EDC pocket/keychain flashlight search

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1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for? I’m looking for a pocketable/keychain edc flashlight. It will be my primary light. I’d like something as small as possible, 2 mode, rear clickie, 100+ lumen hi. Self defense features are welcomed, but not necessary (other then the 100+ lumen, that is).

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.
[X] I am in USA and WA.

3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
[X] $1-15
[X] $15-30
[X] $40-60

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 short wide light.

PART D
Weight:
[X] 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

5) What kind of “bulb”.
[X] LED – more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)
[X] HID – like new car headlights in color, very, very bright, can be had in lights as small as a Mag 2 D cell but generally larger spotlight sized lights, no dimming turns off when battery depletes

6) What batteries do you want to use?
[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 light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)

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)———————-|———————-Flood/close-up

9) Runtime:
[X] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)

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

11) Switch Type:
[X] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)

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

13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[X] I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)

14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite? In this case “plastic” and it’s variants does not mean “cheap” or poorly made. In many applications a plastic bodied light is preferable, hard use and water resistance comes to mind; think caving or lights that get dropped or abused.
[X] I don’t care.

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: More concerned with slash/wet environments
[X] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
[X] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[X] Belt/Jacket clip
[X] Wrist/Neck Lanyard

I can’t wait to see what you guys have to say. I’ve been an EDC obsessive since I was a kid, but never thought to see if there was a community online. I :heart: the interwebs.

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