New keychain light time! Suggestions/help

[Splat]

First off, my thanks to NutSAK for the info he already graciously provided in my Streamlight thread. I have changed my mind and have decided instead of buying another keychain light. My sister will be receiving my trusty Arc AAA-P since she likes it so much and does not have a keychain light. I've read as much of over at the Candlepower forums but they love their $$$ lights. I was looking at the Fenix P2D CE Q5 light but would appreciate suggestions, etc.... before I take the plunge.

I don't care what battery is used, AAA, AA, or CR123.
Can EDC on keychain.
Has a brighter light than the ARC AAA-P.
Same, if not better, runtime as the ARC AAA-P.
Switch type doesn't matter but if it's a head-switch would like something with a memory because I would pro'lly use the lowest setting the most.

Thank you.
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Splat

[Benner]

I can strongly recommend the Fenix P1D CE which is very small and extremely bright.

The first mode is the medium setting though.  The lowest is the 3rd.

[yellowhammer]

I've got a P2D Rebel, and you might find it a bit big for keychain use. Also, because of the arrangement of the lanyard holes it can ride a bit bulky on a keychain. I'd go with Benner's suggestion, YMMV 

[NutSAK]

I love my P2D.  You can buy a 1AA body for it (L1D) and a 2AA body for it (L2D) and you have a nice set.  However, I would agree that it's too big for a keychain.

May I suggest the Fenix LOD Q4?  https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_52&products_id=370

That's a hell of a deal on one hell of a bright AAA light.  Perfect for the keychain, and great runtime on low.

Here's the runtime on low (thanks to chevrofreak):



What you may not like about it is that it starts off in Med, twist again for Low, twist again for Max (then SOS, then Strobe).  There is no memory.  The regular CE version is black and doesn't have the seasonal graphics, but it's not as bright:

https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_69_49&products_id=257


If this doesn't suit your taste, I have other suggestions...  One thing I should mention is that no AAA light has a finish as tough as the ARC AAA-P (except maybe a Peak), so don't be surprised if they get a bit banged-up by the keys.

My next suggestion would be a Peak LED Solutions Baltic.

[Splat]

Thanks NutSAK! I just ordered that Fenix LOD Q4 red holiday-edition from the Fenix Store. I CAN'T WAIT!   I would'a preferred a black finish but the red doesn't look too bad. I can't get over the output on paper.... I know I'll be blown away when I actually use it. I was a little let down with the ARC AAA-P's output. The LOD Q4 sounds like it'll give the performance I originally sought with the AAA-P. I've got to investigate if there's a mod to change the output lineup (low, med, high) but I can live with the way it is out of the box. Thanks again for the head's-up! 
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Splat

[prime77]

I think you'll be very happy. Fenix make some great lights.

[NutSAK]

Thanks NutSAK! I just ordered that Fenix LOD Q4 red holiday-edition from the Fenix Store. I CAN'T WAIT!

Cool!  Glad I could help. 

I'd suggest buying a pack of E2 lithium AAA's for that bad boy.  It runs pretty good on NiMH too if you have those.

[Splat]

Cool!  Glad I could help.     
I'd suggest buying a pack of E2 lithium AAA's for that bad boy.  It runs pretty good on NiMH too if you have those.

Did that yesterday!  I also bought a new 123 for that Dorcy 1W Lux light I bought a year ago and gifted my sister that to carry in her car. I'm waiting for my Fenix L0D Q4 from the Fenix Store before I gift her my ARC AAA-P since I do use it often at work. Happy Holidays!
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Splat

[Splat]

My new Fenix LOD Q4 came today!      Holy hand grenades, this thing is BRIGHT! I can't get over how much light this little guy cranks out! Puts to shame my ARC AAA-P on all but its low power setting. I thought I wouldn't like the modes feature, but I dig it. NutSAK, you were right about the medium (default) setting being fine for most needs. I tried it out tonight farting around outside and in the garage and it was a good amount of light for everything I did. It's also nice to know that the high setting is there if needed.

OK, I have one immediate squawk. My ARC has a little resistance to turning the head. I really like that because it's then harder to activate the light by accident. My new Fenix's head is much easier to turn. Is there anything I can do to the Fenix to get more resistance?
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Splat

[Anthony]

I don't know the specific light you have, but NutSAK sent me a MiniMag with some of that thread sealer on the threads that control the head.  I'm not sure what it's called exatly, but it makes it a lot harder to turn (on purpose).

It's that white tape stuff...someone tell me what it is

[Splat]

You mean pipe thread tape? If that's what it is, I didn't think of that! DOH!    I'll try that tomorrow.  BTW, the Fenix LOD Q4 I got is this one: https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_52&products_id=370  I can only highly recommend this light. Cheers!
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Splat

[NutSAK]

First, try just cleaning the threads and oring with some alcohol.  Sometimes that's enough to improve the turning resistance.  If that's not enough, try the teflon (thread-sealing) tape, available at any hardware store plumbing section.

I'm glad you like the light.  It's impressive for the size.

How is the finish?  These are some of the first lights Fenix is anodizing in-house.

[Splat]

Thanks, NutSAK. I'll try that. As for the finish.... it's pretty good. It's a pinkish-red color. Nice and smooth with no glitches. Only today did it take its place on my keychain but so far it's not dinged up at all. Can't wait to show it off tomorrow at work. 
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Splat

[Benner]

I'm glad you like it, as I have just bought one for the father in law for xmas.

[Splat]

I'm glad you like it, as I have just bought one for the father in law for xmas.

What?! You didn't get one for yourself? I know you have the P1D-CE but that's a year old already, Benner! 
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Splat

[prime77]

Your farther in law is lucky. I would love to receive a Fenix light for Christmas. A P1D-Ce was the first "high" cost flashlight that I ever had and I was blown away with how much light that little thing put out. The P2D is my favorite edc light out there.

[Benner]

I'm glad you like it, as I have just bought one for the father in law for xmas.

What?! You didn't get one for yourself? I know you have the P1D-CE but that's a year old already, Benner! 
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Splat

I know I know! 

But the P1D CE does everything I want it to. So another small light would not get used really.

[Leatherman123]

I just got back from Target... I had to buy some talking bird for my baby sister... I was pondering at the flashlight section and they had a Inova Microlight there for 6 bucks.. I'd say its a little brighter than my Photon or Fauxton! Its pretty a pretty damn good buy for 6 bucks!