Request: Good keychain lights?

[Phyltre]

In the market for a flashlight again! Since you guys know your stuff like nowhere else, I thought I'd ask for some quick help.

I'd like a keychain light, something that will always be with me. I'd also prefer something that accepts standard batteries like a AA or AAA, but a cr123 would be fine as well (just more expensive!) I used to have a Photon Freedom Micro, but the darn thing kept switching on in my pockets so I'd end up with no battery (and unless I went online to get batteries it'd cost almost as much as the light itself just to put new ones in.) Cost definitely needs to stay under $100.

Ideas?

 

[powernoodle]

Your friend the search engine.

 

[Crenshaw]

cant go far wrong with Fenix LOD...the search feature will give you the same results

Crenshaw

 

[Phyltre]

Maybe I did it wrong, but I searched keychain lights and got a suggestion thread from 2002 and what were apparently unrelated discussions that happened to mention the word "keychain" somehow or other.

I realize that the search exists for a reason, but really, it's not what it's cracked up to be on almost any forum out there unless (sometimes even if) you basically already know what you're looking for (read: if you made the post yourself and know the keywords you used.) In fact, just last week I needed to find a post I'd made on a particular forum and it took me no fewer than five searches to finally find it--even though I was the one that wrote it in the first place and knew what keywords I'd used in it. Search is great for error codes, names, dates, model numbers, and topics, but not much else these days. Too much information out there.

I'd love to do the research myself, but good research comes only with good knowledge in the field. You're suggesting I spend hours vicariously familiarizing myself with the portable flashlight market rather than make a simple post. ...Sorry, I think you've found one of my pet peeves.

 

[thermal guy]

i have a fenix p1d ce on my keys. love it plenty bright and not too big

 

[Numbers]

Check out the Arc AAA. I have an older one, the new ones have vastly improved brightness. $45 for the premium version. Mine still goes out with me at night on a neck lanyard as a back-up to my edc. This is a high quality light made in the USA

 

[ZMZ67]

If your looking for brightness the Fenix LOD(multiple modes) or the Tiablo A1(single mode).Both are AAA and available for less than $50.BTW if you went with a Photon II instead of a Freedom it will not accidentally turn on.You do lose the multiple modes that the Freedom has though.Photon also just released the ReX with multiple LEDs and similar function to the Freedom but I have not seen or handled that light yet.The ReX is unique in that it is supposed to recharge off common batteries.
Reviews should be available for the LOD,Tiablo and ReX in the reviews section.

 

[GBone]

As already suggest here the Fenix L0D (I like the new Q4 version) and the Arc AAA Premium or two outstanding key chain choices!

It depends what you want from your light, if you want a very bright light with multiple modes I would lean towards the L0D. If you are looking for something very simple (KISS), built like a tank and that should last a lifetime I would lean towards the Arc.

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_52&products_id=370

http://www.arcflashlight.com/arc-aaa.shtml

 

[Gunner12]

How much output do you want?

 

[chibato]

+1 for the Fenix LOD.

 

[Crenshaw]

Maybe I did it wrong, but I searched keychain lights and got a suggestion thread from 2002 and what were apparently unrelated discussions that happened to mention the word "keychain" somehow or other.

I realize that the search exists for a reason, but really, it's not what it's cracked up to be on almost any forum out there unless (sometimes even if) you basically already know what you're looking for (read: if you made the post yourself and know the keywords you used.) In fact, just last week I needed to find a post I'd made on a particular forum and it took me no fewer than five searches to finally find it--even though I was the one that wrote it in the first place and knew what keywords I'd used in it. Search is great for error codes, names, dates, model numbers, and topics, but not much else these days. Too much information out there.

I'd love to do the research myself, but good research comes only with good knowledge in the field. You're suggesting I spend hours vicariously familiarizing myself with the portable flashlight market rather than make a simple post. ...Sorry, I think you've found one of my pet peeves.

actually i meant that you cant go far wrong with an LOD

i understand your frustration with the search "feature", it find everything except what you are looking for

i should have phrased it....the search feature SHOULD give you similar results...

that being said, do spend some time, when you have some to spare, "vicariously familiarizing myself with the portable flashlight market" , i mean afterall, whats a flashaholic without many hours spent on CPF reading..

Crenshaw

 

[Phyltre]

How much output do you want?

Well, really, I'd like this to be my One Flashlight. Maybe a big cheap Maglite for the trunk, and whatever the verdict is here would probably be the only two flashlights I will own for the foreseeable future--I'm soon to transition to self-support financially on an entry-level job, and my wallet hates me already.

Thanks for the recommendations so far, everyone. You guys never disappoint. Between candlepower and bladeforums, ninjas have never been better equipped.

@ Crenshaw: I certainly hope to catch up one day soon. Or if not catch up, at least make some hare-like leaps. Flashlight technology really seems to be undergoing serious growth!

 

[Gunner12]

I'd say either the L0D-CE (brighter Q4 version) or the Liteflux LF2 if you are going for AAA powered.

 

[Crenshaw]

its going to be a choice between the LOD and the ARC AAA.
If you want killer output, its the LOD, if you want something that cant be killed, the ARC AAA.Take note too that the ARCs output of min5.5 lumens is PLENTY to live by if youve got a mag handy, even if you dont, its not a barn burner, but its enough for most tasks where you NEED a light.
Its about the same as an LOD Ce regular, on low. An LOD CE on high is pretty bright as you could ask for almost any task where you dont specifically need a thrower

personally, i got an LOD CE, selling it, and buying a LOD Q4, and i will also be buying an ARC AAA, and checking out both. My fenix E0 also came today, and i must say i am IMPRESSED. For under $20, its bright, and SMALL..get one now if you can, because they are being discontinued...i was about to order 2 more, but fenix store is already out of them i think.

and when you are ready to start being totally and iretrievably hooked on lights, we are all here to help..

Crenshaw

 

[wrxr7]

I'd also like to suggest the L0D Q4. I just received mine and it's fantastic!

I was in the same boat as you...I wanted an EDC light that would ALWAYS be with me. The L0D can live on your keychain, always there and always ready. I just put an Energizer Lithium in, not only for the extra brightness, but also so that I wouldn't have to worry about having a partially-depleted rechargable.

Between the different modes, it can be everything that you want it to be, from reading light to friend-impressing mini-sun to rescue strobe!

You won't be disappointed.

 

[Saiga]

thermal guy beat me to it, so i'll just echo his recommendation for the fenix P1 cree. it's really not much more cumbersome than a AAA light, but it's a real flashlight. i'm talking across the yard,across the street and into the woods REAL flashlight.everybody's got little AAA lights on their keychain,and sure,they're cute and all, but we're proud,over-the-top,more-than-we'll-ever-need FLASHOHOLICS !! you want something on your keychain that will make even non "enthusiasts" say "YOU GOTTA BE KIDDIN' ME !!!!!" and this light does it, i've seen it numerous times.

 

[Double_A]

cant go far wrong with Fenix LOD...the search feature will give you the same results

Crenshaw

+1

I use the L0D-CE

 

[Phyltre]

Okay, let's see. Lots of suggestions. To wit:

Arc LED Flashlight, premium (44.95)
(AAA)

Fenix Digital P1D CE (61.00)
(CR123A)

Fenix Digital L0D CE (46.50)
(AAA)

Fenix P1-CE Cree XR-E (34.95)

(CR123A)

Liteflux LF2 Cree XR-E (45.00)

(AAA)

Fenix L1D CE (55.50)
(AA)
Tiablo A1 LED Flashlight (41.95)

(AAA)

Now, let's see...I really would like to move away from CR123As, even though they make for much smaller/more awesome micro-lights...I would just end up not having enough batteries. Which leaves the Tiablo, the L1D CE, the LF2 Cree XR-E, the L0D CE, and the Arc.
Tiablo - 110 Lumens, 80 min. to 50%
L1D CE - 9-> 40-> 80-> 90 (8.17, 27.30, 44.50, 44.50 Lux)
LF2 Cree XR-E ...~less than l1d and lf2, more than Arc.
L0D CE - 7.5-> 20-> 50 (5.00, 12.00, 33.80 Lux)
Arc - (5.20 Lux) Indestructible

Looking at reviews, most seem to prefer the others to the Tiablo or the LiteFlux (although the candle option was pretty nice!). So let's narrow the field to the L0D, L1D, and the Arc.

Indestructibility is tempting, and the styling is timeless function, but it seems to come at the cost of output flexibility and the higher burst modes that implies. So let's retire that for the moment.


That leaves us with the L1D CE and the L0D CE. Two peas in their pod, it would seem.
L0D---2.85x.55---1.0 oz.---7.5>20>50L------8.5>3.5>1H
L1D---3.80x.80---1.7 oz.---9.0>40>80>90L---25>5.0>2>1.5H

I find myself drawn to the tailcap click, the sheer power, and the extended battery life of the L1D CE, all a product of the luxurious, decadent AA battery used to power the unit. But it's longer and heavier! So I made a paper mockup. My dummy indicated that the light would be ~.5 inches longer than my keychain, from circle to tip of the keys. I also realized that, since the only thing on my keychain is keys, it would not become crowded by a larger accessory (particularly if I attach via a small flexible lanyard).

Well! Unless there are any objections, I'm going to purchase a Fenix L1D CE in the very near future. Anyone care to recommend a vendor or throw up a red flag?

 

[Derek Dean]

Seems like a pretty good choice to me. I have a 1 x AA light in my pocket everyday and I've never found it cumbersome, plus the added output and runtime of the more common AA battery make this a natural choice. Good job.

As far as vendors go, I've had several excellent dealings with the Fenix Store:

http://www.fenix-store.com/

Free world-wide shipping and an excellent 30 day return policy make it a very popular place for purchasing Fenix products.

Another of my favorite dealers is:

http://www.lighthound.com/

And don't forget that many of these dealers offer a discount for CPF members, so be sure and check out this page for each store's current discount policy and code:

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=56067

Happy hunting, and happy new year!

 

[EntropyQ3]

Well! Unless there are any objections, I'm going to purchase a Fenix L1D CE in the very near future. Anyone care to recommend a vendor or throw up a red flag?

Right at this moment I'm carrying an L1D and a L0D.
There are a couple of differences you didn't discuss.

Beam - the L0D has a somewhat wider throw and a wider, less intense hotspot. For most purposes this is preferable - anything close up will benefit from the softer, wider throw of the L0D, and anything where you want to use the spill will benefit from not having your night-vision dimmed by the sharp hotspot. For that same reason, the L0D is preferable if you tailstand it for general illumination. Conversely, if you want to check on anything specific at a distance, the L1D is comparatively better than lumen specs imply.

The L1D does have more runtime, but since you are going to use it as a keychain light (as opposed to in work as a night-watch or as a bike light in commuting) does this matter at all? For occasional off-and-ons these lights both offer quite sufficient runtimes - indeed, unless you use LSD (Low Self Discharge) NiMH cells, you may find that the battery self discharge is as much of a limitation as the occasional draining you subject it to. At least, once you are done playing with it.

The L0D is great to carry around since it weighs much less, it is really undetectable whereas the L1D causes pocket sag.

The L0D is excellent to mouth hold, the L1D is too heavy for my teeth or lips to be comfortable with over time. The larger size makes the L1D easier to hold with gloves or mittens however, whereas the L0D is easily dropped. Really, something the size of an L2D is easier still to grab.

Just to give you something more to think about.

I bought from fenix-store, since I'm not in the US and they offer free worldwide shipping. Been a good experience so far, some inventory complexity during the holiday season + overlapping orders makes my current orders a good test for the future.

You can't go wrong really - they are both great lights.