Good morning lads (and lady lads),

I’ve been wanting a new light for a while now, but funds are tight so I want to make the right choice from the start.
I’ve opted to use the lovely sticky-thread-form as a guide for myself and you, as you guys are awesome in helping people spend money. Enabling points will be given, of course.

Here goes:

1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?
EDC. With the option to use it as a lantern in a tent or similar environment. This is not a deal breaker, EDC is the main goal.

2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[X ] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn’t matter.

3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :broke:
[ x] $40-60 or below

4) Format:
PART A
[ x] I want a flashlight.

PART B
Length:
[X ] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
[X ] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)

PART C
Width:
[X] I prefer a long narrow light.
Preferred, but not a deal breaker

PART D
Weight:
[ ] Very light, can’t tell it’s there.
[X ] Light, no heavier than a few keys or a small car remote.
[X ] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
[X ] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag

5) What kind of “bulb”.
[X ] LED

6) What batteries do you want to use?
[X ] I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
[X ] I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA…)

7) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
[X ] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
[X ] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
[X ] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
[X ] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)

I know, I’ve ticked nearly all of them. But that’s what I want. (I know there are light that do all, so why not?

8) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that “throw” with a tightly focused beam? Place an “X” on the line below. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won’t have to “sweep” the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.

Throw (distance)———————-|————–x——–Flood/close-up

9) Runtime:
[ ] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
[ ] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
[ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
[ X] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours)

This goes obviously for the lowest mode, I know it’s unlikely to have it all, but a low mode should be able to go with a high mode I reckon.

10) Durability: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
[X ] Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood.)
[X ] Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)

11) Switch Type:
[X ] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
[X ] momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
I’d prefer a recessed button, but a proud button is not a deal breaker.

12) Switch Location:
[X ] I want a push switch on the back end of the body.

13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[ ] A simple on-off is fine for me.
[ ] I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
[X ] I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
3 modes is preferred, no disco modes please (sos, strobe, the like

14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite?
[X ] I want a metal-bodied light.

15) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn’t been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).

[X ] Waterproof – how deep: at least rain proof, the rest is bonus
[X ] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[X ] Belt/Jacket clip

I don’t care about which brand I get as long as it works

And that’s it. I think.. Thanks in advance for taking the time guys. It’s much appreciated.