Greetings...I have to carry a flashlight in my pocket for work; I'm looking for your recommendations on a make/model/price. What I'm using now is fine, except the real brightness that I need only lasts a couple of days after new batteries-those AAA type that don't last long...
Compact work flashlight
- Thread starter SPDMETL
- Start date
Bondo
Well-known member
Ayuh,.... i've been buyin' those cheapie Led pocket lights from Harbor Fright, at a buck or 2 a piece,...
Several have lasted long enough to go through a second set of batteries, 3AAA's,...
They're great, nice bright light, til the switch goes to 'ell, or ya get it wet,...
Several have lasted long enough to go through a second set of batteries, 3AAA's,...
They're great, nice bright light, til the switch goes to 'ell, or ya get it wet,...
Mazdaspeed
Banned
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2013
- Messages
- 180
Streamlight or Fenix - find the battery configuration you like and go for it.
I have:
Streamlight Microstream (1 x AAA)
Streamlight Stylus Pro (2 x AAA)
Streamlight Protac 88033 (2 x AA)
Fenix PD35 (1 x 18650)
Fenix E25 (2 x AA)
Obviously my fave is the PD35, but it's expensive and a bit bigger.
Here's a pic before the microstream:
I have:
Streamlight Microstream (1 x AAA)
Streamlight Stylus Pro (2 x AAA)
Streamlight Protac 88033 (2 x AA)
Fenix PD35 (1 x 18650)
Fenix E25 (2 x AA)
Obviously my fave is the PD35, but it's expensive and a bit bigger.
Here's a pic before the microstream:
Last edited:
n8n
Well-known member
I'm carrying Fenix E11 in my pocket, fed with Eneloop AAs and a Streamlight Night Com UV on my belt in a Surefire leather holster intended for a Surefire 6P (works perfectly) that one gets Surefire rechargeable LiFePO4s as sadly 18650 won't fit, 17670 won't give as much output on UV (unregulated) and 2x RCR123A Li-Ions will let the magic smoke out. My main complaint with an otherwise excellent light; I wish they'd made it fully regulated and sized it to accomodate 18650s.
I also have an old ZebraLight headlight that takes a single 17670/18650 that I keep in my toolbox. Have to lock that out though when not using it; it's got insane current draw when off and will run the cell flat in a few days unlike my other lights with mechanical switches.
I also have an old ZebraLight headlight that takes a single 17670/18650 that I keep in my toolbox. Have to lock that out though when not using it; it's got insane current draw when off and will run the cell flat in a few days unlike my other lights with mechanical switches.
GCncsuHD
Well-known member
On my EDC keychain I keep one of the new generation Maglite Solitaire LEDs. It is lightyears beyond the old incandescent Solitaire, 37 lumens vs the old 2 lumen. Actually, it is noticeably brighter than my old generation Mini Mag LED. It's single AAA, and I use it almost daily, though maybe only a couple minutes at a time, and it still has the original battery from when I bought it a few months ago.
Obviously there are better ones out there, but I have found for it's size it is very handy.
Another one I carry a lot, and fit's nicely in a shirt pocket is the LED Lenser P4BM. It is pen sized, focusable, and has a very nice crisp and even beam, zero hotspots which makes it ideal as an inspection light.
I also carry a NiteCore EC2, it has 5 brightness levels, lasts forever on the lower settings with the power there when you need it. Very nice compact light.
Obviously there are better ones out there, but I have found for it's size it is very handy.
Another one I carry a lot, and fit's nicely in a shirt pocket is the LED Lenser P4BM. It is pen sized, focusable, and has a very nice crisp and even beam, zero hotspots which makes it ideal as an inspection light.
I also carry a NiteCore EC2, it has 5 brightness levels, lasts forever on the lower settings with the power there when you need it. Very nice compact light.
Last edited:
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
It might be a little bigger than what you want, but I have a Nebo Redline (actually, I have 2). It's bright as the sun, you can focus the beam & it's only around $30.00, no where near the price of some of the other brands. Best flashlight I've ever had...
https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=164&cid=16&subid=94&subsubcid=
Tommy
https://www.nebotools.com/prod_details.php?id=164&cid=16&subid=94&subsubcid=
Tommy
Trey T
Well-known member
Why in pocket? I find it comfortable to carry my Streamlight Strion LED in my belt pouch.
PnHmech
Well-known member
Marco tools makes a nice one it's about $40, don't kno the name of it. A few guys I work with have them
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
fitz11
Well-known member
My favorite is the four sevens preon.
trpearcy
Well-known member
I've been thinking about getting one of those. Is it bright enough? Small enough to fit in your pocket?
Also, in response to the original post, I'm personally a big fan of Mag lites. They just always work.
Right now my daily use flashlight is one of the new Pro series Mag lites. They redesigned the LED design and added a heat sink and some power management circuits, and they're great flashlights. I use the 2AA model, which fits easily in my pocket or in the included belt hostler. For road calls and when I'm towing, I use the 3D model.
I do wish that they'd start making a 2AA sized rechargeable light...someday.
Hope this helps.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
I don't have a streamlite so I don't know what the bench mark is. I would say without knowing, this has to be close to the top. It's super bright and is a tiny bit bigger than a roll of quarters. I have had it for 3 years and take it everywhere. Being rechargeable is why I bought it. You will be very happy with it.
trpearcy
Well-known member
Ok. So if you've had it that long it must be well built and reliable.
Thanks. I'm gonna pick one up next time I'm at Home Depot
rkevins
Well-known member
I carry a mag light XL50 led 139 lumes we provide our light and work provides the batteries mine gets used many times a day
n8n
Well-known member
Mags are reliable, but traditionally not on the cutting edge of output. Same can be said for Streamlight and Surefire, two other brands traditionally associated with dead-nuts reliability and bulletproofness. I've been happy with my Streamlight but honestly my little single AA Fenix is just as bright and fits in my pocket, and has taken an astonishing amount of abuse over the ~1.5 years I've been carrying it.
If you want to go down a rabbit hole of flashlight geekery, check out candlepowerforums. I thought I lost my E11 a while back, and had pretty much settled on a Jetbeam RRT-01 as my new pocket light, but found the E11 before I'd pulled the trigger. Fenix, Nitecore, Jetbeam, ZebraLight, et. al. will give you more lumens per dollar, but at the potential risk of loss of reliability. My ZL is a little quirky but still good, my Fenix has been rock solid, but I still trust "Made in USA" more than "Made in China."
Finally, you might want to check out a Malkoff MDC or HDS EDC line if your budget can stand it... basically Fenix is to Surefire as Surefire is to Malkoff or HDS, but you will pay for it... or to put it another way
Fenix = Pittsburgh Pro (at least the good Pittsburgh Pro stuff)
Surefire/Streamlight/Mag = Craftsman (well, old USA Craftsman)
Malkoff or HDS = Snap-On
Finally don't worry about whether or not the light is rechargeable or not. Any light can be made rechargeable. For AA or AAA cells, use Sanyo Eneloops (low self discharge NiMHs) and a Maha C9000 charger. this way you're not locked into anything proprietary and you'll find tons of other places to use Eneloops around the house (all my AA or AAA powered devices now have Eneloops; I shouldn't have to buy any more cells for years (or unless I buy more devices.) For the higher end lights you can usually use 18650s or RCR123s, I'm using a Nitecore i4 V2 charger for those which is even less expensive than the Maha. My 18650s are EagleTac but AW makes good cells too.
Last edited:
Tarheelgarage
Well-known member
Blue point 3AAA pen light is the brightest SOB for its size.
Danguitarman
Well-known member
Streamlight Stylus Pro is my suggestion. I've had mine for two years and have beat the living **** out of it. I carry it everywhere whether I'm at work or not. It's just slightly wider than the 2 "AAA" batteries it holds, and it's surprisingly bright. Worth every penny.
OrneryDuck
Well-known member
I have a few, but my favorite is still the Streamlight Stylus Pro (double AAA) I first bought. I have an even-smaller Fenix LD01 (single AAA) that I use frequently for work. It is a solid choice if length is a concern.
For frequent use I'd suggest a slightly larger CR123-powered light or Eneloop rechargeable batteries.
For frequent use I'd suggest a slightly larger CR123-powered light or Eneloop rechargeable batteries.
Last edited:
nicksnothereman
Well-known member
I carry a maglite. The one with the belt sheath. I suppose the led type would be bright enough for you if you want to consider buying one. There are probably better flashlights out there but for some reason I like the whole maglite setup with the variable magnifier despite the fact that it's not super bright.
If you're carrying it all the time get something with a belt sheath or loop. I think people recommend surefires but they're not cheap. Anything led should last a decent amount of time battery wise...if it becomes an issue you could attempt using rechargeable batteries but not sure how they'd hold up.
countryroad82
Well-known member
I keep a Stylus with me. Takes 3 AAAA batteries, that's not a typo. I carry them everyday in my shirt pocket they get beat pretty hard. At about $15 and last about a year with maybe one battery change and before the button goes to ****, I like the small size and they put out good light.
tyjoja
Well-known member
I also have and recommend streamlight with the led bulb. My kids had some friends over years ago and after I found one in my shop. Had everyone ask... and no one claimed it, so bought the charger and I've had ever since. Expensive... but out shines the moon. rechargeable, last forever... I have 2 now and will never be without.
AE2
Well-known member
I have been carrying a Streamlight Microstream in my pants pocket for 4 years. It has held up great. A lot of the finish has worn down to shiny aluminum. I would not hesitate getting another one. It has a single AAA battery and has pretty decent life, its not crazy bright but it does what I need it to do.
http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-66318-MicroStream-LED-Flashlight/dp/B00143JZ08/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395281537&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+microstream
http://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-66318-MicroStream-LED-Flashlight/dp/B00143JZ08/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395281537&sr=8-1&keywords=streamlight+microstream
Attachments
Last edited:
GarageWrench
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2011
- Messages
- 53
Blue point 3AAA pen light is the brightest SOB for its size.
I have the same one, and convinced two coworkers to buy them after letting them use it for a day. They had streamlights before.
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
Hey all, if you like subjects like pocket carry tools, flashlights, knives etc. Show Ryan's other site The Gear Journal some love. They have many, many postings on that sort of thing. Sign up with your GJ name and make some postings.
You can find the link to the site at the bottom of every GJ thread.
You can find the link to the site at the bottom of every GJ thread.
budhabaier
Member
Definitely!
Last edited:
wnstwolf
Well-known member
Not trying to hijack the thread but…Wow never knew all the options out there. Have a small 2-AA Maglite LED. I have it in the car as a internal emergency item but rarely use it. After reading this I happened to look at it when in the car at lunch. Battery was changed last December when we were on a road trip. Today the battery has corroded and the lights internals are a mess? This has happened on 3-mag-lites over the years??
n8n
Well-known member
Alkaline batteries ****, and I think the quality is getting worse than it was years ago. But they will all leak if used for long term storage use. Use energizer lithiums if you are going to use primary cells, Sanyo Eneloop or other quality LSD NiMH for rechargeable, and never clean up a leaked-in device again.
Dunno about over there but overhere maglight will refurb it under warrenty
I carry something like this at work
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZXUUOG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
it takes a single AA battery (cheap and readily available), has a clip to attach to my belt, and only costs around 4 bucks. I have never had the led burn out. They are really bright and have a zoom to focus. Every so often I have to bend the clip back in shape. On one I stripped out the screws for the clip when I got caught on something.
I bought a dozen and gave them out as christmas presents at work.
It is brighter than a streamlight SL20 rechargeable.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007ZXUUOG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
it takes a single AA battery (cheap and readily available), has a clip to attach to my belt, and only costs around 4 bucks. I have never had the led burn out. They are really bright and have a zoom to focus. Every so often I have to bend the clip back in shape. On one I stripped out the screws for the clip when I got caught on something.
I bought a dozen and gave them out as christmas presents at work.
It is brighter than a streamlight SL20 rechargeable.
Last edited:
I bought 1 of these, I was so impressed ive bought 6 more for presents.
IMO, there is no need to spend fortunes on pocket torches.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271233117480?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
IMO, there is no need to spend fortunes on pocket torches.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271233117480?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
jal395
Well-known member
Plus one for j66442. On my second one now. The first one grew legs.
alan camby
Well-known member
Fenix PD20 is the best pocket light I have ever used and has been my EDC for 2+ years.
I think the newest version is called PD22.
I think the newest version is called PD22.
I bought a few of the modern LED flashlights awhile back and I found the Foursevens brand to be extremely good quality. You really cannot beat this deal from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B007JW4QRA/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used
That's $42.50 delivered and it will be Like New.
I buy the CR123 batteries very cheap on eBay and they last a long time, but you can also buy a rechargeable battery in that size.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B007JW4QRA/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used
That's $42.50 delivered and it will be Like New.
I buy the CR123 batteries very cheap on eBay and they last a long time, but you can also buy a rechargeable battery in that size.
GSMotorrad
Well-known member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2012
- Messages
- 420
I always have a light hanging from my neck, real quick to hold in my mouth or quickly intermittently on without needing a good grip, pushing the button against the necklace. Tucked inside my shirt when I'm around civilians who wouldn't understand.
Currently EDC'ing Fenix E11 but usually have something much smaller, like my Veleno Designs Quantum DD (took the QTC (Quantum Tunneling Composite) pill out and threw it away - so much better full-on/one-mode) with sapphire glass and SS construction. The size of a little 45 cal bullet, hanging from a titanium ball chain and two tritium vials in it for locating in the dark. (Always gets comments while shirtless in the dark).
My other neck-light is a tiny AAA chinese deal (one-mode/clicky) and it hangs on a SS ball chain.
The other lights (Sunwayman Ti, Fenix E11 etc) hang from Paracord, because they're heavier and carried less.
Last edited:
I got a COAST little metal flashlight which came with a mail in for another one (though i never got around to it) and absolutely LOVED it, lifetime warranty (unless you run it over with a D10 'Dozer, they don't fix that) and garunteed LED lifetime bulb! some-how mine ended up in a cooler and two cans of monster broke open, it sat submerged for 3-4 months as i moved across the country and began school, and it STILL works (minus a slightly foggy lens). Needless to say, best $25-30 i've spent on a flashlight.
I would also say those tiny Maglights that you get for free and everybody hates, buy the LED upgrade kit for like $5.00 from maglight and it'll blind your supervisor through a wall.
I would also say those tiny Maglights that you get for free and everybody hates, buy the LED upgrade kit for like $5.00 from maglight and it'll blind your supervisor through a wall.
Bobdog
Well-known member
This is the one I carry everyday for work. I use it pretty hard and they last me 3-4 years before they are beat up enough to warrant replacement.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IO2A4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002IO2A4/?tag=atomicindus08-20