What's your latest flashlight?

[Roc]

So... I have a D4SV2 on the way.  What? I bought the boy a 4K TV and other stuff. 

[spudley112]

Yeah...he’s at that age where everything he wants is expensive. I haven’t explored Thrunite lights yet. I’m guessing I should hold off till the new year. 

I got the Thrunite T1 because I wanted a good EDC light. It gets compared to the Olight S1R a lot. Well, finally got the Olight, but I definitely like the Thrunite WAY better.

My new obsession is the lights in the "tactical" form factor like the Olight M2R Pro. Got the Sofirn SP31 V2 and love it...got three more like it coming. M2R Pro, Fenix PD35TAC and Thrunite Neutron 2C. I can't wait to compare them side by side. One will end up on my M14 and one on my AR15.

[Sos24]

I got the Thrunite T1 because I wanted a good EDC light. It gets compared to the Olight S1R a lot. Well, finally got the Olight, but I definitely like the Thrunite WAY better.

My new obsession is the lights in the "tactical" form factor like the Olight M2R Pro. Got the Sofirn SP31 V2 and love it...got three more like it coming. M2R Pro, Fenix PD35TAC and Thrunite Neutron 2C. I can't wait to compare them side by side. One will end up on my M14 and one on my AR15.

After your picture of your PD35TAC and Fenix’s Black Friday, I broke down a purchased the Gadsden one.

[Roc]

After your picture of your PD35TAC and Fenix’s Black Friday, I broke down a purchased the Gadsden one.

Pics when it arrives please! I’d look it up, but I’m feeling a bit lazy.

[Roc]

EZ is being quiet tonight. I went with the SST20 5K, just in case he was wondering. 

[spudley112]

After your picture of your PD35TAC and Fenix’s Black Friday, I broke down a purchased the Gadsden one.

I almost got that one instead. There are some pretty cool models in that line. I like the WWII style one.

[gustophersmob]

Fenix e05

Got the e05 a few days ago now since the fenix store had a BF discount and a coupon. For $11.96 all in, I like it. I’ve tried the e05 before, but couldn’t get past the TIR optic vs the reflector in my EDC ld01. The TIR is still my biggest hang up about the light, mainly because there is no glass lens in front and I know the plastic will get scratched in short order. Only time will tell if that will actually impact the beam.

In almost all other ways, it’s a really nice light. I like the knurling, the anodizing feels top notch, it has the least head wobble and smoothest threads of all the twisty AAA lights I have, and the tint is more neutral than the CW of my other fenixes and olights. I really do think fenix has some of the highest build quality, at least among the Chinese made brands (and up there with most American brands I’ve tried in many ways). I consider fenix and ZL top tier in that mid price range.

I so wish it had the lower low of the ld01 at 3 lumens instead of 8. There really isn’t much differentiation between low and medium to my eyes. I have also come to prefer the M-L-H mode sequence on the ld01 as I use medium the most, but maybe since the e05 low is brighter, I will find it ok. 

I somewhat doubt it will replace my ld01 as my edc, since I’ve been carrying it for over 6 years now and really like it. But for the price, I like having it around.

[Roc]

That’s a good price. Even if it doesn’t become part of your edc. It’s been a long time since I’ve owned a fenix. I think the last one I bought was an ld01.

[gustophersmob]

That’s a good price. Even if it doesn’t become part of your edc. It’s been a long time since I’ve owned a fenix. I think the last one I bought was an ld01.

Yeah, me too. My perception is that they’re not as prominent in the flashlight world as before. It seems like ZL became the “king” for awhile and now olight seems to be the popular one.

The fact that I really like the 1xAAA form factor (and sometimes 1xAA) and don’t like fiddling with li-ions keeps me in the shallow end of the flashahol pool, so my perception may be way off

[Roc]

Yeah, me too. My perception is that they’re not as prominent in the flashlight world as before. It seems like ZL became the “king” for awhile and now olight seems to be the popular one.

The fact that I really like the 1xAAA form factor (and sometimes 1xAA) and don’t like fiddling with li-ions keeps me in the shallow end of the flashahol pool, so my perception may be way off

I’m not a fan of Olights. I’ve given all mine away. I embraced li-ions and it opened a whole new world. Saves me money in the long run also.

[gustophersmob]

I’m not a fan of Olights. I’ve given all mine away. I embraced li-ions and it opened a whole new world. Saves me money in the long run also.

Agree, I’m not a huge fan either, though they don’t  really offer much that appeals to me these days. I don’t like the high output of the i3e as the only mode, and I don’t like the lack of low voltage protection on the i3r. Outside of those two lights, everything else is too large for me to want to carry

I use nimh rechargeables (eneloops) so I capitalize on the cash savings as well.

I just have no desire to have as much energy density as a li-ion in a sealed aluminum tube in my pocket all the time. I know cellphones use them too, but they seem more well designed to be “idiot” proof than the more hobbyist aspect of flashlights.

[Roc]

Agree, I’m not a huge fan either, though they don’t  really offer much that appeals to me these days. I don’t like the high output of the i3e as the only mode, and I don’t like the lack of low voltage protection on the i3r. Outside of those two lights, everything else is too large for me to want to carry

I use nimh rechargeables (eneloops) so I capitalize on the cash savings as well.

I just have no desire to have as much energy density as a li-ion in a sealed aluminum tube in my pocket all the time. I know cellphones use them too, but they seem more well designed to be “idiot” proof than the more hobbyist aspect of flashlights.

Worth the risk to me, although I treat them properly and always inspect them before each use. I also won’t put them in a crappy light.

[gustophersmob]

Worth the risk to me, although I treat them properly and always inspect them before each use. I also won’t put them in a crappy light.

Yeah, nothing wrong with them for those who want what they offer, and there’s no question they offer more capability than standard cells.

[Roc]

Yeah, nothing wrong with them for those who want what they offer, and there’s no question they offer more capability than standard cells.

Maybe it was an easy switch for me. I’ve used 18650 batteries for years in my vape. My flashlight is the most used part of my edc, so it’s nice to open up my options. I understand li-ions aren’t for everyone.

[spudley112]

I am giving Olight one more chance. I finally bought the S1 mini because of how much I like my Thrunite T1. I figured I would give the S1 a try and make it part of my rotation. It is a fine light, but I still prefer the T1 by far.

I decided to give the M2R Pro a try because I got a butt kicking deal on 2 of them. I will probably gift one of them out to someone here at MTO.

[Roc]

I am giving Olight one more chance. I finally bought the S1 mini because of how much I like my Thrunite T1. I figured I would give the S1 a try and make it part of my rotation. It is a fine light, but I still prefer the T1 by far.

I decided to give the M2R Pro a try because I got a butt kicking deal on 2 of them. I will probably gift one of them out to someone here at MTO.

I’m not knockin Olight. They just weren’t my cup of tea.

[spudley112]

I’m not knockin Olight. They just weren’t my cup of tea.

Oh, I totally get that. So far, not mine either. I want to see how I feel about this M2R though.If it operates like my Sofirn SP31, I will be happy with it. The light I am most excited about is the Thrunite Neutron. UI is like my much loved T1.

[Roc]

Oh, I totally get that. So far, not mine either. I want to see how I feel about this M2R though.If it operates like my Sofirn SP31, I will be happy with it. The light I am most excited about is the Thrunite Neutron. UI is like my much loved T1.

It does look similar to the Sofirn. Hope it’s what you are looking for.

[spudley112]

It does look similar to the Sofirn. Hope it’s what you are looking for.

That type of light seems to be where my collecting is gravitating. The upper end light output and lower end endurance is appealing to me. If it isn't exactly what I want, I am not heart broken. It is like knives, I am always looking for something "just a wee bit better" and about the time I think I find it, something else catches my eye. I love it though...testing out different tools and refining my preferences. It is about the journey, not the destination.

[Roc]

That type of light seems to be where my collecting is gravitating. The upper end light output and lower end endurance is appealing to me. If it isn't exactly what I want, I am not heart broken. It is like knives, I am always looking for something "just a wee bit better" and about the time I think I find it, something else catches my eye. I love it though...testing out different tools and refining my preferences. It is about the journey, not the destination.

Agreed. Whenever I feel guilty for buying a light I remember it’s fun for me and it’s a hobby. It’s just a bonus if I end up loving it.

[Sos24]

I am giving Olight one more chance. I finally bought the S1 mini because of how much I like my Thrunite T1. I figured I would give the S1 a try and make it part of my rotation. It is a fine light, but I still prefer the T1 by far.

I decided to give the M2R Pro a try because I got a butt kicking deal on 2 of them. I will probably gift one of them out to someone here at MTO.

I’m not a huge fan of Olight either, but I have an S1 mini that I use instead of just carry a spare battery for my primary flashlight.

[snip]...I really do think fenix has some of the highest build quality, at least among the Chinese made brands (and up there with most American brands I’ve tried in many ways). I consider fenix and ZL top tier in that mid price range.

...

Fenix is high on my list of trusted flashlights.  I used a PD20 as my primary carry flashlights for a few years in the Navy.  It replaced a Surefire because I wanted a multi-mode light.  The PD20 took a lot of abuse without ever failing me.  It was replaced by a PD25, because I wanted more lumens, that also never failed me.  Both flashlights still work perfectly.

[Roc]

I’m not a huge fan of Olight either, but I have an S1 mini that I use instead of just carry a spare battery for my primary flashlight.

Fenix is high on my list of trusted flashlights.  I used a PD20 as my primary carry flashlights for a few years in the Navy.  It replaced a Surefire because I wanted a multi-mode light.  The PD20 took a lot of abuse without ever failing me.  It was replaced by a PD25, because I wanted more lumens, that also never failed me.  Both flashlights still work perfectly.

How much is Fenix paying you guys/gals? 
Now I’m looking at them a little harder. 

[Sos24]

How much is Fenix paying you guys/gals? 
Now I’m looking at them a little harder. 

I wish they were paying me, because my flashlight addiction is not cheap. 

But in all honesty, I’ve had or seen many flashlights fail in the conditions mine were put through on ships.  The Fenix ones I used took it all - drenched in salt water, drops on steel decks, subzero freezers, steam engineering spaces, dusty industrial conditions, etc.  I own several different brands of flashlights, but there are only a few that I truly trust for my primary edc and Fenix is one.

[Roc]

I wish they were paying me, because my flashlight addiction is not cheap. 

But in all honesty, I’ve had or seen many flashlights fail in the conditions mine were put through on ships.  The Fenix ones I used took it all - drenched in salsmurfer, drops on steel decks, subzero freezers, steam engineering spaces, dusty industrial conditions, etc.  I own several different brands of flashlights, but there are only a few that I truly trust for my primary edc and Fenix is one.

That’s good to know. Fenix was at the top when I first started carrying a light.

[spudley112]

I bought a Fenix E01 for my ex years ago, but the PD35TAC I have one the way will be my first serious Fenix buy. Good to know they are tough as nails. However, I bought the yellow one so it will get treated very kindly I am sure.

I have so many lights now, but my plan is to have a rotation, much like what I have often done with my knife carry through the week. I have some extras too (one is going to a buddy for Christmas).

[eTripper]

I'm kind of in the Fenix camp myself.  Carried a number in the LD-series, and the UC's.  They always seemed to be a solid-product, priced-competitively, at the mid-tier level.  Although, I have to give Nitecore an honorable-mention too.  My latest is a CountyComm Maratac 18650 flat-top, with three brightness-levels.  It's been a solid-performer.  USB-charging is a must when considering the newer models.

[Sos24]

I'm kind of in the Fenix camp myself.  Carried a number in the LD-series, and the UC's.  They always seemed to be a solid-product, priced-competitively, at the mid-tier level.  Although, I have to give Nitecore an honorable-mention too.  My latest is a CountyComm Maratac 18650 flat-top, with three brightness-levels.  It's been a solid-performer.  USB-charging is a must when considering the newer models.

(Image removed from quote.)

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I have a couple Nitecore SRT3 that I really love the UI and power versatility.  However, after the red LED died after only minimal use on one, it lost its spot on my short list of trusted edc lights.  I still have two that get use, but I always have a back-up close by. 

As far as your Maratac, does it have visual PWM?  The one Maratac I had did and I couldn’t stand using it for that reason.

[spudley112]

Just received this Imalent HR20 headlamp. It features a wheel for adjusting brightness and it is usb rechargeable.

[Stefano]

I wish they were paying me, because my flashlight addiction is not cheap. 

But in all honesty, I’ve had or seen many flashlights fail in the conditions mine were put through on ships.  The Fenix ones I used took it all - drenched in salt water, drops on steel decks, subzero freezers, steam engineering spaces, dusty industrial conditions, etc.  I own several different brands of flashlights, but there are only a few that I truly trust for my primary edc and Fenix is one.

They are wonderful lights but I stopped buying them because they are not available in a neutral version (except for a few cases) if for each model the two tint were available they would sell much more.

[eTripper]

I have a couple Nitecore SRT3 that I really love the UI and power versatility.  However, after the red LED died after only minimal use on one, it lost its spot on my short list of trusted edc lights.  I still have two that get use, but I always have a back-up close by. 

As far as your Maratac, does it have visual PWM?  The one Maratac I had did and I couldn’t stand using it for that reason.

If your referring to a strobe, it doesn't have-it.  Just three-levels of brightness.  No muss, no fuss!