I am looking for a really durable, small hand held flash light. I have tried several and have had "ho - hum" results, some lasted a day or two and some didn't even last the night! I am not apposed to spending some $$$ on one - IF it is worth it (been down that road before as well).
For those of you who have really put one through the ringer, tried and tested it... what would your recommend?
I have a lot of flashlights, and have spent a lot of money on some of them. The smallest, most versatile, cost-effective light I have right now is the Fenix E12. I have given a bunch of them away to family and friends, including as Christmas presents. It costs about $26, takes a single AA battery, and has three power settings, 8, 50 and 130. While the 130 lumen top end is not as good as it gets, it is the one light that can be carried 24/7/365 in even the hottest weather. On the lowest setting the battery lasts a very long time. It has a positive click on/off switch with some protection around it to lessen the chance of inadvertent activation. The only negative I can find is that it really cannot be used as a tac light because you have to cycle through to the highest power setting. (It can be done, but it is cumbersome to do discretely.) I can’t say that I have dropped it out of helicopters, but I carried one every day for a year with no trouble. (This is more than I can say about a 123 battery Streamlight Protac 1L that I bought for a bunch more money.) I just had to buy another E12, because I gave my first one away a couple of months ago to a friend of my daughter in law.
Even some family members who are hesitant to carry flashlights all the time have been carrying this model because it is so convenient. I have a brother in law who was stuck working in a hospital in New Orleans without power for days after Hurricane Katrina, and something this simple with a few spare batteries would have greatly enhanced his life.
If some other people post on this thread about something better, I’ll be interested in that as well!
I am not a flashlight nerd but I do own several and I use them ALOT. I have thrown away more flashlights than I care to admit but the ones I keep are the ones that work.
My two always-carry flashlights are an ARC-AAA and Fenix LD01 (both single-AAA lights). They've both sat in my pockets for years amid keys, loose change, metal whistle, and assorted other crap. I'm guessing I've had the ARC for at least a decade and a half (if not longer -- an indication of how long it has been that I can't remember ).
A little higher up the power curve, I've been perfectly happy with my Fenix LD22. But heck, I've also been happy with my ancient 2-AA Maglite with the $5 LED replacement.
I still use the good old fashioned Maglite 2AA. The new LED versions are plenty bright and have long battery life. Not the coolest as far as flashlights go but they are bomb proof and affordable.
The newer 1AAA LED lights are pretty good for a backup emergency light that can be carried on your person easily.
I've been carrying a Streamlight Microstream for a few years and it's a nice light. I've heard great things about the Fenix E12 and I just ordered one of those. I like lights that use regular AA and AAA batteries because they are plentiful and inexpensive. If things go to hell, I will still have light.
511 has (2) pen light type Tac lights, 1 is a single AAA and the other is double AAA, $25-30 depending on which size. Highly recommend. They're bright enough for stanndard Tac stuff and light weight...they both have "press" to spot light as well as full "on".
I think a lot of people get confused on lights and what they need and how to eval. The 2 lights I mentioned, you wouldn't use them to search the woods or a field for someone, but to clear a house or average bldg- even a warehouse- they're fine...also battery compatibility between your tools is a plus. If optic uses a AAA and so does your light you only need one set of back up battery
They have one light that has driven 5,000+ 12-penny nails into 2x4 boards at trade shows while the light is illuminated. The same light, a hundred trade shows later, is still working.
I carry a Fenix E15 on my keyring, and it's by far my most-used tool; period. It's kind of a smaller version of the E12, that uses a cr123 instead of AA, twist-on instead of tail-cap clicker, and default "on" mode is medium instead of low.
In about 5 years of carrying & using the E15 daily, I'm on my second one now; but the death of the first one was my fault entirely. I frankly forgot it was clipped to my swim trunks when I went saltwater snorkeling and a couple days after that, it died. It ran for those couple days after the abuse, and since I was on vacation I was lax & didn't bother cleaning it. I suspect that if I'd cleaned it up immediately after, it might well have survived completely.
Like the stupid thing enough that I have an unopened spare in my desk drawer, so if I manage to kill this one I won't have to go without one while waiting on a replacement.
I carry a Fenix E15 on my keyring, and it's by far my most-used tool; period. It's kind of a smaller version of the E12, that uses a cr123 instead of AA, twist-on instead of tail-cap clicker, and default "on" mode is medium instead of low.
In about 5 years of carrying & using the E15 daily, I'm on my second one now; but the death of the first one was my fault entirely. I frankly forgot it was clipped to my swim trunks when I went saltwater snorkeling and a couple days after that, it died. It ran for those couple days after the abuse, and since I was on vacation I was lax & didn't bother cleaning it. I suspect that if I'd cleaned it up immediately after, it might well have survived completely.
Like the stupid thing enough that I have an unopened spare in my desk drawer, so if I manage to kill this one I won't have to go without one while waiting on a replacement.
What I don't like about this light is that the battery clunks around inside the housing and I had to nearly turn the cap all the way off just to keep the light from coming on in my pocket. The threads were gritty and would squeak as I turned the head.. I put a little white grease to lube it and then I would find the light on nearly every time I pulled it out of my pocket. I tossed it in the garbage.
Let's address the "ho hum lights" first. Model? Battery type? Desired application - hiking trail at night or reading an instruction manual in the dark?
Example. I buy 1 AA battery lights from China for under $3 and they don't last more than 18 months, whether used or not! Conversely, I buy 1 AA lights from McGree Engineering for $25 plus shipping and they last for years. Which is the better deal? Neither. The applications are different. The cheapies go into the dance shoe bags. The quality light goes with me when I go out of the country.
If we don't know what you have and why it doesn't work for you, we cannot make an informed suggestion.
I happen to like 1 or 3 mode single 18650 lights. No, they won't last a night. However, the quality batteries kept in reserve will easily last up to 10 years. You can buy such a unit for $8 - $90. Different build qualities. However, none of them will last being used for 10 continuous hours on full power.
This evening, my girl friend exchanged a couple of AA battery flashlights from her car for 2 lights - single 18650 lights that are clones of the Sipik SK98 light and they cost about $8 each delivered. Why? Because she uses the flashlights to find things in the car and not to walk a trail in dim light. You only need a light with about .5 lumen to walk at night, less than 1 lumen!
The part that people tend to ignore is buying decent quality batteries, properly storing quality batteries so that they don't leak and spoil the lights/other batteries, and checking on the batteries at least every 6 months. If your flashlight gives you the illumination that you want, then take along extra, properly stored batteries. Related-when your handheld radio takes 4 AA batteries and you have only two units and the batteries won't last more than a few hours, what happens when your big blister pack of 24 batteries is used up??
I have several Olights. I like them, small enough to pocket carry, very bright when bright is needed. Variety of models I usually look at the M models. Batteryjunction.com
Both are handy pocket-sized and have withstood the normal drops and pocket clutter abuse, as well as my grand daughter's use as a tub toy for light shows.
One or the other of them are constantly in whatever jeans/shorts I'm wearing (and left hanging on the hook overnight), in my robe pocket or sweats pocket around the house at night, and next to my Kindle on the floor. They're my constant pocket lights when traveling.
The low setting to avoid disturbing others at night; the medium setting to navigate large rooms; and the high setting to really light up rooms or look out windows onto my deck. I buy Streamlight CR123a batteries from Amazon in the 12-pack.
I have a very respectable assortment of other lights, including larger ones, as well as pocketable AA, AAA & AAAA lights, but it's the Mini's that serve my daily/nightly needs more often than not. A constant pocket companion when leaving the house, even in daylight.
Thanks for all the responses fellows! I have started checking out each recommendation you folks you have given me.
I do a fair amount of camping, packing and outdoor activities so a good flash light is almost a must for me. I am also looking for a light that I will need in a SHTF or bug out situation.
Thru-nite, Olight, Nitecore, Fenix, Foursevens, all are good, among others. These are not Home Depot Chinese junk lights (even though many do come from China).
You may also want to consider adding a small head-mounted light, very handy for camping and even around the house repairs.
Start by picking a battery or form-factor type then go from there. I would stick to AA, CR-123A, and 18650 battery types.
It's funny -- the only light I ever ordered from Foursevens came D.O.A.
I've heard enough good things about them to assume that it was a fluke, but as the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a good first impression...Never ordered another light from them after that.
Foursevens has a pretty thin product lineup these days and their requirement to program modes at the factory is a joke. But they are quality products, anyone can produce a lemon sometimes.
My 4Sevens Quark Tactical is my EDC for six years now. Thought I had lost it once and was really upset as they don't even make this model anymore but I found it! The Preon penlights are about the best around.
I purchased a MecArmy PT-16 from Going Gear while at the Blade Show. USB rechargeable, access low, high, strobe from the button and it is small. They make an AA, AAA, 18560 and 123a bodies. The one I'll get next is the SGN3.
S1 baton it's around $40ish. It has 4 settings low, med, high (500 lumens) and strobe. It has a pocket clip and take 123a which I bought the bundle with a charger and 2 rechargable batteries.
I carry a Streamlight ProTac 2L every day and use it every day, several times a day or more. I'm a computer systems administrator and I'm always hunting in dark closets for network cables or under desks wiring cabling up. It's the best light I've ever had, albeit a bit expensive.
The only drawback is the Velcro case. The Velcro will eventually get all gummed up and then the top won't close. Once that happens it's easy to dump the light when least expected. But that's pretty minor and easily corrected by either cleaning the Velcro periodically or getting a different case.
McGee Engineering 170 flashlight is a single AA light. Durable construction. Doesn't heat up. One mode or multimode models. The guy tests every unit before sending it out. About $30 delivered. Why is that important? I had a Home Depot light with store pickup that was DOA this week. Two trips to Home Depot at $.55 a mile.
Of course, you can buy directly from Red China a single AA light. I had three fail within a year, and without having run down a battery! Pricing was $1.50 to $4 for the same units.
My $80 McGee Engineering light took a hike in the last few weeks. Looked everywhere. A real 1200 lumens (believe it or not the sellers from Red China simply make up numbers). Ordered another this morning.
If you got to TMart, you can get a single 18650 Sipik Sk98 equivalent for about $8 delivered. They are reliable. I actually have about 6 original Sipik Sk98s - and they have never worn out.
McGee Engineering 170 flashlight is a single AA light. Durable construction. Doesn't heat up. One mode or multimode models. The guy tests every unit before sending it out. About $30 delivered. Why is that important? I had a Home Depot light with store pickup that was DOA this week. Two trips to Home Depot at $.55 a mile.
Of course, you can buy directly from Red China a single AA light. I had three fail within a year, and without having run down a battery! Pricing was $1.50 to $4 for the same units.
My $80 McGee Engineering light took a hike in the last few weeks. Looked everywhere. A real 1200 lumens (believe it or not the sellers from Red China simply make up numbers). Ordered another this morning.
If you got to TMart, you can get a single 18650 Sipik Sk98 equivalent for about $8 delivered. They are reliable. I actually have about 6 original Sipik Sk98s - and they have never worn out.
I have a few different ones by Nitecore and Maglite for years, but the past year I've come to really like the Coast HX5. It is small and comes with a 2-way clip to clip to belt, inside pocket, or hat brim. The head slides to adjust beam from flood to spot. Uses 1 AA battery for 130 lumens (3h45min run time). It can also use a NiMH 1.2v for 125 lumens (1hr15min) or a Li Ion 14500 for 345 lumens (45min).
I carry one almost everyday and have a couple stashed around the house. They cost about $15-20 and come with a Duracell battery.
I've been carrying a Fenix PD25 for about a year and use it at least once a day at work plus at home. Small enough to be unnoticed in my pocket, four brightness settings. Has a wide beam so it's pretty good at short distances. After all the times I've used it I'm only on my second cr123 battery.
McGee Engineering 170 flashlight is a single AA light. Durable construction. Doesn't heat up. One mode or multimode models. The guy tests every unit before sending it out. About $30 delivered. Why is that important? I had a Home Depot light with store pickup that was DOA this week. Two trips to Home Depot at $.55 a mile.
Of course, you can buy directly from Red China a single AA light. I had three fail within a year, and without having run down a battery! Pricing was $1.50 to $4 for the same units.
My $80 McGee Engineering light took a hike in the last few weeks. Looked everywhere. A real 1200 lumens (believe it or not the sellers from Red China simply make up numbers). Ordered another this morning.
If you got to TMart, you can get a single 18650 Sipik Sk98 equivalent for about $8 delivered. They are reliable. I actually have about 6 original Sipik Sk98s - and they have never worn out.
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