Multitool.org Forum
Non Tool Forum => Flashlight Forum => Topic started by: hiraethus on February 23, 2017, 07:33:41 AM
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I'm looking for a new pocket flashlight. Would like:
- Twisty UI
- Multi mode - 2 or 3 brightness levels, one of those moonlight/firefly if possible
- Simple UI preferred - start in low or medium, or with reliable mode memory
- Removable or no pocket clip
- Single AAA battery
- Black, not ti/copper/brass/coloured
Possible products:
Fenix E05
Eagletac D25AAA
Olight I3S EOS
Thrunite Ti3
Could spend up to £50 for the right light, but would prefer to spend less than £30.
Any others I should consider, or avoid? Thanks. :tu:
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Tank007 E09
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Some good contenders there. I had a bad experience with the Lumintop Worm recently. Died in 4 days. My other worm has been going strong though so it could of just been a dud.
I have had a Fenix E05 on my keying for years now and it has never skipped a beat. The Olight is hard to beat and is one of my favorites. I would look into the Olight I3S-CU. Its Brass, Super bright, good UI and I like the design better than the I3S EOS and I3E EOS. The I3E EOS in Copper is awesome though.
https://www.amazon.com/Olight-Keychain-Flashlight-Variable-output-i3S-Titanium/dp/B01H1HC1M4/ref=nav_ya_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1487832082&sr=8-11&keywords=olight+AAA&
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H1L4DO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Forgot to mention the Olight I3E EOS in Silver. 120 lumens for this version and it looks awesome.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017R560VI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I have the Thrunite Ti3 in NW and am very happy with it... It's small for it's size. Has 3 modes (including firefly) and a hidden strobe mode... bought it for around USD 20 / GBP 16.
Here it is pictured next to the Olight i3E EOS and an Eneloop AAA for size comparison
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170223/e81dc14871d88ae58c73301f6f00b80a.jpg)
You can't go wrong with any of the lights you are considering... I would pressume the Olight i3S EOS is longer than the i3E EOS and would probably be about the same size as the Thrunite Ti3...
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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The aluminium olight i3s is pretty much the perfect AAA flashlight, far as I can tell. Turns on in medium brightness, which is ideal - bright enough for most uses, extended battery life, and it doesn't blind you first by switching on in dazzle mode. (sadly the brass variant has a different order and always blinds you first.)
The Astrolux AO1 is another one to consider - it starts moonlight mode - but it has no pocket clip. On the other hand, if you don't mind waiting for it to ship from China, it currently costs 7.99 US dollars - including shipping - which is insanely cheap for such a good flashlight. I can't put a direct link here cos it gets tagged as spam so you'll have to use the ol' google/search engine of your choice to track that down.
Anyway - I own both these flashlights but haven't EDC'd the Astrolux yet. The oilight is 2x as expensive but probably worth it. It's a little slimmer & more streamlined.
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Tank007 E09
I've got a Tank007 PA01 and it's OK, but the mode memory is very frustrating. It remembers which brightness you were at, then comes on in the next one in the sequence. ::) Does the E09 do the same?
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Some good contenders there. I had a bad experience with the Lumintop Worm recently. Died in 4 days. My other worm has been going strong though so it could of just been a dud.
I have had a Fenix E05 on my keying for years now and it has never skipped a beat. The Olight is hard to beat and is one of my favorites. I would look into the Olight I3S-CU. Its Brass, Super bright, good UI and I like the design better than the I3S EOS and I3E EOS. The I3E EOS in Copper is awesome though.
https://www.amazon.com/Olight-Keychain-Flashlight-Variable-output-i3S-Titanium/dp/B01H1HC1M4/ref=nav_ya_signin?ie=UTF8&qid=1487832082&sr=8-11&keywords=olight+AAA&
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H1L4DO4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thanks captain. :tu: I like the look of the worm - shame yours crapped out so early. Got an old E05 that I'm using at the moment, but would like a lower light setting and longer battery life if possible. Would prefer black (it's slimming, you see :D), but the brass and copper ones do look nice.
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I have the Thrunite Ti3 in NW and am very happy with it...
Thanks jaya_man. :tu:
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The aluminium olight i3s is pretty much the perfect AAA flashlight, far as I can tell. Turns on in medium brightness, which is ideal - bright enough for most uses, extended battery life, and it doesn't blind you first by switching on in dazzle mode. (sadly the brass variant has a different order and always blinds you first.)
The Astrolux AO1 is another one to consider - it starts moonlight mode - but it has no pocket clip. On the other hand, if you don't mind waiting for it to ship from China, it currently costs 7.99 US dollars - including shipping - which is insanely cheap for such a good flashlight. I can't put a direct link here cos it gets tagged as spam so you'll have to use the ol' google/search engine of your choice to track that down.
Anyway - I own both these flashlights but haven't EDC'd the Astrolux yet. The oilight is 2x as expensive but probably worth it. It's a little slimmer & more streamlined.
Thanks Thunderpants. The Astrolux does look good, and cheap too. :tu:
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Another to add to your list might be the Jetbeam JET- µ (http://budgetlightforum.com/node/47813). I'm a huge fan of mode memory and this is one of the few AAA lights I can think of that has it. While I don#t have the JET- µ I do have it's bigger brother the Jet-1 MK (AA rather than AAA) and it's been a regular carry ever since I got it. The only downside that I can see is that it's not readily available from anywhere other than from China and so you'd need to wait a couple of weeks to get your hands on one.
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Tank007 E09
I've got a Tank007 PA01 and it's OK, but the mode memory is very frustrating. It remembers which brightness you were at, then comes on in the next one in the sequence. ::) Does the E09 do the same?
I had similar frustrations with my PA02. However I think I worked out that you need to keep it on in a single mode for 5 seconds or so for the mode memory to kick in. If you just quickly cycle through the modes and then turn it off you'll end up with the next level next time you switch it on.
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£7 over your budget, but it's so pretty
https://www.heinnie.com/fenix-15th-anniversary-special-edition
Other than that I'd go with the Olight
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Surefire Titan Plus any good? Initially had this in mind before I decided on the Thrunite Ti3... a bit pricey though.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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£7 over your budget, but it's so pretty
https://www.heinnie.com/fenix-15th-anniversary-special-edition
Yep, that anniversary Fenix is gorgeous! But how many years do flashlights last before they conk out? Seems like an insane amount of money for a fancy exterior and a limited edition serial number...
Of course if someone is rich and money is no object, go for it....
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£7 over your budget, but it's so pretty
https://www.heinnie.com/fenix-15th-anniversary-special-edition
Other than that I'd go with the Olight
A bit fancy for my tastes, and I doubt I'd stump up the extra over an E05 TBH. Surefire Titan is a bit pricey too, especially in the UK.
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£7 over your budget, but it's so pretty
https://www.heinnie.com/f...niversary-special-edition (https://www.heinnie.com/fenix-15th-anniversary-special-edition)
Other than that I'd go with the Olight
A bit fancy for my tastes, and I doubt I'd stump up the extra over an E05 TBH. Surefire Titan is a bit pricey too, especially in the UK.
Go for the Olight, you wont regret it
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So I've had an Olight i3s for a few years now (on my second one). When my first one disappeared I spent hours looking to see if there was a better replacement. I spent a lot of time looking at the Thrunite Ti3 (which is already on your list), but ended up with the exact same Olight (even the same color, black of course ;) ). For me, it came down to UI. I couldn't find another AAA twisty that had a firefly mode, but started in medium. The Thrunite starts in firefly. So while I like having that sub-lumen option, I want it to start on my most used mode.
So depending on whether or not you need moonlight, and then which mode you start in, makes that list smaller. On a side note, that Eagletac is loaded with nice features, if only it had moonlight mode...
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Does it have to be a twisty? UltraTac K18 is an amazing light with 10440 batteries.
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Does it have to be a twisty? UltraTac K18 is an amazing light with 10440 batteries.
Yes, to keep the overall length down. Don't want 10440 either thanks - needs to run on NiMH AAs.
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Like EagTac, Ultratac runs on any AAA but can take 10440 as well...
It's just a really tight fit on the EagTac if opting for 10440
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I have 3 of the 4 you are considering. I dont have the Eagletac. The others are terrific light that I can recommend. What about the Thrunite Ti? Its by far my favorite AAA light I own. The brightness is awesome and the low/moonlight are equally nice. I do like the hidden strobe as well. Plus its Ti :salute:
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Just to add, the stainless and brass versions of the i3S has a higher lumens of 180... where as the rest of the i3S variations is only 120lm
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I'd also suggest the ITP A3 EOS. I have an older version that has been put through the ringer as my work EDC for years now and hasn't missed a beat. The newer ones have firefly, medium, 150 lumen max and strobe for $15. In fact I think Im going to order a new one :)
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Tank007 E09
I've got a Tank007 PA01 and it's OK, but the mode memory is very frustrating. It remembers which brightness you were at, then comes on in the next one in the sequence. ::) Does the E09 do the same?
I had similar frustrations with my PA02. However I think I worked out that you need to keep it on in a single mode for 5 seconds or so for the mode memory to kick in. If you just quickly cycle through the modes and then turn it off you'll end up with the next level next time you switch it on.
:tu: Winner. Takes 3 seconds in a particular mode for it to remember the setting. Going to use the PA01 for a bit, then see if I still want a new light.
Leaning towards the Eagletac D25AAA at the moment, mostly because I like the looks. Thanks for the help and advice everyone. :cheers:
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Tank007 E09
I've got a Tank007 PA01 and it's OK, but the mode memory is very frustrating. It remembers which brightness you were at, then comes on in the next one in the sequence. ::) Does the E09 do the same?
I had similar frustrations with my PA02. However I think I worked out that you need to keep it on in a single mode for 5 seconds or so for the mode memory to kick in. If you just quickly cycle through the modes and then turn it off you'll end up with the next level next time you switch it on.
:tu: Winner. Takes 3 seconds in a particular mode for it to remember the setting. Going to use the PA01 for a bit, then see if I still want a new light.
Leaning towards the Eagletac D25AAA at the moment, mostly because I like the looks. Thanks for the help and advice everyone. :cheers:
Good stuff mate. I couldn't quite remember how long you had to leave it on in a mode for it to be memorised, but I knew it was longer than I'd naturally do. ::) Silly system if you ask me and even knowing it's there I still get caught out when using my PA02.
Can I ask what it is you like about the D25AAA? I'm a huge fan of my D25A and older P10A so I'm not doubting your choice, but it's low mode is actually pretty bright for a lot of people's taste.
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Here's another recommendation for the Fenix E05. Good solid light. Around $20 US.
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Can I ask what it is you like about the D25AAA? I'm a huge fan of my D25A and older P10A so I'm not doubting your choice, but it's low mode is actually pretty bright for a lot of people's taste.
I like the curved main body and the coloured band round the head. The lens arrangement seems like a good idea too.
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I like the curved main body and the coloured band round the head.
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The Olight i3E EOS is a great little light. I have carried one daily for a few months now. I can highly recommend it.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/741/32991933172_ece2d4cff0_b.jpg)
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I have 3 of the 4 you are considering. I dont have the Eagletac. The others are terrific light that I can recommend. What about the Thrunite Ti? Its by far my favorite AAA light I own. The brightness is awesome and the low/moonlight are equally nice. I do like the hidden strobe as well. Plus its Ti :salute:
:facepalm:
Good lord I need to read better. OP says specifically no Ti.
Carry on.
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£7 over your budget, but it's so pretty
https://www.heinnie.com/f...niversary-special-edition (https://www.heinnie.com/fenix-15th-anniversary-special-edition)
Other than that I'd go with the Olight
A bit fancy for my tastes, and I doubt I'd stump up the extra over an E05 TBH. Surefire Titan is a bit pricey too, especially in the UK.
Go for the Olight, you wont regret it
This.
Mine survived Afghanistan just fine.
Been running a li ion battery in it for some extra brightness. Says you are not suppose to so well see how it goes.
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£7 over your budget, but it's so pretty
https://www.heinnie.com/f...niversary-special-edition (https://www.heinnie.com/fenix-15th-anniversary-special-edition)
Other than that I'd go with the Olight
A bit fancy for my tastes, and I doubt I'd stump up the extra over an E05 TBH. Surefire Titan is a bit pricey too, especially in the UK.
Go for the Olight, you wont regret it
This.
Mine survived Afghanistan just fine.
Been running a li ion battery in it for some extra brightness. Says you are not suppose to so well see how it goes.
Such a rule breaker Harley :dd:
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I have 3 of the 4 you are considering. I dont have the Eagletac. The others are terrific light that I can recommend. What about the Thrunite Ti? Its by far my favorite AAA light I own. The brightness is awesome and the low/moonlight are equally nice. I do like the hidden strobe as well. Plus its Ti :salute:
:facepalm:
Good lord I need to read better. OP says specifically no Ti.
Carry on.
You're not the first, and won't be the last. :D
I've got a Ti light (Thrunite T10T) and it's very nice but wanted something black this time.
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If you go for the olight i3E the thing to remember is the black ones haven't got the same light output as the chrome or copper ones. For some reason they are 90 lumens instead of 120 of the others. No idea why.
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If you go for the olight i3E the thing to remember is the black ones haven't got the same light output as the chrome or copper ones. For some reason they are 90 lumens instead of 120 of the others. No idea why.
But is anyone going to notice the difference between 90 and 120 lumens?
I'd prefer 90 lumens and slightly longer battery life. (Actually I prefer even fewer lumens when I'm plodding around, walking the dogs etc, which is why I prefer things with low power modes)
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If you go for the olight i3E the thing to remember is the black ones haven't got the same light output as the chrome or copper ones. For some reason they are 90 lumens instead of 120 of the others. No idea why.
But is anyone going to notice the difference between 90 and 120 lumens?
I'd prefer 90 lumens and slightly longer battery life. (Actually I prefer even fewer lumens when I'm plodding around, walking the dogs etc, which is why I prefer things with low power modes)
Most people will probably not notice the difference very much. I was told that Lumens are not measured on a linear scale. What this means is 100 lumens is not twice as bright as 50 lumens. So the difference between 90 and 120 is actually not very noticeable. That is what I was told anyways. I have not done any research to find out if this is correct, but when I have some time I will be.
On a side note when messing with my new Olight's the max on the S1A (600lm) and the max on the S1R (900lm) look similar and the S1R does not look 300lm brighter so it would make sense if this was correct.
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Not been having much luck with lights lately:
1) I dropped something onto the lens on my Thrunite T10T and broke it - need to try to source a new one
2) a leaky battery b0rked my Fenix E05 so I've been using my Nitecore Tube (which is very good, BTW)
3) my bike dynamo light snuffed it at the weekend so I had to buy a new one. (£125 :ahhh)
All of which reminded me I hadn't got round to buying a new pocket light - so I've just ordered the Eagletac D25AAA. :tu:
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Not been having much luck with lights lately:
1) I dropped something onto the lens on my Thrunite T10T and broke it - need to try to source a new one
2) a leaky battery b0rked my Fenix E05 so I've been using my Nitecore Tube (which is very good, BTW)
3) my bike dynamo light snuffed it at the weekend so I had to buy a new one. (£125 :ahhh)
All of which reminded me I hadn't got round to buying a new pocket light - so I've just ordered the Eagletac D25AAA. :tu:
Ouch! :ahhh
Time for warranty?
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It was three years old, so out of warranty unfortunately. I might be able to rescue it - once the replacement (a different light with a better reputation) arrives I'll take it apart and see it it's fixable.
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Maratac AAA.
(http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/maratac-aaa-flashlight.jpg)
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Maratac AAA.
(http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/maratac-aaa-flashlight.jpg)
Dura-leak batteries? :twak: ::)
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Maratac AAA.
(http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/maratac-aaa-flashlight.jpg)
Dura-leak batteries? :twak: ::)
Hey, you can use any brand you like! The pic is just for reference.
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Maratac AAA.
(http://technabob.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/maratac-aaa-flashlight.jpg)
Dura-leak batteries? :twak: ::)
Hey, you can use any brand you like! The pic is just for reference.
I knew, because of the URL. :cheers:
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Not been having much luck with lights lately:
1) I dropped something onto the lens on my Thrunite T10T and broke it - need to try to source a new one
2) a leaky battery b0rked my Fenix E05 so I've been using my Nitecore Tube (which is very good, BTW)
3) my bike dynamo light snuffed it at the weekend so I had to buy a new one. (£125 :ahhh)
All of which reminded me I hadn't got round to buying a new pocket light - so I've just ordered the Eagletac D25AAA. :tu:
I just spotted a T10T over here -> https://store.multitool.org/departments/thrunite-t10t-flashlight-89.html
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Not been having much luck with lights lately:
1) I dropped something onto the lens on my Thrunite T10T and broke it - need to try to source a new one
2) a leaky battery b0rked my Fenix E05 so I've been using my Nitecore Tube (which is very good, BTW)
3) my bike dynamo light snuffed it at the weekend so I had to buy a new one. (£125 :ahhh)
All of which reminded me I hadn't got round to buying a new pocket light - so I've just ordered the Eagletac D25AAA. :tu:
I just spotted a T10T over here -> https://store.multitool.org/departments/thrunite-t10t-flashlight-89.html
Definitely a good option. :tu:
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By the way H, did you get the Eagletac in yet? I'm curious about those ones.
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I just spotted a T10T over here -> https://store.multitool.org/departments/thrunite-t10t-flashlight-89.html
Thanks Z, but it's just the lens I need. I think I slipped my GEC #15 into my pocket - it just so happened that the light was pointing straight up from the bottom of my pocket and the bolster shattered the lens. :facepalm: I'll get in touch with Thrunite and see if they sell them separately.
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By the way H, did you get the Eagletac in yet? I'm curious about those ones.
Arrived last week - it's really very nice. Looks very slender with the pronounced waist where the battery is, with nice smooth threads and a robust looking plastic lens. It's about the same diameter as a Fenix E05, but a few mm longer.
It's got quite a good broad beam, with just the tiniest hint of a dark spot right in the centre if you're shining it at a plain surface. Modes are good - low/med/high, with some hidden strobes and it comes on in low by default. Low quite bright, not a firefly/moonlight but it's OK.
The magnet on the tail is a neat feature, though mine came out the first time I stuck it to something - a bit of epoxy soon fixed that. I took the clip off too, and have put it on a short lanyard from a Maglite Solitaire on my keys.
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Good to hear it's working out mate. :tu: