Keychain Flashlight

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Straight Shooter

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I did a search and the posts are pretty old on this subject and I'm sure technology has moved on.

So what's your opinion on a good keychain flashlight?

So far I'm checking out:

Titanium Innovations IlluminaTi CA1, 115 lumens - $49.95


ITP A3 EOS, 80 lumens - $20.50



The A3 EOS seems to be the best bang for your buck but the IlluminaTi is brighter.

Thoughts on these flashlights? Other recommendations?
 
Go to www.countycomm.com and look at the Maratac lights. I have one of the AAA lights and really like it. It's 2.7" long and has three output settings - 1.5lm, 18lm and 80lm. And, it's only $21.75.
 
I've had the stainless steel version of the ITP A3 EOS for about 6 months now and really like it. It's a very good combination of size, output, run time, quality of build, and availability of batteries. It's been dropped from car engine height onto concrete, done a wash and dry cycle and is still kicking light like when it was new. I think that stainless steel handles wear better. I did remove the chain that came with and mostly carry it in my jeans watch pocket.
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FWIW, Battery Junction has the IlluminaTi CA1 at 90 lumens. My wife has a Maratac AAA and it's just as bright as my A3 EOS. I think all these small lights using the Cree 7090-XP-E Q5 emitter are going to be close in output.
Regards,
Greg
 
OK, this isn't a keychain light, but it's the handiest penlight I've ever owned or seen, and they're only $2.88 at WalMart. I bought one, and loved it so much I went back for four more. I plan to go buy another five. I'm still on my first one, but I want the others for backups, gifts, and to put in toolboxes, desk drawers, gloveboxes, etc. I use the friggin' thing more times a day than I can count. Keep it in my shirt pocket like a geek, it's the best thing in the world for light when you need it. Ain't tactical, but it won't blind you when you're in your car at night either. http://www.rayovac.com/flashlight/brsledpen-b.shtml
 
Hey kokop,

That's also a car escape kit, very cool. Thanks for the suggestion.

After checking out the ITP website I also found the A1 EOS. This is 190 lumens max for 1.6 hours for only $5 more than the A03. I can't believe they are getting 190 lumens out of a 2.5" flashlight (even smaller than the A03). I think I found an EDC flashlight that I'll actually carry :).


 
Those little ITP lights look nice, but I have got to the point where I prefer a small light that uses a AAA or AA battery. I can get those just about anywhere.
 
Phydeaux642,

Yea, that's a consideration. The AAA A03 version is more convenient to replace the battery. Battery Junction has the CR123A batteries for $1 + shipping. From what I understand they have a shelf life of about 10 years so I can buy a few of them and have them on hand.

Everything has it's compromises.
 
I don't mean to be rude but is a "keychain flashlight" really something that is worth puting a whole lot of thought into? You can buy one at 7-11. Is your front door lock really that hard to find?
 
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I actually had a problem not finding my keys, and not having a flashlight. I solved both problems by attaching my keys to a 2AA MiniMag Light with the LED bulb replacement, haven't had to put new batteries in the thing for about 2 years, but I take them out and clean them every few months to keep them from corroding on me.
 
Something to think about.....a big bunch of keys with a flashlight and God only knows what else, is not a really good thing to have hanging off of your ignition key in a vehicle. All that weight and mass puts a lot of stress and wear on your ignition switch, and can cause you mucho grief. Happened to my mom once, the ig. switch crapped out and stranded her, and it was for that very reason...too much weight hanging on the ig. key.
 
I am not a fan at all of the tubular flashlights for keyring lights.

Not only do I like a trim and light keyring, I really just think the little plastic LEDs available from dealextreme and elsewhere are sufficient.

The tubular guys are nice for pocket carry or bag carry when you want something pretty amazingly bright but most of the quick "on/off" tasks where you are finding something or reading text are handled perfectly by a small flat plastic one.
 
I don't carry it on my keychain, and I can't compare it to the other lights, but the ITP A3 EOS is definitely a keeper. Small, handy, decent bright mode and super long runtime on the low mode. It's not prohibitively expensive and uses commonly available AAA batteries. Very good as a general purpose light. Teams well with a high lumen light to cover all the times when you need lower output and longer runtime.

FYI I think the maratac one at county comm is the same light, with some differences in the pocket clip and whether it can tail-stand.
 
Considering what a sham advertized lumens always are, I'd suggest maybe a Photon ReX. Very finely adjustable brightness, tops out at around 50 real lumens (equivalent to 75-100 "advertized lumens," usually), and it can charge from any alkaline battery.
 
That's a cool trick Ryan.

Some of the Dealextreme mini LEDs are like 10-20 for $5 and are suitable for 15+ yards IMO.
 
Uh, I actually bought several flashlights from County Comm after reading this thread.

Check these out. Clip-on, inexpensive green or blue LEDs. And they look sturdy. :) (A problem with the $.99 colored LEDs from batteriesplus).
 
I like my $2.88 pocket penlight so much, I now use my AAA Mini Maglight keychain as a spare battery case for it. No comparison.
 
Thanks everyone, I appreciate the input.

I don't mean to be rude but is a "keychain flashlight" really something that is worth puting a whole lot of thought into?
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Yes, If I'm going to spend $20-$60+ on it.

You can buy one at 7-11. Is your front door lock really that hard to find?
Click to expand...
What I'm looking for is a full sized flashlight but in a small body. I always have my keys and I know that I wouldn't carry a tac light, it's just too inconvenient (for me). At 190 lumens, the A1 puts out more light than a full sized Mag Light.

Also from what I'm seeing, hand held tac lights are going for a lot more and are putting out about the same amount of light. This seems like a very convenient alternative.

I placed an order for the iTP A1 EOS. That's a lot of light out of a 2.5" body for $24.95. The compromise is the 123 batteries. I'm OK with that.
 
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Hey, nothing wrong with the 123 batteries except they are pretty fat for a "keychain" size light. I like em because you can store them for a long time and not worry about finding out you have a dead battery that's new in the box
 
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