Form factor vs praticality

I've been spending way too much time obsessing over what flashlight to get next and have come to the point where I need to start considering what form factors are practical for me. Right now I'm considering lights that are 1 x 18650/28650/26650, 2 x 18650 side by side and inline, 3 x 18650, and 4 x 18650.

As a 'wee lad, I had no problems lugging around a 4D Maglite which put out just shy of 100 lumens. It seems the days of having to carry around a massive flashlight to get a nice amount of output and battery life are over.

However, I still find myself going down that slippery slope of wanting more output without sacrificing too much battery life. Thus, I find myself chasing the rabbit but I want to make sure I actually want to catch it before I pull the trigger.

What do you think of various flashlight form factors? Do you put a pop-can lite in your pocket? Do you ever dislike holding a larger/heavier light while walking for extended periods of time? I kind of like the 'mag style flashlight (as seen in the TK47), but it definitely won't fit in a pocket.

I don't have any side by side or popcan lights, but I am curious about them - by the time I'm willing to carry a light that wide I'd just as soon have one twice as long too (8× 18650!) and have a shoulder strap for it.
I like 1x AAA, 1x AA, 2x AA, 1x 18650, and 2x 18650 layouts, they all work in either a front or back pocket, and can be bite - gripped.

I carry and HDS and it covers 99% of what I do. It's not even a fancy new one, and it only puts out 140lm. The single CR123 format for me works very well. My jobs requires a flashlight, and I walk around at night a lot too. They're easy to carry either clipped to a pocket, dropped in a pocket or a small holster on the belt. I have several 2x CR123 lights as well and they always ride in the bag I take. I could go smaller, but I do use my lights, and they occasionally cop some abuse, so I tend towards overbuilt lights. I won't buy a light I won't carry, and for me that's anything bigger than 2x CR123. Pop cans don't appeal to me, nor do 4x AA lights. I just won't carry them.

If you'll have your light on you at night, when you know you'll certainly be using it then why not go for something brighter and bigger? Comes with longer run times and more light (who doesn't love stupid bright lights?), but if you're looking for an edc you'll have on your person at all times there's plenty of smaller, plenty bright and long running lights around.

Lets get some more input - love this type of discussion!

I carry 1x123 a lot. But if I know I'll need an extended period of light I take a 1x18650. I have a couple of 3x18650, but they don't outlast the 1x18650 if they're on high & they don't get Carried much. More of a show off light.

I wind up with my Convoy L6 in my back pocket all the time. I don't use the tactical ring, so I can slide it in my pocket, with the head out, of course. It actually isn't very uncomfortable with loose jeans. That's pretty much just on nature walks, out in the woods, or showing off. Usually I have my S2+ in my back pocket, and lately I've been taking my S2+UV with me a lot, just for fun. Sometimes I still like to have a mini mag pro led or two on my belt or in my pocket. They work the best for me for the times I need to hold the light in my mouth. A few wraps of electrical tape on the end makes them teeth friendly, plus there's some emergency electrical tape.

I don't own any pop can lights yet, but I think the form factor of the L6 has them beat for the ability to keep it in a pocket, even if just for short periods, and the ability to hold the light steadily in the crook of your arm or between the shoulder and neck. It looks more menacing, so the pop can form factor wins out if that is an issue.

Very interesting topic and very thought provoking topic post, thought process very clearly stated.

I like to edc the largest flashlight that I can, to get the nice amount of output and nice beam profile that I want.

I carry my lights in belt holsters, instead of in pockets.

I like to edc something compact. I define compact as having head diameter that is close to body diameter. That is, for any given size class, compact would be head diameter is same as body diameter.

I define practicality in degrees, as indicated by fuel supply size:

Small practicality: Single 18650: Olight S2 baton.

Medium practicality: Two 18650: P60vn Quad XP-L HD 2 cell host Cryos Cu head.

Large-medium practicality: Three 18650: Manker MK34Vn.

Large practicality, compact: Four 18650 Noctigon Meteor M43vn XP-L dd.

Large practicality, not compact: Fenix TK75vnQ70 dome on.

Full performance, full size: Acebeam X65Vn.

My wife and I walk everyday in the morning so having a light that is comfortable to hold and has decent battery life is my priority. The two lights we use are an EC50 gen II and X7vn. The EC50 is an absolutely fantastic light, it's floody, great run time on high, and can manage heat well. The X7vn is my weapon of choice because it fits in my coat pocket(yes it's heavy)and has crazy output to make me smile while still having modes that last a couple of hours(15%) without heat or battery issues. If you have small hands pop cans may not work for you, my wife doesn't really like my x7 because it's hard to hold.

One of the upsides of larger lights is it's harder to lose in the dark and easier to get a grip on. I carry around 1XAAA and 1xCR123 lights - but when I need a light to work under - it's 2xAA or 1x18650 or larger

For EDC use I find myself carrying 18350 triples or CR123 lights very often. If I know I'll be out after dark that gets upgraded to an 18650 light.

Strictly pragmatically speaking, an SC63W is 18650 with the size of a CR123 light, there's very few reasons not to carry it. Of course, this is also a hobby and it gets boring being practical all the time.

In addition, I use my EDC lights more than any other light and so most of my lights are EDC sized, with the exception of my dog walking light. I haven't found anything beat the M43 in that role. The TN35 would've been perfect but it's big enough to make it hard to scoop up what I have to while juggling the light and leash.

Interesting topic. All lights are a compromise. You either give up small size, output or runtime.

My AIMP (Always In My Pocket) is an AAA light. 2 modes, reasonable output and runtime. The nice beam and neutral tint are a plus.

But I have many other lights CAT (Close At Hand). These include flood or throw specialists. Lights with long runtime or high output. I like CR123 lights like HDS and McGizmo, but find that they are a little too big for AIMP. Your mileage may differ. I have several lights that are 2x18650 - high output, relatively short runtime. These can by used with 1x18650 and I have other 1x18650 that provide medium output and long runtime. Several are 2x1860 and have high output and long runtime. And some are 3 or 4x18650. None of these are hard or awkward to hold and perform their intended task as intended.

I think the form factor is an inherent element of practicality. The soda can design can limit when and where a flashlight is practical. Likewise a single cell light's form factor makes it more practical in more scenarios. The larger lights, typically with either greater output or longer run times, become useful when the performance outweighs the impact of the form, thereby becoming more practical.

Example: for casual, daily carry, the Surefire Titan Plus covers most of my on-hand lighting needs. Back when I might find myself working in surprise conditions, my EDC was a SF E1L, or a 3P clone.

But when I was out in the field, or doing foot patrol, two and three cell flashlights were far more useful for the output and run time. As well as fitting more comfortably in the hand for extended periods - but I also have big hands.

Thanks all for the replies. I've added all the flashlights everyone mentioned to my spreadsheet and will do my research on them.

I live in a metro that's reasonably well lit, so I don't have a very strong need for a EDC light. It also helps that I don't have a dog to walk and work in a cubical farm.

I'm looking for a light that I can rely on to provide reasonable output for a reasonable amount of time while away from home (ie camping, hiking, the occasional late walk, etc). Since I've been leaning toward floodier lights, a larger light seems appealing since it takes a lot more energy for a floody light to reach the same candela level as a thrower - even if we're talking about a hotspot that's not that intense overall. Bigger lights also have more battery capacity, but I know that I can always swap batteries in a smaller light.

I just don't want to jump headlong into a pop can or L6/SD75 style lite if people find them cumbersome to use for hours on end. I'm happy to hear that most of you don't find that to be the case. I have fond memories of my mag, and kind of liked its heft, but I haven't used it in over a decade.

Take a look at the TN30vn35. It is a popcan flooder that throws 100K lux. I got it in neutral and it is a very useful all-arounder.

Since you're looking for recommendations, Maglite actually has some interesting offerings in 2D and 2 or 3 C flashlights. Interesting enough I've debated getting one as a beater.

There are a handful 2xAAs that you might want to consider as well:
Olight S2A
Fenix E20 (2015 edition)
Fenix FD20 - is this a new release and is supposed to be zoom-capable; you can alternate between throw or flood. I haven't played with it, but you may find it interesting.
Nitecore MT2A
EagleTac D25A2 Mini

gumert said:

I'm looking for a light that I can rely on to provide reasonable output for a reasonable amount of time while away from home (ie camping, hiking, the occasional late walk, etc)

Click to expand...

Sounds like you'd be fine with a 1xAA light then.

I'm mostly serious. I'm very comfortable hiking on a rocky trail with 50 lumens, which a lot of AA lights can do for 5+ hours. I've done it with less than 10 lumens safely.

That said, you also seem concerned about having plenty of output and runtime, so really I'd lean towards a 1x18650 light in your case.

With 1x18650, we're talking about lights that often can sustain the 100 lumens of your old 4xD maglite (more or less flat output, where as the maglite dimmed a fair amount over its rated runtime) for 12+ hours.

How far do you actually figure you need to be able to see with a floody light?

I've tried almost all form factors except the right angle lights and headlights. I have the TM11 and EA4 for pop can lights. They aren't too bad on the belt, but I don't think I would want to carry them all day. I have a TM16GT for when I really want to reach out and touch someone, but definitely can't see carrying/wearing it for any length of time. It is more of a focused task light - use it then put it away again. For carrying around for any length of time I would say that the Nitecore EA11 makes a great belt carry/jacket pocket light with a 14500 cell. Not a whole lot of run time, but if I need that much run time I will use the EA45S 4xAA light I have, or the P30. I really like the P30 because even though it has a larger than expected reflector, it is still a small single 18650 light. It is not heavy in the hand, and I would not have any problems carrying one on my belt all day. At the higher modes the center beam is very obvious, but especially with the lower modes the light evens out more and gives a great spill without dazzling one's eyes. Then, of course, I have the Tube on my keychain and/or the Microstream or Lumintop Tool in my pants pocket as backup. And it is not hard at all to carry along a couple of extra AAA cells for extended run time.

I think my ideal general setup would be a Nichia Tool in my pocket, my EA11 on my belt on one side, and my P30 on my belt on my other side.

The question of factoring weight, bulk, runtime, lux, lumens, emergency backup reserve power, user interface, and color temperature (and tint) are all factors worthy of consideration and discussion, for sure. A triple emitter with twin 18650's might be the balance you seek. Maybe you want more energy on tap, or more (somewhat) floody throw. Seems like the XHP LED's might entice. Did you like the defensive heft and defensive look of the Maglite? (another factor for some)

If you're just looking for one, all purpose light, get a Zebralight H600w, or H600Fw, spend 20$ more and get a MK III, or save 20$ and get a MK II, either way you'll have a great light; latest and greatest, or tried and true, take your pick.
- it's a right angle light. You can put a Zebralight H style pocket clip on it no problem, and still use the head band.
Some people like to clip them on their waistbands to keep the bugs away from their eyes, and increase perspective when walking on trails, - use as hip light rather than head light.
It's an all purpose design, and it tends to grow on you.
At this point, if I could have only one light it would be an H600w, and if I could only have two lights... I'd probably get another for a spare.
H600Fw is definitely a better headlamp, the frosted lens (F) creates a nice and even field of view, with nearly the range of the clear lens model. But if you want the most all purpose light then go for the regular H600 or H600w... but the H600Fw is a nearly perfect, all round balance of compromises, great headlamp.

- also these lights are about as light and compact as as 18650 light can be while still being durable, the flashlight weighs about the same as the battery, and with a battery and clip it's only around 3 & 1/2 oz.

I've very recently decided that there are very few occasions that I need a light that's brighter than a good AA with the level of outputs that are available nowadays ... with most giving the option of 14500 if needed and they take up a noticeable amount less room in a pocket than a small 18650 does.

I'll often walk a dog straight out from the house and in which case if it's going to be in my hand the whole time I'll probably grab an 18650 as they don't need charging up nearly so often but for anything that requires it be carried in a pocket I'll always choose the smaller.

That said I could totally understand a heavy user, someone who's say police / security or ambulance ... anything that involves night shifts where a torch may often be used wanting longer run times than an AA offers and if I was in that situation would probably get a holster but for the average person how often do you need hours of output at 1000 lumen for dog walking / crawling back from the local watering hole

I think this query reminds me of the question ... what's the best camera ..... the one you have with you ... a high end SLR with various lenses often gets left at home as people don't want the baggage and phones now offer an extremely convenient alternative especially as the quality is so improved in recent years.