As a flashaholic, part of my 12-step program is to admit to owning several of the models discussed above, and more.

Best bang for your buck in small flashlight is either the Countycomm.com Maratac 1xAAA or the ITP EOS A3 Upgrade ("Upgrade" means tri-mode). They are the same light with different tailcap/key-ring attachment. $25 for the Maratac, and around $19 for the ITP if you look around. The Maratac is my standard key-ring light and also fits nicely into the nylon sheath for the Leatherman Surge and Charge.

The Fenix LD01 is also a nice 1xAAA light, roughly same size as above, but more costly at around $40. One of these currently lives in the sheath for my Leatherman Charge AL in my BOB.

I avoid CR123A for the longest time, wanting to stick with more readily-available AA and AAA lights. But I got a Fenix PD30 R4 on sale, and it has become my favorite EDC pocket flashlight. It clips nicely inside my pocket and I hardly notice it until I need it.

I've looked at the 4Sevens Quark "X" 123². They seem to be well made, I like the form factor and extra brightness, but the low ranges and extra modes bother me. I like the 11-lumen low mode on my Fenix PD30, I think the 3-lumen mode on the 4Sevens light would be too dim. Too bad there's no place local to try one out. Then again, given my addiction, maybe that's a good thing.

My "thrower" is an OLight Triton M30 I picked-up on sale last year for $95. Only 700 lumens, but I manage to get by.