I prefer the AAA platform for my EDC as I carry in my pocket with a fingernail clipper and small knife. The AA lights are just a little too large.
Having used several AAA lights I have decided that the Tank 007 e09 is the top bang for the buck. I have a couple of Fenix LD01, and several Olight-i3S. I like all of those, but considering the cost and the reliability I have to say that the Tank suits my needs the best. I have never had a failure of any of those mentioned, but the Tank at FT is a great price.
Have to agree about the Tank 007 EO9, it was my favorite … until I got the Lumintop Tool. Both run on a 10440 cell. But I prefer the clicky switch to a twisty. I also like my Eagletac D25AAA Mini.
Both of those lights have a good reputation. I have not used either, although I considered the the Eagletac. However, both are about 2X the price of the Tank. The Eagletac is almost 3X the price. Since I have always been happy with the Tank I have seen no reason to change. The Fenix LD01 is a great light, but too expensive considering the alternatives.
I prefer twistys as they are a little smaller.
Jerry
A “Me too” post This Tank is a winner among the budget-friendly twisty keychain lights and I wouldn’t be without mine. Never a problem of any kind with this light, but the PWM borders on being objectionable to me and that might bother someone sensitive to it. Otherwise it’s perfect for my EDC purposes as well.
Well, we’ll have to see. I’ve eyed a Tank009 for long enough that I finally ordered one.
A comparison with my venerable Fenix stainless LD01 will be interesting; I’ve put that LD01 through a couple of years of misuse now, and it’s served me well. It’ll be a tough act to follow. I’ll give the ‘new guy’ a couple of weeks, and then relegate one or the other to glove-box duty.
This is the one i have in my pocket right now. Tank E09, modded with a 4000K neutral white XP-G2, Stippled TIR lens, and Neodynium magnet epoxied in the tail cap.
Been using an 09 since they first came out. By far the best keychain light in my collection. Gets used every single day to make it down the external rear stairs of my 2 storey house to get to my work truck. Always before dawn (construction worker… can’t burn daylight for the commute!) Plenty bright even in low mode. They nailed it with this one, IMHO.
The outside shape of the Smiling Shark SS-5039 is way ahead of all other 1 x AAA lights I have seen, but the insides stink. So I usually carry a 5039 with a pill made out of copper tubing, an Efest 10440 cell and a BLF Tiny 10 driver with three stacked 7135 chips.
On the other hand I like the works of a Black Cat, but the outside is crude, so I have taken the switches out of some to use in other lights that needed replacements.
I have drivers that say Tank007 on them, and they are probably my best 1.5 volt drivers for SS-5039s.
The bezel/head can unthread to remove the lens, but its glued. The original thread i did to get it apart and my first mod on a E09 is here: XM-L U2 Tank007 E09 mod !
This Tank is a winner among the budget-friendly twisty keychain lights and I wouldn’t be without mine. Never a problem of any kind with this light, but the PWM borders on being objectionable to me and that might bother someone sensitive to it. Otherwise it’s perfect for my EDC purposes as well.