Best EDC LED for searching small areas, I prefer a flood beam over a focused spot

Looking for a new pocket light to search small areas such as cars, drawers, cabinets, etc. I will need one with a pocket clip for sure.

I am NOT looking for a tight hot spot. I am replacing a Surefire E1b that I accidentally left somewhere. I liked the size, but the beam was a little too focused for my needs. I kinda like the bulk of the CR123 flashlight, but I am open to an AA model if you guys think I need to move that direction.

Thanks for your time.

What's your price range? I'd suggest the Elzetta Alpha with a flood lens. Plenty of light, wide beam, high and low modes, tough as nails. Also cheaper than Surefire.

Opie-IN said:

Looking for a new pocket light to search small areas such as cars, drawers, cabinets, etc. I will need one with a pocket clip for sure.
I am NOT looking for a tight hot spot. I am replacing a Surefire E1b that I accidentally left somewhere. I liked the size, but the beam was a little too focused for my needs. I kinda like the bulk of the CR123 flashlight, but I am open to an AA model if you guys think I need to move that direction.

Thanks for your time.

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OT no recommendation just a tip for using your e1b for such indoor small space search purposes in the meantime- shine it toward the surface above where you're looking.

Malkoff Devices has 1x cr123 and 1x AA lights with single mode or 3 mode.

OP, the Malkoff lights suggested by tech25 are excellent devices. I'd also add my voice to that recommendation. However, the beam pattern will have a central hot spot produced by the reflector. Still a much broader beam than your SF.

Another option is dc-fix diffuser film. If you find a light that fits your needs (single cr123, pocket clip) but there is no flood option, it works great. I use my lights a lot for the purposes you describe so I have it on many of them.

Opie-IN said:

CR123 flashlight w pocket clip

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Olight S mini has a floody beam due to the TIR lens.
Zebralight SC32 not floody but they have a frosted lens option you can ask for when you order the light. Has a sophisticated programmable UserInterface. Or you can just turn it on, like your Surefire.. sorry you lost it

neither of the above are tailswitch lights.. hope you find something you like

So far I am really liking that Elzetta Alpha/Flood lens combo, Too bad it does not have a pocket clip.

I see they make a clip that can be added, but it seems like an afterthought and a few guys here have said the clip is junk.

The search continues...

I recommend the Zebralight H53Fc, 4000K high CRI beam, floody beam profile with a smooth, blurred out hotspot, perfect for close range applications. Over a dozen well thought-out modes and 2 user programmable UI groups. Comes with a pocket clip which I find it to be very handy, clip it on my shirt and I'm good to go, 100% hands free. The CR123A equivalent would be the H32Fw, 4400K CCT but not high CRI.

Opie-IN said:

So far I am really liking that Elzetta Alpha/Flood lens combo, Too bad it does not have a pocket clip.

I see they make a clip that can be added, but it seems like an afterthought and a few guys here have said the clip is junk.

The search continues...

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Pretty sure a Prometheus Ti clip fits an Alpha...Have one on my Elzetta Bravo and it's a perfect fit.

TCY said:

I recommend the Zebralight H53Fc, 4000K high CRI beam, floody beam profile with a smooth, blurred out hotspot, perfect for close range applications. Over a dozen well thought-out modes and 2 user programmable UI groups. Comes with a pocket clip which I find it to be very handy, clip it on my shirt and I'm good to go, 100% hands free. The CR123A equivalent would be the H32Fw, 4400K CCT but not high CRI.

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If the OP prefers a straight flashlight to an angle light / headlamp, a couple members have reported they were able to request frosted versions of the Zebralight SC53 or SC5 MkII. That will give a very similar beam.

The CR123A powered version is presumably coming eventually, but who knows exactly when.

There are several options. For longer run time and a little wider spill, look at the Nitecore EA11/EC11. the EA uses a single AA or 14500 cell, and the EC uses one CR123A or 18340.
For a smaller light, Lumintop makes the Tool and the IYP365, both of which would work well for your needs. Another good AAA light would be the Nitecore MT06 or MT06MD. The MT06 is a two mode two AAA light with a CREE emitter, while the MT06MD is a three mode with a Nichia emitter for better color rendition.

I have also found it helpful when searching for something to put the light down close to the same plane as the surface you are searching. That way anything there will cast a shadow which makes it easy to pick out. This works especially well on carpet.

iamlucky13 said:

If the OP prefers a straight flashlight to an angle light / headlamp, a couple members have reported they were able to request frosted versions of the Zebralight SC53 or SC5 MkII. That will give a very similar beam.

The CR123A powered version is presumably coming eventually, but who knows exactly when.

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Hmm, thanks for pointing it out, I just realised the stock SC53 line doesn't have a F flavour. ZL is indeed quite flexible on this regard and kudos to them. A H33Fc would be the ideal emergency/super cold place light for me although under normal circumstances I would still prefer ZL's 18650 alternatives.

If you liked the E1B but want a flood beam, what about the E1B Maxvision?

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?429038-Surefire-E1B-MaxVision-discussion

I have a light on me daily for those exact functions. It is around my neck. Photon Freedom. I like the covert version, but a regular will flood more. I try to be minimalist in my EDC.

They can be had for less on Amazon, but here is the factory link:
http://www.photonlight.com/led-flashlights/photon-freedom-micro-led-keychain-flashlight/

You guys are complicating things.

Since you lost your last light, no sense in spending a lot of money, as you will likely lose it anyway.

Get some of these, and duct tape a large paper clip to it. Less than $10 for a ten pack at Walmart.com.

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Budget ?

If not limited, I like the LensLight Mini as an excellent alternative to the E1B ....



And, yes, I often use a diffuser on my E1B ...

A Mule is another very nice option ...