Inova STS Light VS. Maglite Solitaire LED

[ToolJoe]

I need a new keychain light and have it narrowed down to these two. Which should I get?

[zoidberg]

I don't know anything about the STS and I don't recommend the Solitaire.

[Inzelique]

I have both lights and I don't care for the STS at all.  The slide switch is unreliable and can be hard to get to work right. 
I personally love the maglight solitare led.  Have 3 of them.

[Steinar]

I don't have the STS, but I like the Solitaire too. Straightforward, well designed, reliable, little light.

[ToolJoe]

The Solitaire LED has a shorter battery life. Has anyone found issues with it?

[zoidberg]

I have found that the Solitaire starts to flicker once the battery starts to drop.
Replacing the battery always fixes the problem.
Last time that happened I put the used battery into an i3S and turned it on, it ran for three days before I bothered to turn it off.
Then I tried it in an E01 and that worked as well.
If postage didn't cost more than the Solitaire I would send it to you as I'll not be using it again.
Of course I may have a dud.
For now though I will stick with the i3S and E01.

[NKlamerus]

I'd skip both and get a Nitecore Tube. I've charged mine twice and it's still bright as could be. Been through rain and Beach sand with no issues whatsoever.

[sawman]

I love my Solitaire LED's! Great little lights and affordable

[Kampfer]

I don't care for the STS at all.  The slide switch is unreliable and can be hard to get to work right. 

Get a photon light

[Zed]

The led solitair is next on my maglite list   

[powernoodle]

I have a little bit of a grudge against Mag-lite for joining the LED revolution about 15 years late.

The Nitecore Tube is awesome in every respect, except that it will activate itself in your pocket.

Photons are nice, but they aren't regulated (so output begins to diminish immediately) and coin cell batteries take effort to get.  I'm lazy.

I googled the STS, but all it shows (for me) is a headlamp, so I'm not sure what it is.  Inovas weren't all that awesome 15 years ago when I was really into lights. 

So I always revert to the E01 and E05 when it comes to keychain size EDC lights. Paired with an Eneloop battery.

[cbl51]

I have a little bit of a grudge against Mag-lite for joining the LED revolution about 15 years late.

The Nitecore Tube is awesome in every respect, except that it will activate itself in your pocket.

Photons are nice, but they aren't regulated (so output begins to diminish immediately) and coin cell batteries take effort to get.  I'm lazy.

I googled the STS, but all it shows (for me) is a headlamp, so I'm not sure what it is.  Inovas weren't all that awesome 15 years ago when I was really into lights. 

So I always revert to the E01 and E05 when it comes to keychain size EDC lights. Paired with an Eneloop battery.

This!^^^^^

I found the Maglight solitaire to be less than reliable. When I want  a light in the darkness, I don't feel like wasting  time shaking and twisting the thing. For years now I've carried a Fenix E01 and it's been a perfect little keyring light. ALWAYS works, enough light to see what you are doing in the dark, and very rugged. I will be a Fenix E01 fan for a long time to come.