Keychain beater flashlight options

Hi!
I have an Arc AAA DS which has been living on my keychain for a while and while I think it's great I want something with a bit more... oomph

I've been looking at the draco and aeon specifically but would appreciate any opinions as to what could replace the arc and why please!

I'm after a small keychain light that is going to take abuse so not worried about finish or battery choices, only durability and practicality.

Thanks for any advice in advance :0)

Some possibilities are the Fenix L0D or the LiteFlux LF2X.

The Fenix is a 3 level light and is rather easy to use. It is supposed to be used on NiMH, but some people uses LiIon in it.

The LF2X is a advanced light with 7 programable slots: 3 for light levels, 2 strobe and 2 sos slots. It can run on LiIon or NiMH batteries. This light can be programmed to a very wide range of brighthness.

Your could also look at a Lummi Wee.

I was in your position less than two weeks ago. I went with an Aeon Hardcoat for its superior runtimes. I typically choose Al over Ti as I do not expect to put keychain lights through hard use past 12-18 months. If durability is of utmost concern, then perhaps you should look to the Draco in TiCN.

Get the Fenix L0D-Q4. Bright light and good runtime.:twothumbs

I carried a CR2 Ion XT for over a year. It got a hell of a beating, and performed faultlessly throughout - a great little light. At the end of that time, it still hardly had a scratch to show for it.

I recently upgraded to a Ti Aeon, which looks and handles much the same but is a big improvement all round. Highly recommended - but Adam makes a good point in post #3 about Al vs. Ti.

Draco!!(can you spot it?)

smaller
both have excellent build quality
rechargeables(3 different sizes)
brighter
customizable(output,emmitter,body,coating)
tritium option
sexy and tough, like chuck norris

Here's a nice, cheap one:

http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=181032

Thanks to you all for your interesting opinions :twothumbs
I hadn't really considered Lummi or Fenix as I haven't looked at their lights much before... but there are so many options
The Aeon really appeals to me because of the reported build quality, simplicity of interface and use of 'off the shelf' batteries. Am I right in thinking 'programmable' lights like the draco and fenix will draw on the battery even when not on because of a small microprocessor and is this not the case with the aeon?
Thanks for the comments on Al vs. Ti... I don't want to be afraid of damaging it when I know it will be replaced further down the anyway.
My only concern with the aeon is about dust/debris getting behind the lens and not being able to remove it. I love the Arc AAA for this reason and knurled lights rule!
Think I've got to go for the HA Aeon, you guys have really helped me out :0)

I'd recommend the KD Tough light. I like mine quite a bit. It's cheap and it live up to its name.

Exactly. Just that I have three minor gripes with the Aeon: First, the head threads into the body clockwise when facing the front of the lens. No problem there. However, this is somewhat counter-intuitive to what I am accustomed to when twisting the light on as the rotary dials I typically come across switch on by turning the dial to the right. To this day, I continue catching myself engaging the switch in the wrong direction. Second is an issue inherent with twist-on switches that is no fault of the Aeon in that debris accumulated along the exposed brass of the head tends to deposit itself along the O-ring. Now whether the debris actually serves to abrade the O-ring under repeated engagement of the light may be up for debate, but it is food for thought. YMMV, of course . Third, I would have liked to seen at least one tritium slot milled in along the lines of the Orb Wee.

adamlau said:

... an issue inherent with twist-on switches that is no fault of the Aeon in that debris accumulated along the exposed brass of the head tends to deposit itself along the O-ring. Now whether the debris actually serves to abrade the O-ring under repeated engagement of the light may be up for debate, but it is food for thought.

Click to expand...

It has the same placement of the O-ring as the CR2 Ion, and I never had any problem with my Ion in more than a year of hard use. Clean off any debris and lightly re-grease the O-ring and threads every 2 weeks or so and you'll be fine. Much the same as any twisty, really.

Edit: BTW, I never had to replace an O-ring on the Ion - there was no sign of abrasion. And I'd still have that same light on my keychain now if Enrique hadn't brought out its upgraded cousin, the Aeon...

Check out the Peak "Baltic" in 1 X AAA.

It's about 0.85 inch longer than an Arc-P (in keychain version). However, it's actually a bit more "grab-able" from within a pocket with a bunch of keys attached. I suggest the HP (High Power) version... which should give you a bit more light and runtime than the Arc. Alternately, move up one notch to the Ultra Power for even better punch. (They're all the same price: around $50.)

Suggest you get it in Stainless Steel or Brass (vs. HA Aluminum) for the durability you seek. These are a tad heavier than the Alum versions, but that shouldn't be a problem -- unless you wear those tight, Metrosexual Pimp nut-hugger trousers with flimsy miniature pockets barely suitable for toting two dimes and a flea condom.

The Brass is 25% off right now, but act fast. These are tough, high quality little lights, and Peak has great customer service in my experience. There's a reason why ya just don't see many Peaks available for re-sale on the CPF B-S-T section: they're neat, practical, reliable, and durable. Like the Arcs, they really grow on you. The Baltic fits your particular need quite nicely.

The Fenix doesn't take any energy when it's off. I think the Liteflux doesn't either. IIRC the Draco is off when it is off. No power drain.

Unless you work around crushers or very heavy objects, I don't think the tube material would matter much as long as it is a good metal.

I'd go for the Fenix or Liteflux but that is mostly because I don't have much cash.

If you go for the Aeon, I hope you like it!

Hi,

I'm too looking for a _really_ small flashlight to carry along with me in the
pocket. I currently have a Liteflux LF2X (78 mm x 14 mm); basically
the light should be able to last for say 30 min walking through dark
without stepping into dogsdr**pings... (so the battery needn't last that long, but the light should be rather bright). And the size should be s.th. like ca. 50 mm x 11.5mm. I have been looking at the Aunoc AAAA and the Draco lights.
It would be great if you made some suggestions, thanks for your effort!

have a nice day...

matthias:wave:

Hi Greentee!
I went with my gut feeling and bought an Aeon :0)
CONS
weight - double arc aaa
$$$ - expensive
possible damage - worries the lens will get busted but I'm not going to 'baby' the light

PROS
beam - tint and power is MUCH better, won't be going back

I considered the Draco but was put off by rechargable batteries, runtime and UI.

Hope this helps

Anyone uses an ArcMania MPJ Extreme III as a beater? I have one but it's a shelf queen.

gojira54: What is that short aluminum, or steel tube on your keyring?
BTW, my set of keyring toys are similar to yours, only I replaced my SAK with a Swiss+Tech Utili-Key XT 8-in-1 .

adamlau said:

gojira54: What is that short aluminum, or steel tube on your keyring?
BTW, my set of keyring toys are similar to yours, only I replaced my SAK with a Swiss+Tech Utili-Key XT 8-in-1 .

Click to expand...

You have only one key on your keychain? Mine has more than 25 each, have two, with multiple rings.

Correct, only one key on that particular ring of the chain. Such is the beauty of what the EK Acessories Triple Cat allows you to do .

The thing on my keys is a 'pill fob'...
http://www.jazebra.com/pill-fob.html
Tried a few different brands but these are tough
The magnum size holds one CR2 or a microSD usb stick nicely!