Technician's EDC flashlight!

[Wyl]

I am looking for a fairly simple 2 mode EDC. I don't like multi-modes, I will never use a stobe, I just want High and Low. I love my SureFire G2, but I have two main issues, it has one brightness, and every time I lend my flashlight I have to give a tutorial on how to turn the light on and off with the twist cap! :shakehead

Here is my list..

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1) Buying online, Ship to Canada would be a bonus.
2) Less than $150. Unless there is something is jaw dropping I can't work without.
3) 4-6"
4) LED 2 mode Hi, low
5) I intend to use CR123 although I usually forget to order some and I am without a flashlight for a few days till my batteries come in. Suggest an alternative, maybe recharagable?.
6) I use my light when I am crawling in a ceiling, searching for a dropped screw in a dark room, and outside when I am working. I am work a unique space and in different situations.
7) Medium Throw 2-10 meters
8) Runtime: 120+++ minutes - always forget to buy batteries. :sssh:
9) Durability/Usage: Critical - I am pretty rough on my light.
10) Switch Type I don't mind the momentary switch, i just need an easy click on and off when I lean my light out.
11) User Interface: I want 2 light levels or a programmable light. - I am a techy and don't mind programming
12) Material/Finish/Coating: Just good quality
13) Special Needs/extras: Holster carry - Although I blow through a cloth hoister every 6-10 months. Maybe a belt clip that can handle EDC conditions?

 

[archimedes]

HDS EDC 120 would do, or SureFire L1, or Malkoff MD2 (with Hi/Lo ring) ....

The HDS would need to be programmed.

The L1 would need to be purchased second-hand (discontinued), and is a 2-stage twisty.

The MD2 could be equipped with any of many options for a light engine.

All good choices, but each rather different :)

 

[cland72]

Surefire Fury

 

[mesa232323]

When I was an automotive technician I used a sunlite eagle turbo. It has a charging port and interchangeable heads.
I believe the total price of the light with batteries is 135 usd. And can be found at powerledlighting dot com.

 

[Redhat703]

Malkoff MD2 turnkey with hi-lo + M61WL. The rest of money will get you a 18650 + charger.

 

[kwak]

It's not CR123 compatible, and it has more than 2 modes, but i've been using a Zebralight SC600 for a few years now for work.
The modes are really easy once you've tried it a few times, there are 3 basic modes.

Tried a few CR132 lights and just kept running through batteries to the point where i was carrying 2 spares.

With 18650's i just recharge the battery once a week and rotate the spare i keep in the office every month or so.

After having 750Lm at my disposal for finding dropped screws, bolts etc you couldn't pay me enough to go any lower.
With both my MKI and MKII SC600 i am able to light up any work area or the insides of our machines like it's daylight.

Several times i've had some of my guys hunting for dropped screws for 20mins with their Mini maglites, only for us to find it almost straight away with a brighter torch like my SC600.

 

[reppans]

Consider a Quark Tactical AA2 XM-L2 (QT2A-X) along with an optional 1xAA and or CR123 body. 2 programmable modes, floody XML beam for your close/medium range work, efficient and perfect regulation on any battery combination between 0.9-4.2v, 10 yr warranty and great US-based customer service.

I like the 1xAA body with a 14500 batt (20% more capacity than a 16340/RCR123) or a 14505/CRAA (same as a CR123 primary). If you're forgetful with batts, any store bought 1.5v AA works great too, including the ability to scavenge AAAs and 9v's in a real pinch (with an ultra efficient low/moonlight).

They also have tail-standing reverse clickies, if you don't the momentary clickies.

 

[Wyl]

You guys have given me a lot to look at.... it's not always easy to pick a product when there are 500 variations .. and I alway appreciate peer reviews.

 

[Wyl]

I dropped and lost my light :(

anything new some one can add to the list?

 

[geisto]

Malkoff MD2 turnkey with hi-lo + M61WL. The rest of money will get you a 18650 + charger.

A Malkoff MD2 pretty much meets your requirements. Add in awesome Malkoff customer service and it's a no brainer.

 

[Timothybil]

I can suggest three, all Streamlight. First, either the Microstream or the Stylus Pro. The Microstream is a single AAA light, and I believe the current version has two power levels. The Stylus Pro is the two AAA version of the Microstream. Using Lithium primaries will more than guarantee you the run time you want. The Microstream is small enough to fit into a pocket without any problems, and the Stylus Pro is a very good shirt pocket light. The third would be the Protac EMS. It is a single AA light, and again I would recommend lithium primaries for run time and to prevent leaks. It is a three mode light: low (4 lumens), medium (10 lumens), and high (50 lumens). It always starts out at low, and steps up with additional clicks. It too will easily carry in a front pocket.

All three are in the $20-$40 dollar range, so you could pick two easily. Decide which one you would like for everyday use, and keep the second in your toolbox as a spare/loaner, so you will not be without a light. Remember "Two is One, and One is None!"

 

[bykfixer]

Malkoff MD2 turnkey with hi-lo + M61WL. The rest of money will get you a 18650 + charger.

This!

And buy a sure fire clicky tail cap for your G2.

 

[RWT1405]

Malkoff MD2 turkey w/ High/low and a M61L or LL would work great for your primary.

The Streamlights are great lights, but for an AAA as a pocket light, might I suggest the Pelican 1910 LED (1AAA, 72/14 lmns) or 1920 LED (2AAA, 120/12 lmns). I have been using them for a couple of months now and really like them.

You really can't go wrong with Malkoff, Pelican, or Streamlight, just pick the one/s that fit your needs best!

 

[Timothybil]

I went back and checked, and I am sorry to have mislead. The Microstream and the Stylus Pro are single mode only. I was sure that I had seen where they were both two mode, but I apparently mis-remembered. They are still good lights but don't meet your requirement for two modes. Sorry.

 

[more_vampires]

I went back and checked, and I am sorry to have mislead. The Microstream and the Stylus Pro are single mode only. I was sure that I had seen where they were both two mode, but I apparently mis-remembered. They are still good lights but don't meet your requirement for two modes. Sorry.

Streamlight Protac AAAX1? Can be programmed to 2 mode? Use eneloop AAA rechargeables?

Not CR123.

 

[sidecross]

I am old school and worked as a Union Journeymen Truck and Automobile Mechanic; I refused to be called a 'Technician'. I used a Surefire Headlamp with a smooth dial from 1 lumen to 95 lumen and it served me well. For a work light I would buy as good of quality as you could afford to lose. :)

 

[Wyl]

I am old school and worked as a Union Journeymen Truck and Automobile Mechanic; I refused to be called a 'Technician'. I used a Surefire Headlamp with a smooth dial from 1 lumen to 95 lumen and it served me well. For a work light I would buy as good of quality as you could afford to lose. :)

That is very good advice. thank you everyone again!