Choosing is always the hardest part.

[markn951]

So guys, I'm in the market. I need a good, pocketable EDC torch. I currently have the Leatherman Monarch 300 and I like it, but not love it. I would prefer to have multiple output levels, the torch needs to run on either AA or AAA batts, waterproof is preferable, and maybe if slightly bigger than the M300 is possible, that would be nice; I have really big hands so a teeny tiny flashlight is uncomfortable.

To give you an idea, I was about to get the Streamlight Stylus Pro. However, so many people are raving about 4sevens and their Quark series that I figured maybe I would ask you folks.

[Millhouse]

Quark AA are good, along with Fenix LD10 and Jetbeam Jet 1 Pro.

[nuphoria]

Quark do seem to get mostly good reviews

LD10 is good as is the Nitecore D10.

If you want to go for a AAA light, the ITP A3 (or similar Maratac) is a great option. Sounds like a larger AA would suit you for size though.

[John]

Itp are brill but join me in the quark experience AA,I hope to get one soon

[markn951]

Itp are brill but join me in the quark experience AA,I hope to get one soon

I think I will. Thanks for the input everyone, yeah I think I'm liking the Quark AA.

[Gareth]

The Fenix LD01, ITP and Martac AAA, are all a touch shorter than the Monarch 300 so it sounds like you wouldn't be happy with them anyway.

Just my 2p worth but I'd also recommend a look at the Eagletac P10A, cracking light IMO.

[markn951]

Just saw the Quark Preon series. The Preon 2 seems pretty good. two AAA, multiple modes, nice and long but thin and pen-like. I really need to keep looking before deciding on anything.

[ryan1835]

Fenix ld5?

[markn951]

Fenix ld5?

Can't find a single thing on it. Link?

Just saw the Quark Preon series. The Preon 2 seems pretty good. two AAA, multiple modes, nice and long but thin and pen-like. I really need to keep looking before deciding on anything.

To clarify, I meant it's nice because it's long, thin, and pen-like. I feel like something with that form factor would be easier to carry than something shorter but fatter.

[Gareth]

Here's the one Ryan's talking about.

http://www.fenixtorch.co.uk/led_torches/fenix_ld05.html

[markn951]

How do you guys feel about the Fenix LD10? I prefer a pen-type light but if I find a superior light that isn't a pen form-factor I don't mind a bit.

[ecfiffer]

no want for a cr123 light?  the mx power ml310 i just got in is mighty bright and will take both cr123's and AA's  its like 13 bucks on DX  i'm just a slackazz who hasnt done a review yet 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

How do you guys feel about the Fenix LD10? I prefer a pen-type light but if I find a superior light that isn't a pen form-factor I don't mind a bit.

It's a superb light mate

Not a lot of flood in the R4 variant though

[markn951]

no want for a cr123 light?  the mx power ml310 i just got in is mighty bright and will take both cr123's and AA's  its like 13 bucks on DX  i'm just a slackazz who hasnt done a review yet 

CR123s are hard to find and like 7 dollars for a pack of 2. I am a firm believer in You Get What You Pay For and so I only use DX for small stuff that I don't mind being crappy. A flashlight is definitely not something I want to buy from DX.

[Sazabi]

no want for a cr123 light?  the mx power ml310 i just got in is mighty bright and will take both cr123's and AA's  its like 13 bucks on DX  i'm just a slackazz who hasnt done a review yet 

CR123s are hard to find and like 7 dollars for a pack of 2. I am a firm believer in You Get What You Pay For and so I only use DX for small stuff that I don't mind being crappy. A flashlight is definitely not something I want to buy from DX.

If you buy online and in bulk (10 cells or more), you can get CR123A's for about $1.10/each.

[markn951]

no want for a cr123 light?  the mx power ml310 i just got in is mighty bright and will take both cr123's and AA's  its like 13 bucks on DX  i'm just a slackazz who hasnt done a review yet  

CR123s are hard to find and like 7 dollars for a pack of 2. I am a firm believer in You Get What You Pay For and so I only use DX for small stuff that I don't mind being crappy. A flashlight is definitely not something I want to buy from DX.

If you buy online and in bulk (10 cells or more), you can get CR123A's for about $1.10/each.

oh wow. any link? I wonder if Costco has them...

[Sazabi]

no want for a cr123 light?  the mx power ml310 i just got in is mighty bright and will take both cr123's and AA's  its like 13 bucks on DX  i'm just a slackazz who hasnt done a review yet  

CR123s are hard to find and like 7 dollars for a pack of 2. I am a firm believer in You Get What You Pay For and so I only use DX for small stuff that I don't mind being crappy. A flashlight is definitely not something I want to buy from DX.

If you buy online and in bulk (10 cells or more), you can get CR123A's for about $1.10/each.

oh wow. any link? I wonder if Costco has them...

I don't think Sam's carries them, so I doubt Costco would, but you never know.  Battery-junction has them for that price, IIRC.

[parnass]

Amazon.com is selling Streamlight brand CR123 batteries right now for about $1.40/each if you buy a dozen.  I've used Streamlight CR123 batteries and they work well.  Made in USA, too.

[markn951]

Meh, I'd still prefer AA or AAA as they are dirt common and dirt cheap

[Sazabi]

Meh, I'd still prefer AA or AAA as they are dirt common and dirt cheap

Between the most commonly available cell types, I'd go with AA over AAA anyday (yes, I'm a hypocrite; I have a Fenix E01 and a Maratac AAA, so sue me, lol).  AA's pack a lot more energy per cell compared to AAA, even with the slight size increase, so run times will be longer, for about the same unit price.

[markn951]

Meh, I'd still prefer AA or AAA as they are dirt common and dirt cheap

Between the most commonly available cell types, I'd go with AA over AAA anyday (yes, I'm a hypocrite; I have a Fenix E01 and a Maratac AAA, so sue me, lol).  AA's pack a lot more energy per cell compared to AAA, even with the slight size increase, so run times will be longer, for about the same unit price.

Yes, the whole reason AAA was created was to decrease size, and the main drawback is less mAh. I also prefer AA in flashlights, don't mind the added "bulk" (realistically very hard to notice)

[ryan1835]

Well it is easy to notice I have a aaa torch that's the size of a double a battery only longer my aa torch is a lot fatter