What should be on my keychain???

[Fattsgalore]

I'm looking for a powerful keychain light.
Not sure where to look since there are so many on the market.

Will you guys help me out?
Right now I use a Victorinox Midnite Manager and it's good, always surprises me TBH. But I'm wondering whats out there that maybe even better.

Help.

[nate j]

I think it is helpful to consider what features you want in a key chain light, and then try to find something that meets those criteria.  Your preferences may differ, but here is what I look for:

• runs on a single AAA battery - This is the sweet spot for a key chain light, IMHO.  There are smaller lights that run on coin cell batteries, but the coin cell batteries may be expensive and difficult to find relative to AAAs.  Two or more AAAs or even a single AA make a light too large and heavy for key chain carry. 
• multiple modes - Strobe and SOS are wasted, at least on me, but having low-medium-high or at least low-high is a huge advantage over a single mode light, since it allows the trade-off between output and run time to be made on the fly.
• some degree of water resistance - I don't want a light that fails because it gets rained on or dropped in a puddle.
• some degree of impact resistance - I don't want a light that fails when I accidentally drop my keys.
• reasonably secure means of attachment to keys - It won't be much use if it falls off and gets lost.
• some means of preventing inadvertent in-pocket activation (which runs down the batteries and then the light doesn't work when you need it) - I prefer twist switches over buttons on key chain lights for this reason.
• probably a given at this point, but the brightness, efficiency, and shock resistance of modern LEDs make an LED the clear winner over an incandescent bulb in the key chain flashlight application

With regard to specific suggestions, I have a Fenix LD01 and an Olight i3, and like both.  I would also be comfortable recommending a Maratac AAA or Tank007 E09.

[gregozedobe]

I think it is helpful to consider what features you want in a key chain light, and then try to find something that meets those criteria.  Your preferences may differ,

WHS^ x 100

Until we know what YOU want from your light we are "flying blind" so to speak.  I will add that if anything is going to hang off the ignition key of a vehicle than VERY LIGHT is important (heavy stuff can wear out an ignition lock and cause all sorts of problems). If it is just sitting in your pocket then weight and bulk is only limited by your tolerance.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

A good start would be to look at the Fenix E01 as there absolutely bombproof and cheap to boot

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

[dks]

I will aggree, based on my experience, with the (Mid range cost) Tank007 E09, and to some extend with the small Fenix models (E05, E01) (higher cost).

I am also getting good results from the cheaper Ultrafire E05s that I bought.
These are all AAA size, and the tank  takes LiIons too.

Both the Tank007 and the Ultrafire are at about 120Lm whereas the Fenix I suggested are around 10-30Lm. Even the fenix ones will be a lot more bright than the Manager lite.

If you need something smaller then there are several really cheap disposable torches; here is a picture to see what i am talking about:



also LED lenser has some cheap, small, torches

I have a thread in the review section with various torches that may be worth a read.

[captain spaulding]

A good start would be to look at the Fenix E01 as there absolutely bombproof and cheap to boot

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

This^^^^^



Can't go wrong with a E01 as a keychain light.  While you have it if you find you want more/less or whatnot out of a light you can buy something that suits your needs better.

[bmot]

A good start would be to look at the Fenix E01 as there absolutely bombproof and cheap to boot

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

This^^^^^



Can't go wrong with a E01 as a keychain light.  While you have it if you find you want more/less or whatnot out of a light you can buy something that suits your needs better.

This ^^^ as well


the E01 I'm carrying on my keychain can be gotten for well below 20$, I think, and will last long. I mean, I'm not good at being careful with my stuff, and it's still working just as well as when I got it (also, pretty colours ) No modes, but that also makes that there's less things to break


It's not the brightest flashlight out there, but it just works, and small enough to always have with you. 

[kirk13]

I've tried most of the single cell AAAs mentioned here,but an currently using the Olight i03,both the older type in my emergency kit in my work backpack,and the newer type in my Skinth. Liking the Multi-mode system,and have found it less prone to switching itself on,and to over heating than its competitors.

Oh,and a very major +1 to the Fauxton. Awesome amount of handy light for pence! Ideal for adding to your SAK lanyard!

[pfrsantos]

I'm looking for a powerful keychain light.
Not sure where to look since there are so many on the market.

Will you guys help me out?
Right now I use a Victorinox Midnite Manager and it's good, always surprises me TBH. But I'm wondering whats out there that maybe even better.

Help.

I'm going in the opposite direction! Had a Rolson, traded it for a Maratac AAA (very nice!) and know I'm carrying a Signature Lite. Enough for my needs at work. Already used it in several situations and was more than adequate.
Plus has scissors and a small blade and a nailfile and a pen and a small screwdriver.

 

[gustophersmob]

While I'm a big fan of the E01, since you said high power I would recommend either the fenix LD01 or a Peak Eiger. The LD01 is more economical, and is my EDC. Three discreet modes and a twisty. Good value for the $, IMO.

The Eiger with the QTC has an infinitely variable output. It is available in several materials and body configurations. A truley bomb-proof light. I recommend getting one from Overready, they test them, have them in stock and have reasonable shipping. I am not affiliated with them, but it has been historically difficult or expensive to order Peaks directly or from other dealers.

[Lynn LeFey]

I was recommended the 4Sevens Preon 01 some time back. It's nice, multiple modes, and comes on in the lowest mode.

The other day, sort of on a whim, I got a Preon Atom A0-Ti. It's a Ti version of their P0. It is TINY, and has a moonlight mode (.25 lm) and high (about 30lm). I don't think there's any chance of finding a smaller AAA flashlight.

I will also-also recommend the fauxton lights. You can find them for about 10 for $4 on Amazon.

[Gareth]

I don't think you could go wrong with the Olight i3.

[Fattsgalore]

Thanks everybody.
Sorry about not being specific about me needs. It turned out for the best actually.
I had planned on getting two. One to attach to each of my mods. The first I'm already set on

In translucent black/smoke...what ever it's called. Goes with something I'm doing. I'll review it if anyone is intested.. After some testing of course.

My second light has only one requirement... It needs to be in red.
Since Fenix doesn't come in red, pass. Olight does, but I don't like all the features. Wish they had one with a simple on and off. But since it's in red it's a definite maybe. I'd adapt eventually, might even like the features...


There are two other lights I had vague interest in 
X-light Micro and the Victorinox Micro LED
The Vic LED looks to be made by Nite Ize/Inova and not truly a Victorinox product. (don't know)
Anyone with experience with either?

 

[Gareth]

How about the Maglite Solitaire LED in red?

Sorry, no experience with the two you mentioned.

[Gareth]

Another option might be a Thrunite Ti, though the 'red' has also been described as pink or rose, rather than bold red.

[Aloha]

I have the Photon X ( clear one ) and its surprisingly a bright little light.  It has several modes but I find them a bit troublesome to get to however I only use the adjustable brightness mode which is very awesome.  This light resides on my keys and has for a month maybe??  It seems reasonably durable but being plastic time will tell.  When ordering look at the key ring attachment if you buy from other retailers as the LRI Photon has the lobster type clasp vs a basic split ring.

I can confirm that the Thrunite "red" is indeed pink.  The Photon X does come in several colors.   

[nate j]

I don't think you could go wrong with the Olight i3.

+1, and it comes in red.  The multiple modes are very handy and even intuitive with minimal experience.

[Etherealicer]

I recently tried out the Olight S10, Fenix E15 and the Maglite Solitaire LED.
S10: Brightest of the three and it comes with a clip. Reason why I gave it to my mom: Its turned on/off with a button, something that does not work for pocket carry (IMO). But what really annoyed me is that you could almost fit the clip over the button to protect it, sadly only almost.
E15: Very compact, best looks of the three. Unfortunately, you have to screw it partially open to turn it off and when its turned off the battery can move around .
Solitaire: With its AAA battery its the weakest of them all. Its slender and pretty. Ultimately, it's the one I like best for pocket carry. Battery compartment and screw-switch are separate. You screw it "lose" to turn it on (not the other way round).

[hammerheel68]

I recently purchased a Thrunite T10 for my keychain light; runs on one AA, and has three modes, ithe brightest of which is 115 lumens.  I like it a Lot; I anticapate my most-used mode on this light will be the 9-lumen mode, with a fantastic runtime of 39 hours. Battery Junction actually had a True "Black Friday Weekend" Sale last weekend, and I picked up a couple of single aaa lights, a Fenix E01 for less than 10 Bucks, and also a Nitecore T0 for less than 9 Bucks.  Great Prices for Both !

[Fattsgalore]

AA is way to big for keychain carry... Pocket carry it's perfect.
Don't know how people walk around with a fist sized knot of keys, split rings, and what not in their pockets.

So far the Inova STS is for sure (since it matches my project) and the second light I'm still on the fence.
In the lead are Olight, Maglite, X-Micro.
Maglite has the color and form factor, Olight has the performance. X-micro is super tiny adjustable brightness plus it's a button press instead of twist top.

Maybe even a Streamlight Nano...

[gregozedobe]

X-micro is super tiny adjustable brightness plus it's a button press instead of twist top.

Maybe even a Streamlight Nano...

I prefer the Photon Freedom Micro with covert nose over the X-Light micro.  Similar features, but the covert nose stops the annoying side glare you get from the side of an exposed 5mm LED.  These have a quite sophisticated User Interface, and you can even program in an auto off feature.

I prefer both over a StreamLight nano.  If you do get a nano wrap some plumbers tape over the threads to stop it undoing itself and dropping the head and batteries on the ground, usually at a most inconvenient time.      I used 3 different samples, all had loose to very loose threads.

[Fattsgalore]

The Olight seems to be the best bang for your buck. Not many torches in the AAA category compete with the Olight...not for 20ish bucks.

The Inova STS is still so cool, it'll be ordered as well. After some time with it I'll do a review... 

Thanks all...

[Fattsgalore]

And instead of either light mentioned I opted for a LRI X-light Micro. (In red) Ok little light...love the fully adjustable brightness though. Makes me want the Inova STS even more.
Will do a mini review in a week or two. Need more time with it...

Still going to get the Inova sooner than later. The Olight will be a down the line purchase, but a purchase for sure.

[powernoodle]

I'm looking for a powerful keychain light.

In my view, there is no such thing, but it depends on how you define "powerful".  I define it as having enough throw to illuminate something at maybe 50 feet, and to do it instantly without any twisty this or turny that.  In my view, no light that fits on a keychain can do that.

Example:  where the @(*%@# is the dang cat?  Streamlight ProTac 2AAA searches the back yard from a distance.

Example:  Mrs. Powernoodle turns out of the driveway on a dark morning, and I zap her with my Quark 18650 strobe to remind her that she forgot her phone.

Can't do those things with a Fenix E01 or whatever.  Now, I love the E01 for the keychain, for close up work in very low light or darkness, etc. If I were trapped in an elevator for 8 hours, give me an E01 with a fresh battery (and a Swedish bikini model).  But I don't consider it, or really anything that fits on a keychain, as "powerful".  But that's just me.  Rock on.

[microbe]

I like my keychain to stay within a certain weight limit, so I went for one of the smaller lights that still look like a light, a Led Lenser KL1, using button batteries. In the end it is a backup light, and it has proven to be handy quite often.