Recommendation for best EDC for my needs and preferences

[Flick75]

I'm new here and have been looking around a bunch, but can't quite decide with the models I've seen and read about, what works for me. So I thought I'd query some recommendations based on my needs and personal preferences from you fine flashaholics.

I work on fast attack submarines as a technical representative for periscope systems. That's where the flashlight would be used the most.
It's become my most valuable tool and the cheapest I own.

I've been using cheapo flashlights from Kmart, but I'd prefer one that's much sturdier and more professional. I've broken 3 from dropping them a short distance of less than 2 ft or so. I'm tired of doing that. The brightness sucks as well. And they don't have clips. I hate just carrying it in my pocket.

Sturdiness is my number one preference before all the below.

My preferences:

-less than 4" long
-pocket clip
-greater than a 100 lumen
-wide beam for close up work
-long lasting on high setting e.g. hour or greater
-programmable
-can use rechargeable batteries
-all black steel, aluminum or titanium housing
-knurled finish
-quality glass or sapphire lens (if anybody makes such a thing)
-money is not a factor

Thanks for any inputs and recommendations in advance.

 

[KBobAries]

Ra clicky. Picked one up from Henry himself at SHOT show a month ago and it's been my EDC everyday since then. The UI is extremely adaptable and very intuitive. Before buying one I thought the UI seemed complicated. It's not. A couple clicks and you can have whatever level of light you need. You can custom order one to fit your needs by clicking on this http://www.ralights.com/?id=Clicky

Dan

edit to add: Henry is a pleasure to deal with. Pleasant, intelligent, and with the patience of Job when dealing with a novice's questions.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome to CPF, Flick75. I'm going to recommend what's probably my favorite light, the LiteFlux LF3XT. It meets all of your specifications. To me its best feature is total programmability. You can have it come on at any level. There are two operational modes (called UI or user interfaces). The simpler one offers easy access to high or low plus ramping to any level in between. The full interface gives five settable modes for any levels and also strobe, beacon, or SOS. Strobe and beacon can be set for any level of brightness or frequency. With all these features this light can be had for about $70. The only dealer in the US I'm aware of is www. EliteLED.com. Good folks to deal with and super-fast shipping.

There's pages of info on this light in the LED and Reviews sections, but you'll need to search a bit for it.

There are other good lights with similar features (Ra, HDS, Novatac, JetBeam) that are likely to stand up to drops a bit better, but they are less pocketable and cost a good bit more. I'm sure you'll hear plenty from owners of these options.

Hope you find what you need. Thanks for helping keep this world safe.

Geoff

 

[carrot]

Definitely check out the Ra. Top notch lights that are practically custom at very affordable prices. They also have a very long history of absolute reliability and durability.

Much cheaper is the Quark 123 Tactical, but the pocket clip sucks. Everything else about the Quark is excellent, though.

 

[bluecrow76]

+1 to the previous three points, especially when it comes to the Ra lights! :twothumbs

 

[Flick75]

Thanks for all the replies. Based on what you guys said and a little more research I just pulled the trigger at HDS systems and order this:

Cc140wgtCtbLsBFE

Description: 140 lumens GT LED, wider beam, crenelated black titanium bezel, sapphire lens w/AR coatings, black clip, flush button, executive operation

Looking very forward to it.

Thanks again!

 

[KBobAries]

Congrats!

A remarkably versatile light. Have fun playing around with the programming to find out just how you want it set up. If you get lost, you can just reset it.

 

[Brigadier]

Ra Clicky is a great light.