My hobby is building amplifiers. I found this forum after years with mis-information at the other place and recently got in on the incredible 3-XML trustfire deal. Now a well built "machine" like that you would think one could find a similiar "deal" in the AAA size. I don't think you can.
What I need is short as possible to get in tight places, rear clicky, and a low/how mode.
The Tank007 comes close but is only one mode and frankly I have already went thru 3 of them as the clicky quality isn't very good.
I bought a Black Cat osram (from Gemany ) and its just too bright for up close detail work.
Then I bought the N-Light B3, now this is perfect, almost. It is very short, has two modes (low/high) and I really like the switch that is some sort of capacitor driven coupling. The thing is ideal except it is made of SS and just plain to heavy to hold in the mouth when working with 2 hands. I swear if this was made out of aluminum it is would be perfect.
Whenever I need a light when working with 2 hands (like my car, night fishing, etc), I use a headlamp. Again, not as cool looking but it sure beats slobbering all over my light teethgrippin'. :)
Anyway, if you can live w/o a clickie, I would suggest an ITP A3 upgraded 3 mode. Or the newer Olight version which has a clickie but I have no experience with them.
I would completely agree with the headlamp suggestion. I have several of them and if I was recommending one I would say get a energizer one from a local store. They're cheap, and have multiple modes (depending on the model) and I'd pretty much say they're designed to be a working headlamp. Of course in the interest of keeping with the theme of the site I will suggest some even more budget ones.
This next one you see a repeated a lot in style on various sites and ebay. I have one of these in 3xAA. I prefer AA (or bigger) headlamps. If this style (batteries up front) bothers you try out others that have a wire leading to the battery at the back of your head.
I have one but it doesn't work with detail work poking around in tight places,etc, its real convenient to hold a small flashlight with your lips in, seems to just works better than a headlamp for me, 90% of the time it is in hand in a small place but then occasionally I need two hands. The Tank 007 works great for this, maybe I just need to find a better clicky that fits it. I do use a mini tripod for lengthy work also.
seeing how it will be inside your mouth a tail clicky is not ideal. A twisty would work as well. Too bad you can't buy the DQG Tiny in aluminum. Extremely small and light weight.
It has to be the Brinyte PD03A. Read this review. Best price currently here. (Note: BestOfferBuy.com list it but say they cannot get it, so avoid them.)
Edit: OOOpppssss, forget it. Just noticed you need a clickie.
F 23 3 modes ..t mart 11 $ ist's a must have light anyway and a great gifter . i agree the b3 is heavy and small . i wanted to ask why not a cr123 ..I know this forum has a repugnance for cr123 lights but every super high dollar light at cpf was a cr123 for years and years .how about the new blf tank e07 3 mode or the nitcore ez AA a tiny AA 2 or 3 mode isn't a bad idea the ez AA is 20 grams and the b3 is 40 grams (heavy).. I know I just took mine off my keychain ..
) and its just too bright for up close detail work.