Need a really cheap AAA keychain Flashlight (2 choices so far)

[SuLyMaN]

Hi again guys...
Im in need of a keychain and I really want to spend a minimum on it...@25 dollars max.
Got 2 choices in this price range im aware of.
1) The Fenix E01 @ $15. Constant 10 lumens output for 10 hours.
2) iTP A3 EOS Cree XP-E Q5 @ $20. 3 output levels (Medium 18 Lumens(4 hours)-> Low 1.5 Lumens(50 Hours)-> High 80 Lumens (55 Minutes) No clue about constant/fading output.

Which would you choose and why, also if you have other suggestions in this price range, im open to it
Thanks in advance.

 

[sol-leks]

I would go with the itp, its very well liked. I believe the newer versions are low med hi which is nice too.

 

[fannin]

i have been a big fan of the a3 eos having had a few and used them for a while with no issues

unfortunately though i bought a few more the other day for friends , one was doa, the others seemed fine but now one of them won't change modes: only works in medium. it worked fine when i first got it, i just hope th eothers continue to work properly

won't buy them again, shame because all my previous ones were 100%

 

[JimmyM]

Do you have links to the A3 EOS? I have an E01 and like it very much. Simple and basic. But I'd like to look into something more.

 

[Dan FO]

A3 ITP all the way! I have 2 and love them.

 

[kramer5150]

ITP-A3.

The new ones have L-M-H mode sequence and they increased the PWM frequency... in essence they've addressed the two most common complaints.

I have had one for at least 18 months with no complaints. The lanyard hole design is a little on the thin side, although it still works just fine.

I have run mine through the wash/dry at least 2-3 times. I forget its in my pocket. It still runs like a champ. FWIW... I would expect a Fenix E01 to easily handle this kind of abuse too.

Running the A3 with a 10440 cell transforms it into a scary bright little beast, ~160L on HI and ~65L on MED.

Good light, no complaints.... chapstick cap for flood

 

[Buckley]

My wife and I have both EDC'd the A3 Eos for nearly a year. They still look and work like new. Highly recommended!

 

[mcnair55]

+Itp A3,great light,my EDC during work times.I also have the A1 and bought an A2 yesterday and await delivery.

 

[Ishango]

I use the Fenix E01 on my keychain for almost a year now and it really is a bright little light. Though a bit on the blue-ish side. I don't know about the other light you mentioned. Just my two pennies.

 

[GTO_04]

ITP-A3.


Running the A3 with a 10440 cell transforms it into a scary bright little beast, ~160L on HI and ~65L on MED.

Good light, no complaints.... chapstick cap for flood

I am very happy with my A3!

Runtime and brightness seem very good with a AAA NiMH. I am not familiar with the 10440 cell. Where can those be purchased?

GTO_04

 

[kdaq]

Just a note - the Maratac is manufactured by iTP. They look different, but are essentially the same light.

Have bashed my Maratac AAA (Q5) around in my pocket for well over a year now, and never had a problem with it. 10440 works nicely.

 

[Chicago X]

I've used and gifted the A3 EOS......it's a great little light for the money.

 

[pounder]

+1 for the itp..I have an A1 and it's awesome..

 

[Monocrom]

The Fenix beats the iTP in terms of price and ruggedness only. iTP wins in every other category.

 

[kramer5150]

I am very happy with my A3!
Me too!!

Runtime and brightness seem very good with a AAA NiMH.
x2... 80 Lumens is plenty for most around the house tasks, and 18L on medium is a good compromise between brightness and run time.

I am not familiar with the 10440 cell. Where can those be purchased?
AW cells are at Lighthound

Note however that it gets hot with the 10440 on HI after 2-3 minutes. Its best used on MED, and reserving the 160L HIGH for spot use only. IMHO the little light just doesn't have the heatsinking abilities to cool the XPE driven at ~160L.

 

[umc]

This has been a good reminder about the itp,

Please refresh my memory, where is a good place to pick one up?

Thanks,

 

[choombak]

Hi again guys...
Im in need of a keychain and I really want to spend a minimum on it...@25 dollars max.
Got 2 choices in this price range im aware of.
1) The Fenix E01 @ $15. Constant 10 lumens output for 10 hours.
2) iTP A3 EOS Cree XP-E Q5 @ $20. 3 output levels (Medium 18 Lumens(4 hours)-> Low 1.5 Lumens(50 Hours)-> High 80 Lumens (55 Minutes) No clue about constant/fading output.

Which would you choose and why, also if you have other suggestions in this price range, im open to it
Thanks in advance.

If you do not want a very bright light, then the Fenix E01 is a better choice for a keychain light. Here are a couple of reasons why it is better than the iTP A3 EOS:
(1) there is no glass window, so nothing to scratch up in pockets.
(2) it definitely has a more rugged feel than the iTP
(3) my iTP "whines", but the E01 does not
(4) available in 5 bright colors - iTP is available only in 2.
(5) long runtimes at a reasonable output - ~7-8 lumens consistent for ~10 hrs. A keychain light should be simple twist on-off, and not multi-modal, IMHO.

-Amarendra

 

[Monocrom]

This has been a good reminder about the itp,

Please refresh my memory, where is a good place to pick one up?

Thanks,

goinggear.com

 

[SuLyMaN]

Thanks for all your replies guys...Seems i'll be going the iTP A3 EOS way...However, got one last question. IS the output 'regulated' that is, it does not fade as the battery starts to drain?

@umc: Ill be buying mine from ebay. No shipping costs. @21.50.

 

[Gunner12]

It is a regulated light. Just look at the runtimes (review, scroll down).