I picked up this little guy today. It's actually really bright. I know that it's rated for 70 lumens, but I was a little skeptical. Turns out that it really is"don't shine it in your eyes" bright.AAA battery and earbuds for size comparison.
But yes, they are more than bright enough!
They make a single mode one? I think I might prefer that.Also, you're right, they're not the smallest, but I think any smaller would be too small for me, at least with the way I hold that kind of light.