(this might get wordy) I’ve been searching for days, but apparently what I want doesn’t exist, so I’m willing to lower my standards (a little). What I want seems simple enough:
6Al-4V Titanium construction (or whatever grade ti I can get?) for wearing against my skin and sweating all over it, then putting it my mouth all the time (gross, I know, but it’s what I do).
1 x AAA form factor (or smaller?)
70+ lumens, power LED, 5,000k - 5,500k color temperature.
1 mode, high
Forward Clicky with ti cover (momentary switch would be a distant second choice)
Lanyard Hole (ideally large enough to use without a split ring, and symmetrical - allowing for a vertical hanging neck carry configuration)
WaterProof to IPX-8 standard
I tuck my neck-carry light under my shirt often, and even stainless corrodes with my body chemistry. I always forget I’m wearing it when I jump in the shower (I always sleep/shower with my watch on too - even though it’s frowned upon), so I’d love to just NEVER take it off, if possible. Taking things off makes me lose them, so I prefer to just let my edc become a part of me. For this role, titanium is imperative. Copper would taste like blood or old pennies, brass would taste like trombones, and I’m completely against putting any aluminum in my mouth, ever (whether it’s HA III or not).
Okay, I think that’s all. That doesn’t seem like much to ask for, does it? Among the hundreds, if not thousands of options available out there, I can’t find even one that meets my meager criteria. I think someone in charge is doing this just to taunt me.
I’ve been wasting a lot of money on lights that lack one or more of these features, and over time, it irks me to the point of retiring the light. Then buying another light that lacks a different feature. It’s like
Examples:
CQG-S1: The size is perfection (11.5mm x 2.985-inches), and the SS switch feels great, except it’s a reverse clicky. The one mode (high) is great and the minimalist (smooth) design is aesthetically appealing to me. The tiny lanyard hole requires a split ring (for cordage) and it hangs askew for neck carry (like a necklace). It’s not waterproof enough and gets all soaked inside when I jump in the shower and forget I’m wearing it - which seems to happen a lot more than I want it to. It’s not titanium.
Preon with clicky: Way too many modes, o-ring for the clicky cap gets crushed by its threads, the lanyard or clip both loose and poorly designed (hangs askew), greenish tint, etc. I really disliked this light. I ended up giving it away. I considered this light a waste of money and I had buyer’s remorse. My only other item from that company is a titanium whistle, with a plastic insert, which pretty much voids the advantages of having a ti whistle, so I have vowed to avoid this company at all costs.
Maratac AAA: This was my first light that started my obsession. It doesn’t meet hardly any of my critera, being a twisty with 3-modes, and hangs askew.
Peak Eiger models: If you can find and pay the additional cost of the momentary switch (still not a forward clicky), you lose your lanyard hole. You can then “customize” it by fitting aftermarket/homemade clips or lanyard holes - less than ideal. The titanium versions are unicorns.
Veleno Designs Quantum 48DD, 44DD, etc: I am not allowed to get one in ti, because I missed the boat on another forum. If I settled for stainless, it would still be a twisty switch.
LensLight Micro: It’s a twisty, and the output is too low @ 40 lumen.
Those are just a few examples, but does anyone know of a light that fits all, or most of my criteria? Any help appreciated. Thanks.