Keychain Flashlights ???

[David]

Article on Newsmax.com about keychain flashlights. I carry a ASP Sapphire on my keychain and I like it -- however, I am not too familiar with the other keychain flashlight brands mentioned in the article.

My ASP Sapphire is the "back up" light to my Surefire Executive.

Do you carry a keychain flashlight?

If so, what brand do you carry and what is your opinion of it.

Is your keychain light your primary flashlight or is it a "back up"?

Here is a link to the Newsmax.com article:

http://www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/9/2/93804.shtml

Personal Flashlight = Personal Safety

Bruce Mandelblit
Tuesday September 2, 2003

The reader response to my recent Staying Safe column, “News Flash – Carry A Flashlight,†was terrific! Some readers wanted to learn more about “personal flashlights.†That is, flashlights compact enough to be carried all the times on one’s keychain.

Carrying a quality personal flashlight has never been more essential. Just a causal look at recent headlines, including a major blackout in northeast United States and parts of Canada, as well as an unexpected rush hour power outage hitting London, is justification enough for carrying a personal flashlight.

Blackouts, however, simply reveal the very tip of the iceberg of reasons for carrying a personal flashlight. What about nighttime incidents such as a vehicle breakdown? Perhaps, dropping your wallet? Or, signaling for assistance?

Today there is virtually no explanation why you should not be carrying a dependable and powerful personal flashlight on your key ring: They are surprisingly small in size, delightfully low in price, remarkably reliable, and spectacularly bright.

Fresh technology has undeniably invaded the world of personal lights with a real vengeance. With the marriage of LED lights and lithium batteries, it is not uncommon for small personal lights to have a “bulb†usage of 100,000 hours, with a shelf-life of up to 10 years.

It is significant to point out that these quality personal flashlights are absolutely not toys or novelties. They are, rather, professional tools commonly used by many of our nation’s law enforcement officers, firefighters, Paramedics, public safety personnel, as well as other well-equipped people.

With its new found promise, the role and function of the personal flashlight has extensively expanded. I like to call these modern mini illumination wonders, “personal safety, security and convenience lights.â€

Here are a few of the finest personal keychain flashlights on the market today:

1 – For the last two years I have carried the ASP Sapphire light clipped to my keychain. This inventive American-made LED light has become my “all the time†personal light.

Now, ASP has introduced a new and advanced version of the Sapphire called the Elite. What makes the Elite different is that it features a replaceable battery pack and it is programmable to offer constant on, constant blink, or even a SOS blink for emergencies.

2 - A fine personal LED flashlight is the Inova Microlight. It features an impact and water resistant case with an easy to use clip, a momentary on and a constant on/off switch and has a nighttime signal visibility of about a mile, with a burn time of up to 15 hours.

3 – The ARC LED light is a favorite of many Flashaholics (those folks who love and collect flashlights). This American-made personal flashlight uses a high quality LED in conjunction with an AAA battery – a super combination for a personal flashlight.

4 – Streamlight has come out with the cool looking KeyMate. This small light offers the power and long-life of a LED and easily attaches to your keychain to help with your illumination needs.

5 – One of the pioneers in the field of personal LED flashlights has to be the Photon Micro. This terrific light comes in a variety of LED colors and is approximately the size of a quarter, yet is bright enough to be visible for about one mile at night.

6 – Another first-rate personal flashlight is the CMG Sonic. It operates on a single AAA battery to generate a bright and reliable LED produced light that fits on your keychain.

For more information on these personal lighting products:

ASP Sapphire Light – 1-800-236-6243
Inova Microlight – www.inovalight.com
ARC Flashlight – www.arcflashlight.com
Streamlight KeyMate – www.streamlight.com
Photon Micro – www.photonlight.com
CMG Sonic – www.cmgequipment.com


These are but a few of the marvelous personal flashlights available. Some are made of aircraft aluminum, other of high impact plastic, and they come in virtually all colors of the rainbow.

It seems like a new model of these practical personal flashlights arrives on the market almost every week or so. Do your homework and find the proper personal flashlight that best fits you and your family’s individual needs.

By the way, if you make or distribute any personal lights, multi-tools, safety, security or related items, I would be interested in learning more about your products for possible reference in upcoming Staying Safe columns – please email me: [email protected].

My Final Thoughts: I always carry a high quality personal flashlight. Why not consider attaching one to your keychain, jacket zipper, purse and backpack? While it will not replace a traditional flashlight, consider keeping an extra personal LED light in your vehicle, boat and even your home.

You will discover never-ending uses for your personal LED light. Whether to simply locate a keyhole at night, read a road map, provide illumination during a blackout, or to signal for assistance, you will be delighted you decided to get one of these modern lighting marvels.

We live in a day and age where we must certainly anticipate the unanticipated. You never know when your quality personal flashlight might become indispensable. Whether for safety, security or convenience, I believe you will agree that today’s personal LED lights are a virtual necessity.

Just like to need to have horsepower operate your car, perhaps it’s time to add some candlepower to your keychain!

(Note to law enforcement and security officers and agencies: There is a new low-cost and lightweight state-of-the-art ceramic rifle body armor now available that is designed to be worn in conjunction with your own Level II soft concealable vest and give you up to Level IV rifle protection. For more information on this new officer safety innovation, please e-mail: [email protected].)

Copyright 2003 by Bruce Mandelblit

************

“Staying Safe†with Bruce Mandelblit is a regular column for the readers of NewsMax.com and NewsMax.com Magazine.

Bruce welcomes your thoughts. His email address is: [email protected].

Bruce is a nationally known security journalist, as well as a recently retired, highly decorated reserve Law Enforcement Officer. Bruce writes Staying Safe, a weekly syndicated column covering the topics of security, safety and crime prevention.

Bruce was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel - the state’s highest honor - by Governor Paul E. Patton - for his public service.

This column is provided for general information purposes only. Please check with your local law enforcement agency and legal professional for information specific to you and your jurisdiction.
******

 

[ambidextrous1]

I have carried the tiny Inova (blue) LED light for over three years; I'm still using the original batteries.

I used this as a night signaling device on a recent exercise. The distance was about 1/4 mile. When we got together, my pals would not believe I had used that little keyring light to produce what they described as a "bright and brilliant light".

I don't recall the price, but it was more than five and less than ten dollars.

When this light fails (in 30 or 40 years), I'll replace it with a red or white light. Some things look weird or indistinct when illuminated with blue light.

 

[BerettaNut92]

I like the Photon II lights. You can give them as gifts (though most people don't see the value of a little light) and hang them on your backpack, jacket zippers, etc and you can put 'em in your mouth if you need both your hands. Too bad I lost mine, I gotta pick up a few more. Those things are great.

 

[shadow 1]

I like my Arc-AAA's, we have them on all our keychains. Provides good light for a smallish package.
You can see them here www.arcflashlight.com
They're a bit cheaper at www.tadgear.com or maybe Grant and G&R Tactical can hook ya up.

 

[Dave Markowitz]

I have a Photon Microlight with the blue LED on my keychain. It is very bright. If you flash somebody in the eyes with it when it's dark and his pupils are dialated, it will hurt.

 

[Hutch]

Not sure of the manufacturer, but I have a Browning branded one I got at Academy Sports. It's been dropped in the parking lot and run over by at least 1 car, and still works fine, even tho' it's a little scuffed. I keep it on my key carabiner. I've been giving the Photons as presents to family for a year or so. I keep considering the 1 AAA mini-est mag lite (my wife has one on her key "ring"), but it just seems a little too bulky.

 

[Kevlarman]

I have a Photon II turquoise microlight on my keychain. It's really bright, and will make you turn away if you're flashed in the eyes with it.

My EDC is an Underwater Kinetics UKE2L , which is powered by two 123A batteries. It's not as bright as say, a Surefire E2E, but the batteries will last about 4-5 hours. Perfect for a utility light. It's also waterproof, in case I feel the need to go night swimming.

I also have a mini Maglite on my keychain (acting as a kubotan) that has an Inertech white LED instead of the stock incandesant bulb. Loads brighter than the stock bulb, and batteries last a lot longer.

Last but not least, my phone (Nokia 5100 ) has two white LEDs at the top, serving as a useful light when I'm unlocking doors at night or stumbling around a dark garage.

 

[El Tejon]

I've had a Photon II on my keychain for years now [when all this was orchard]. I keep it on a separate ring so I can light up the locks and use the key at the same time, or I can use it when I'm chasing tango over the plains of Northern Rhodesia, just like in SEEL Team 37.5.

 

[Navy joe]

Had an ASP, broke the clip. Have a Photon II, love it, killed the batteries from using it so much working on helicopters.

Tonights aquisition is something else entirely, just bought a Streamlight Keymate. For 13 bucks I can't see why you wouldn't get one, very bright, runs off of 4 watch batteries with a reported run time of 96 hours. It has a cute little pocket clip that is very functional plus a clip for hooking to key chains. They look kinda like a Maglite that a headshrinker got hold of, and have the minimag twist on/off. Very cool light, it's gonna follow me everywhere my Millenium M-3 Surefire can't.

 

[jthuang]

Hey I need a very durable, very small LED flashlight for my keychain. I have read the foregoing posts with interest.

The Streamlight Keymate, Arc AAA and Inertech (Office Space, anyone?) are too big. I need something TINY to fit on my keychain ... about the size of a Photon. So I'm looking very hard at the Photon II.

How durable are the Photon lights? I keep my keys in my back pocket so this causes a lot of problems with the cheaper LED lights. I bought a cheapo $5 gunshow special once and it didn't last very long to such abuse.

Lastly, any recommended sources for keychain lights are appreciated. I was thinking of ordering from Brightguy.com.

Thanks,

Justin

 

[David]

Take a look at the Princeton Tec Eclipse keychain light.

It's my new keychain light, and so far it's great.

You can usually get them off ebay for about $10 or so.

 

[BerettaNut92]

I like the Photon IIs a lot. I like them over the 3 as I can feel (if it's in my pocket) whether or not it is on constant on/off mode or not.

I never done torture testing on it but I usually lose them before I break 'em.

 

[XLMiguel]

I've had a turquoise Photon on my keyring for about 5 years, still on original batery. It gets beat around alot, been in the pool a couple times (not supposed to be waterproof-), and they're my standard 'stocking stuffer' gift for casual acquaintances (family is all properly equipped). www.knifecenter.com has them ($12-13) and many other LED and other flashlights at pretty good prices. HTH

 

[another okie]

I have both a white Photon and a red one whose brand name I can't identify on my key chain. The red one is good for use when you don't want to lose your night vision, like when I'm showing slides and need to see the numbers on the carousel or my notes. The white one is really bright! I use it to get in my car or house at night.

 

[SteelyDan]

If the Arc-AAA is too big, the Photon II is a good choice. So is the Princeton Tec Pulsar II for a bit under $10.

 

[jthuang]

Thanks guys. Ordered two white LED Photon IIs last night.

 

[Carbonator]

I just bought a Photon II last week. As soon as I got it I noticed it would turn on frequently when I handled the keychain because the button was so sensitive. Didn't really bother me except I figured it would also light up in my pocket and drain the battery pretty quick. So, I took the bugger apart and put a few strategically placed pieces of waterproof tape between the LED contact wire and top battery to make the switch/button harder to depress. Now it works great, with no AD's so far.

BTW - I got the white LED. I've had the brighter colored ones before but for me the white light is just more useable and doesn't wash out over colored objects like the colored LED's do. They're all neat though.

 

[SapperLeader]

I carry a few flashlights, I have a yellow photon II and a arc aaa on my keys. The yellow photon is for lighting up keyholes and the like, and the arc aaa is the, I need a flashlight for a few minutes. I also carry a white photon II on my juice multitool as a back up, or if I drop the keys. Then i carry my surefire e2 on my belt for situations where I need the pocket sun option. Oh, and I also have a saphire photon around my neck with my hideaway knife. Hey, Im a college student, working nights, and its a dark dark world out there, plus I just like flashlights .