Time for a new tactical EDC (help me choose)

[victory]

I don't have time to keep up on what's out there, so i tend to have to relearn the technology and market a few weeks before i purchace. I'm going to thank everyone for their help in advance.

I like serious flashlights but i don't have money to buy every net greatest thing. I find something that works and stick with it. At work I carry an original Gladius I saved from obsolesence with an upgraded SSC P4 emitter and non-warped reflector some time ago, excellent for everything from checking pupils to blinding crackheads, but it's too big to slide in a pocket off duty so I carry something else.

My current EDC light is several years old. It's got a forward clicky, it's got a single brightness setting (on), Luxeon 3, single cr123. Can't even tell you who makes it since i've beat it to poop and the finish is so worn. I figure it's overdue for an upgrade.

There's a couple features I require:
-Compact (1x cr123 for interchangability).
-Momentary and constant on. On a light this size i figure this means a forward clicky.
-Performance wise, I'd like it to toss some serious light.
-I'd like a pocket clip.

Things that would be nice:
-Multiple settings (lower output, strobe perhaps). However, it needs to switch in a way other than through the same button i use to activate the light. If i need to rapidly light, move, light, move i can't have it switching settings on me.
-Keep it less than $100 if you can. I'm in one of those "noble" professions that pays poop.

Thanks again!

 

[drillbritz2ov]

Hello can recommend the fenix pd 20 got one myself use it as my edc got 6 modes turbo and strobe on max 180 lumens,and low med high+sos on general mode . I never leave home without it or have a look at the new nitecore ez123 smaller than the pd 20 same performance dunno about a pocket clip though and both will cost you alot less than $100 .good luck cliff

 

[Nos]

......Quark 123 tactical?

 

[JBorneu]

"Tactical" light just means a light perfectly suited to do the job. If you could tell us what your job is, we will be able to offer you much better advice.

From what I gather in your post you need an extremely sturdy, reliable light suitable for use in high stress situations. I recommend the Nitecore Extreme. The user-interface is great (all mode switching is done by twisting the head so you won't start switching modes when you use momentary - very handy for law enforcement etc.), it's incredibly bright, has good throw and a useable sidespill and it runs on 1 (r)CR123 and it has a pocket clip. Definitely check it out. Here's a review. I think it's everything you want and nothing you don't. It even is within your budget (how often do we get to recommend a light that matches all criteria within somebody's initial budget?).

Also, if you want to, you can get the same features as the Nitecore Extreme from a AA cell with the Nitecore Defender Infinity. A little less output (but it will still be more than your current light), but it runs on alkalines, NiMH and Li-ion rechargeables.

The Nitecore Defender Infinity and Nitecore Extreme lights are two extremely sturdy lights. My Nitecore Defender Infinity is the EDC light I trust most to survive whatever I survive: water, fire, hard falls, sand, dust ... The only weak point was the forward clicky switch which would fail too soon, but they've started using a new one which is at least as good as Fenix' switches. Both lights (NDI and Nitecore Extreme) can be had for under $100 each. Great customer service from Edgetac (the company behind Nitecore): when my old switches (they include a spare switch with their lights) started to fail I just sent them an e-mail and they sent me the new ones free of charge all the way from Asia. They stand behind their products. Forward clicky switches will all fail, from any company, it's a weak point in the design, nothing can be done about it, but when this one starts to flicker you put the spare one in and ask for a new one, so you'll never be without light.

The Fenix PD20 and Nitecore EZ 123 are both NOT good lights for your application. Wrong user interface, no forward clicky. The Quark 123-tactical looks like a great light, but it has not been out for very long and you want your light to last so you need to pick something which has been out for at least 6 months (time for the manufacturer to find problems and eliminate them in the manufacturing - like the bad clicky switch the Nitecore's had).

 

[Toaster]

Surefire E1B for $100 here.

 

[Survivor_One]

My EDC light is the surefire L4 (digital lumnamax)

I know that this one doesn't fall within your 100 dollar budget, but you can find them for around 150 to 170.

For me, a defensive light has to be super bright, and reliable. This light is both for me.

I have tried lights that have multiple brightness settings, but have been less impressed.

This light fits very well in the hand, with a rear clicky for thumb activation when using in combination with a pistol.

It also has a clip, as you mentioned was a requirement.

----------------------------------------------
Leather Working Tips & Tricks

 

[Badbeams3]

For $100 bucks I would pre-order one of the Quark Ti 123 lights. And the blue boot kit. That way you have the very latest brightest thing. And with the ten year performance warrenty it`s 47`s problem if they don`t work right...so I`d feel safe buying one,

 

[Biginboca]

Surefire E1B for $100 here.

If that light were $60 I think it would be a consideration, but considering that a programmable Tactical Ti Quark 123 can be had for less $$ that is dimmer on low, 2+ times brighter on high, and has the latest LED I think the Quark would be my choice.

 

[bondr006]

I would also recommend the Surefire E1B. Simple 2 level high/low output. The 80 lumen output is much more than most other manufacturers lumen output ratings. And, with the optics SF used in the E1B...this thing is really bright, and useful for medium throw. The low is also very useful in situations where you don't need blinding light. Comes on in high mode first. Easily operated with one hand. Manufactured with the LEO in mind. Can beat the hell out of it with no problem. Surefire quality and a Lifetime no questions asked Fix or Replace warranty.

 

[Toaster]

If that light were $60 I think it would be a consideration, but considering that a programmable Tactical Ti Quark 123 can be had for less $$ that is dimmer on low, 2+ times brighter on high, and has the latest LED I think the Quark would be my choice.

None of the stuff you listed matters one bit to the people who have an actual need for a tactical edc. Blingy Ti, a gazillion modes to play around with, and a low level that's no good unless you just woke up is great for oohing and aahing CPFers. But Surefire has never been about competing on shiny specs or the lowest price. If that's what you're looking for you're looking in the wrong place. Now I'm not sure which side of the fence the OP falls on. But if he's looking for a tool rather than something to play with, $100 is a darn good price for an E1B.

 

[Badbeams3]

None of the stuff you listed matters one bit to the people who have an actual need for a tactical edc. Blingy Ti, a gazillion modes to play around with, and a low level that's no good unless you just woke up is great for oohing and aahing CPFers. But Surefire has never been about competing on shiny specs or the lowest price. If that's what you're looking for you're looking in the wrong place. Now I'm not sure which side of the fence the OP falls on. But if he's looking for a tool rather than something to play with, $100 is a darn good price for an E1B.

Well the Quark Ti, to me, would be more of a dress up EDC...something you are proud to have and take care of. I wouldn`t want to throw it in my greasy tool box...or risk dropping it into the belts of my truck and risk having it mangled up in there. To nice...to classy of a light.

So if your only looking for something like a work light...the E1B might be a better choice

 

[RobertM]

I would also recommend the Surefire E1B. Simple 2 level high/low output. The 80 lumen output is much more than most other manufacturers lumen output ratings. And, with the optics SF used in the E1B...this thing is really bright, and useful for medium throw. The low is also very useful in situations where you don't need blinding light. Comes on in high mode first. Easily operated with one hand. Manufactured with the LEO in mind. Can beat the hell out of it with no problem. Surefire quality and a Lifetime no questions asked Fix or Replace warranty.

+1 Here is another vote for the E1B. Rock solid, reliable, easily pocketable light with a simple, straightforward high/low interface. My E1B has served as EDC for about 1.5 years now and has never had a single issue. I am confident that an E1B will serve you well. One thing I would suggest though is to pick up a SF E2D/L tailcap on CPF marketplace for your E1B for added grip. It's the perfect combo.

BTW, you should post a pic of your beaten-up, soon to be retired EDC light.

-Robert

 

[jchoo]

E1B would be my suggestion also, but if you can't find one in your price range (or don't want to buy used) then you may want to consider a Ra EDC Tactical or Ti Quark 123. Both are right around your target price (the Ra a little over, the Quark a little under).

 

[chef4850]

nitecore extreme r2 is the way to go. It looks cool too "very tacticool" I have had this light for only a short ime (few weeks) but it has become my favorite! incredible amount of light out of something so small and it fit your $100.00 budget.

 

[victory]

Thanks for all the replies. Surefire is a great light, I've owned several, but for the price, the nitecore really looks like it fits the bill. That's pretty impressive performance and the interface seems like it was designed by someone who understands what users buying a tactical light want and need. It seems to fit every one of my required and optional criteria and will likely put out more light than my P4 modded Gladius.

The Quark tactical light looks good as well, but it seems to have a few too many options. Beacon and SOS seem superfluous and i think the nitecore's ability to go between max and strobe then switch to low light without reprogramming one of what I would like to be my primary settings (which would then need to be reprogrammed back before putting the light away) edges it ahead.

I think i have made my pick, however, any more comments or suggestions will certainly be considered.

 

[Badbeams3]

I love my Nitecore D10 as much as my Quark. Good pick. Guess my only thought might be...I wonder if they will update it soon with the R4. If you want to wait a little...see what happens. Add a 14500 batt for max brightness and runtime.

 

[:)>]

I can't believe that the Ra Clicky Tactical has not come up yet... look it up before you make your choice.

 

[Ajay]

Victory,
If only your budget was a bit higher the Novatac 120T or the Ra Clicky would be perfect.

Why are people recommending the Quark lights? Victory sounds like an LEO or EMT or similar dude, the Quarks are too new to just throw out there for mission critical operations. Stick to lights with at least a year in the "field".

Woa...Just found the 120T for $89.99 closeout here: http://www.lapolicegear.com/noedctasefl.html

Pretty Sweet light and seems exactly what you are looking for including the clip. CPF thread on the 120p and 120T

 

[waddup]

altho i liked my novatac alot, the nightcore seems to be much brighter and have significantly longer runtimes.

 

[Search]

Only one of the lights suggested here are what the OP asked for: Single mode via the tail switch.

The Nitecore Extreme.

The Defender Infinity uses AA. Unless you don't mind, it's just the same as the Extreme.

The Novatac is a good light, until you hold the switch down for too long and it starts strobing. It worked well until he found the guy in the building, then I went blind when the walls start blinking uncontrollably. You can figure that one out

I love my E1B, but you can't exactly use it in in LE "Tactically".

The Quark light does fit the description, very well actually. Except, it hasn't been on the market long enough to know it's weaknesses. Until people know what it's strengths and weaknesses are, it's still in it's trial period. I don't care what it does right, I care what it might do wrong. No offense to 4Sevens, it's just too new.

The RA is also multi-mode via the tail switch.

The D10 is a nice light, but ramping the multi-modes? In a tactical light, no.