Any suggestions for a small flashlight?

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Preferably a small-ish one that has a high-output LED bulb and runs on AA batteries. I already have 2 Surefires that use lithium batteries.

Maybe a Streamlight?
 
I have multiple Streamlight Stylus Pro's stashed in various places as well as one in my pocket everyday. It runs on AAA's but it is very bright and very durable. Worth the $30 they cost. I highly recommend them.
 
Def a Streamlight. For AA options they have the ProTac 2AA or ProTac 1AA depending on what size you want on a desired output. I prefer the 2L and 1L for higher output but use one or two cr123a batteries. All are between 30-45 dollars.


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I'm looking for something small to carry since Fall is here and its getting darker earlier, and for longer. Plus I really need to get in the habit of carrying a small flashlight everyday. I have one on my key ring, but it's microscopic, really good for looking for loose change under the car seat and that's about it.
 
I used to like Fenix until my barely used LD20 just crapped out. Guess sitting in a drawer was too rough a life so it just gave up trying.


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I'll second the Stremlights. I have both a Stylus Pro and a Nano. Both have been very good. Coast makes (imports) some decent small flashlights that are really budget friendly.
 
I've had excellent luck with Fenix lights. The have excellent variable lumen adjustments and superb battery life.

I have the LD02 which is a perfect EDC light for any attire. It takes one AAA battery and is about the same thickness and just a little longer than the battery. I also have the E12 which is a little bigger and takes a single AA battery. It is also an excellent light with good brightness and good battery life.

I recently bought the UC35 rechargeable light from Fenix. It's apprx the same size as the old Maglights that people carried on their belts. It charges with a USB cable or uses two CR123 batteries. For me it makes a good light to keep in the vehicle.

They're good quality lights for a good price. I wouldn't hesitate to choose one over Streamlight and probably Surefire.
 
I use and EDC a Fenix PD32 which is a CR132 x2 light, I clip it in my pocket.

One suggestion I'd make is that IF you plan on using this as a defensive light, not to go too small. Make sure you can use it with whatever handheld flashlight technique you prefer. For instance my PD32 works great for Harries, FBI, neck and cheek index, but sucks for Rogers or Graham techniques (which are actually my preferred holds when I know I'm going to shoot). When taking a class, or shootuing a match, I always go with one of the larger SureFires, they're just easier for me to use when shooting.

Just another thing to consider.

Chuck
 
Another vote for the Streamlight Pro Tac 2L. Very handy to have around.
 
Jimster said:
Another vote for the Streamlight Pro Tac 2L. Very handy to have around.
Click to expand...
+1 again.

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I have a Fenix LD-20 that's still ticking after being severely abused. 8 or 9 years of being used on an ambulance. Dropped on concrete at least 30 times over the years, dropped in a snow drift during one of Dallas's once a year 'Snow Days' and left before I realized it was missing and I was actually able to find it and used a couple times each shift for that entire time.

Only complaint I have with it is that the clip often gets hooked onto the seat belt and when I realize that it's missing except for that one snow day when I lost it I always find it dangling on the drivers side seat belt of the ambulance.

I guess their quality control is somewhat inconsistent though as someone earlier was stating that his crapped out on him after extremely light use.

I also have a Streamlight Pro Tac 2L that hasn't seen anywhere as much use but what it's seen I've liked.
 
I've got several Streamlights of varying design kicking around here. All very nice lights. Some I have given away to friends or family though. My latest aquisition, and new EDC, is a Fenix pd25. Mostly it is just like a the Streamlights, but it has gnurling for added grip. I appreciate that a lot.

I whole heartedly recommend that every person carries a decent flashlight on them. I carry all sorts of tools all day everyday. My light gets used more than anything, by a long shot. I guess it depends on your job and lifestyle, but I personally use mine dozens of times a day.
 
I have a strip of "skateboard" tape on my light for sure grip. It's fairly slick without it.
 
I like to put a small strip of electrical tape around the end cap of mine so I can hold it in my teeth if necessary without it feeling like a file on my teeth.
 
It depends on what you plan to use it for. I keep an Olight I3e on my key chain. It takes a single AAA battery and cranks out 90 lumens with serious throw. Run time isn't amazing but the output is great. It's not my main EDC but at a minimum I will at least have that.

The Streamlight Microstream lights are also great. A tad bigger than the Olight and no brighter but they have good quality click tailcaps and excellent pocket clips.

If you want tactical-level power I think CR123A is a better choice. There are several powerful AA lights out there but generally the 'bombproof' lights are usually built around CR123A batteries. My primary EDC light is a Malkoff MDC. Mine has a TIR head and a single output level but you can get other configurations. An AA version is available albeit with lower output. You can spend more money but IMOHO you can't get a better light (assuming it meets your requirements).
 
4 sevens makes bullet proof lights that are nice and compact. I have a quark tactical that takes 2 lithiums I am very happy with, and they make one basically the same that takes AA's.

I have some O-light brand lights I am pretty happy with as well.
 
I got a couple of these Energizer Metal "Tactical" Flashlights from my local Ace Hardware for about $24 each, they are listed at $14.95 on Amazon. LED bulb with lifetime warranty,
125 Lumens which is quite bright, AA batteries. The size is perfect for a Kubotan. I gave them to my family members who are in non-permission places most of the time. I challenge anyone to find a flashlight that is a good as this for the money.
 
I've had a Fenix LD22 (2 aa) for over 4 years now. It replaced my Surefire light that I used to carry on my duty belt. Carried clipped to my weak side front pocket, it's ready to go and saves a little space/weight on the belt. It's been tossed around some and is going strong. The newer version is even brighter. The aa lights are thin enough you can still put other gear in the same pocket with it.
 
In recent years my flashlights have been exclusively from Fenix because their value, performance, durability, and efficiency makes them stand out from the rest IMO. My favorite is the PD32UE. Mine is one of the 740 lumen models and it is insanely bright. The 2016 version was updated to something like 900+ lumens...and it improved upon already class-leading battery efficiency. It has excellent throw for a general purpose light. The ability to use CR123 disposables, rechargeable CR123 PO4s, AND IMR/ICR 18650s is very attractive to me because I HATE having to buy disposable 123s for anything other than stockpiling for an extended power outage. Even today, many makers still have NOT implemented such flexible power options. I use AW and Orbtronic 18650s (both use Panasonic cells as the base, and most agree Panasonic is the best base, and Orbtronic, AW, and EagleTac make an already good design even better.) I REALLY like the 5-setting adjustable output + strobe settings, the pocket clip design, and a bezel that can be used as a defensive weapon, yet isn't sharp. I use the 40 lumen output the most...with the 3600 mAh AW ICR, on this setting I get over 35-40 hours of run time. The newer model will do even better. This design also incorporates what I consider to be outstanding thermal protection, and should the battery's integrated protection circuit fail, the flashlight has the ability to prevent the damage & injury that thermal runaway can cause. It's one helluva good value.

The Fenix E11 is a nice size for EDC if you want to use AAs. It pairs well with eneloop Pro NiMHs and does reasonable with runtime for its output considering the limitations of alkaline and NiMH cells versus lithium. It's super affordable.

The E05 is a nice keychain light that uses CR123s, and for a compact design with only a single cell, it has good output and runtime.
 
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