Spec ops Grunt
Member
I've been wondering this too, and I've narrowed my choices to the Preon 2, and the Streamlight 88031 2L
Anyone want to nudge me in a certain direction?
Anyone want to nudge me in a certain direction?
Looking for an EDC Flash light
- Thread starter Jabr0ney
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I'll second the 4Sevens Quark Mini. I was looking for an EDC light, figured I would give it a try. It's really small for the brightness. I've had it on my keychain without noticing the extra bulk. My only criticism would be the on/off mechanism. It's similar to a maglight, so you must be careful to unscrew it far enough or it'll be flashing on and off in your pocket as you walk.
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_355&products_id=2045
DAdams
Member
Spec Ops
The Preon II is a stylus type light it is virtually the same diameter of a AAA battery. Its is slightly shorter than a clicky style ball point pen. It's output is slightly less than said SL purportedly at 180 lumens.
Given the diameters and hence the size of the reflector I suspect you may get more throw and less flood. The Preon is going to be lighter to carry. Preon has three light levels the SL 2. FWIW.
The SL uses the less common, more expensive CR123A versus the get them anywhere bulk pack AAA. I like AA and AAA as you can get an nice rechargable pack like the Sanyo Eneloops and save a bunch of money over time.
Although I have CR123A lights I tend to have them for and keep them for outdoor, long range use and keep the lower output AA and AAA for in the house and shorter range work.
A better comparison with the SL would be:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_306&products_id=1654
Similar size and battery 2X123A but the 4Sevens blows it away at 230 Lumens OTF due to the use of more recent CREE emitter (XPG) technology.
$69
Streamlights comparable Stylus style is the Stylus Pro.
4Sevens has a 10 year warranty.
Me I would get the Quark 123A, high output, bushbutton tailcap switch with momentary, 3 light levels before the Streamlight given the similar form factor.
If you like the stylus style concept you will like the Preon II, it is a different concept though, not quite as "tacticool".
There was a time if you joined Candle Power Forum your got a 8% discount from 4Sevens.
The code was cpf8. If you go the 4Sevens route try the discount code in the promo/coupon box.
The Preon II is a stylus type light it is virtually the same diameter of a AAA battery. Its is slightly shorter than a clicky style ball point pen. It's output is slightly less than said SL purportedly at 180 lumens.
Given the diameters and hence the size of the reflector I suspect you may get more throw and less flood. The Preon is going to be lighter to carry. Preon has three light levels the SL 2. FWIW.
The SL uses the less common, more expensive CR123A versus the get them anywhere bulk pack AAA. I like AA and AAA as you can get an nice rechargable pack like the Sanyo Eneloops and save a bunch of money over time.
Although I have CR123A lights I tend to have them for and keep them for outdoor, long range use and keep the lower output AA and AAA for in the house and shorter range work.
A better comparison with the SL would be:
http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_306&products_id=1654
Similar size and battery 2X123A but the 4Sevens blows it away at 230 Lumens OTF due to the use of more recent CREE emitter (XPG) technology.
$69
Streamlights comparable Stylus style is the Stylus Pro.
4Sevens has a 10 year warranty.
Me I would get the Quark 123A, high output, bushbutton tailcap switch with momentary, 3 light levels before the Streamlight given the similar form factor.
If you like the stylus style concept you will like the Preon II, it is a different concept though, not quite as "tacticool".
There was a time if you joined Candle Power Forum your got a 8% discount from 4Sevens.
The code was cpf8. If you go the 4Sevens route try the discount code in the promo/coupon box.
Last edited:
Rail Driver
Member
+1 on the INova lights. I own several of their lights. They're lightweight, water resistant, durable and VERY bright. Battery life could be better, but for what you get they're awesome. The price is right too.
dairycreek
Member
I have used my Streamlight Stylus Pro for several years and it has worked quite well. Great illumination and easy on batteries as well.
From a pragmatist-not an enthusiast...
Don't get carried away with output when making your choice unless you have a specific need (like hunting, etc). I don't know where the recommended cutoff is these days, but they're so bright these days I'm willing to trade off some output for increased battery life. There's also the problem with too much light being a problem for the operator if employed as a SD tool.
I think Ken Hackathorn has a name for folks that worship at the alter of max output, which I won't repeat here.
My criteria was:
1. Small enough for EDC-I wear my Streamlight on my belt next to my cell phone case.
2. CR123 batteries-I use the light a lot, but only for short periods of time. As such, I'm willing to put up with the slight inconvenience of CR123s for the increased life/shelf life. You could always go with something like Eveready Energizer Ultimate Lithiums in lights taking AA/AAA, but then you lose any cost savings over CR123. I do have AA lights in all my vehicle glove boxes in which I installed the Eveready Lithiums, but did so for shelf life and resistence to temperature extremes (nothing kills/leaks an alkaline like summer in a glove box).
3. Tailcap push switch with BRIGHT being the first setting-haven't had to use it as a defensive tool yet, but if that time comes, I want it to hit the high beam first, strobe second, low light third (as the Streamlight does).
4. KISS-since my primary purpose for this light is as a SD tool, I don't want 50 settings, push, twist, hold your mouth right, etc to get the mode I want. I get a laugh outta some of the YouTube videos where folks show off their newest toy, only to see the room go dark accompanied by a lot of fumblin, mumblin, etc as they try to access the particular setting they wanted.
'Course, if SD doesn't play a role in your selection, you may be happy moving down the size/brightness scale, but should be able to do so for quite a bit less money. I've bought numerous Streamlight Stylus Pros off eBay for around $17 delivered, and have a couple of MicroStreams, realizing these are just pocket lights etc for finding dropped parts, etc.
If you are thinking SD as an intended use, make sure you check my earlier post and download the American Cop issue with the light articles scattered throughout the issue.
Sorry, it would help if we knew your intended use-that'll make a big difference.
Don't get carried away with output when making your choice unless you have a specific need (like hunting, etc). I don't know where the recommended cutoff is these days, but they're so bright these days I'm willing to trade off some output for increased battery life. There's also the problem with too much light being a problem for the operator if employed as a SD tool.
I think Ken Hackathorn has a name for folks that worship at the alter of max output, which I won't repeat here.
My criteria was:
1. Small enough for EDC-I wear my Streamlight on my belt next to my cell phone case.
2. CR123 batteries-I use the light a lot, but only for short periods of time. As such, I'm willing to put up with the slight inconvenience of CR123s for the increased life/shelf life. You could always go with something like Eveready Energizer Ultimate Lithiums in lights taking AA/AAA, but then you lose any cost savings over CR123. I do have AA lights in all my vehicle glove boxes in which I installed the Eveready Lithiums, but did so for shelf life and resistence to temperature extremes (nothing kills/leaks an alkaline like summer in a glove box).
3. Tailcap push switch with BRIGHT being the first setting-haven't had to use it as a defensive tool yet, but if that time comes, I want it to hit the high beam first, strobe second, low light third (as the Streamlight does).
4. KISS-since my primary purpose for this light is as a SD tool, I don't want 50 settings, push, twist, hold your mouth right, etc to get the mode I want. I get a laugh outta some of the YouTube videos where folks show off their newest toy, only to see the room go dark accompanied by a lot of fumblin, mumblin, etc as they try to access the particular setting they wanted.
'Course, if SD doesn't play a role in your selection, you may be happy moving down the size/brightness scale, but should be able to do so for quite a bit less money. I've bought numerous Streamlight Stylus Pros off eBay for around $17 delivered, and have a couple of MicroStreams, realizing these are just pocket lights etc for finding dropped parts, etc.
If you are thinking SD as an intended use, make sure you check my earlier post and download the American Cop issue with the light articles scattered throughout the issue.
Spec ops Grunt
Member
I just want a EDC light that has good throw, is compact enough to carry regularly with a pocket clip, and has a low setting to conserve batteries.
So Preon or Quark123^2
Leaning towards the Quark.
EDIT: Actually, I already keep a photon on my key chain, so it makes more sense to go with the Quark.
So Preon or Quark123^2
Leaning towards the Quark.
EDIT: Actually, I already keep a photon on my key chain, so it makes more sense to go with the Quark.
DAdams
Member
Received a Newsletter/Email today. 4Sevens has 4 units marked down 20% for the 4th.
Quark 123 Turbo puts this to about $60
Quark AAX2 Turbo puts to $60
Maelstrom G5 puts this to about $120
Preon ReVO Stainless (nice keychain light)
use coupon code FIREWORKS11 when checking out.
God Bless those who serve(d) out Country!! Celebrate Freedom.
Quark 123 Turbo puts this to about $60
Quark AAX2 Turbo puts to $60
Maelstrom G5 puts this to about $120
Preon ReVO Stainless (nice keychain light)
use coupon code FIREWORKS11 when checking out.
God Bless those who serve(d) out Country!! Celebrate Freedom.
USAF_Vet
Member
My EDC light is a $30 Coleman I got at Wal-Mart. Although I just put on of these on order, http://www.sog-knives.net/sog-knife.php?prodnum=SL1M, SOG SL1M.
Light, knife, and apparently a whistle all in one package, and for a very reasonable price. Heck, I might get two just to torture test one of them.
Light, knife, and apparently a whistle all in one package, and for a very reasonable price. Heck, I might get two just to torture test one of them.
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