Top 3 AAA lights for keychain carry

[colubrid]

I have been away from the whole flashlight thing for awhile and was wondering what would be the top 3 best AAA lights for keychain carry nowadays. I have always carried a ARC but want something different.

I would think these three but i could be way off:

ARC AAA
Fenix
Maratac

Which is the best bang for the buck and are there any others i should look into?

 

[Flying Turtle]

Welcome back colubrid. Those three are still good keychain lights, but there's a few more. The LiteFlux LF2XT is a 1AAA that I EDC, but in the pocket. Also, the new Quark Mini 123 is small enough for keychain duty.

Geoff

 

[tucolino]

imo,of course, the Liteflux LF2XT.best aaa flashlight.period

 

[boomhauer]

ITP A3 EOS is essentially the same as the Maratec, except for the different knurling. Slightly better bang-for-buck since the shipping can be cheaper. I really like mine, the 3-mode version.

 

[ZRXBILL]

I just got the Olight/ITP Titanium AAA that comes with the M20 Christmas set and other than the gritty feel to the threads it's great. I don't mind the M-L-H UI for a key chain light.
It's real puuuuurdy.:D

 

[LightInDarkness]

I carry an Arc-P AAA on a lanyard 24/7 (off only to shower or swim)

On my key ring I have a Peak Matterhorn 3 LED in black, lug style body. These two lights are always with me when I am away from home regardless of what other lights I may opt to have with me. I am very pleased with both of them. Neither has ever dissappointed me when needed.

 

[strinq]

1. Liteflux LF2XT
2. ITP A3
3. MAratac

 

[Dances with Flashlight]

Peak Eiger AAA/10440 in polished Brass.

 

[kaichu dento]

I have been away from the whole flashlight thing for awhile and was wondering what would be the top 3 best AAA lights for keychain carry nowadays. I have always carried a ARC but want something different.

I would think these three but i could be way off:

ARC AAA
Fenix
Maratac

Which is the best bang for the buck and are there any others i should look into?

Dependant on your preferences the Arc-AAA is still a very nice package, and becomes even better when given the MillerMods treatment, although it becomes a fairly spendy package by that point.

I would have to say that from my perspective the LF2XT is the best and most versatile AAA light available, but is a little confusing for some.

The best bang for the buck is definitely going to come from the iTP A3 or the Maratac with it's beautiful knurling. I have both and love both and they're cheap enough that you can give one to everyone you know, not to mention in colors too, if you're lookiing at the iTP.

Fenix is still a respectably decent light when it comes to their L0D/LD01 range, but with a complete lack of a low setting when the LF2XT has a completely customizable level and the Maratac/iTP offer an excellent low for a pittance makes them less attractive every passing day.

If you were to buy one each of the LifeFlux LF2XT, Maratac AAA and iTP A3, I think you'd be very happy with all three! (Try to get one of Kuku's titanium LF2XT bodies and also the SS Maratac!)

 

[mr.snakeman]

The one light that I never leave home without is my Ti LF2XT with trit insert. Although I carry it with the pocket clip, it can also be carried as a keychain light- just switch out the pocket clip for the keychain clip (included) and there you go!

 

[tylernt]

I like my Lumapower Avenger GX.

 

[TKC]

I have been REALLY happy with my McGizmo Sapphire.

 

[kts]

Ill bet that most people in here got a Fenix L0D/LD01 in their keychain, the SS LD01 would be my Nr.1 :)

 

[HKJ]

Fenix is still a respectably decent light when it comes to their L0D/LD01 range, but with a complete lack of a low setting when the LF2XT has a completely customizable level and the Maratac/iTP offer an excellent low for a pittance makes them less attractive every passing day.

Fenix has changed their LD01 light, the new model with XP-G led has a real low setting.

The Preon I, IlluminaTi and Fenix LD01 are now very close in brightness and levels.

 

[was.lost.but.now.found]

Fenix has changed their LD01 light, the new model with XP-G led has a real low setting.

The Preon I, IlluminaTi and Fenix LD01 are now very close in brightness and levels.

I'm looking at 4Sevens site and it says the LD01 low setting is 9 lumens. The Preon 1 says 1.8.

 

[stienke]

Ill bet that most people in here got a Fenix L0D/LD01 in their keychain, the SS LD01 would be my Nr.1 :)

L0D with the famous rebel 80 led inside , I carry it for two years now and never thinking about replacing it.
My wife has the L0D with Q5 led , but the rebel is much nicer , great color and a perfect beam without artifacts and rings.
I hope the Rebel returns , because I love these led's.:thumbsup:
I still love Fenix lights , I think they are one of the best you can buy.

 

[HKJ]

I'm looking at 4Sevens site and it says the LD01 low setting is 9 lumens. The Preon 1 says 1.8.

Then the specifications are not updated to the new version of LD01, the low settings is lower than Preon I.

Edit:
I just checked the Fenix homepage and even Fenix has not updated their specifications with the new low level.

 

[was.lost.but.now.found]

So what is the actual new lumen value for low on the LD01?

 

[Flying Turtle]

Fenix has changed their LD01 light, the new model with XP-G led has a real low setting.

The Preon I, IlluminaTi and Fenix LD01 are now very close in brightness and levels.

This is great news. It sure took them long enough. Now when will they change the mode sequence to L-M-H?

Geoff

 

[HKJ]

So what is the actual new lumen value for low on the LD01?

I can not measure lumen, but I have measured the relative output with a ceiling bounce. The scale is relative to Preon I.

Minimum brightness: