Out of the loop - Advice for Latest and Greatest EDC, etc.

[Blindspot]

I've been out of the flashlight loop for about two years (during which time I have been changing diapers - no, not my own...) and would really appreciate some input on how I might spoil myself this Christmas season with some new purchases that I have missed out on while warming bottles (yes, those were for me....)

My EDC for some time now has been a Fenix P1D. I would love to try out the latest and greatest in EDC, as well as get some opinions on other categories that I may have missed. See my sig below to see where I left off, more or less.... I'd particularly like to replace my long lost HDS EDC U60 XRGT with something, if a light of similar quality ands perhaps more output has been produced.

Hope this isn't too general a thread to start - I guess I'm just looking for a jump-start after a lengthy hibernation! All thoughts, suggestions, and advice welcome.

Thanks.

 

[CSI304]

I highly recommend getting a surefire e1b for EDC.

 

[balou]

Last year the hot EDC flashlight was the Nitecore D10/EX10.
This year, there's much fuzz about the 4sevens Quark Series.
You said Fenix P1D - do I assume correctly you'd still prefer CR123 over AAs?

Quark 123, R5 Edition:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_305&products_id=1600
Yep, that R5 means Cree XP-G R5. There has been quite an improvement in flux lately... R5 only takes 3/4 as much energy for same light output as Q5

Also, for an ultra-compact EDC, check out the Quark mini 123:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=203486
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045

Um yeah... two times 4sevens. For other manufactures someone else has to chime in...


edit: if you want to replace your HDS... http://www.hdssystems.com/
I don't think there are real contenders in that particular segment of high-quality EDC lights.
Surefires might also be an option - but if you have chosen HDS in the past, I assume because of it's user interface. Surefire are single or two mode lights, so UI-wise not really comparable

 

[glockboy]

Quarks with XP-G R5's.

 

[Blindspot]

Last year the hot EDC flashlight was the Nitecore D10/EX10.
This year, there's much fuzz about the 4sevens Quark Series.
You said Fenix P1D - do I assume correctly you'd still prefer CR123 over AAs?

Quark 123, R5 Edition:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_305&products_id=1600
Yep, that R5 means Cree XP-G R5. There has been quite an improvement in flux lately... R5 only takes 3/4 as much energy for same light output as Q5

Also, for an ultra-compact EDC, check out the Quark mini 123:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=203486
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045

Um yeah... two times 4sevens. For other manufactures someone else has to chime in...

I'm very flexible though I do seem to run through more CR123 than anything else. I have a McLux III PD which would be my EDC if I weren't so reluctant to risk losing it. That said, I intend to buy myself several flashlights this season, and I'm open to variety, both in form factor and battery requirements, and I hope to avoid outright duplication of what I already have, as well as try some of the newest and "hottest" items. I just love flashlights.

 

[balou]

Have a look around at 4sevens.com - both lights I mentioned also come in an AA variation (all also running with AA-sized 14500 Li-ions). With the Quarks you could also buy multiple battery tubes for 1 or 2 AA or CR123. Or even a 18650 tube.
In my opinion, the Quark mini AA is better proportioned than the CR123 variant - and if you run it with 14500, it has the same output as the CR123 variant.

 

[TooManyGizmos]

.

You know you are going to get hooked and addicted again !


Are you sure you want us to tell you anymore ?


.

 

[Blindspot]

I'm buying!

Took my McLux to an Elton John concert tonight. Used it to light the footwell for a few people trying to get through the isle.