Can someone recommend some models to buy?

[Syph007]

I'd really appreciate some recommendations for an EDC flashlight.  I know nothing about them, and don't know where to start.

My requirements would be simple I'd think.  All my current backup/EDC stuff uses AA batteris, so I'm looking for a flashlight that runs off AA, 1 or 2 cells.  Other than that I'd like something that had more than one mode.  Like a low power long life mode, and then a super bright mode when needed.

I started looking around on my own and I got overwhelmed.  I'm sure some of you flashlight pros could help me come up with a short list?

Thanks in advance!

[Mr. Whippy]

From personal experience, I've been VERY happy with Fenix in AA sizes (1XAA or 2XAA) and Maratac's 1XAA.

Both are fairly rugged and easy to use.

That would include Fenix LD15 and MC10

and the Maratac 1XAA

[gustophersmob]

Do you have a particular budget in mind?

I have a couple of Zebralight sc50w+'s (now superceded by the sc51w) which I really like.

They have a fairly unique, but easy UI with a low-low mode and a pretty bright high, even on alkalines/NiMh.

I really like the tint of the warm (the "w" in the model number) and would like to try one of the newer sc51c High-CRI models.

They have also recent released the sc80 which can use either cr123 or AA batteries, which seems to be a pretty neat light.

If you are looking for ultra-rugged you could try out the Peak El-Capitan AA model. It uses QTC for infinitely variable brightness and comes in three different metal options.

You also can't really go wrong with something like a Fenix LD10, but I personally prefer the two above.

[sawman]

I tried a couple ITP lights but have had some pocket lint issues as they are twist operated and debris find their way into the threads.  From what I'm reading, I'm tempted to check out some Fenix lights 

[Torchy]

Would also recommend the "H" Zebralights. Same thing except reflector is at right angles to the tube so they make as good a head-light as they do handheld.

[Syph007]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.  Let me do some reading now and then I'll probably have more questions...

Thanks!

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Another vote for Zebralight and Fenix here

[enki_ck]

The zebras are tough to beat for an AA clicky. If you want something slimmer and a twisty, there are the new olight i2 flashlights. Improved versions of those itp's and maratac flashlights which have a fixed, screwed on pocketclip. I always hated the loose, turning pocketclip of the old models.

Other than that there isn't much I can add. You got a lot of great advice already.

Only other advice I can give you is to get Eneloop batteries. They are a bit more expensive in the start, but as far as batteries go, they're the best thing out there.

[gustophersmob]

The zebras are tough to beat for an AA clicky. If you want something slimmer and a twisty, there are the new olight i2 flashlights. Improved versions of those itp's and maratac flashlights which have a fixed, screwed on pocketclip. I always hated the loose, turning pocketclip of the old models.

Other than that there isn't much I can add. You got a lot of great advice already.

Only other advice I can give you is to get Eneloop batteries. They are a bit more expensive in the start, but as far as batteries go, they're the best thing out there.

+1 

[Syph007]

The zebras are tough to beat for an AA clicky. If you want something slimmer and a twisty, there are the new olight i2 flashlights. Improved versions of those itp's and maratac flashlights which have a fixed, screwed on pocketclip. I always hated the loose, turning pocketclip of the old models.

Other than that there isn't much I can add. You got a lot of great advice already.

Only other advice I can give you is to get Eneloop batteries. They are a bit more expensive in the start, but as far as batteries go, they're the best thing out there.

+1 

Oh I hear you.  I'm totally on board with the eneloop.  Here in canada (maybe everywhere, 'white top' (made in Japan) ones only though, the black top are made in China) the duracell are actually re branded eneloop ones and Ive got quite a stockpile of AA.  They blow away the old technology as you can actually leave them charged for a year and they still have most of the charge.  Im leaning toward trying one of the zebra ones first I think.

[papa_mcb]

I put my vote for the zebralights as well, however if you are looking for a super simple UI the quark mini AA is hard to beat. Plus you can throw a 14000 or a 14505 in it for up to 250 lumens on short bursts. personally I use eneleoops but when you get board it is fun to turn the thing into a tiny spotlight :-)

[kvsitinw]

here I recommend EDC flashlightXECCON M3A. XECCON M3A flashlight is equipped with Advanced Magnetic control System in the head and with the intuitive user interface and perfect design details of our newly-developed Speed output. The lamp achieves the same light output as 5 to 10 traditional conventional electric torches.
Advertising link removed
LED: CREE XP-G R5
Max Output: 320 Lumens
Max Runtime: 90 hrs
Six Mode: Max > High > MID > Low > Strobe > SOS
Intelligent memory circuit and features by Magnetic Control Ring
Reflector: Orange peel aluminum reflector
Lens: Bullet-resisting lens stops bullets from passing through it
Material: Imported material of T7050, durable aircraft-grade aluminum
Surface treatment: Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive
Battery: 3* AA battery

[nuphoria]

I don't have much to add to this rather good advice, except if you want something brighter, you are going to have to go the way of lithiums.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Models to buy huh? I've always been a fan of Milla Jovovich myself.... and Nikki Taylor.....

Def

Sent from my MB860 using Tapatalk

[user24]

After extensive research for a camping flashlight, I bought a Fenix LD10 (R5). It's about as bright as an E01 on low mode, but ramps up to 100 lumens on turbo. I love it.

Most of the time I'll use it on low, but it has the extra brightness available if I need it, plus it's lightweight and compact. Lighter than a vic huntsman and slightly longer. What sold it for me was the low->med->high UI. So for running from the tent to the bog I can have it on low by default, but if I want something brighter I have it available to me. I really think this should be the last flashlight I'll ever need to buy.

You say you know nothing about flashlights, so here are a few of the things I considered important:

Commonly available batteries. Same reason I dislike my current gas camping stove, because it uses some exotic canister that a backwoods camping shop isn't going to stock. AA batteries are everywhere and always will be, and they're cheap.

Digitally regulated so it doesn't get dimmer and dimmer the more you use it (like a maglight will)

At least two modes running from dimmer to brighter.

Long battery life.

For me the LD10 has all that - 70 hours on low is exceptional, AA batteries, five modes in total, works the way I want. It's perfect. Remember when you're looking at the lumen figures for the LD10 R5 that Fenix changed to using ANSI lumens so it's difficult to compare with other Fenix stated lumens. Eg the LD15 claims 8 lumens for 35 hours, while the LD10 claims 3 lumens for 70 hours, but I would not be surprised if the LD10 and LD15 actually had more similar brightness in low mode than the lumen figures make it seem.

If you want a lighter keychainable item though, you cannot go wrong with an E01 (1 AAA battery), it's like a maglite solitaire but better (better runtime, brightness, bulb).

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

One option that hasn't been mentioned so far are Jetbeams' BC10 and BC20 lights.  They're about $40 and have a simple two mode UI operated by tightening or loosening the head.  They come with type 3 anodizing and use cool tint XPG emitters.

EagleTac also has a new line of lights out, the D series, multimode twisties that come with a nice holster and belt clip as well.  Don't remember the cost off the top of my head.  Don't know much about them, but ET has a good reputation for reliability, and their lights are typically throwers.  They also use cool XPG's

A couple of other nice lights that won't break the bank are the E03 and E15 by Xeno.  They both come with a choice of cool, neutral, or warm tint emitters, and are compatible with a wide range of different cell chemistries, including RCR lithium ion.  The E03 is a 1xAA model, the E15 is too, but comes with an extender so you can run it on 2xAA if you want.  Both can run on 1x14500 and are real pocket rockets with the li-ion cells, but you'll sacrifice a lot of run time as a result.  The previous version of each had an XPG, but the new versions come with an XML.  I don't know if the XPG version is still being produced, but you can probably find one if you look around.

[XENOLEDLywin]

Thanks for interested in XENO LED Flashlights

[N_N_R]

Viva Fenix  

I'm not a pro just like you and I'm in love with my Fenix E11. It may be doesn't have as low low as you'd like it to - 30lumens. The high is 100 lumens. It's a clickie off/on and you choose the mode by twisting the head. It remembers the setting. It's about 10-11cm long, uses 1 AA. The throw is about 70m and I'm likely to believe that although it looked crazy in the beginning. It also has that quick momentary on, i.e. you don't need to fully press the tail cap to turn it on "forever" if you need to just have a quick look around.