EDC/Flight Bag Flashlight

CC268

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 5, 2017
Messages
37
Hey guys,


Looking for a good quality flashlight that I can use mostly for my flight bag. Ideally I would like to be able to clip it to the molle webbing on my TAD Litespeed Pack. I have a really nice Petzl headlamp (with both white and red lighting) that has been fantastic, but I'd like to add a flashlight to my bag for general use/survival use/etc. Something that is geared towards EDC should work well. I'm not a flashlight expert by any means and there seems to be many different options.


I'm thinking my best bet will be a stylus/pen style light. I don't want anything too bulky.


The three big options seem to be:
Nitecore MT06MD
Lumintop IYP365 (with Nichia 219CT LED)
Streamlight 66133 (the brightest of the three?)
Thrunite Ti4


People seem to really like the Lumintop IYP365, so that is what I am leaning towards. That said, I am open to any suggestions (not just the three listed above).


Thanks!

==================Flashlight Recommendation Checklist================

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light in person from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
_ X_ This will be mail-order or Online (location doesn't matter).


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :)

____I don't know yet
____Up to $25.
____Up to $50.
_ X_Up to $100.
____Up to $200.
____Up to $300.
____Essentially unlimited.


3) Format:

____I am not sure, please help me decide.
_X_ I want a flashlight (hand held/self contained).
____I want a self-contained headlamp.
____I want a headlamp with an external pack/power source.
____I want a mounted light (typically for a bicycle or vehicle)
____I want a lantern/area light.
____I want a portable spotlight (it may have an external power source).
____Other ____________________________________________


4) Size:

____MICRO - Keychain size.
_X_ TINY - Every day carry (2-4 inches).
_X_ SMALL - Every day carry (4-7 inches).
____MEDIUM - Holster/belt ring carry. (>7 inches)
____LARGE - Big enough to need its own travel case.
____I don't know/I don't care.


5) Emitter/Light source:

__X_LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
____I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

__X_I want to buy a light from a large/traditional manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would like a light from a specialty manufacturer (Possibly limited run/Custom).
____I am interested in assembling my own components. (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source).


7) What power source do you want to use?

____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Alkaline batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use "Primary"/Disposable Lithium batteries based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D and CR123 sized cells common to most stores (often a cold weather or long storage choice).
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells (NiMH or NiCD) based on the usual AAA/AA/C/D sized cells common to most stores.
____I intend to use Rechargeable cells based on less common formats (18500 or 18650 Li-Ion, RCR123, et-al).
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery pack.
__X_I don't know/I need more information on power sources.

7a) If you have selected a rechargeable option
____I want a light that plugs directly into the wall (literally with prongs built into the light)
____I want a light that has a recharging adapter (your typical "wall wart")
____I want a light that snaps into a cradle (usually mounted on a wall)
____I want a separate/stand-alone charger (this involves removing the batteries to charge)
____I don't care


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is not a happy experience).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (1-10 lumens).
____I want an indoor "blackout" light (15-50 lumens)
__X_I want to confidently walk around an unlit/unpaved rural area (60-150 lumens).
__X_I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
__X_I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
__X_I want search and rescue type illumination (800+ lumens).

____SPECIAL NOTE: Burst/Turbo mode Category - There are several lights that will run at a super bright maximum for a very limited period (usually 5-10 minutes) and then will "step-down" to a lower level for thermal control. Check here if this is acceptable.


9) Flood vs Throw: Flood covers an area, Throw reaches out to a distance.

____All Flood: I am doing "arms length" tasks like reading and campsite cooking.
____Wide Flood: I want a defined flood area for semi-close tasks like after-dark campsite tasks or working on a car.
____Narrow Flood: I want a sharply defined flood area that will project some distance for tasks like trail walking.
____Wide Throw: I want a beam with a noticeable hot-center for distance throw and a significant amount of "side-spill". Good for rough trail hiking, search and rescue, and general distance work.
____Narrow Throw: I want a beam with a very tight "hot center" and minimal "side-spill". Good for distance viewing, fog, and looking through dense undergrowth.
____Turbohead: I want a far-distance projector with a sharply focused spot of light and minimal or zero side-spill. Good for extreme distance and impressing your friends.

9a) Distance: How far away will you typically need to see with this light (check all that apply)
__X__Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
__X__Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
__X__5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
__X__30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
__X__50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
__X__150+ yards (I am searching from a helicopter)

10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum continuous output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
__X__30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
__X__90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
__X__3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).




11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
__X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
__X__Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't know.


12) Switch Size, Type, and location (choose all that apply):

____Any size switch will do.
____I need a BIG switch (I'll be using gloves or have very large hands or coordination issues).
____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today's high end lights).
____I want a remote switch (usually found on high-end bicycle headlights)
____I don't care.
__X__I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________________.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
__X__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.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Oscillating pattern to confuse/blind aka "Police Mode")
____I want SOS mode. (blinks in ...---... emergency pattern)
____I want a beacon mode. (Regular flashes at full power to show location.)
____I don't care.
____I don't know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today's higher end flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
____Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
__X__I don't care.
____I don't know.
____Other, please specify____________.

15) Water resistance
____None needed
__X__IPX4 (Splash resistant)
__X__IPX7 (Waterproof to 1 meter/30min)
____IPX8 (Submersible to greater than 1 meter for 4 hours)

16) Storage conditions
____In house (temperature/climate controlled environment)
____Emergency kit (long standby periods)
____Automobile glove-box (wide temperature swings, long standby periods, critical reliability)
__X__Other_Flight bag________________________________________ ____


17) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any/all below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking, Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments
 
Last edited:

CC268

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 5, 2017
Messages
37
Links to the three flashlights mentioned above:

Streamlight-66133

LUMINTOP-Penlight

Nitecore-MT06MD
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Crazyeddiethefirst

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Mar 13, 2012
Messages
2,005
Location
Southern California
I too like the Lumintop (they come in aluminum, brass and titanium), but for me the gold standard is the Four Sevens Preon series(the company recently was sold, but the new owner is doing great things while holding true to the original vision). The Mark III Preons look even more awesome(I have 3 on preorder). I have to cross the Streamlight off the list as every one I have had have died of premature failure..
 

CC268

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 5, 2017
Messages
37
I too like the Lumintop (they come in aluminum, brass and titanium), but for me the gold standard is the Four Sevens Preon series(the company recently was sold, but the new owner is doing great things while holding true to the original vision). The Mark III Preons look even more awesome(I have 3 on preorder). I have to cross the Streamlight off the list as every one I have had have died of premature failure..

I do like that Preon P2 MKIII. Too bad they are sold out :(
 

LightObsession

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 12, 2004
Messages
1,385
Preordered the Preon

That should serve you well - I've never owned one, but have been eyeing them recently.

Of the others, I much prefer the UI of the Nitecore MT06, MT06MD, Klarus P20 over that of the Lumintop IYP 365.
 

Timothybil

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 9, 2007
Messages
3,662
Location
The great state of Misery (Missouri)
I have both the MT06MD and the IYP365, and like them both. The MT06MD is a little bit classier, but I don't think that matters to you in this case.One caveat: none of those lights is going to give you more that a hundred or so lumens. They may claim more in Turbo mode (if they have one) but will step down after a few minutes. I would still get one, since they would be handy for close up and immediate area work, and are very easy to clip to a pocket or MOLLE strap. If you plan on doing much of the 150+ yds work, something like the Nitecore P30 would be good. It is a single 18650 cell light, with a larger reflector for better throw. It will not take that much space in a bag pr pack, and carries well on a belt. It is my secondary EDC light. I normally EDC a Nitecore EA11, but when I suspect I might need more throw I strap on the P30 instead. I have seen the P30 for sale for $35 recently, but don't know if that price is available now that the holidays are over.
Another one to look at would be the Lumintop Tool AA 2.0. It is dual fuel [AA/14500], and with the 14500, can put out the light you are looking for. One nice feature is that the tail cap has recesses for a small circular magnet and a tritium vial if one wants to add either. And at under $20 it makes a nice backup light. One can never have too many lights along.
 

CC268

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 5, 2017
Messages
37
That should serve you well - I've never owned one, but have been eyeing them recently.

Of the others, I much prefer the UI of the Nitecore MT06, MT06MD, Klarus P20 over that of the Lumintop IYP 365.

Thanks mine just shipped out! Should be here tomorrow or Friday. I bought the Lumintop IYP365 Titanium and it has been a nice light so far as well.
 

CC268

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 5, 2017
Messages
37
I have both the MT06MD and the IYP365, and like them both. The MT06MD is a little bit classier, but I don't think that matters to you in this case.One caveat: none of those lights is going to give you more that a hundred or so lumens. They may claim more in Turbo mode (if they have one) but will step down after a few minutes. I would still get one, since they would be handy for close up and immediate area work, and are very easy to clip to a pocket or MOLLE strap. If you plan on doing much of the 150+ yds work, something like the Nitecore P30 would be good. It is a single 18650 cell light, with a larger reflector for better throw. It will not take that much space in a bag pr pack, and carries well on a belt. It is my secondary EDC light. I normally EDC a Nitecore EA11, but when I suspect I might need more throw I strap on the P30 instead. I have seen the P30 for sale for $35 recently, but don't know if that price is available now that the holidays are over.
Another one to look at would be the Lumintop Tool AA 2.0. It is dual fuel [AA/14500], and with the 14500, can put out the light you are looking for. One nice feature is that the tail cap has recesses for a small circular magnet and a tritium vial if one wants to add either. And at under $20 it makes a nice backup light. One can never have too many lights along.

Thanks! I got the IYP 365 Titanium and it has been nice thus far. Great for what I need. Also the Preon I ordered finally shipped out so that should be nice as well.

I checked out the Nitecore P30. Looks nice, although the large reflector would make it a bit awkward in my bag.
 
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