UKWildcatFan
Member
I'd like a nicer one to put in my Maxpedition Jumbo Versipac. Thoughts?
I've heard a lot of good things about Elzetta.
I've heard a lot of good things about Elzetta.
Last edited:
Help deciding on EDC flashlight
- Thread starter UKWildcatFan
- Start date
- Status
Crowcifier666
Member
Im on the cheap, but the UltraOK 200 lumen light has been in my pocket for the past year. Just bought 4 more, just because I thought I lost it. At $3-6 a piece, I'm sold.
Sheepdog1968
Member
I bought an olight T15 3W about four years ago. Runs on AA and I have been happy with it as a small flashlight that I keep in my pocket. If I were going to go nicer it would be a surefire or stream light product.
Plan2Live
Member
My first LED light was a ITP Industries SC1 Eluma. I loved the light and tried to buy a second one only to find out the company was bought out. I spent a couple of years off an on trying to find a similar light then discovered that Olight had bought them out. The Olight M10 Maverick is almost identical so I bought two more of those and love them. I keep one in the window sill above my bed and another one in the glove box in my truck. They are small enough to drop in my pocket and they are just the right size to use in conjunction with my defensive pistol. Very bright, very versatile.
CZ9shooter
Member
- Joined
- Jul 29, 2012
- Messages
- 1,117
I like my Streamlight Stylus Pro. Been using and ubusing it for about a year now. Pretty beat up looking but still works like new. A very handy tool to keep clipped in my pocket.
It's simple, lightweight, slim and inexpensive. One handed push button operation... no twisting with two hands. I also like that the button can be pushed only halfway for a momentary "on". It takes common batteries and has a good burn time. Plenty bright for day to day tasks. Not quite as bright as some of the more exotic models out there.
For something like hiking or hunting, a larger flashlight may be in order.
It's simple, lightweight, slim and inexpensive. One handed push button operation... no twisting with two hands. I also like that the button can be pushed only halfway for a momentary "on". It takes common batteries and has a good burn time. Plenty bright for day to day tasks. Not quite as bright as some of the more exotic models out there.
For something like hiking or hunting, a larger flashlight may be in order.
Last edited:
nettlle
Contributing Member
I have Surefire 6P that I have had about 15 years now. It has been beat to death on deer hunting trips and I use it around the farm. I dropped it in the gravel driveway once and ran over it with my truck. Even though I had to dig it out of the driveway it was scratched up but it wasn't hurt. It still has the original bulb.
groundsclown
Member
You didn't mention a budget but I cant say enough good things about the Thrunite TN12
1050 lumens, 5 output modes including a firefly/moonlight mode.
It's been my edc light on my max bag for over a year now with 0 issues.
Got it thru amazon with a charger & 2 18650's for right around $100.
I see they offer a different charger package now for around $70, so even better.
1050 lumens, 5 output modes including a firefly/moonlight mode.
It's been my edc light on my max bag for over a year now with 0 issues.
Got it thru amazon with a charger & 2 18650's for right around $100.
I see they offer a different charger package now for around $70, so even better.
sappyg
Member
Haven't tried an Elzetta but the budget looks to be on the high end.
The best EDC I use is a RA EDC tactical with 120 lumin at max. Has programable settings and is built like at an Abrams tanks. Very long battery life and can be custom ordered to suite. I think they trade as HD lights or something now.
I like my Surefires but the best value to me is the streamlight polytech. Picked up one on sale at PSA for $30... Should have bought 2 at that price. They are a simple, cheap, no brainer light weight flashlight. There is absolutely no compromise here.
The handiest EDC light to me has to be the Inova (t11?) keychain light. Has high, medium, low and strobe features and a very nice spill. Probably the most useful of the ones I've tried.
The best EDC I use is a RA EDC tactical with 120 lumin at max. Has programable settings and is built like at an Abrams tanks. Very long battery life and can be custom ordered to suite. I think they trade as HD lights or something now.
I like my Surefires but the best value to me is the streamlight polytech. Picked up one on sale at PSA for $30... Should have bought 2 at that price. They are a simple, cheap, no brainer light weight flashlight. There is absolutely no compromise here.
The handiest EDC light to me has to be the Inova (t11?) keychain light. Has high, medium, low and strobe features and a very nice spill. Probably the most useful of the ones I've tried.
What you plan to do with it has a lot of influence on it - just like a gun.
Is it for general illumination - or a part of your force continuum, so to speak. There are some very bright lights out there that are used to distract or disorient. As an arguable point where that starts to work, go 200 lumens or more. Expect the price to go up as the size goes down.
What light source works best in an affordable light these days seems to be LED. The more LED's, the less quality. Stick to lights with just one. Power is up to you, if the tactical batteries are a common item locally, ok. For others, stick to AA/AAA. Lithiums are better than rechargeables if that light only comes out of a bag once a month or so.
EDC is also part of the equation - I only EDC AA or AAA single lights. They can be had as low a 9.99 for a 100 lumen light - picked one up from Academy this week. As a measure of useful power, more than 50 lumens in the bedroom gets me some ugly muttering at night when I come to bed and she who rises early for work is already there. At work in a poorly lit warehouse, or outside under the hood of a car in broad daylight, its barely enough.
$30-50 is high end for some, no doubt are makers that can soak you for over $100. Life and death rated tactical lights are definitely high quality and work, the low end has glitchy switching, poorly formed threads or offbeat machining that is more style than function. The guys at candlepower forums can certainly come up with good ideas on how to spend your money, too.
Just to point out the numerous choices these days, here's a bing link: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=edc+flashlights&FORM=HDRSC2
Is it for general illumination - or a part of your force continuum, so to speak. There are some very bright lights out there that are used to distract or disorient. As an arguable point where that starts to work, go 200 lumens or more. Expect the price to go up as the size goes down.
What light source works best in an affordable light these days seems to be LED. The more LED's, the less quality. Stick to lights with just one. Power is up to you, if the tactical batteries are a common item locally, ok. For others, stick to AA/AAA. Lithiums are better than rechargeables if that light only comes out of a bag once a month or so.
EDC is also part of the equation - I only EDC AA or AAA single lights. They can be had as low a 9.99 for a 100 lumen light - picked one up from Academy this week. As a measure of useful power, more than 50 lumens in the bedroom gets me some ugly muttering at night when I come to bed and she who rises early for work is already there. At work in a poorly lit warehouse, or outside under the hood of a car in broad daylight, its barely enough.
$30-50 is high end for some, no doubt are makers that can soak you for over $100. Life and death rated tactical lights are definitely high quality and work, the low end has glitchy switching, poorly formed threads or offbeat machining that is more style than function. The guys at candlepower forums can certainly come up with good ideas on how to spend your money, too.
Just to point out the numerous choices these days, here's a bing link: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=edc+flashlights&FORM=HDRSC2
Check out the Fenix line of lights. They have something for everyone and are top quality lights. I've had a few different models for years. Never a problem. I've also tried a few of the other top names, but none of them has anything that Fenix doesn't. You won't go wrong with Fenix.
http://www.fenix-store.com
http://www.fenix-store.com
I've heard Elzetta lights are superb, but have no personal experience.
I'm a firm Surefire fan, have been pocket carrying an E1B daily for ~ 3 years and it's been "gravity checked" repeatedly and survived some fairly strenuous use and still is in great shape. Not as advanced & powerful as their newest lights, for a single cell light the capability is terrific. Yeah SF commands some pretty serious upfront money, but the quality, durability & performance is there in spades IMHO.
The light I have my mind for carry in my EDC bag to complement this light is SF's new EB2 2 cell version. Another one I like is the PX3 Fury, both give some serious power in a compact durable package and I would think they serve well for your needs.
I'm a firm Surefire fan, have been pocket carrying an E1B daily for ~ 3 years and it's been "gravity checked" repeatedly and survived some fairly strenuous use and still is in great shape. Not as advanced & powerful as their newest lights, for a single cell light the capability is terrific. Yeah SF commands some pretty serious upfront money, but the quality, durability & performance is there in spades IMHO.
The light I have my mind for carry in my EDC bag to complement this light is SF's new EB2 2 cell version. Another one I like is the PX3 Fury, both give some serious power in a compact durable package and I would think they serve well for your needs.
OpticsPlanet
Member
Streamlight, Surefire, and Elzetta are my top 3 fav brands but those tend to be weaponlight applications for me.
Elzetta is high quality components, modular as can be, and i love the education that their company puts out on flashlights.
Surefire is the quality and ruggedness as well but a little less modular, more accessories to buy. Price is a big inhibitor with surefire.
So enter streamlight. arguably some of the bet flash for your buck.
Pelican gets honorary mention (I keep one in the car) as does Inforce.
-Matt S.
Elzetta is high quality components, modular as can be, and i love the education that their company puts out on flashlights.
Surefire is the quality and ruggedness as well but a little less modular, more accessories to buy. Price is a big inhibitor with surefire.
So enter streamlight. arguably some of the bet flash for your buck.
Pelican gets honorary mention (I keep one in the car) as does Inforce.
-Matt S.
Yep, PD30 and PD35 are my favorite compact lights. Another winner is the TK35. Lights up the night......
herrwalther
Member
- Joined
- May 1, 2013
- Messages
- 8,130
My current EDC light is a Streamlight Protac 2L. High power is 260 lumens which is enough for me. Low setting is 13 lumens. There are a few things that bother me about the light however so I am looking for a replacement eventually. I will point them out to you in case you share the same grief.
1) The pocket clip flies off with little effort. I lost mine within the first month of owning the light. If you plan to have the light clipped anywhere this may be an issue.
2) Battery type. Even with rechargeable CR123 batteries, the Protac can be a pain to keep fed. So a more common battery type may be in mind.
3) I don't really have a use for the strobe setting.
Other than that I have nothing but praise for the light. Very durable and bright. Have had more reliable experience with this one Streamlight than with over a dozen Surefires.
1) The pocket clip flies off with little effort. I lost mine within the first month of owning the light. If you plan to have the light clipped anywhere this may be an issue.
2) Battery type. Even with rechargeable CR123 batteries, the Protac can be a pain to keep fed. So a more common battery type may be in mind.
3) I don't really have a use for the strobe setting.
Other than that I have nothing but praise for the light. Very durable and bright. Have had more reliable experience with this one Streamlight than with over a dozen Surefires.
We live in a torch renaissance right now, but I've stuck with the name I've known the longest. I like my Executive Defender, and have had no problems traveling by air with in my carry-on (4 TSA checkpoints in as many months). Great EDC light with the 500 lumen or 5 lumen settings.
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
I have an Elzetta and it is an excellent light. Probably built better than the guns I own!
Worth it for my needs? Well...maybe a bit overkill.
Worth it for my needs? Well...maybe a bit overkill.
Corpral_Agarn
Member
I have a 5.11 90 lumen light in my back pocket right now.
Use it all the time. It is light runs on AAA's and very slim.
Cost me $26 and I use almost daily.
Some day I will have an expensive light... someday
Use it all the time. It is light runs on AAA's and very slim.
Cost me $26 and I use almost daily.
Some day I will have an expensive light... someday
RustyShackelford
member
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2006
- Messages
- 4,018
Klaus Fenix.....
I like the styles from a little known firm called Klaus(check correct spelling).
They are like Fenix and have a lot of cool useful features for a defense-duty type white light....
strobe
different color lens(blue, green, red, etc)
recharge capable with USB ports or standard AC/DC formats
waterproof
styles with or w/o defense type crown or jagged ends
tailcap or regular operation for one hand or tactical weapon holds
anti roll body
light weight
bright LED/CREE style light with 800-900lum power
USD sale price about $65-75.00 on places like Amazon.com
These white lights are mass produced in China but they offer a lot.
If I can recall the newer tactical model number Klaus light, I'll edit my post.
The Fenix 2014 ed PD35 light is great too.
Rusty
PS; if you buy a Li battery or C123A version get high quality brands. Like Streamlight or Surefire, www.surefire.com batteries. Cheap or low end Li are worthless and will wear out in days with regular use, . Some big chain places like Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas may stock decent Li flashlight batteries.
I like the styles from a little known firm called Klaus(check correct spelling).
They are like Fenix and have a lot of cool useful features for a defense-duty type white light....
strobe
different color lens(blue, green, red, etc)
recharge capable with USB ports or standard AC/DC formats
waterproof
styles with or w/o defense type crown or jagged ends
tailcap or regular operation for one hand or tactical weapon holds
anti roll body
light weight
bright LED/CREE style light with 800-900lum power
USD sale price about $65-75.00 on places like Amazon.com
These white lights are mass produced in China but they offer a lot.
If I can recall the newer tactical model number Klaus light, I'll edit my post.
The Fenix 2014 ed PD35 light is great too.
Rusty
PS; if you buy a Li battery or C123A version get high quality brands. Like Streamlight or Surefire, www.surefire.com batteries. Cheap or low end Li are worthless and will wear out in days with regular use,
. Some big chain places like Bass Pro Shop or Cabelas may stock decent Li flashlight batteries.
Phaedrus/69
Member
I'd like to try an Elzetta sometime. I've heard nothing but great things about them. There are lots of great EDC type lights out there are many price points. Streamlight makes some great ones but if I read the OP right he's looking for something upscale and maybe looking for an excuse to spend some money. In that case I'd be confident splurging on the Elzetta. Malkoff Devices also makes some fantastic lights, very high quality and beautiful as well.
I have two primary carry lights, the Fenix E01 that's on my keychain as part of my EDC and a Surefire E1B Backup. The Fenix is not super bright, around 10 lumens, but it's very reliable and the single AAA battery lasts for a long time. Ten lumens is plenty to find stuff in the dark or unlock your door but obviously it's not tactical-bright. At a minimum I always at least have that one light, though. When I'm off and running around town I carry the Surefire. It's pretty bright at around 120 lumens; not a potent as some of the newer lights in sheer horsepower but the TIR reflector is awesome. It's definitely bright enough to blind someone and focused very well with just the right amount of spill. The E1B is about the right size for me; I carry it in the watch pocket of my jeans. Much smaller would be a little small to fish out of my pocket and much bigger would probably get left at home.
In that case I'd be confident splurging on the Elzetta. Malkoff Devices also makes some fantastic lights, very high quality and beautiful as well.I have two primary carry lights, the Fenix E01 that's on my keychain as part of my EDC and a Surefire E1B Backup. The Fenix is not super bright, around 10 lumens, but it's very reliable and the single AAA battery lasts for a long time. Ten lumens is plenty to find stuff in the dark or unlock your door but obviously it's not tactical-bright. At a minimum I always at least have that one light, though. When I'm off and running around town I carry the Surefire. It's pretty bright at around 120 lumens; not a potent as some of the newer lights in sheer horsepower but the TIR reflector is awesome. It's definitely bright enough to blind someone and focused very well with just the right amount of spill. The E1B is about the right size for me; I carry it in the watch pocket of my jeans. Much smaller would be a little small to fish out of my pocket and much bigger would probably get left at home.
UKWildcatFan
Member
I went with the Streamlight Protac 2L. I like it, and it's now in my Maxpedition Jumbo Versipac EDC bag. I'm happy with it. Thanks, guys.
Radagast
Member
I've EDCed the Convoy S2 in the front strap pocket of my Maxpedition Fatboy Versipack for the last two years.
Excellent review here:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/20843
Excellent review here:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/20843
- Status
Similar threads
- Locked
