Best edc flashlight for $40-60

J_mcrane

J_mcrane

Joined
Dec 7, 2013
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580
I'm pretty new to the flashlight world and think I'm ready to illuminate my world.

I would like an edc light in the price range listed for daily carry. I figure it needs a minimum on 3-5 lumens. I think 10 as a minimum is to much. I figure it needs to reach 300+ on the high end. I don't think I need more than 500.

It has to be layman friendly meaning I don't have any special batteries or way to charge them.

I was looking at the fenix ld 11. Any other suggestions?
 
For EDC I carry a Fenix E12. It is a little slimmer than the LD11. I carry mine dropped in my RF pocket, the LD11 looks like it may be a little to "fat" to be carried that way comfortably. The brightness settings are just about right IMO, the 130 lumen max has always been enough for me. I like that it will tail stand and a regular alkaline AA cell has lasted the better part of a year so far.

Bruceter
 
They are all a trade off in size, runtime and brightness. For EDC size I would stick to 1AA, unless you are going to be carrying it in a bag or belt.

The LD11 is only going to give you that big blast if you run with the high discharge batteries. So that makes it conflict with your battery requirement. I can say that in reality 100 lumens is way brighter than most of the lights you're likely familiar with, and pushing much beyond that 150 mark will likely be a bigger light, or need high discharge batteries. I love my Fenix E12, tops at 130, but like I said, that is enough for most things. If you are planning on doing night searches or really heavy stuff, then you will need more, but for walking the dog, its plenty. also keep in mind that there is no standard for measuring output, so take the numbers with a grain of salt.

My actual EDC light is an E05 and for the odd look under a theater seat, or finding a light switch it really does the job. I have both the old and new versions, and the new (2014) is silly bright for so little a light. but it will hog a AAA dry very fast.

there are definitely some other options that other guys will chime in with, but there are also a heap of EDC light threads to read.
 
I just got a thrunite ti4t, 300 lumens, titanium, two AAA batteries, very nice package. Right around $40 from the big river store. Have a none to version, a little less output though, and cheaper
 
I switched to an Olight S1 Baton for my EDC flashlight. I disappears in my pocket. Has four modes .5, 8, 80, 500 lumens. You can get it for $50. But it take CR123 batteries. The one negative I say is not being able to switch the pocket clip. You have to carry it with the bulb up, I'm used to carrying with the bulb down. Battery Junction has them on sale.
 
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It would help if you'd give some preferences on battery type, size, UI, number of modes, etc. I mean these days you can get 500 lumens from a 3" light powered off one single AA Eneloop or you can get a 6" 2xAA light that can only do 250.

Also, wouldn't recommend running alkalines in any good light. Stick with the lithium if you want to run primaries, but it's wise to invest in some rechargeable NiMH (Eneloop, AmazonBasics, Duraloops) and a charger.
 
Umm... I'm kinda open in some areas. I figured 3-6 inches. Probably minimum of 2-3 modes. Run on common batteries AA or AAA.
 
J_mcrane said:
Umm... I'm kinda open in some areas. I figured 3-6 inches. Probably minimum of 2-3 modes. Run on common batteries AA or AAA.
Click to expand...

Surefire Titan-A is a great EDC light, $60 for a US made light with the best warranty in the business that takes common batteries. And it fits on a keychain. Low mode is 15 lumens, and very floody. 115 lumen high mode is plenty bright, especially as floody as this light is. The amount of light is incredible for such a small light, on a keychain it will be there when needed (power outage or whatever).
 
All depends on what your job is or what your needs are, but if you don't need more than 140 lumens or so, my favorite EDC is the L3 Illumination L11C with Nichia 219b emitter. Single AA, nice reverse clicky, can get it in 3 or 4 mode (4 mode has a moonlight), perfect mode spacing (ML, 3, 30, 140 lumens). Normally $35 but if you hunt down their holiday code you can get them 20% off.

If I was in an office everyday, this would be my number 1 EDC. Disappears in pocket, yet plenty powerful all with a 92+ CRI (color rendering index) emitter that renders colors beautifully. Your typical cool white will have a CRI of 65 while a neutral white will be about 75, depending on the emitter.

Next best single AA EDC would be the Zebralight SC52w. Little bit thicker but can run on alkaline (don't recommend), lithium primaries, or Eneloops for a max brightness of 280 lumens (cool white version will be a tad brighter) or you can use 14500 lithium ion for a max brightness of 500 lumens, all with one of the best UIs out there and great regulation on lower modes in a tiny package. Great, floody EDC beam and outstanding quality. With the number of modes and customization, along with the variety of fuel it can take and it's tiny size, the SC52w is one of the most versatile lights you can buy.
 
I have a Jetbeam PC10. Had for 7~8 years now. During that time I tried many other lights. Kept going back to my PC10. Takes 1ea RCR. Love it.
 
I second the SC52 stuffed with an AA battery, and Olight BUT AA MODEL Olight-S15. Olight has 10 year warranty, Zebralight is 1 year.
 
and as far as lumen ratings and our ability to see difference between 280 and 300, it is not possible neurologically.
 
Dang near an antique now, but I've carried a Fenix L0d-ce on my keys for years. Works great! Plenty bright for edc keychain duty for any task at hand. Granted, at work I pocket something much brighter, but still never leave home without that lodce.
 
I'll second the advice for an Olight S1 (CR123a or RCR123) or Olight S15 (AA). Pretty hard to beat for size/dollar/lumen.

PaPrepper said:
I switched to an Olight S1 Baton for my EDC flashlight. I disappears in my pocket. Has four modes .5, 8, 80, 500 lumens. You can get it for $50. But it take CR123 batteries. The one negative I say is not being able to switch the pocket clip. You have to carry it with the bulb up, I'm used to carrying with the bulb down. Battery Junction has them on sale.
Click to expand...

Um, no. The pocket clip is reversible, that's how I carry mine. On the older S10, the front of the clip sat further back than the front of the light, but with the newer, shorter S1, the clip protrudes about 2mm in front of the light when turned around for lens-down carry. ;)
 
I find myself with a bit of insomnia, despite some good bourbon this evening. So here are some pics. My well-used Olight S10 in black, and a fairly new Olight S1 in the limited edition bead-blasted Titanium. :D Hope it helps.

The clip on the S10 is a bit longer than the S1's.





Here you can see how the clip on the S1 sticks out just a little bit...



But it can still head-stand if need be.



But why not tail-stand?





Yes, the S1 is smaller than the S10 in all dimensions, and a bit lighter (even in denser Ti).
 
I moved to a Black Diamond headlamp. Black Diamond Spot 2016. More flashlight than I really need. $40. The Black Diamond Cosmo 2016 is $30. I remember when I once said I'd never use a headlamp. Boy, was I wrong. Can't express how much better it is having both hands free.
 
Slightly out of your price range, but can be found at 20-25% off once in a while, the nitecore MH20. Does use an 18650 but USB charging built in. Also available in neutral white. I have 2 I bought at $60.
 
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