How are you protecting your lens?

Sorry if this has been discussed before but I wasn’t able to find anything with a search of the archieves.

I was given a pocket size AA that was purchased on sale at the local auto parts store. Being a mechanic, I have carried it in a pocket for 10 months now and the body and lens have taken a beating. The body I can live with but the lens scratches really affect the output.

I recently purchased a AA Xeno to carry and would like protect the lens from pocket damage. Welcome your suggestions.

I think the easiest way to deal with it is to change the lens after several months of use & abuse.
If you use it at work you need quick access and don’t want to mess around with somekind of cover.

Do you use a holster or do you just throw it in your pocket (together with some change or tools maybe)?

We're glad to have you onboard, OhFlyer!

I wonder, was the lens on your old light made of glass or was it plastic?

The Xeno, if you have an E03, has a pretty tough lens IIRC. It's hard to scratch unless you put something made of metal up against it. And that isn't easy either because the lens is recessed behind a stainless bezel.

I like to put a piece of screen protector film on my lights that will be dumped in pockets. I got some super cheap from China for like an Ipad 1 or something that I just cut into the needed size. It’s the stiffish stuff with one sticky side and has a piece of protective plastic cover on both the front and back when you get it. Not sure it’s necessary, but it gives peace of mind. I do the same thing to my wristwatches.

+1 on that I do the same

For my wristwatch I paid $6 for a set of 3 watch protectors on eBay.

This seller cuts the protector to the size you need:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/changster0_1/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

Whenever I need a sheath for either a pocket knife or small flashlight I go to ebay.

They sell tons of knife sheaths in many sizes. Some are open top and some have a flap.

In your situation, I recommend that you find a belt sheath that will allow secure carry but at the same time be fast for the in and out.

I search Ebay by entering “knife sheath”, “By it Now” and “Price plus shipping, lowest first”. Hundreds of results come up.

Some ideas

Empty silicone grease box on Olight S10, perfect fit

Used to be a plastic cover for water bottle, put on 2xAA Klarus R5 flashlight; packed with electrician’s tape for a tight match

Used to be a cup cover, put on the Crelant thrower, secure perfect fit

And that isn’t easy either because the lens is recessed behind a stainless bezel.

Want to say thanks for all the input.

- The lens on the new light is glass and the lens on the old is plastic. Thought the old was glass so appreciate that thought.

- Found a pouch for $.50 at a hamfest (fleamarket for radio amateurs). Covers the light nicely and isn’t so large that you know it is in the pocket.