Looking for a durable no-frills keychain light

[SiO2]

My current EDC is an old-*** 2xAA Maglite I've had forever, but with an added Nite Ize LRB-1W upgrade. I'm extremely happy with the NI all around in terms of throw/brightness/runtime/etc, but I've decided that a 2xAA is just too big and I'm sick of dragging it around all the time, so I'm looking for some flavor of LED keychain light to replace it with. I want something basic, durable and reliable that's effectively a shrunken version of what I have now. Something that can be reasonably guaranteed to survive 10+ years of moderate abuse.

• I'm not fond of anything with complicated circuitry in it if I can avoid it, as I really don't want to deal with my flashlight freaking out due to an environment with high RF/EM noise or a chip frying because I left it on a hot dashboard for hours. Also, circuit boards with a lot of crap on them don't tend to like lots of vibration either.
• Single brightness mode is fine. Hi/Lo is ok only if it's a straightforward linear mechanical action, ie; I'm not interested in having to control my flashlight with morse code.
• I've had poor luck with buttons and tail clickers dying after a few years so I'd prefer twist actions like what Maglite uses. Either way, it needs to be one-handable.
• Obviously needs to be puddle-proof and durable enough to survive a couple foot drop onto a hard surface (which will happen many times over the years).
• It needs to use "standard" size batteries, ones I'm guaranteed to find in a corner drugstore. There seem to be a lot of options in the 1xAAA format, but I'd be willing to go with a 1xAA if it's super compact or some other form factor in the same ballpark. If it's AA or AAA, being able to accept multiple different chemistries is a plus.
• Whatever format it is, I'd needs to be basically a straight cylinder with either a clip or be thin and smooth enough to be rammed into a sharpie holster. I don't want something with a huge *** reflector dish.
• Price wise I'd prefer it to be on the cheaper side, but I'm perfectly willing to pay for quality. As long as it's actual quality and not just a pile of goofy features.
• As for brightness and runtime, I'm not all that picky. It would be nice if it was as bright as my NI (which I think is 55 lumens?) but I understand that that's hard with a smaller battery. This will be exclusively for home/office work so I'm not too concerned with the particulars as long as it's reasonable.
• Lastly, for purchasing it needs to be mainstream enough that I can snag one off Amazon. I'm not interested in special ordering something from overseas.

The new Maglite Solitaire LEDs go for about $15-20 range and seem to hit everything on my checklist, but before I bite I'm wondering if there's anything better out there. I've heard of Fenix and Olight and others, but they all seem too wacky. I'm looking for a tool moreso than a gadget.

Any suggestions?

 

[AVService]

Wacky?
I don't know what that means?

Both are good solid lights and have models with straightforward operation as you say you want.
Either will easily perform for you and maybe you should just find the one you like the looks of in your price range on Amazon and give it a shot?

I am sure there is a majority of us here with a simple Fenix on the keychain that works every time no matter what.
I prefer a few different brightness levels so I carry an LD01 that has 3 levels. No tricky switching required,it just cycles between the levels when you twist it on and off.
They offer similar models with a single level too.

You might also like a simple Streamlight model as they are also very simple and rugged.

 

[yoyoman]

AAA lights are great for EDC and are/can be very bright with the latest emitters. The ThruNite Ti2 has an interesting UI - twist to L, keep twisting to H. The DQG AA IV is the smallest AAA around. I really like Peak Eigers. The OLight i3S is nice (there are some reviews in the forum that you can search for). The Titanium Innovations Illuminati CA-1 Alum is also very nice (and I prefer the L>M>H UI compared to the i3S).
Here is an interesting thread to read: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...days&highlight=very+difficult+not+to+love+aaa
And a picture:

 

[SiO2]

Wacky?I don't know what that means?

A lot of gadgets on the market today are unnecessarily silly or complex, designed to appeal to geeks who want a toy. I want a workhorse. I'm not saying that Fenix or Olights are toys (I honestly don't know that's why I'm asking) just that when see lights marketed with half a dozen modes that call themselves "tactical" for no reason and stuff I tend to shy away.

and have models with straightforward operation as you say you want.

Do you know which models, specifically? I've looked around but most of what I'm seeing require you to press a button / twist the head back and forth several times in short succession to switch modes, and that's not what I want.

maybe you should just find the one you like the looks of in your price range on Amazon and give it a shot?

Again, I want a tool, not a trophy. I don't care what it looks like as long as it does what I need it to. And if I wanted to buy a dozen different lights and test them out I wouldn't bother asking for help here

No tricky switching required,it just cycles between the levels when you twist it on and off.

Is it a linear twist halfway -> half bright, twist all the way -> full bright? I don't want something where I have to futz with it or remember what mode I'm already in to get to another. Lemme put it this way: if I need to read an instruction manual to know how to switch modes, it doesn't suit my needs.

You might also like a simple Streamlight model as they are also very simple and rugged.

Any model in particular? A quick glance on amazon shows mainly long penlight formfactors.

 

[SiO2]

The ThruNite Ti2 has an interesting UI - twist to L, keep twisting to H.

That's the sort of thing I'm looking for in terms of a switch. I've never heard of ThruNite before though and there are hardly any reviews on amazon. What's their reliability like?

The DQG AA IV Peak Eigers Titanium Innovations Illuminati CA-1 Alum

Hrm. Where do I buy these? Can't find them on amazon/target/etc.

OLight i3S is nice (there are some reviews in the forum that you can search for).

Ok... will try that.

Here is an interesting thread to read:

I saw that when I searched prior to posting, but a lot of the info isn't relevant to what I'm looking for and doesn't really help me.

 

[yoyoman]

Thrunite Ti2: I couldn't find a review on the forum for this light, but there are reviews of other Thrunite lights. Mine has been dependable. Some people report that they can be finicky with cell lengths. But there is a post on an easy, quick fix. There are many forum people who like this light. It pops up in many discussions about AAA lights - and there are many threads, not just the one I provided the link to.

DQG - you can search on the market place or google. cnQualitygoods or fancyflashlights This is the last run of the AAA, so be quick. Very small, stainless steel and available in neutral or cool tints.

Titanium Innovations lights are at Battery Junction.

I get my Peak Eigers only from Oveready. They are upgrading the QTC pill and it is worth the wait. Oveready does great stuff and offer great customer service. Peak Eigers are made in the US, if that is important to you.

Another vendor I like is LightHound. You can sort flashlights by battery type - AAA or AA and see what they offer.

 

[AVService]

Many of us consider multiple modes in a light to be a feature that provides flexibility and not Whacky although I don't really have a need for a lot of the strobe modes I understand that to some they are handy and valuable.

Likewise if a light has several modes it will need a user interface to get through them somehow and while there are a few that require a learning curve few are remotely like Morse Code as you put it either.
This cracked me up in particular as I am also a Ham Radio operator and trust me,none of these light use Morse to operate!

Given the particular needs you seem to have and the decided features that you won't have I think you need to do some research on your own to avoid misunderstanding and then being let down if you pick the wrong light.

I thought I was pretty specific in the Fenix LD01 but it does offer 3 levels of light. It is simple and robust while being very small too easily fitting in a pocket on a keychain which is where I carry mine. It takes a single AAA and the head needs to be twisted on and off to switch the levels. If this is too much twisting for you or not enough light or runtime they also make the larger but simpler 2 level light the E11 that is an AA light that is almost universally loved by users. It will not attach to a keychain though as it has a button on the back,the head twists tight or loose to select high or low level pretty straightforward.

The tiny E05 is a single AAA,will fit on a keychain and is single level. Searching for reviews it is often compared to the Mag you now carry in output though it is a very tiny light too.

I suggest Fenix as they are the most mainstream not crazy priced light around and very reliable too.

I also don't think the Maglite are terrible like many do and the new LED solitare might be a good pick for you? That one you should be able to find local and see for yourself before deciding?

Don't know where you are located but in the U.S. REI stores sell the Fenix and Surefire and Innova and Gerber and hMag and have a selection that you can touch and try too.

Is this more what you were hoping for?

Ed

 

[Dadof6]

Let me add my recommendation for the Peak Eiger. I have a few and enjoy a good Brass Eiger with High CRI. Solid, simple, beautiful.

 

[Cereal_Killer]

The thrunite Ti2 is a pretty good little light but there are some switch problems, the 2 modes are controlled by a thin tab and some people's tabs break/bend leaving a single mode light.

All the streamlight polytac/protac models are single mode, rear push button switched, and are pretty good quality wise, they have good outputs and runtimes but lower than most other options.

It would take some reading to get it programmed but once programmed a foursevens quart tactical operates as a 2 mode light and is very well liked around here, I honestly believe it would suite you well. It's got 7 modes but only 2 are able to be programmed at any one time, so its simple to operate but you do have to read how to get it setup. You switch the modes with a head twist tho (loose OR tight, not back AND fourth). Also the fenix E21 (2xAA, 2-mode only, pretty dang good runtime off the 2xAA's) but its the same tight OR loose head twist to change between the 2 modes. I just picked up a E21 for one of my good friends who's not at all a "flashaholic" because of its simple UI.

Edit:didnt realize you wanted a keychain size light, I know here are a few other lights that operate like the thrunite Ti &Ti2 but I don't remember them off the top of my head.

 

[SiO2]

multiple modes in a light to be a feature that provides flexibility and not Whacky

It's not modes in and of itself, it's a light having a whole bunch of gratuitous modes with a dumb back and forth switch, or the company throwing around words like 'tactical' just to appeal to geeks.

Likewise if a light has several modes it will need a user interface to get through them somehow and while there are a few that require a learning curve few are remotely like Morse Code as you put it either.

When I say "morse code" I'm referring to lights like the Olight i3s where you have to twist the head back in forth in rapid fire to get to the mode you want. "med > high > low > med > high > low > strobe"? No thanks.

the head twists tight or loose to select high or low level pretty straightforward.

Besides the fact that I don't want to have to twist anything back and forth several times in the first place, I'm not fond of the med > low > hi cycle on this one.

The tiny E05 is a single AAA,

One other person recommended the eo5. I like do the more primitive design. Compared to the Solitaire, it's slightly dimmer and runs slightly longer (which cancel each other out in my mind), but it's also more money. What else does it have that might make it worth it?

stores

The stores my way will have only maybe half a dozen options split across two or three companies. ie; not a lot of selection.

 

[SiO2]

Peak Eiger.

Yeah.... the problem with a lot of the specialty brands is ease-of-replacement. I don't want to get used to one light, lose it, and then spend a week ordering a new one from the one place that carries them.

 

[SiO2]

It's got 7 modes but only 2 are able to be programmed at any one time

Sorry, but I'm NOT interested in having to program a freaking flashlight.

 

[AVService]

Besides the fact that I don't want to have to twist anything back and forth several times in the first place, I'm not fond of the med > low > hi cycle on this one.

I think you misunderstood me on this one,I mean 2 modes 1 when the head is tight and the other when the head is not tight.
No back and forth timing involved at all just tight or loose,it just does not get more simple than that.

Even a light with a switch alone and 2 levels is more complicated as you can not know before turning on which mode it will turn on in usually.

So again to be painfully clear,if the head is tight is one level if the head is not tight will be the other level.

If even this is not for you but you want more light than you have now,again I suggest any streamlight that is the size and output that you want.
Get a single speed model and be done,it will last a long time.

Ed

 

[archimedes]

Let me add my recommendation for the Peak Eiger. I have a few and enjoy a good Brass Eiger with High CRI. Solid, simple, beautiful.

Yeah.... the problem with a lot of the specialty brands is ease-of-replacement. I don't want to get used to one light, lose it, and then spend a week ordering a new one from the one place that carries them.

Then maybe buy two of these ... "two is one, one is none" ?

Seriously, I think this is what you are looking for, in terms of features ( or lack thereof ... ), based on your comments above.

Yes, it may be a bit more effort to source than something mass-produced, but worth it, in my opinion :thumbsup:

 

[AVService]

Then maybe buy two of these ... "two is one, one is none" ?

Seriously, I think this is what you are looking for, in terms of features ( or lack thereof ... ), based on your comments above.

Yes, it may be a bit more effort to source than something mass-produced, but worth it, in my opinion :thumbsup:

I also agree with this.
The Peak are very well made and if I had to bet on the longest lasting problem free light this would be it.

Get a fixed single brightness level and no switch and there is not a lot to go wrong.

You just twist on and untwist off.

I have Logans and one like this and it is one sweet light,really more Heirloom Quality than most other non-custom lights I have seen.

 

[yoyoman]

The Peak Eiger SS AAA with momentary switch and no QTC, large optic with XP-G2 N (in my picture) is one of my favorite AAA lights. Very bright with a Li-ion and very reliable. I only buy my Peaks from Oveready.

The DQG AAA is the smallest AAA out there, is available with cool or neutral emitter and magnet or glow dot in the tail. SS and twisty are the best for keychain duty. A nice light for the money.

The Ti2 has an interesting UI. Twist to L and keep twisting to H. Cool white.

AAA have come a long way and there are so many good choices available. You can buy a bunch to experiment or save money and go for the best from the start. Peak Eigers are the best, IMHO.

 

[SiO2]

I think you misunderstood me on this one,I mean 2 modes 1 when the head is tight and the other when the head is not tight.

Wait, are we talking about the same light? The LD01? It has three modes doesn't it? I thought in order to switch between the different modes you had to turn it off and on a few times in a row? Maybe I'm getting this confused with some other Fenix...

 

[SiO2]

Then maybe buy two of these ... "two is one, one is none" ?

Eh, one more thing to keep track of. Also, the thing about these and some of the other suggestions is that I can't find any reviews or ratings on them. I'd be fine taking a gamble with something like a Fenix E05 (5.5 stars with over 200 reviews on Amazon), but I'm leery of a specialty brand where I really have no idea what their reputation is like. I want to play it safe and conservative here.

 

[SiO2]

You can buy a bunch to experiment

I really don't have the time or money for that, honestly.

 

[SiO2]

Maybe I can get better suggestions by rewording the question.

If I want a light that is:

• no bigger than a SAK (1xAAA, ultra compact 1xAA, etc)
• bright enough to overpower dim lighting (maybe 25+ lumens?)
• EXTREMELY reliable and durable, with a good reputation, a robust non-fiddly switch mechanism that won't die in 10 years, and circuitry that won't burn out

... what are my choices?