I currently carry an Inova X1 but I don't care for the tight beam for walking around or doing tasks. Can anyone suggest another similar price range (20 bucks) 1 AA led? I've looked at the new Gerber Infinity and it's supposed to have more flood but I really don't want to buy anything made in China. Thanks
Need a new EDC
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Fenix L1 is a little over your price range ($30), but is brighter and should have a good amount of spill. It uses 1 AA battery and a Luxeon LED. The Fenix is made in China but according to CPF members, it is a rock-solid, dependable light.
How bright do you want? The Infinity Ultra is supposed to be not too bright, but will last a long time on batteries -- I just ordered one, it should be coming in this week or so.
How bright do you want? The Infinity Ultra is supposed to be not too bright, but will last a long time on batteries -- I just ordered one, it should be coming in this week or so.
cratz2
Flashlight Enthusiast
Have a look at flashlightreviews.com and ledmuseum.org and see if anything grabs your attention. In the $20 range, there aren't a lot of made in the USA LED options that I'm aware of. You'll probably either have to consider spending more money or consider buying something made in Asia.
If you'll consider the Asian-made lights, the Fenix is one of the current 'it' lights that almost everyone is raving about. Nice, wide spillbeam, quite bright, pretty good runtime and most off all, at a great point on the cheapest vs smallest vs brightest of the small LEDs. I'd suggest rechargeable NiMH cells for better performance vs alkalines. Almost exactly the same size as the X1.
The Infinity Ultra isn't much different brightness-wise than the X1, but it has a very nice, wide beam whereas the X1 concentrates all the brightness to a small spot. Both have their purpose, but I think the Ultra is radically more usable.
Other even cheaper options include the Dorcy 1xAAA and 1xAA lights from Walmart, Target, Meijers etc... The 1xAAA has a single LED and the 1xAA light has three LEDs. They are similar to the Ultra but cheaper and have a pus momentary/twist on tailcap vs the twist head of the Ultra. Though I've given all of mine away, I think the 1xAAA is one of the very best values in small LED lights and a lot of guys will mod them with a brighter LED (Nichia CS) that still gives the same runtime.
For American lights, the Peak lights are nice but range in price from about $40 up to more than $100. If you'd like something all metal, you might look into them. Or consider getting a used ARC AAA. They are back in business but there are delays in getting them because the demand is much higher than the supply. They are among the best loved, if not the very best loved lights on CPF.
If you'll consider the Asian-made lights, the Fenix is one of the current 'it' lights that almost everyone is raving about. Nice, wide spillbeam, quite bright, pretty good runtime and most off all, at a great point on the cheapest vs smallest vs brightest of the small LEDs. I'd suggest rechargeable NiMH cells for better performance vs alkalines. Almost exactly the same size as the X1.
The Infinity Ultra isn't much different brightness-wise than the X1, but it has a very nice, wide beam whereas the X1 concentrates all the brightness to a small spot. Both have their purpose, but I think the Ultra is radically more usable.
Other even cheaper options include the Dorcy 1xAAA and 1xAA lights from Walmart, Target, Meijers etc... The 1xAAA has a single LED and the 1xAA light has three LEDs. They are similar to the Ultra but cheaper and have a pus momentary/twist on tailcap vs the twist head of the Ultra. Though I've given all of mine away, I think the 1xAAA is one of the very best values in small LED lights and a lot of guys will mod them with a brighter LED (Nichia CS) that still gives the same runtime.
For American lights, the Peak lights are nice but range in price from about $40 up to more than $100. If you'd like something all metal, you might look into them. Or consider getting a used ARC AAA. They are back in business but there are delays in getting them because the demand is much higher than the supply. They are among the best loved, if not the very best loved lights on CPF.
CLHC
Flashaholic
Does it have to be only in 1dbA and $20.00? How about try looking into the Streamlight 4AA ProPolymer Luxeon. That's a nice one with throw and spill. It comes with a lanyard too! Well, hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!
fieldops
Flashlight Enthusiast
I have to agree that the Fenix is a good way to go. It's over your budget, but you won't regret it! The SL 4AA PP lux is also a new sensation around lately. It appears from most CPFers that it gives major bang (and throw!) for the buck. I may get one next week. I think I saw from someone here that Fox-Intl. had the best deal on them.
Bob_Ulhedd
Newly Enlightened
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The Streamlight 4AA ProPolymer Luxeon is rather large for an Every Day Carry light.CHC said:
It doesn't have to be under $20 but since i just purchased a Surefire L4 which has some serious power and is small enough for a EDC I thought wouldn't spend too much on a small task light with good runtime . I guess I don't have too many options. Even if I go with a Peak Matterhorn or Arc-AAA they're still alot of money for small task lights. I really liked the style of the old Gerber infinity with the on/off twist switch on the front of the light. Does anyone know where there might still be some of the old style Gerber infinity?
I believe that Batterystation is still selling the old CMG Infinity task lights. $10. Yellow LED, but you could replace that LED with a Nichia CS or something. http://www.batterystation.com/cpf.htm
CLHC
Flashaholic
Bob_Ulhedd said:
You mean that's still too big for a cargo pants carry or multi-pocketed coat? He he he. . .I know what you mean. Mine rides on the rightside leg of my utility pocket. No problem there. Then again, Your Methods May Vary accordingly. Enjoy!
joema
Flashlight Enthusiast
There's the new Dorcy Super 1W for about $26, but you may as well just get the Fenix L1 for $29. You'd like either one much better than your X1.
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/dorcy_super1w.htm
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/dorcy_super1w.htm
