I got a Fenix E01 and it is great for keeping in an emergency kit. However, the low single output and bad tint make it less suitable for everyday use. Are there any other ruggedly built 1xAAA lights on the market that offer 2+ modes for a relatively low price? I know titanium is too expensive, but what about stainless steel? I am looking at a light for EDC purposes. I looked at the Thrunite and almost bought it but question the durability. I hate lights that flicker or do not output light reliably, which is what drove me away from budget lights in the first place. However, if I can find a budget 1xAAA light that is very durable and reliable (with reasonable brightness and runtime), it would be great.
Fenix LD01. Oops maybe the price is too high, but as a sturdy key chain EDC, it is unbeatable.
I”ve had the TankE09 my bunch of keys for some time now. It’s been man-handled, battered and bruised but still works as it should.
It is (relatively) cheap,
Has 3 modes (with memory)
No blinky modes
Comes in a choice of colours (the girls like the pink ones)
The beam profile ain’t great but that’s no big deal, for its intended use.
It is available at other sites too, maybe even slightly cheaper.
The E09 looks like a great deal after paying $13 for my Fenix E01. It does have the low mode last, however, which can be a pain.
The LD01 is almost 3 times as much as the E09. One part of the Amazon description says 9 lumen low for 11 hours, while the Fenix website and other part of Amazon description state 3 lumen low for 27 hours. Are there two models of the light being sold? I would not want to get an expensive AAA flashlight that does not even have a dim mode.
I current use a Mag Sol LED that I got for $9.99. Its single 37 lumen output is often unsuitable for close-up tasks at night. A dim mode would be helpful.
In my opinion, this light is the best you can get for the money… Awesome light!
I just recently got a INCREDIBLY bright single mode XP-G keychain light
The DarkVim SK-C30
http://www.fasttech.com/p/1677801
Almost exactly the same size as the Maglite Solitaire but with the boost circuit and running an XP-G, same type twisty head and everything…unlike the Solitaire however it has battery
isolation when you loosen the head, and on when you tighten.
The thing is incredibly bright, for something of it’s size
+1
The LD01 is as rugged as they come and can take a take a 10440. With the 10440, it is wickedly bright.
Personally, I would stay away from Stainless Steel. IMHO…way to heavy for a keychain light. I hate having weight/bulk in my pocket.
The original L0D has been on my keychain for probably close to 10 years and has held up very well with excellent output on 10440. The LD01 would be my next choice should something happen to the L0D.
KuoH
Oops, you wanted multimode…DOH!
I do have the Tank007 E09 on in my cart at fasttech…just a heavy kabosh on spending for a bit