EDC Flashlights

Any recomendations on a good flashlight Incandesent or Led model to use with my PSK for EDC.

Thanks
Lee <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Arc AAA or new Photon Freedom...

But also how big is your PSK?

Mini Mag with Opalec Newbeam LED conversion?

A store on ebay is selling that new Microlight Freedom for $12.95 instead of the manufacturer's $19.95!

Here's a link
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vie...ssPageName=WDVW

I'll second Matt's suggestions in general. For EDC for most of us, a small and reliable LED light makes good sense. Some folks have duties that allow them to lug around a fairly large torch, but I'll argue that is duty wear vs true EDC.

I EDC an ARC AAA Premium (white LED) and a Photon II (Red LED). My "PSK" is in redundant levels, but ramps up from a white Photon II in a core personal FAK to an ARC AA in the larger FAK and so on, with almost everything LED or converted to LED (Pelican M6 is my only current dedicated incandescent torch). But I digress from EDC...

The inexpensive LED coin cell lights at CountryComm are a heck of a bargain for EDC. And the Dorcy single AAA, cheapest at Wally-World, is a real bargain in a more conventional form (larger than an ARC, but still small enough for the pocket).

Small and reliable is the way to go for EDC. Lithium batteries are a plus, and when the heck are those Energizer AAA Lithiums coming out? IMHO, incandescents are generally not desirable for true EDC carry, although the Solitaire is still carried by many folks.

HTH,

Tom

The new Photon Freedom is an exceptional value. It's being supplied with a new quick clip AND a multi - mounting device that makes for a great headlamp when attached to the brim of your hat...

M

I love the white Poton II so much that I have three of them. I haven't tried the new one yet but it sounds like I should. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

AyersTG wrote:

Tom--
While I agree with almost everything you've said, I must disagree with this statement. I've carried a SureFire 6P or variant (same size & basic envelope; currently it's a C2) as EDC for several years, including suit/dress clothes. I'm not in any uniformed service; I just want a powerful light on me when I'm out & about!

While this class of light may not be what you'd consider a "large torch" (it's huge compared to a Photon), it's much smaller than a large MagLite. My original 6P rode on my left hip for years in a BladeTech Kydex carrier. Current production SF products are slightly larger in diameter, which required me to purchase a new carrier (I chose the one from SF, this time). It fits my G2 and my C2, with or without lanyards.

Does it add bulk to my belt? Yes, but no more than the cell phone next to it. Also, it has protected the cell phone from rough falls or blows a number of times .

While I also carry a Photon II on my keyring, it's the SureFire I reach for most often. I find that the size & weight penalty is not too great, given the benefits of having it with me.

Regards,

David

Tom,

The AAA Lithium Energizers have been out for awhile. I know I have some anyway. I had to chastize my wife for putting some of them in one of the kids toys! She didn't appreciate the difference <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Try Best Buy, they tend to carry them for all the electronic stuff.

Greg

If you're talking about a tiny Altoids-type PSK, a small coin cell light including the $1.00 Countycomm ones is about all you can fit. Photons look nicer and some models have more features, but really they all do the same thing. And the Arc AAA is a wonderful light, but for the price of one of them you can buy a bag of 20 Countycomms. The CC lights are among the greatest of nerd bargains. I buy them in bags of 20 and give them out as presents all the time. They are always appreciated. Carrying several is good too, for redundancy or in case someone else needs one. Their main drawback is they are not very waterproof, but neither are Photons.

Another nice light is the UKE 2AAA eLED, $11.95 from www.brightguy.com. It's bigger than the Arc, but costs less, is waterproof to 1000 feet, and runs for 20 hours on two AAA's (regulated with boost circuit). It comes with a hat clip which is nice for handsfree use if you have a baseball cap. I think this is a really good PSK light if you have the space for it.

Greg, where did you find AAA lithiums? They're not on bestbuy's web site and I haven't seen them for sale anywhere else. A few people have bought Energizer E2 "titanium" AAA batteries with the mistaken impression that they were AAA lithiums, but those are actually premium alkalines. The lithium AAA's when available will use part number L92. Do yours say L92 on them anywhere?

Thanks guys for all the help have chosen a sure fire Z2
it should do the job. I have 2 pulsars that I carry in a maxpedition M5 waistpack.

Thanks Tons!
Lee <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Leemann--

Excellent choice! How are you carrying it?

As an accessory, consider getting SF's "Spares Carrier"--it holds 6x123-type batteries, plus a spare bulb. It's a great addition to a larger pack, or to leave in a vehicle.

For immediate spare batteries, the "Advantix" oval shaped film canisters hold 2x123-type batteries very neatly, side by side. A bit of tape over the lid keeps it attached.

David

David--

will need to get a case for it and other accessories for the light. Right now in my pocket nice light I'm impressed with the output and size.

Leemann <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Energizer e2 AAA Lithium Photo Battery 4-pk's are listed on the Best Buy web site (but out of stock there);
however, the 'look for local store" link says the store in my area has them in stock -- we'll see! <G>

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?id=1082742427368&skuId=6648648&type=product

kf

I know you wanted LED flashlights, but just for my two cents, I have gotten great performance out of my Mini-Mag lite and Mag lite solitare. I've keet the Mini on my belt at all times for almost two years now and its been droped, dunked and all sorts of abused and its still working like the day I got it. The Solitaire is kept in with my med-kit, just in case you know.

On the note of battaries, I actually sent them an email asking if they recommended a certain brand, heres what they said -
Nic:

Yes, we recommend either Duracell, Evergizer or Rayovac. They all offer a warranty against battery leaks.

Don

so there you have it. I like Mag lites, but use your own judgement for your own needs.

Nic

I'm happy that you like you maglites, there are solid dependable lights. They are the best lights available in all retail outlets. I too was a fan of Maglite I have the 2AAA, 2AA and the solitare. That was until I found the arc-AAA, which frankly blows all three of the mags out the water. (IMHO) It's also, if not more so, a tough little bugger and for EDC you can't ask for more. The solitaire is now sadly a happy memory, the 2AAA & 2AA will probably get modied soon with led or luxeon conversions. See CPF for some no nonsense lights. So one more vote for the Arc AAA here.

Over in CPF a guy just lost his Arc AAA off a cliff. It fell (presumably rolling and bumping) 4000 feet down the mountain. He found it the next day, and it suffered only cosmetic damage.

Very cool stuff, the Arc AAA sounds impressive indeed. The noticable advantage of the mag lites is of course availibility and price, but if your willing to pay for an Arc and order it, more power to you, it looks like a great system. I have limited funds and im not a pilot or EMS or anything, so I can feel well prepared with good - but not all powerfull- equipment.

I carry a Photon II on my keyring, and sometimes tucked away in my wallet. I have considered the Arc AAA on several occasions but for me keeping size and weight at an absolute minimum is almost always a priority. That's why I go with the Photon II. I have gone camping several times recently with no flashlight other than my Photon II and it has served me quite well. I may still eventually try out the Arc AAA but due to it's size, I doubt it would ever truely be an EDC item.

Also check out Peak LED Solutions, they have some nice variations of LED formats and body materials. Pete

http://peakledsolutions.net/index.html

Thanks Pete

Have been looking for a LED light to go with the Z2 light.

Lee

I think the Photon II is a better light than the Mag Solitaire (if cost is concerned), and if you ever compare a quality led light to the Solitaire, you will give or throw away the Mag.
There is THAT much of a difference.

Speaking of cheap lights the Dorcy AAA have been getting a lot of good reviews. If I can find some of the CPF reviews I will try to post a link.

I think this light is much better than the solataire.

Here's a review

If you want a 1AAA LED light and don't want to pay for an Arc, you could also try the CMG Sonic, $9.50 at TTS:

http://www.texastacticalsupply.com (click on "LED lights").

Review: http://flashlightreviews2.home.att.net/reviews/cmg_sonic.htm

I have both and the CMG is not as nice as the Arc, but it's not bad.

Also, the CMG/Gerber Infinity Ultra (AA sized, too big for a keychain but fine for a pocket) is hard to beat.

Paul,

Did you ever find the Lithium AAAs? I finally remembered to check at home and they are lithiums. I am fairly certain that I got them at the Best Buy in the Gladstone, MO area.

Maybe we need to have people who can get them ship them to folks that can't find them? Or maybe one of these days the Best Buy website will have them.

Greg

I found this link: AAA Lithiums at Best Buy . However, they are on backorder at $11.99 for a 4 pack. I also tried Walgreens.com and Walmart.com and they are not listed at either site.

Robert

I thought I'd read that the first shipments of lithium AAA's wouldn't be hitting the store shelves until the Christmas season ...

M

My best friend works in marketing at Radio Shack's main Corp office here in TX. I'm shocked that they aren't on top of this. I sent him an ICQ regarding why they aren't beating Best Buy to the market. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I'll let you know what he says. He will probably check his ICQ some time today. They are terrible about keeping their stores stocked but almost anything is available on the website.

Well the not-so-official reply from my friend was "Ya man, we're a little behind in the round rechargables market". <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I tried the this 20 pack of photons from country.com and was very dissapointed. over half of them have low or dead batteries.

Jhlewis10:

Call them up and see if that was an "as is" sale item or if you have recourse.

Bountyhunter

are you talking about Photon micro-lights or about those cheap LED lights sold by Country.com 1$ a piece ????
IIRC It's not the same item.

I may be going out on a limb here but I seriously doubt those were Photon brand lights.

The CC lights are not Photons, they're a different design, but they're nice little lights. They advertise them as bags of 20 but they actually put in a few extra, so you typically get 22 or so, in case a few turn on in shipping or are bad for some other reason. I've ordered them a few times and have had a few of them fail but have never heard of a 50% failure rate til just now. Something weird must have happened. Anyway, those lights are a great buy. They do have the problem that they can turn on accidentally if banged around. When I mail one, I usually put a piece of scotch tape over the switch, to prevent that.

I have also ordered the CC lights and never had a problem. They are a good company, you should contact them and let them know what happened. They are aware of their following on this forum and I'd be surprised if they didn't make it right. As cheap as they are, there is really no reason not to.

Boy what a light the Photon Freedom is bought one for my psk kit..

Thanks guys
Lee <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I now carry an Arc AAA PE for EDC but I must say I still like my Photons. I still keep a Photon2 in my smallest kit and my wife keeps one on her keychain. From what I have seen on the Photon website the new Freedom model looks very promising. I might have to get one to replace the Photon2 in my smallest kit. I had a 3rd Photon2 but my son got a hold of it. Note to self: Photons are not toddlerproof! <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

The really cheap ones for 1.00 each, I bought a 20 pack to give to clients.

I may just do that, did not really plan on it though, they were cheap, I gave away about half and will get a new battery for my own. The battery is really easy to replace, 4 screws. I ordered the blue ones for what its worth.

The Ultra G tactical illuminator I got is great though. On my key chain I seem to find use for it dailey. Mostly to look behind my computer at work fixing things.

Jeff

what do you think of the blue light compared to the white ones?

Note, the Everyready lithium AAA (L92)s *are* now available, but they have *just* come out. Check out this thread on CPF.

Runtime graphs are just starting to come in, but it's lookin good! Check out this one by this_is_nascar of the Arc AAA with lithium vs alkaline batteries:


For an emergency kit, the Arc AAA + the Energizer lithium L92 seems pretty decent, esp when you factor in the shelf life and ability to operate in bad tempatures.

-john