what light should i get?

[asupernothing]

I have recently realized that for all the time i spend in the dark (even when the sun is out), I really should get a good little light.
I don't know too much about lights so I figured I would ask here as everyone is unbelievably helpful.

What I would really like is a light that can fit into the side pocket of my LM Charge sheath. I have a mini-Maglite, which technically fits, but its just to long to EDC comfortably. So what I would really like is a light that is the same diameter as the mini-mag (or thinner), with a shorter body. Also I would like to have a light that is at least as bright as the mini-mag.

I was looking at the LM Serac S3, I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on this light. Also I have been looking at the LED Lenser lights, and I would like to know if anyone knows whether the S3 is smaller.

Thanks

[Millhouse]

The lights that fit best in the side pocket of a LM sheath are 1 AAA lights. The Leatherman S3 is CR123A powered and would be too fat to fit. You may get it to fit by stretching the elastic, but that will make deployment and replacement of both the light and tool awkward.

I would suggest an ITP A3 or Fenix LD01 light. If you are not familiar with modern lights, you will be surprised by the output these 2 are capable of. If these 2 are not within your budget, check out the Fenix E01.

[lovenhim]

I own a Fenix E01 and a Fenix LD01.  They are both nice lights.  The E01 is a 10 lumen flashlight and it is fine if you are using the light for close up (less than 1 foot type of work.  It is a simple and well made light for $15.  Now the LD01 is still a AAA powered light but it has three modes of brightness and it much brighter than the E01, however it costs more money at $40.

http://www.batteryjunction.com/fenix-e01.html
http://www.batteryjunction.com/fenix-ld01-r2-clip.html

Now there is another light that people also love, however I do not own one (yet) so I can not comment on it.  It is the ITP A3.  Those are around $20 and come in your choice of colors and they also have a low/med/hi output. 

http://www.batteryjunction.com/itp-a3-eos-upgrade.html

One other good thing about buying a light from Battery Junction is that if you need batteries for one of these lights, they have very good prices on them and are far cheaper than buying them from Wally's World. 

http://www.batteryjunction.com/pri-aaa.html

I also just checked the leather sheath for my Leatherman Wave and I can tell you that the Fenix E01 and LD01 both fit right in it with no problems.  I hope that this helps you.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

The lights that fit best in the side pocket of a LM sheath are 1 AAA lights. The Leatherman S3 is CR123A powered and would be too fat to fit. You may get it to fit by stretching the elastic, but that will make deployment and replacement of both the light and tool awkward.

I would suggest an ITP A3 or Fenix LD01 light. If you are not familiar with modern lights, you will be surprised by the output these 2 are capable of. If these 2 are not within your budget, check out the Fenix E01.

+1 on the above 2 choices

[Gareth]

All good suggestions so far and you wouldn't go wrong with any of them.  Another option would be Leatherman's own Monarch 300.  I put my thoughts on it here:

http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,15406.0.html

Not a pocket photon cannon but it'll outshine your Minimag without any trouble.  

[asupernothing]

just ordered the fenix ld01r2 from amazon;
battery junction was backordered.

[lovenhim]

Fantastic.  It is a wonderful little flashlight and you will not be disappointed.  I hope that you enjoy the light.  I love mine.  Please let us know what you think of it. 

[Millhouse]

Well done on your choice of the LD01.

If you haven't already got some, I would suggest getting some rechargeables, such as Sanyo Eneloops to power the light. Steer clear of alkalines as a couple of friends of mine have destroyed their lights when the alkaline leaked.