Out of the loop - Advice for Latest and Greatest EDC, etc.

Blindspot

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jan 28, 2006
Messages
140
I've been out of the flashlight loop for about two years (during which time I have been changing diapers - no, not my own...) and would really appreciate some input on how I might spoil myself this Christmas season with some new purchases that I have missed out on while warming bottles (yes, those were for me....)

My EDC for some time now has been a Fenix P1D. I would love to try out the latest and greatest in EDC, as well as get some opinions on other categories that I may have missed. See my sig below to see where I left off, more or less.... I'd particularly like to replace my long lost HDS EDC U60 XRGT with something, if a light of similar quality ands perhaps more output has been produced.

Hope this isn't too general a thread to start - I guess I'm just looking for a jump-start after a lengthy hibernation! All thoughts, suggestions, and advice welcome.

Thanks.
 

balou

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Joined
Dec 1, 2008
Messages
345
Location
Switzerland
Last year the hot EDC flashlight was the Nitecore D10/EX10.
This year, there's much fuzz about the 4sevens Quark Series.
You said Fenix P1D - do I assume correctly you'd still prefer CR123 over AAs?

Quark 123, R5 Edition:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_305&products_id=1600
Yep, that R5 means Cree XP-G R5. There has been quite an improvement in flux lately... R5 only takes 3/4 as much energy for same light output as Q5

Also, for an ultra-compact EDC, check out the Quark mini 123:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=203486
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045

Um yeah... two times 4sevens. For other manufactures someone else has to chime in...


edit: if you want to replace your HDS... http://www.hdssystems.com/
I don't think there are real contenders in that particular segment of high-quality EDC lights.
Surefires might also be an option - but if you have chosen HDS in the past, I assume because of it's user interface. Surefire are single or two mode lights, so UI-wise not really comparable
 
Last edited:

Blindspot

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jan 28, 2006
Messages
140
Last year the hot EDC flashlight was the Nitecore D10/EX10.
This year, there's much fuzz about the 4sevens Quark Series.
You said Fenix P1D - do I assume correctly you'd still prefer CR123 over AAs?

Quark 123, R5 Edition:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_305&products_id=1600
Yep, that R5 means Cree XP-G R5. There has been quite an improvement in flux lately... R5 only takes 3/4 as much energy for same light output as Q5

Also, for an ultra-compact EDC, check out the Quark mini 123:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=203486
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045

Um yeah... two times 4sevens. For other manufactures someone else has to chime in...

I'm very flexible though I do seem to run through more CR123 than anything else. I have a McLux III PD which would be my EDC if I weren't so reluctant to risk losing it. That said, I intend to buy myself several flashlights this season, and I'm open to variety, both in form factor and battery requirements, and I hope to avoid outright duplication of what I already have, as well as try some of the newest and "hottest" items. I just love flashlights. :eek:
 

balou

Enlightened
Joined
Dec 1, 2008
Messages
345
Location
Switzerland
Have a look around at 4sevens.com - both lights I mentioned also come in an AA variation (all also running with AA-sized 14500 Li-ions). With the Quarks you could also buy multiple battery tubes for 1 or 2 AA or CR123. Or even a 18650 tube.
In my opinion, the Quark mini AA is better proportioned than the CR123 variant - and if you run it with 14500, it has the same output as the CR123 variant.
 

Blindspot

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Jan 28, 2006
Messages
140
I'm buying!

Took my McLux to an Elton John concert tonight. Used it to light the footwell for a few people trying to get through the isle.
 
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