My fellow CPFers'. Are we getting silly when it comes to flashlight size?

[light_emitting_dude]

I think most like small and bright lights for convienence. Remember how BIG cell phones used to be. Now they are much smaller, have cameras, memory and you can carry them just about anywhere.

 

[carrot]

I prefer Surefire's CombatGrip lights when I expect to actually be using them. Otherwise, a thinner or smaller light like the SF A2 or Fenix L1D-CE sees pocket time.

 

[iamerror]

The G2 is slightly big to pocket carry for my preference. A light like the E2E, while only slightly slimmer, seems much easier to carry than the G2. I also would prefer carrying the A2 over the G2, even though the A2 is longer. Lately I find myself carrying a Fenix L1T, though.

 

[Bjorn Keizers]

I don't mind bigger stuff. Heck, I carry a backpack most of the time, and I always have a 2xAA flashlight and ipod on my belt regardless.

I don't really like the ultra-tiny lights. I subscribe to a motto, loosely stolen from the movie 'Snatch'

"Heavy is good. Heavy is a sign of reliability. If it does not work... you can always hit someone with it"

 

[Lurveleven]

For jeans pockets even CR2 lights are too big for me (i.e. too thick), so now I have a Draco on my keychain and another Draco with turbo and extender in my coin pocket.
When wearing a jacket or cargo pants I can carry with me larger lights, i.e. SF L1/L2/L4/E2L, Strion or 27LT-S. For me the size of the small 2 x CR123 lights, like SF L4, is the most comfortable to use.

The small single AA/CR123/CR2 lights are the lights that I'm least fond of right now, they are too big for comfortable carry in pants pockets, but too small for comfortable use.

Sigbjoern

 

[adnj]

You need a variety. If I'm wearing it under a T-shirt in the summer, I want something small that can clip unobtrubsively to my belt.

For self defense, 4" is a great size that you don't have to fumble with.

 

[jayflash]

Even the "small" lights are too big for comfortable pants pocket carry, which is what many of us are limited to much of the time. Otherwise the G2 and larger sizes are more convenient in the hand and can be carried on the belt or coat pocket.

 

[aceo07]

I don't NEED a flashlight for 99.5% of the time on a normal work day. So, the smaller the better and more willing I am to always have it around. That's why I'm looking for a decent priced AAA flashlight.

For trips, hiking and camping, I will carry the 2x CR123 flashlights or similar sized. Even for these situations I don't really carry bigger lights due to the fact that I need to keep my travel stuff small and light. I will allow it to be bigger since I know there is more of a chance that I may have to use it.

 

[tebore]

For EDC a single CR123 sized light is perfect. If I carry anything bigger I know I'm going to work on something. Like I have an L2P for rough work because I won't care if it gets oil on it or dinged.

 

[Lobo]

As someone said earlier, it's a matter of preference. Since I dont EDC any light, I think we are getting silly sometimes regarding size. Too small lights are harder to handle, I really dont need anything smaller than 2AA. Come to think about it I would love a 2AA cree (l2d etc) with a bigger head like the G2, that would have been awesome!
But if I did EDC, I would surely would want to have a small and bright light as possible.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Some days I EDC my KL5 in my neat Holester, and really want to EDC my KL6 with Leef 18650 (2RCR123's) body, and that will be a big Holester. And, I really, really want to EDC my VIP with 2AA body and 3" BBH reflector (42,000+ lux-Soeul P4).

Bill

 

[BentHeadTX]

For many years I have used 2AA lights at work and got used to the size. Tried to work EDC my Fire~FlyIII and it is too small for easy handling.

I now work EDC a Peak Baltic stainless steel 2AAA (super ultra power) it also has the optional momentary switch. It fits perfectly in a Fenix L2D CE holster :thumbsup: and I have really grown to like the ergonomics. Fits the hand well and my thumb automatically falls to the tail-mounted momentary switch. Simple, bright enough, built like a tank and bomb-proof as it takes drops, chemical/blood/funk exposure well.

Since I work at a hospital, the penlight-type format is very popular although they have learned not to use it for retina checks.

 

[Badbeams3]

As others have pointed out it depends on how you EDC your light...on a landyard around your neck...pocket...holster on belt. Also in past years you needed some size to get bright and runtime. The Cree lights have made a big dent in that. It`s now possible to have both in a smaller package. I consider 2 cell lights as large at this point...for everyday carry. On my belt holster I find the L1D-ce perfect size. Key chain the AAA form provides a nice package. And plenty bright for most things...including impressing non-flashlight...not in the know, folks.

 

[greenLED]

If you think your lights are too big, all you need to do is dig out your old 4D Mag, load it with fresh batteries, and compare against your current lights. That's how I reset myself whenever I start thinking my lights are too dim or too big.

 

[cratz2]

I think it depends on the background of the particular CPFer. As a general trend, it seems those with a LE/Military background don't particularly have the hankerin for the uber small, uber bright lights. The requirements are a lot more practical.

Those that have more of a geeky background - computers/IT, engineering - seem to really latch onto the as small as possible lights.

Personally, I like an ARC AAA/Fenix L0P sized light on the keychain compared to the coin cell lights. And for pocket carry lights, I like the larger 1x123 lights and the smaller 2x123 lights. I've had G2s and Maxfires and to be honest, even though I don't jump on the latest/greatest/smallest lights, I feel the G2 is a bit too bulky to be ideal for me. The Vital Gear/Surefire E series lights are about the largest I want to routinely carry.

I think it also depends on attire. If you're wearing jeans and either a sweat shirt or a t-shirt and a button down shirt over the t-shirt, then larger lights may seem more comfortable. These days, this is how I dress about 80% of the time. When I dressed a bit more formally (ie, not jeans) those larger lights made me a bit more uncomfortable.

For example, when in the rural outdoors, wearing jeans, I'll often have my TL-3 in a back pocket. Wearing Dockers or nicer pants, I doubt I would ever do that. In fact, I've owned a TL-3 for probably about 2 years and I don't recall every carrying it in Dockers or dress slacks.

 

[notoatmeal]

it's not just the light to take into consideration.

If I only EDC'd a light, I could easily fit a larger light somewhere.

Phone
Wallet
Keys
Knife
Light

suddenly, I feel like batman, and my wife is giving me "the look".

so yes, lights have to be as big as necessary, but no bigger. Why carry around extra bulk and weight?

 

[9volt]

I'm with notoatmeal until man purses come into style.

An HDS is too bulky for me to carry around on a daily basis. If I was comfortable wearing a holster (cellphone, light or otherwise) it would be a different story.

 

[Riddick]

Screw it

I put that 6 inch L2 in my front left jeans pocket utilizing the clip that is attached to it bezel up and I'm getting use to the way it feels, in time I wont even notice its there till I need it . I think its all about conditioning

 

[Strauss]

I'm with notoatmeal until man purses come into style.

An HDS is too bulky for me to carry around on a daily basis. If I was comfortable wearing a holster (cellphone, light or otherwise) it would be a different story.

Wow, I can't believe an HDS light is TOO big for someone to carry! It can fit in the coin pocket of your jeans for crying out loud! I guess this size thing IS getting outta control for some people.....:thumbsdow

 

[kelmo]

Size doesn't matter, its the stream of the beam!

I find my E2O perfect.

My 9P is beautiful.

My Arcs are perfection.

My HDS is...