I’m looking for a good alternative to the Lumintop EDC05. I’ve had several problems with said light, and not just one of them. I feel the issues with the EDC05 are driver related and it will take some time to fix. Hence why there is no new stock on Amazon. I need a better alternative. I do not have the Utorch 01 in my options because the tint is crap and It has been known to have switch problems.
I’m left with either the Manker E11 or the Klarus Mi7.
Out of these two lights, I understand the Manker E11 is overall brighter, with that I’m leaning more towards the Manker E11. However how is the build quality of this light versus the Klarus Mi7?
Would it be a better investment as far as dependability?
I’ve also looked at the Zebralight SC5 MKII but I can’t justify the price. It’s over the top. With that I can buy two Mankers/Mi7 for that price.
Well that is disappointing. The second brightest AA lights on the markets and they all have flaws. I suppose that just leaves the Klarus Mi7. It’s a pity though that the max lumens on the Mi7 is 330 on an AA.
Though I don’t know if that is a noticeable difference from the 400lm on the other lights.
I’ve been looking at the Klarus Mi7 Ti. It costs as much as a SC5 MKII.
Now that makes it difficult to decide. The Zebralight that can only take an AA or the Mi7 Ti that can do both 14500 and an AA?
Put an efest 14500 in the Klarus. You won’t be disappointed. Much brighter than AA and the light has lvp so no worries about killing the battery. It really is a great little light.
Just remember to lock it out before putting it in your pocket or you will turn it on inadvertently. Happens to me every time I forget.
I think I’ve decided the best route is the Zebralight SC5 MK II. Getting two of those puppies will set me back $138.00, sigh! It looks like it totally owns Lumintop/Manker/Klarus/Utorch and all other brands in the AA segment for quality, reliability, and the absolute brightest AA powered light ever.
Avoid the Klarus MI7 like the plague, horrible parasitic drain. Loved the light running on a 14500 and the output was great. Sold the three I had to a friend and told him it had to be locked out or it would kill the batteries. He wanted a light for hiking that was lightweight and high output, emergency use only.
I’m now pointing to the Zebra light, however I’m more of a 5500/5000k kinda guy. The 4500k tint is something I may not be too fond of. I hope it’s not too yellow and more like white.
I do have the Manker E11 for a while and the only issue I had with it was concerning the battery, as it doesn’t have reverse polarity protection and I let a 14500 battery upside down. Therefore, was not a flashlight issue, but a user’s issue!
I do like the light a lot, and never had any problem with it! Also, this Manker vs Klarus was my initial dillema.
The UI, the built quality and even the price made me opt for the Manker.
I guess that being 3 similar form lights, the Manker E11, Utorch UT01 and Lumintop EDC05, they certainly behave differently and so far, from these 3 models, the Manker seems to be the one to perform better.
I don’t have any Zebralight experience, so I can’t pronnounce on that!
soverignkight, despite the tint issue (you’se said you prefer NW tints), have you thought about other possibilites?
Some suggestions:
Olight S1A
Jaxman E3 (so far has only 2 modes, but you can chose the tint)
Jetbeam E10R
Hey. I actually prefer the cool tint 5700k the most however the lowest I’d go is 5000k. I didn’t choose the lights you mentioned as I’m going for maximum brightness. I ended up buying 2 Manker T01 II. Hopefully these are good lights.