charge said:
I am looking for a small LED light to carry at work (carpentry/handyman). I have always carried a minimag lite, but its a bit big as I carry a Leatherman Charge TI with a seperate pouch for extra screwdriver bits so three things hanging on my right side(dont like the left) is a bit much. While reading a review of my Leatherman the author showed the small elastic pouch in the Leatherman sheath that perfectly held his ARC-AAA. This light seems to get great reviews and I am leaning that way.
Welcome to CPF, charge and you have great taste in multi-tools. :thumbsup: I also carry a Charge Ti with three trays of bits so I understand were you are coming from. I'll take it that you want a single AAA light to slip in the elastic side pouches of the Ti holster.
For work, I put everything in one holster (Ripoffs CO-47FL) and it holds the Charge, 3 trays of bits, a 4" (100mm) adjustable wrench and Peak 2AA stainless Luxeon flashlight inside. Yes, it is a bit bulky but I am used to it. If I have to dress more professionally, I use just the single charge holster with the multi-tool, one tray of bits, the 4" adjustable wrench in one side pouch and a Peak Baltic stainless 1 AAA luxeon light in the other side pouch. Very small, very light and it works well.
There are several single AAA lights that will fit in the Charge holster side pockets at varying prices, outputs, runtimes, type of battery and type of LED used. Here is the list.
Arc AAA-P 5mm LED, smallest of them all, very robust but not the brightest thing although runs 5 hours on a single AAA alkaline. I used one on a keychain for a year and use a version with red LED and it works well. $40
Fenix L0P SE Luxeon LED with three levels to choose from although high level eats the battery. Slightly larger in diameter than Arc AAA-P but will fit in holster fine. Best used with lithium or NiMH rechargable AAA batteries for best performance. If you want multiple outputs, this is the light to get. $45
Fenix E0 5mm LED, slightly larger than Arc AAA-P and not as bright as the Arc. Runs for 11 hours on an alkaline AAA battery and has even brightess for the first 8 hours. The lowest cost light at $20
Peak Baltic Luxeon LED with a choice of HA-III aluminum, brass or stainless steel bodies. Choice of 5 different output levels which impacts runtime and battery choice. Optional 2AAA body for more output and runtime and optional momentary switch. I use the stainless steel version with the highest output which demands NiMH AAA cells to operate for about an hour. Stock medium output will run almost 2 hours on an alkaline with dimmer output for a day as the regulator kicks out. 5 hours of runtime on a lithium AAA battery. $50 for aluminum/brass $60 for stainless steel.
Peak Pacific AAA Largest head and light of the AAA lights but fits in Charge side pockets well. Uses same regulator/runtime as the Baltic but has farther throw due to larger reflector. It can be changed to a single AA light for very long runtimes although it will stretch out the side pocket on the Charge holster. Same options as Baltic $50
If you want the smallest lights with the longest runtimes, the Arc and E0 would be the best bet. If you want the highest output on alkalines for seeing things during the daylight, the Pacific would work well for you. Say you want to use NiMH AAA rechargables the L0P SE and Baltic/Pacific (Super Ultra Power level) will put a smile on your face. Runtime is short as to be expected although the L0P SE can be run at lower levels to get you through the day.
I use the Baltic stainless in my Charge pouch with a NiMH battery normally, if I expect longer runtimes are needed it gets substituted with a Baltic aluminum with lithium AAA for 5 hours of regulated runtime.
Once Fenix releases a L0P SE with Cree XR-E LED, I am going to jump on that but it might be a long wait.
My suggestion would be for a light that gets used several hours a day, the E0 for extended runtimes. One that runs alkaline AAA batteries, the Pacific is very efficient. If twisting the head of the light to change levels does not bother you... the L0P SE would be fine although it will eat an alkaline on high in about 15 minutes. Lower levels will give longer runtimes as will rechargable batteries or lithium AAA batteries. I went with the Baltic over the Pacific since I also use the light on a lanyard when camping and wanted the smaller head.
Confused enough yet? If you asked that question three years ago my post would of been much shorter.... Arc AAA-P Always nice to have many options now and the Charge Ti pouch seems empty without a AAA light next to it.