EDC Flashlight Recommendations

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Dave Williams

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Hi,

I'm wondering if some of you with flashlight knowledge can give me some recommendations.

I'm looking for a pocketable flashlight as an EDC light, which will also replace my 6P as my back up flashlight on my Police duty belt.

I'm thinking of the Surefire Aviator A2. I had a chance to check one out and I'm thinking it is the best option, and most versatile.

Does anyone have any other recommendations/thoughts?

Thanks,

Dave Williams
 
I have a few SureFires and for a long time (over 45 battery changes) the A2 was my EDC and best loved SureFire.

Since the advent of bright LEDs I have since moved to the L2. I tend to prefer it as EDC for my applications. The high beam of the L2 is a very large brilliant white beam compared to the A2's beam that while superb as an incandescent, I really wanted more Lumens. The L2 certainly gives me that!

The A2 and L2 both have the SureFire two-stage pressure switch TailCap. This is the key feature that makes these two lights ideal for me.
I carry my flashlights pocketclipped inside my 5.11 (usually) pockets. I find that I don't have to "LockOut" the A2 or L2 TailCap like I do for the L4 (clickie) or E2e (pressure switch) - the A2 and L2 don't seem to activate or if they do, I've never noticed through loss of runtime.

So from my pocket the A2 and L2 are extremely fast to activate and the two-stage switch allows me to press the level of light I need which is usually the first level but I can instantly transition to the high output level if I need it.

A couple other cool features of the two-stage switch is that the second level only can be "Locked Out" so only the first level can be activated by pressing the switch. Or, the first level can be set to "constant-on" and I can still press for high output if I need.

I find the length of the A2 and L2 to be ideal for my hands. The L4 and E2e are too short for me to grip and use really easily. The A2 has the ideal length and at first I thought the L2 would be too long. It turned out not to be an issue. In fact, the length of the L2 means it is more stable and secure clipped inside my pocket compared to the L4 or E2e. The bezels of the A2 and L2 are quite short and small compared to the KL4 bezel of the L4. This means they don't get snagged or caught on stuff and are less likely to be 'turned out' of my pocket especially when I'm sitting in a car.

You can't go wrong with the A2 or L2 in my opinion.

Al :)
 
I may have different needs than some. I am a mechanic, and I need a light that is moderately bright, but I need a long run time, with either cheap batteries, or rechargables. I may need as much as four hour steady run time during a day, and I need it recharged by morning if rechargeable.


I am also curious about price? I am kind of cheap
 
From the little I've played with it I'd get the L2. I have the A2 and love it and don't plan to replace it until I lose it.
 
Ditto on recommending the Surefire A2 and L2. Excellent flashlights.


One other recommendation: HDS Basic 60....expensive, but has quality comparable to Surefire and 60 lumen output but small (1 123 cell). 4 different output levels, each being regulated. It takes a LONG time to get this light after ordering it (long waiting list during backorders), but IMO its worth it. I love my EDC Basic 60 which I got finally three weeks ago.

http://www.hdssystems.com/
 
KSNecktie-

Based on your planned use, you absolutely should be looking at rechargable. You could eat several hundred dollars in CR123 batteries a year.
 
I am also curious about price? I am kind of cheap
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zf0004slfb.jpg

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=ZF0004SLFB

Give this LED flashlight a try. You won't be disappointed (asside from the "UZI" etched on the side :rolleyes: ). I bought one to try out the LED flashlights. It doesn't cast a beam but its every bit as bright, or more so, than a 3Dcell Mag light. Price is right and fits in a 2AA mini-maglight sheath too.
 
Man, those single-cell HDS lights look sweet. Must...have....$250...mini flashlight!......AAARRRGHHH!!!

- Gabe :) (it hurts so good)
 
Man, those single-cell HDS lights look sweet. Must...have....$250...mini flashlight!......AAARRRGHHH!!!
Click to expand...

Yep, the HDS are top notch quality like Surefire. 42 or 60 lumen pocket rockets (depending on model), and a excellent white tinted Luxeon III emitter (long bulb life). I only have positive things to say about the HDS lights, but that also holds true for Surefires. Both are great, although overall I prefer Surefire overall due to having more model selection. Having said this, for a single-celled Luxeon LED tactical light, Surefire has nothing close, the current closest offering (Surefire E1E + KL1 LED Lux III conversion head) uses optics which greatly impairs beam quality in order to get throw, and is only rated at 30 lumens. The HDS OTOH uses a very slightly textured reflector, and has very good beam quality (almost no artifacts in the beam).

I prefer the HDS Basic models over the HDS Ultimates, because IMO the factory brightness settings are already perfect, and I don't need the extra SOS functions, and other extras that the Ultimates have. Plus, the Basics are much less expensive, and if I don't use the extra features...why pay for them??

For Surefires, I my favorites are the the U2 and L2. The U2 has six different brightness options, and an excellent dial switch. The L2 has two brightness settings, and has an excellent floody beam (lots of area coverage), exceptional beam quality. I also highly like the A2, because it is the only current fully regulated incandescent I know of.
 
You can get an HDS Basic 60 for $150 at www.batterystation.com (as I did). You need to be real flashlight freak to justify that kind of money on a light, but I think that life is too short to carry a crappy light.

If you are looking at pocketability, its needs to be small. There are a handful of high-end, small, powerful lights out there like the HDS. One choice is the Aleph series of lights. Around $200+. Find them, and everything else you need to know, at www.candlepowerforums.com. They (we) speak a different language over there, but hang in there and it start to make sense.

Edited to add: I can't see pocketing a U2 or similar sized light. Belt yes, but pocket no. JMO. :)

best regards
 
It does not have the power or the features of those previously mentioned but I carry an Inova X-1, it is a great light for a basic light runs forever on a single AA battery, and is real lightweight, fits in my pocket and is 4" x .75 dia. It has a real focused beam and can be seen for miles. If you need a broader beam Inova has the x5 with 5 LEDs. The X1 I have has a push button cap with a twist for constant on. I think they have a version that has constant on click button.
For cheapies and non LEO it is great. cost around $23
 
Surefire,

Do you have any experience with the Nuwai Q-III? If so what's your impression of it as compared to the Surefire E1E? I realize it won't compare as far as sheer fit and finish goes but it's gotten very favorable reviews from everyone I've heard talk about it and it appears to be a bit brighter than the E1E. Sounds like you can't go wrong with it for 30 bucks. Have you checked them out?

brad cook
 
^The Nuwai QIII is very nice, excellent beam quality (no artifacts), good fit and finish, and decent output for its size (its a floody beam BTW). I highly recommend it if your on a budget. Mine has a good LED tint, with only a slight hint of blue.

The downsides IMO are weak finish (Type II anodize, NOT type 3 HA like Surefire and HDS use), and weak circuit (efficiency is not that good, nor is runtime).


Compared to the standard SF E1E (incandescent bulb assembly), the Nuwai finish is less durable, and the overall fit and finish is not as good. Beam quality is better on the Nuwai though (my SF E1E has a slight hint of lines in the beam). Overall, if money wasn't a factory, I'd favor the Surefire E1E simply due to its more rugged finish and IMO better construction. If money is a factor, I think the Nuwai will serve you well--as its a damn good light for its price IMO.

Compared to the SF E1E+ KL1 (Luxeon III conversion head), I favor the Nuwai by huge margins based solely on beam quality. I hate the artifacts the KL1 optics cause: square hotspot and ringy corona that the E1E + KL1 produces...while the Nuwai has a perfectly IMO balanced beam with no artifacts.

Lots of decisions out there, you've got to pick out what works best for you. Everyone will see things a little differently, so my feelings are to try to test products out that interest you before buying, when possible.
 
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surefire? How about a dollar for purchase, and battery run time comparison? OK,,, I have admitted I am cheap
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I don't understand the question. Were you asking if there are flashlights out there that can be purchased for one dollar that have good runtime? The only thing that comes to mind that sells for a dollar are the tiny button celled leds--I think they have good runtime for their size and price...
 
Sorry, surefire, the one dollar was meant as satire. I get a little frustrated with people comparing lights without quoting prices... ok, so one is cheaper than the other, if one is 200$, and one is 150$, I can not consider either one an option. If one is 60$, and one is 40$, well,,,, I hate to admit it,,, but I recently paid 40$ for a light.

Thank you Brian, I will have to try to get my hands on an Inova X1
 
Dave.... look at the surefire C3, 3 cells, 100+ lumens and runs for an hour...this is with the stock lamp, or crank it up, to 200 lumens for 20 min. with the "hot" lamp. big enough to fit the hand, and gives great palm support, for "punch" if it comes to that. With the stock lamp, you will light up, everything in your general area....with the "hot" lamp, you can direct the space shuttle, to it's landing area. The smaller A2 and E2e surefires are ok, but not, in my eyes, a choice for someone, who wears a badge for a living.
 
Sorry, surefire, the one dollar was meant as satire. I get a little frustrated with people comparing lights without quoting prices... ok, so one is cheaper than the other, if one is 200$, and one is 150$, I can not consider either one an option. If one is 60$, and one is 40$, well,,,, I hate to admit it,,, but I recently paid 40$ for a light.
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Okay, I see where you are coming from now.

In regards to prices, the Nuwai Q3 that we discussed earlier in this thread runs in the $33-36 range depending on where it is bought, and given its size (1 123 cell) and output (somewhere above 30 lumens) IMO its a great value.
 
Surefire,

Good info. Thanks for the comparison. I'll probably pick up a Nuwai at some point. It fits one of my needs well.

brad cook
 
L2 seems a bit long for me, so I opted for the L4.
I use a Pila rechargeable battery for guilt-free lumens!
 
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