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EDC Flashlight Recommendations?


Constable85

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Looking for EDC flashlight. I am new to the world of flashlights but I would want it to be easy to carry (obviously) and although i know the tactical versions offer one light option for simplicity sake, I would prefer the option of high beam and low beam because I'll be using it around the house too. Surefire is supposed to be great but they seem way overpriced (GPX Pro caught my eye along with the Fury but are they easy to carry with the big head?). I also looked at Fenix PD35 (half the price of Surefire's but is that still the latest option there?). I would also prefer a strobe option. Any recommendations out there?

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I've beat the crap out of a Streamlight stinger for 5 years, only having to replace a few bulbs. I've dropped it into a tank full of diesel fuel, sprayed it out with brake cleaner, and still works great. I've since transformed it into a cordless drop light using their light pipe, and the original batteries still function flawlessly.

 

Upgraded to a stinger led HL, have a polytac that I use all the time, and they're all awesome.

 

Great company and they stand behind their products.

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I like soundguy's philosophy for an EDC light. I find that lights that are around 30-50 lumens are the most useful for me, and have "better" battery life to boot. You can get tac lights with useable EDC settings, but they're still better as tac lights. I use a Fenix LD01 (single AAA) daily as a work light and goes with me always. I also carry an LD09 that takes a single AA and is a bit more versatile all around, but still carries easily in a pants pocket w/clip. Kind of depends on what you need a light for.

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I carry a Fenix PD20 in my front left pocket. It has 3 lower settings plus a turbo setting that is rated 180 lumens. I keep it set on turbo. It runs on a single 123A battery. They have a PD22 that is rated at 210 lumens I think . I also carry a Streamlight , Micro-stream ( 1 AAA battery ) rated at 28 lumens in my front shirt pocket. They have an improved version of this light rated at 35 lumens now.

 

I also have 3 Surefire flashlights . I have an older E1L ( 25 lumens ) , a 6P , and a 9P . Both the 6 and 9 P have Alpha 10 aftermarket bulbs that throw a brighter , tighter beam. The 6P isn't to bad to carry on your belt but the 9P is just to long as far as I am concerned. The Surefire lights are good lights and they are tough but I think they are pricing themselves out of the market compared to what you can get from the other manufacturers.

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Tactically... As a guy that might use more disposable batteries than maybe anyone here...

 

That CR123 battery is nuthin' special. They cost too much, don't last that long and you can't buy an emergency back up at the convenience store. If my EDC light used a CR123, I would keep a backup EDC light that ran on AA, AAA or 9V. Lots of those everywhere.

 

An EDC anything is a very personal choice. I have a few very nice EDC lights that use CR123s in a box that never get used. And there they will stay until I can trade then for something I can better use in the next Zombie Apocalypse.

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I carry a Nitecore P10 everyday. I also have a Nitcore SRT6. Both are nice lights and have taken some good abuse. I like the P10 for EDC because it is only 1" diameter for the whole body, has 3 programmable functions, is rated at 800 lumens on high, takes rechargeable 18650 or CR123 batteries, 1.5 Meter drop rated(It has worked so far, even from ladders to concrete), and 2 meter submersible, and it is reasonably priced.

 

Nitecore P10

 

There are a few of their lights here that run AA and AAA batteries if that is what you are looking for.

 

http://www.nitecore.com/productList.aspx?cid=114

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I have a Surefire E2D Defender:

 

http://www.brightguy.com/images/products/large/SureFire%20E2D%20LED%20Defender%20ULTRA%20High%20Output%20LED%20Flashlight_1.jpg

 

It uses 2 of those Lithium CR123 batteries.

 

I have had it for at least 5 years now. I had used it a few times for IDPA night matches and lights out stages at indoor ranges.

 

Hindsight being what it is, I would never buy another flashlight that took those CR123 batteries.

 

I'd go with something that takes AA's or AAA's.

 

EDIT: the E2D Defender doesn't have a strobe function.

 

A few years ago when the NRA show came to St. Louis, Blackhawk had a booth with a black all enclosed tent inside it. So I subjected myself to the strobing feature of their Gladius flashlight. Without any other visual clues, it was quite disorienting. At the time, it was quite spendy. Just now doing a quick google search, it appears Blackhawk discontinued it.

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If batteries or budget are the primary concern, get an ultrafire. The 502b is very versatile, and for only $15 including 2 18650 lithium cells and charger, the price can't be beat.

 

They're bright and fairly tough. I've had the lense shot out of two of them during coursework (airsoft), and they still work just fine.

 

I'd recommend getting a couple just to have laying around. Having extra flashlights around is never a bad idea, and for the price, you can buy 10 for the price of a higher end torch.

 

The only thing I hate, and I mean HATE, is that you must cycle through 5 modes to return to the bright setting. It angers me that I can't just have a simple on/off operation.

 

That being said, more manufacturers need to switch over to the 18650 cells. There must be some conspiracy with the battery companies or something. There's no reason that every flashlight can't accept a 18650 cell. They're cheap and have great capacity.

 

I agree about the cr123 cells. For what you get out of them, they're not worth the money.

 

A Streamlight Strion is a great choice for a rechargeable high quality light.

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There are a million different lights and everyone has one they like, I just bought a Klarus XT11, it was under 70$ with 2 rechargeable batteries (18650 like a double cr123) and a charger. It has 3 settings the low is nice and not super bright, the medium is good around the house, bright is great if you want to light up a room, and it has a nice strobe as well.

 

Here is the link on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PD2Q55E/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Here is an un boxing video, the batteries were not charged:

http://youtu.be/Vm5wDB6dmaE

 

Here is surefire quick release mount I bought for it also:

http://youtu.be/hqq9A9D6MVw

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I'm sporting a 4Sevens Quark Tactical QT2A ( 2xAA batts.w/ clicky tailcap)

 

Has a programmable head (2 positions ) with four light settings to choose from. I chose HIGH and MOONBEAM.

 

It fits in my Carhartt carpenters pocket of my pants and sits by the bedside table at night.

 

I have gone to Energizer Lithiums for the batteries because of past experiences with alkaline batteries leaking in past lights.

 

Sign up for theirs or any manufactures email updates and you can find a sale to save a few bucks. I have a total of four 4Sevens lights.....I like them.

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Streamlight PT-1L This thing has taken a beating and never failed. Brother has one that was run over by a loaded tanker truck that still functions fine.

It has the High, Strobe, & Low settings that you're looking for. (is even programmable for what order you'd like it start it)

 

I have others but, for ALL THE TIME carry (if I'm awake... it's with me). My wife carries one with her as well, if it was in any way bulky or 'stood out' she'd never carry it.

 

The CR123 batteries have good performance (weight to output ratio) and are not nearly as hard to come by as many would have you believe. (Lowes sells them at the checkout & local Walgreens has them near photo).

 

Good luck in finding what works best for you.

Respectfully,

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http://www.amazon.com/UltraFire®7W-300LM-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable/dp/B006E0QAFY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1425140072&sr=1-1&keywords=led+flashlight

 

Easy to carry, cheap, and takes a beating. I have had mine going on two years. I carry it in my front pocket. The paint is starting to wear off it because I carry it so much. It goes from a flood to a spotlight. Uses a 'AA' battery. Liked mine so much I bought 5 more and we have them in vehicles, wife and daughter's purses.

 

Also, I bought the three mode flashlight (low, high, and strobe). $4.03 with free shipping.

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Streamlight PT-1L This thing has taken a beating and never failed. Brother has one that was run over by a loaded tanker truck that still functions fine.

It has the High, Strobe, & Low settings that you're looking for. (is even programmable for what order you'd like it start it)

 

I have others but, for ALL THE TIME carry (if I'm awake... it's with me). My wife carries one with her as well, if it was in any way bulky or 'stood out' she'd never carry it.

 

The CR123 batteries have good performance (weight to output ratio) and are not nearly as hard to come by as many would have you believe. (Lowes sells them at the checkout & local Walgreens has them near photo).

 

Good luck in finding what works best for you.

Respectfully,

Funny about it being run over by a truck. One of my buddies dropped his maglite into a transmission.

 

The trans was making an odd noise, and we were running the truck with the top cover off. He dropped his maglite, right into the trans. Locked up the trans, killed the engine. We hand cranked the engine backward, got the maglite out. It was hilarious. The thing was smashed into a zigzag from going into the gears. Still lit up for a year or so after.

 

I'll have to try to find the pics I have of It.

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The Hugsby-XP1:

 

http://www.aliexpress.com/item/CREE-XPE-R3-LED-Flashlight-led-torch-Portable-Mini-Pocket-light-Skid-proof-abrasion-resistance-1/2040660771.html

 

http://i00.i.aliimg.com/wsphoto/v1/926540206_4/Hugsby-XP-1-1-x-AAA-Battery-CREE-XP-E-R2-120-Lumens-LED-Lamp-Clip.jpg

 

I have a dozen of these. I also have a few streamlights. The XP-1 is every bit as nice as the Streamlight MicroStream and it's brighter. You can get (4) XP-1's for the price of the microstream.

 

Just have to be patient on the shipping but it's worth it.

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I EDC a surefire E1B backup. Surefire are expensive but they are built to last with a lifetime warranty.

 

http://www.batteryjunction.com

 

I get my CR123 from here. They last 10 years do you can store them long term.

 

That's a cool flashlight, great size and great brand but over $200 for a small, EDC light? I'm not able to swing that. Ouch. Got my 4-7 today and love it. My fury is still in route!

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