Is there anything better than the Fenix E15 or Quark Mini/Foursevens ML-X for a 123a-sized minimalist keychain light? Also, I’d take a slight drop in performance to be able to use RCR123s.
To me it seems that if Quark/4sevens is making something popular, then there are plenty of lesser known competitors making something brighter and cheaper. But I’m not finding it in this particular style.
Small size is a factor. I want to put it on my keychain and forget it (‘the best light is the one you have’ theory.)
Price is a factor, also. I’d like to stay at or below the price of the lights mentioned above.
I’m partial to my Olight S10. Does 400 lumens for an hour on 16340, doesn’t overheat, has good mode spacing, a great reversible clip, moonlight mode, magnet in the tailcap, and is tiny.
-Thrunite T20 ($15.95 shipped on Amazon. Not sure if shipped from China or US.)
-Nitecore Sens CR ($17.75 shipped from GoingGear.com on sale. Today is the last day.)
-Nitecore Sens Mini (CR2 battery) ($17.75 from goinggear.com) Not sure if the smaller size is worth the lower run time compared to the Sens CR.
I’m not sure if I would like the tilt-activation feature on the Nitecore, but it does seem to be a good value and the build quality may be better than the Thrunite? Or am I wrong.
Great little light. Only problem is that it's too short for my protected 16340s. The tail cap screws down far enough to function but not cover the o-ring seal. I just need to keep it away from water.
If the light is going to get much use the larger battery in the Sens CR would give a longer run time. I like the optic on the Sens, it gives a nice beam pattern. It took me a little while to get used to the tilt thing, but it’s perfect for walking around. On the bench I have a Shinning Beam clicky CR light set low for close work.
I have the same one as you. I don’t use protected batteries so no problem. The only battery that doesn’t fit in mine is the blue & white Solarforce 880mAh (really about 700mAh, which is great for a 16340). I de-protected it.