Need an EDC flashlight

[jordanka16]

Hi all, I am looking for an EDC flashlight that will be a do-all flashlight, carrying with me, on the nightstand, and I work late usually so I end up walking my dog at night. I'm looking for something with a low setting for general use, and a very high setting for emergency needs. Since it will be used often quality is also important, because of this I've mostly been looking at Surefire, and specifically the P2X fury. My only worry is that it looks a little large for carry in a pocket, I could put it on my belt but I'd prefer not to. I'd like to hear from people who own one about it's size, and of other flashlights that might also work in a similar price range $100-$150. Thanks.

I'm also considering the E2D defender Ultra, it's above my price range, but is more compact.

 

[Dave D]

I have the SF Fury P2X, which I've bored to accept the 18650 battery, and it's a nice light. I also have the Malkoff Devices turnkey MD2 High/Low with the M361N drop-in ($95 + postage) which also runs on the 18650 battery. The Malkoff has a lower published maximum lumen output than the Fury but when compared together there isn't a big difference between them. The Malkoff is also a slightly smaller package to the Fury (more 6P size). With the high/low and M361 drop-in you get 6 different light outputs.

I like the Fury but I was disappointed about the lack of grip, SF have gone away from the diamond pattern on the body and because the head is bigger it leaves less body to grip, to me it just doesn't feel right in the hand, however the two light outputs from it are great.

For an even smaller package check out the Malkoff MDC, which is available with various battery options, or if you want to go even smaller then the Zebra Light SC52 which appears to be getting good reviews. I don't have either of the last two mentioned lights so can't speak from my own experience about them.

 

[TheVat26]

Streamlight Pro Tac HL is a very good alternative to the Fury. 600 lumens throws 250 ish meters and the 45 lumen low setting gives great general lighting with good runtime. 10 tap programming so you can set it to high/strobe/low, high only, or low/high. At my station (LEO), a lot of guys use this as their primary light replacing our issued Pelican 7060's. It's head is a little beefy, but should do okay as edc.
Some of ofcr's like the Fury, but the high price is kinda a turn off to some. 33 lumens in the field is quite useful on the HL while the 15 lumen low on the surefire isn't quite enough unless you are looking at something very close.

If you are looking for something a little slimmer, the Streamlight Pro Tac 2aa (new 155 lumen version) is also very good. Don't be put off by "only" 155 lumens. It compares quite favorably to other 2-250 lumen 2aa competitors. Same ten tap programming. I've tested it to run 3.5 hours on high before I notice any significant dimming on 1900-2100 mah eneloops. After 4.5 hours, it will go into low mode. Low mode is advertised at 36 hours on alkalines so may hit 37-39 on eneloops. I've not found a better 2aa out there that can touch is beautiful beam color/pattern, Simple UI, durability, pocketability, runtime, brightness, and warranty.

 

[TEEJ]

For most EDC lights, flood is more useful than throw, so a smaller beam with a bright hot spot is not generally as useful as a larger beam that lets you see more of what's out there at a time. Of course, if your particular EDC use requires a certain minimum range in meters to work for you, just tell us what that range is.

The Fury for example has a floodier beam than the other suggestions, making it more useful than them generally, but, its still a fairly tight beam for tasks, etc.

:D

 

[TheVat26]

Good point TEEJ. Forgot to mention, the two Streamlight recommendations HL use an XML and the 2aa I believe uses an xpg. They are not like the older style Streamlight's that had pencil beams. They both flood very well but also have good reach. Side by side, the Fury floods very well, but the HL does nearly the same flood but will throw a bit further. I edc the pro tac 2aa.

 

[full m3tal]

For a small light that isn't a hassle to carry, I am really liking my Eagletac D25a. I'm using a 14500 and love the brightness it produces, and if not needed simply use one of the lower outputs.

 

[LEDninja]

You need 2 EDC flashlights.
A primary flashlight and a backup for when the primary dies. Usually it is a dead battery. Even if you carry spare batteries you need light to change them.

I have AAA lights on my keychains as backups.

[/URL]

 

[jordanka16]

I'll mostly be using it at a distance of 5 to 50 feet probably, but I'll also be using it for up close, I'll need to read things and look for small wires and hoses and such. I've used a lot of flashlights that were too bright to be used up close, it's one reason I'm considering the E2D defender, since its low setting is 5 lumens. I think that would probably be too low for walking the dog or something though, and 500 is too much. A light with a 500, maybe 50-75, and a very low 5-10 lumen output would probably be ideal, but I don't really know how bright a lumen is, lol.

The price of the Surefires isn't a problem, especially since they are made in the USA.

I also have a strong preference for lights powered by CR123 batteries, and I don't want one that uses any kind of button cell.

 

[pete3]

If the price on surefire is no problem, that's where my vote goes. The backup is a cool small light, smaller than the fury and the e2d, brightness of 200 on high and 5 low. 200 lumens is definitely bright enough for walking the dog or anything i can really think of for EDC. Im looking at getting one soon, but i would also recommend jetbeams PC series or nitecore's MT series for small EDC. much cheaper than surefire, and still very nice in a side by side comparison between the two. also, if you need a light for hands free up close work, you could consider Surefires minimus lamp, it has a dial to smoothly dial from 1 - 100 lumens. then grab another small cheaper light for EDC. goodluck!

 

[shawnsteroo]

I've got a Fenix E15 on my keyring and love it! Bright light in a small package