EDC Flashlight

[Coronach]

Before we start this, yes, I am aware of candlepowerforums, and similar places. I looked there, and I could register and ask there, but frankly? That's almost too much information. I just need a flashlight.

I'm looking for a new EDC flashlight. Right now I have a Photon Microlight on my keychain and a Streamlight Scorpion that is my usual EDC. I'm satisfied with the amount and quality of light the Scorp puts out (See? I'm a heathen), but feeding it CR123s is just killing me.

I need a replacement light that is the same size or smaller that can use rechargable batteries and produces comparable light. Or, failing that, something of comparable size/output that does not eat CR123s so darned fast. Runtime is not a vast concern in a rechargable, but longer is always better. It needs to be bright enough to do "tactical" duty for my CCW, though. That's a must. Slim and small, no wide bezels, no crenelated caps.

As reference, on duty I carry a Surefire 9Z, which has the same battery issues, and one of Juan's 951 Lumen Mag lights. I use the Mag light for 99% of everything, as it is really bright and the batteries are rechargable. I use the 9Z with my weapon- it's "bright enough" and is really easy to hold.

Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks,
Mike

 

[modifiedbrowning]

Check out Inova they have some pretty slim LED lights. A couple of models are sold at Target, at least around here.

 

[JShirley]

Fenix L1P: 1AA, very small (less than Inova X1), unregulated. About 2 hrs to 50% output with 2500 mAH batteries.

Fenix L2P: 2AA, smaller than Mini Maglite, fully regulated. Over 4 hrs of full-intensity light, then dropping off abruptly for another 40 minutes.

$38 and $39 at http://fenix-store.com/ .

Or, get them both, and run the L2P head on the L1P body...

John

 

[clipse]

I was going to suggest the fenix as well. While not as bright as the scorpion, it is bright enough for most gerenal uses. It will take rechargables but I use lithiums as they give a much longer runtime. I'm strongly considering an L2P but for now the L1P rides on my belt all the time. I also carry an Amilite Neo T3. Much brighter than the L1P but it takes one 123A and only last about 1 1/2 hours.

clipse

 

[cslinger]

How do you normally use your EDC? The reason I ask is I carry an HDS EDC ultimate 42 or Basic 60LE. Both have several levels of light available to you and are a single 123 package. I have had the U42 now since last September and have yet to change the single 123 battery that came with it. I use it every night on minimum or low settings for just very dark general illumination. I use the 42 lumen mode in short bursts quite a bit.

The Basic 60LE has run for 12 hours on the 10 lumen setting and still had enough juice to light up the 60 lumen setting for a few short bursts.

All in all these are some of the best lights I have ever had.

Chris

http://www.hdssystems.com/
http://www.batterystation.com/hds-edcflashlights.htm

Compared to a couple of single cell Surefires.

Compared with some common carry gear.

 

[JShirley]

Is that an ARC on your keychain?

J

 

[cslinger]

PEAK Matterhorn 1 LED Snow.

Chris

 

[Coronach]

Fenix L1P: 1AA, very small (less than Inova X1), unregulated. About 2 hrs to 50% output with 2500 mAH batteries.

Fenix L2P: 2AA, smaller than Mini Maglite, fully regulated. Over 4 hrs of full-intensity light, then dropping off abruptly for another 40 minutes.

$38 and $39 at http://fenix-store.com/ .

Or, get them both, and run the L2P head on the L1P body...

I was seriously looking at the Fenix. Is it bright enough for "tactical" use? I mean, I don't extpect it to blind someone, but is it bright enough to illuminate a target for engagement with a handgun at typical SD distances?

Also, what happens if you switch the heads? I assume that you will get L1P brightness for a good while, then it will suddenly drop off as the battery output falls below theshold?

How do you normally use your EDC? The reason I ask is I carry an HDS EDC ultimate 42 or Basic 60LE. Both have several levels of light available to you and are a single 123 package. I have had the U42 now since last September and have yet to change the single 123 battery that came with it. I use it every night on minimum or low settings for just very dark general illumination. I use the 42 lumen mode in short bursts quite a bit.

Generally, the Scorp is actually too much light. When using it for small, close tasks it tends to just irradiate the heck out of the what you're doing, so a light with less output would be OK. However, I want this to double as the illuminator for my CCW...so it has to be able to really light stuff up. The Scorp has two settings; 'blinding', and 'off'.

I was considering the HDS-EDC also. It looks small and simple.

Mike

 

[JShirley]

Yes, it will be bright enough for target ID.

Here's SureFire E1L. Looks like it's got a little more throw.

Here's L1P. It's got lots more flood than the SureFire. L2P will be a bit brighter.

The L2P head on L1 body will give you slightly brighter output throughout, and about 30 minutes longer to 50%.

(Red= L1P; Blue= L2P w/ L1 body; Green= L2P)

John

 

[cslinger]

Sounds like you want a HDS Basic 60LE. The LE version defaults to 60 lumens and they appear to be a pretty honest 60 lumens. From that initial turn on you can then cycle through the following settings.

A 10 lumen primary setting that is good for about 10 hours or so and is really useful for 95% of any needs.

A 2ish lumen setting that is good for about 20-40 hours that is actually pretty useful in it's own right. Plenty to read by etc.

A minium setting that is useful for reading in pitch dark or navigating in pitch dark. It makes for a good emergency light setting. This setting lasts about 400-500 hours.

Chris

 

[pax]

Coronach ~

Check out the SHOT Show LED flashlight review on www.equippedtosurvive.com

My opinion? If you don't mind the $$, the HDS EDC is probably your best bet in terms of flexibility & battery life. I don't like how complicated it is to program, but once you're done clickclickclickclickclickclickclicking and have it set where you want it, it's a good little light.

For less expensive, the rechargeable in Inova's T-series is also a good bet.

I've been using a Vortex TC3 to good effect, but while I am absolutely floored by its brightness and throw I'm less than pleased with its battery life.

Have you seen Surefire's Krona? If you want a vision-saving, paperwork-doing light which also throws a good bright beam when you need it, it's worth a look.

pax

 

[VWTim]

Check out the Streamlight Strion. Similar in size to the Scorpion and it's rechargable. I've had one for a year now and love it, guilt free lumens.

 

[cslinger]

I have a Strion as well and it is a great, very very bright light. Makes a great tactical or long range light, not so good of a utility light IMO.

Chris

 

[Dirty Bob]

Inova T1

I carry an Inova T1. It's a fat little cylinder, but fairly bright and uses just one CR123A battery ($1 each, mail order). It will light the neighbor's yard across the street, but not much further. It sort of splits the difference between a utility light and a tactical light, and it sells for under $40.

I'm a happy customer.

Regards,
Dirty Bob

 

[NMshooter]

You want one light for everything, or is your Photon Microlight OK for administrative tasks?

I find myself using my Infinity Microlight often, and my old 6P rarely.

 

[Fred Fuller]

http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=816

Take a look at this one, read the review at flashlightreviews.com. My wife and I have both been carrying one for several months, they work well for us in normal civilian activities. The light is small enough to fit into the watch pocket of most of my jeans, the head is crenellated but it is not sharpened as are some models, it is not a problem to carry without a sheath.

This light has a 'low beam' for closeup work or navigating while walking, and a 'high beam' for serious light projection. This is an LED light, with all the advantages and disadvantages thereof. Cost is $42, well worth it IMO, and Amondotech's batteries are a deal at a buck apiece. We ordered from there, great service on our transaction.

lpl/nc

 

[JShirley]

QIII big brother?

Since it has low mode, it might fill the bill...

J

 

[Coronach]

You want one light for everything, or is your Photon Microlight OK for administrative tasks?

I find myself using my Infinity Microlight often, and my old 6P rarely.

I use the Microlight as a convenience thing. It's useful as a "Oh, hold on, I have a flashlight" type thing and great in a pinch, but as a general purpose utility light it is not that great.

I think I'm going to give the Fenix a look. If it turns out to be not bright enough, I'll step up to the HDS EDC, and throw the Fenix in a glove box.

Mike

 

[cslinger]

I forgot to mention the Surefire A2 Aviator with white LEDs. This is really a fantastic light that has stats that bely it's real abilities.

The white LEDs are plenty bright for day to day mundane stuff like reading general navigation, soft floods of light etc.

The incan. lamp has really good throw and is very bright.

The fact that this light gives you two completely seperate forms of light makes it a winner, not to mention the fact that the incan. light is non-dimming and completely regulated throughout it's runtime.

The runtime on the incan. is only around 50 minutes but those are non dimming. The LEDs can run for around 20 hours and are used far more then the big lamp. The switching mechanism allows for very easy transition from dim to tactical bright in a flash.

Might want to take a look at this too, if you are interested in two cell lights.