Need help picking out a light

[Spitz]

I need a light for everyday carry. I would prefer it to be small since it will be carried in my pocket. But I would also like it to be bright (80L or more) since it may be required for self defense.

Since I'm fairly new to this stuff I'm not that familliar w/ what's available. I have done some searches and reading here but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Toaster]

What's your budget and battery preference?

 

[HKJ]

I need a light for everyday carry. I would prefer it to be small since it will be carried in my pocket. But I would also like it to be bright (80L or more) since it may be required for self defense.

Since I'm fairly new to this stuff I'm not that familliar w/ what's available. I have done some searches and reading here but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

For a small light AAA might be a good size, some of them can reach 80 lumen. I have a list of most AAA lights here: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=229430 but the list is missing the hottest light at the moment: Maratac AAA, it is cheap in US, but difficult to get outside.

For something bigger a 4Sevens Quark AA is a very good light and just above 80 lumens.

 

[Spitz]

What's your budget and battery preference?

The budget will depend on how much I like the light (but don't want to get too rediculous). I don't really have a battery preference other than I want it to be widely available and not some specialty that hard to find.

 

[Legend]

Have a look at the Quark AA Tactical. Reviews have it as an outstanding light.

I have no trouble carrying a 4.9in long Eagletac P100C2 in jeans or dress pants pockets even with other things in the pocket. CR123s are avilable at just about any large chain or department store. For $.90-2.75 each you can buy them online. 123 cells offer longer runtime and more output. If the price still bothers you, many lights that run on two 123 cells can take a single 18500 rechargable, although they wouldn't be as small as what you're looking for.

 

[Toaster]

If you can wait a month, then go for the Quark 123 Titanium XP-G R4 that was announced yesterday. Expect around 230 lumens OTF. More info here.

 

[chef4850]

I like the nitecore extreme ha bezel with r2. Great little light and build is geat as well. Price range $90-$100.00 but is holding up well with no issues. a lot of light for a little light!

 

[sabre7]

I don't really have a battery preference other than I want it to be widely available and not some specialty that hard to find.

Be aware that although most high power AA and AAA LED lights may be appealing because of the availability of those batteries, you will get very, very poor performance from common alkaline cells. You can use those batteries in an "emergency" but runtime will be measured in minutes, brightness will be very disappointing, and may not light at all when slightly depleted. You will need lithium or rechargeable cells at a minimum for those lights.

Lights such as the E01 or Gerber Infinity Ultra are dimmer but perform very well with widely available alkaline batteries. Maybe you should get both types...

 

[Spitz]

So far I'm really liking the Quark 123 Titanium and the Finex LD01. I really like the size, price, and beam shots (by HKJ) of the Finex LD01, but I don't like the battery situation (have to use lithium or rechargables to get full performance). The Quark 123 Ti is appealing but it may end up like my Malkoff MD4. I really like the MD4 but I don't like using it since it's a prototype and a low serial number. I would also like to see a beam shot of the Quark 123 Ti before I committed. Decisions, decisions....

 

[duboost]

If you can wait a month, then go for the Quark 123 Titanium XP-G R4 that was announced yesterday. Expect around 230 lumens OTF. More info here.

ahh now why did u have to go and show me that lol :mecry:

 

[waddup]

Be aware that although most high power AA and AAA LED lights may be appealing because of the availability of those batteries, you will get very, very poor performance from common alkaline cells. You can use those batteries in an "emergency" but runtime will be measured in minutes, brightness will be very disappointing, and may not light at all when slightly depleted. You will need lithium or rechargeable cells at a minimum for those lights.

not my experience at all,

my d10, ndi, and a few others all perform very well on standard alkalines.

sure they are brighter on litiums, but even on regular AA cells from the hardware store they are very bright and run a long long time.

 

[sabre7]

not my experience at all,

my d10, ndi, and a few others all perform very well on standard alkalines.

sure they are brighter on litiums, but even on regular AA cells from the hardware store they are very bright and run a long long time.

Yes there are lights that perform very well at low levels, but at higher levels especially approaching maximum brightness or turbo, I'm sure you will find few that perform as well on alkalines or general purpose batteries as they do on E2 lithiums or rechargeables like Eneloops. Alkalines perform poorly in high or low temperatures, and are notorious for leaking and ruining flashlights too, but battery choice is one's personal preference.

 

[Toaster]

The Quark 123 Ti is appealing but it may end up like my Malkoff MD4. I really like the MD4 but I don't like using it since it's a prototype and a low serial number.

If your concern is keeping the light in pristine condition, there's really not much to worry here. Unlike anodized aluminum, any scratches or wear marks on that titanium body will buff right out. Coupled with the virtually scratch proof sapphire lens, you can keep that light looking like new for years.

 

[Spitz]

If your concern is keeping the light in pristine condition, there's really not much to worry here. Unlike anodized aluminum, any scratches or wear marks on that titanium body will buff right out. Coupled with the virtually scratch proof sapphire lens, you can keep that light looking like new for years.

I thought about that. I was just worried that they might coat it w/ something (like a sealer or the like). I wonder if my buffing machines at work will do the job. I work a lot w/ aluminum and Ti (and your right aluminum scratches very easily, especially plated). We don't buff the Ti for shine but for burrs. Maybe tomorrow I will get a scrap piece and see what kind of shine I can put on it. Thanks for the help.

Now I'm real curious to what the spec's of the XPG-R4.

 

[Spitz]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I just pre-ordered a Ti Quark Tactical 123 (w/o clip). Now Toaster I need your home address so I can send the wife there when she finds out. :whoopin:

If I survive this I may pick up a Finex LD01. (man, I'm getting too many expensive hobbies/habits)

 

[Toaster]

Thanks for all the help everyone. I just pre-ordered a Ti Quark Tactical 123 (w/o clip). Now Toaster I need your home address so I can send the wife there when she finds out. :whoopin:

What will she do when she sees me holding the same Ti Quark Tactical 123 (w/o clip) which I preordered as well?