LONG TIME for someone to finally produce one.. the TNC N Cell light... Anodized with a GLASS LENS. Now all I need is an anodized N cell Arc type light with one LED to go along with it... my aluminum one is showing it's wear after a few months of keychain use.

On another note, I've used the Arc AAA itself for quite some time on my keychain, along with a turbo nano mate... which has an anodized finish as well, and they look excellent considering how long they've been on my keychain.. no light will remain perfectly flawless on a keychain, but anodized lights will hold up pretty well... especially the ones which are Hard Anodized type III .. which Arc AAA and TNC's N cell are. My turbo isn't even type 3 and it still looks fine. I do store my keys in my pocket however.. someone who leaves them dangling from their belt or pants would probably fare worse.

 

[coachbigdog]

I second a n cell from TNC.ALOT of light from a very small package.If you think the PT eclipse is neat,then the n cell will blow you away!

 

[KevinL]

[ QUOTE ]
keithhr said:
I think you might be out of luck. There are no known finishes that I know of that will withstand being placed in a pocket with keys.

[/ QUOTE ]

HA3's pretty close to perfect even if it's not 100%. I've been carrying one for months with keys and there's virtually no wear on it except a few spots on the knurling. You have to look closely to see them. Flat surfaces are still pristine. My former EDC Solitaire.. only takes a couple of weeks to look pretty bad.