Stylus type light help

I used to have a leatherman monarch 16 lumen light that i would keep in my car just in case i dropped something at night. Since it decided to get lost i was looking to replace it. I want to replace it with a stylus type light but there are just too many choices. I could also use a preon 1 sized light but would prefer a tail switch. i am just not sure if it is worth having such a small light with that many modes. I am open to suggestions.

Howdy tbone1993 and welcome to CPF,
Yes, there are LOTS of choices, and even those of us who've been around here for a while have trouble deciding which light is right for us .

It's always hard for me to recommend lights, because I've found that what I like about a particular light might be the very thing that somebody else hates about that same light. Of course, that's WHY there are so many choices.

So, I usually recommend that a new member start by reading some of the information found here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?277224-The-Welcome-Mat-a-FAQ

Don't worry about reading or understanding ALL of that page...... just try to absorb what you can. It will help you get a fundamental grasp of current flashlight technology and the terminology we use the discuss it.

We tend to like rechargeable batteries around here, and this is an excellent site for learning about those:
http://batteryuniversity.com/

And here are some fine flashlight review sites:
http://www.light-reviews.com/reviews.html
http://www.sliderule.ca/flashlight.htm
http://www.lygte-info.dk/review/Reviews%20UK.html

The more you read and learn, the better equipped you'll be to make the right decision about which lights are right for YOU.

In the mean time, I'm sure some other CPF members will chime in with suggestions.

Have fun!

If you are going to keep the flashlight in the car, do not use alkaline batteries. The temperature extremes commonly found inside a car can accelerate battery leakage. Use Energizer lithium primary (non rechargeable) cells instead.

The newest version (48 lumen) Streamlight Stylus Pro is bright and simple to use. It has replaced my older Stylus Pro and I've been using it daily.

Link: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...4-Streamlight-Stylus-Pro-new-48-lumen-version

EagleTac PN20a2. Very tactical in appearance, but if you're going to keep it in your car as a back-up, it won't matter.

A very simple two level interface, access low and high mode by loosening or tightening the head, respectively. Tail-cap clicky on/off switch. Available in either cool or neutral white, with an available set of colored filters. About $40.

Preon 2
You can also just buy a Preon 2 switch for your Preon 1.

I vote Preon 2. It has the tail cap which is so handy. It's brighter than the preon 1, of course, and it has longer life between battery changes, or in an emergency, because it has 2 rather than 1 AAA. Still kicks out a good amount of light when needed, and it has a good spread to the beam. Excellent all rounder. But if it was for keeping in the car glovebox, I'd use Energizer "Ultimate Lithium" or similar. In fact, that's exactly what I do.