- small form-factor, lightweight, preferably AAA but open to others
- one hand operation, prefer clicky
- 50+ lumens, if multi-mode, must start in High
- nice carabiner/lanyard for keychain
Don't like
- length:diameter ratio too high on DQG S1
- twistie on ITP A3, chain a little too long and heavy
- plastic photon lights(good function, but prefer "neat", quality things)
Has anyone used the Streamlight Nano? I would consider something like that, or maybe a single CR123(maybe a little too big) light of some sort. Please chime in and let me know your thoughts! Thanks fellas! I haven't been steered wrong yet!
Thanks for the response, E1320. That looks like a nice flashlight, but it's a twistie and maybe a little too big to put on a key chain. Can you operate it easily with one hand?
The choice of recommendable and proven reliable AAA key chain lights is very limited, look at ANY manufacturer or dealer/seller. So better dont even think of setting up a list of deal breaker criteria. You will have to live with many compromises and in the end still like your chosen light. So go ahead and setup a long list of noteworthy popular AAA lights and forget about any "silly" criteria.
simple and no-nonsense criteria would be:
1. weight and overall dimensions and form factor (iTP is the lightest 9grams and one of the smallest). 1x CR123A form factor is a deal breaker to me, also because i prefer my 10440's rechargies and Eneloop AAA's.
2. price (Fenix is top quality and with the longest tradition of such lights but expensive. worth their money, but why no save some bucks. you're on BLF)
3. a feature which is key-essential to you (and not everybody has such a needed feature)
Maybe Tank007 703 is something for you. it's one of the very few with a clicky. Must start in Hi? Wont find such a thing.
Yes it works easily with one hand. If you really like a clicky switches I carry a Black Cat everyday and it's a great little light. Another one I have and recommend is the Tank TK701 is nice but they are only slightly smaller than the Nitecore. The Nitecore uses a AA battery compared to the Black Cat or the Tanks AAA the AA in the Nitecore lasts so much longer plus it has 2 modes.
Edit: Sorry I tried a Streamlight nano the other day and it works quite well my buddy picked one up at KTP on sale. You might want to check there if you are in the area.
As you may have noticed, I did not specify requirements; I merely outlined my preferences. Like you have stated, there will always be compromises.
I have the ITP A3, and I do not like the two-hand operation of the twistie. I should have got the single mode version because I always find myself twisting a bunch of times to find the high mode. But the thing is bright enough and small enough.
I think your recommendation of the Tank007 will be on my short list. Too bad it's not as small as the ITP, but it does meet most of my preferences.
Ha! Booyah! That light is a winner! It's got everything I wanted. And cheap! Did you get the 100 lumen model? Is the lobster claw half-decent? Do you know of any reviews I can find on it?
These are all Tanks!! -- nobody recommending Fenix or what?? haha
i have begun a Tank review on the E09, have you seen it? Once you've prepared the E09 (fixed the insulation issue) it is THE itp a3 eos upgraded REPLACEMENT. comes on high, easy 1-hand operation, and you get it for 50% off from Dinodirect (With coupons and shit) if money matters. bright, and very likeable thing.
dont you ever think of buying the streamlight nano. read the amazon reviews. grueling!
Thanks for the offer. I live in ManchVegas and also go to UNH-M. Small world, eh? 40 minute drive is a bit much, but it's good to know there are other enthusiasts in the area.
Hi HKJ, are you going to make a review on that new 1AAA 4Sevens light, that will be on the market after shot show 2012? I'm really interested in a comparison to the DQG tiny II.