My Intro and Need help!

[AlexB]

First off, I want to say Hi to everyone here. I've been lurking for a little while and have seen the vast amount of information there is to know about lights and what not. I am an avid knife collector, and am on various knife forums. Now I am looking to get into flashlights to complete my EDC. The problem is, there is so much to know and technology is changing so fast that I have no idea where to start.

I've been looking at Surefire, Streamlight, Fenix, 4sevens and all of the terminology has got my head spinning. Now I need all of you to help me pick out a light that would serve me well as an EDC. I will try to provide as much information as I possibly can to express my needs in a light.

First of all, I've owned a couple Maglites and tried EDCing them, but they are too long and heavy for my tastes. I also don't like twisting the head to turn on the light.

My criterias:
- I prefer LED over incadescent. I don't know why, I just like them more.
- I'm looking for a light that is 4" long or shorter.
- I want something that has a push button on the end to activate the light.
- AA or AAA batteries are prefered, but I can live with other types of batteries if they are redily availible.
- The lighter it is, the better.
- I need some sort of carry method other than in my pocket. I already have a lot of things in my pockets, so I would like a belt pouch or a lanyard I can wear around myh neck and under my shirt.
- Price is not too much of an issue, but I want to stay under $100. THe cheaper the better, I need money for school books!

This is what I can think of off the top of my head. If there is anything I missed, please ask. Also, if this is the wrong place for this kind of thread, will a Mod or Admin please move it to the right place? Thanks ahead of time everyone. I hope to stay and learn a lot more about flashlights.

 

[AbleArcher]

Hi Alex and welcome to CPF.

If it's a single AA you're after, there's a good thread here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=229598 which helped me a lot when I decided I needed a new light. In the end I got a NiteCore D10 and a LiteFlux LF5XT, both of which I'd recommend to anyone.

If you want to keep it simple the NiteCore would be for you, it's easy to use and has the reliable piston drive system. The LiteFlux is quite different with 5 customisable 'slots' that allow you to set the light up how you want it, if you're prepared to spend the time programming it.

The LiteFlux is slightly longer than the NiteCore but both are less than 4 inches and both come with a lanyard. You can pick up the LF5 for around $70 and the D10 for around $60 or so.

These are just my recommendations so do a bit of research on this forum before you make a decision but I think either one would be ok for you. You might also like to consider a single CR123 light, the batteries aren't quite as easy to get hold of but they are smaller overall.

 

[callmaster]

When the term EDC comes to mind, there's only one light (or brand) that comes to mind. That's Ra Lights. The lights from there are built well, and have all the features you'll ever need for a good EDC. You can choose from the Twisty or the Clicky type lights.

Regarding price, it's close to your budget. But it might go over when shipping is involved etc.

Also, it's using CR123 batteries. I've never been a fan of AA or AAA batteries.

 

[Lighthouse one]

I'd suggest you stay with a single AA or 123 cell light. Easy to carry, and with a multilevel light you can get enough run time for the rare instance you need to use the light for a long period. It's also easy to have a spare battery handy. I like my Nitecore Ex10...but there are plenty of other great lights out there.
For $100, I'd buy a 123 and a AA light!

 

[vali]

If you want a small light but at the same time "very" bright, get a CR123 powered one. You can find good prices of that cells in the net.

If you are worried more about the convenience and easy to find cells, get an 1xAAA or 1xAA flashlight, but keep in mind they are not as bright as the lights with CR123. (If you are used to the typical corner store 2xD lights, you will find even the AAA or AA are pretty bright). If you go for these, dont waste your money using alkalines, get eneloops and a decent charger or energizer lithiums (a bit on the expensive way). Some of them can be powered with rechargeable lithiums too and then they should be comparable with the CR123 ones (but be carefull with rechargeable lithium).

 

[rockz4532]

IMO, most AA lights are too large to be worn over the neck, so an AAA would be ideal in this situation.
Something like a Fenix LD01, Maratac AAA, Nitecore EZAA/CR2/CR123, Liteflux LF2XT

The problem with these lights, are that all except the Liteflux are twisties,
belt carry frees up some options...
Something like one of the Quark lights, Fenix lights, Nitecore PD series
All of these will be much brighter than the AAA lights, but the AA ones will be about the same. All of these lights have push buttons, cost less than
$100, and the Quark and Fenix come with holsters.

Unless you have some Ni-Mh AA/AAA's I wouldnt suggest using the AA
format, alkaline cells cannot handle high current well, which is why people are suggesting CR123 lights, as CR123's are well suited for high current.

 

[hyperloop]

Nitecore D10, with clip so you can clip it to your pocket or belt. I've been eying one but have a number of AA/14500 lights so i'm trying not to give in to the temptation, i was looking at the Nitecore D10 R2 with additional clip. Its great cos you can run it off AAs or get 2 14500s and a charger and you have a nice setup, 1x14500 in the light which makes it brighter, one spare and if you run down both, AAs are a convenience store away.

I was lookin at the ones on 4sevens, there's a discount for CPF, code is "CPF8" and free international shipping too.

Check the internet for videos of the Nitecore's durability, oh what the heck, i like watchin them so the links are below

1. D10 drop test

2. D10 goes fishing

3. D10 vs boiling water

4. D10 is a traffic victim

I just got the Nitecore EX10 as i have quite a number of RCR123s.

Good luck on your search man, post when you've made up your mind.

 

[thedeske]

The 1AA and 2AA roundups are in the reviews section.
selfbuilt's outstanding work is a great reference.

 

[AlexB]

I forgot to mention that this light will go camping with me a couple of times a year. Also, I have seen a lot of mods done to falshlights and was wondering how easily modded these lights could be.

 

[ToeMoss]

If you've got so many things in your pocket that you are considering wearing a flashlight around your neck, I would suggest thinking more carefully about what you are carrying in your pockets. Surely you can downsize enough for a tiny flashlight. Carry a smaller wallet (Keep some stuff in your glove compartment), remove non-essential keys from your key-ring. I bet you can figure something out.

 

[lrp]

Two lights that I highly recommend are Nitecore and RA...I would have to say I'd recommend RA as you simply can't go wrong with that company they make a versatile light that is built like a tank and has a lifetime warranty, awesome lights!!