Its a golden age of lumens these days…what with rechargeable batteries and retina-scorching LED technology. I rather like the Fenix brand of lights, but here’s a fairly in-depth review that you might find interesting: THE BEST TACTICAL FLASHLIGHT – TEST DATA & RESULTS
Your mileage may vary, of course…but for me I have found that a well-built LED flashlight that takes a readily available battery (or a rechargeable that offers the option of using the rechargeable battery or a common battery interchangeably) is the way to go. I rather like the Fenix PD35.
Whatever you do, make sure to get at least a small pocket flashlight to carry everywhere everyday. I have the little AA-batt Fenix 12 and I can’t begin to describe how handy it is to always have a small, bright flashlight on hand.
Thank you for the links. Just ordered the same Fenix PD35 light from ebay for $60.
pretty good specs on that fenix CZ…a surefire fan myself but for those of you who never thought of pelican, they make the cases, they make some damn good lights also…some take multiple types of batteries…
Carried a streamlight single aaa for a while. After the 2nd one I figured out that carrying it in my pocket was scratching the lens. Carry a streamlight stylus pro in my shirt pocket and I don’t have that problem anymore.
Carried a small AA Mag Lite flashlight when I had to go out in the field a lot. Not so much any more, but still have need of a flashlight that does not get in the way. Nite Core listened.
Bought a Nitecore Tiki LE pocket unit that is attached to my wallet leash. Very nearly completely weightless and 300 lumens should be enough power. I’m not signalling any satellites from raining death from above.
Following. I am a ridiculous tightwad as I become a geezer, so the harbor freight lights are performing parallel duties and supplanting some of my old surefire inventory. I don’t have an “agency” budget, or .gov salary so some times the base model unit will do o.k. for my needs. I am not a commando nor a wanna be so a simpleton civilian unit is good enough, they last a long time and are cheap enough to buy multiples and stow away for embargoes and collapse times. Confirm the absolute necessity of carrying a pen light or pocket sized flashlight at all times and everywhere, even in daytime periods. I pull mine out fast draw like very often instinctively for lighting needs. I go just the replaceable battery route, as I am unsure of the long term serviceability of rechargeable types, like many recharge battery products that seem to have a limited life cycle. Too many videos of charging doo dads bursting in flames in the house kinda makes me cautious of that mode. Stay Illuminated and Stay Frosty.
i’ve been using fenix lights almost every day/night for a decade or more. have yet to need to replace one. incredibly bright for a aa light and batteries last a good while in them. i pulled out my old minimag light the other day, it was pathetic even with the led bulb upgrade.
I’ve been pretty happy with Fenix lights, too, though I do wish they weren’t made where they are. I stick with Surefire and Streamlight for weapon lights, but Fenix for EDC.
Well, based on your experience I ordered one of each of those Fenixes and got the PD35 yesterday and the E112 today. I’m impressed with both of them and the charging system on the PD 35 battery is my first encounter with it. It works well enough and could be done from my car as I drive as well. I was pleasantly surprised with the three switchable levels of brightness even on the little E12. The high level on the PD35 lights up my entire two car garage. So, at least at first blush I’ve very satisfied. Thanks for the advice. Gray Fox