I’ve been looking up flashlights for a few days now and see this forum keep popping up in discussions or saw that they even paired to help co-develop some flashlights!
While I have a few flashlights in my arsenal, they were never anything to write home about, maybe a budget 18650x4 medium flashlight with looks similar to the Thorfire BLF Q8.
Anyway, I do a lot of appliance repair and electronic repair and am in need of a versatile flashlight that isn’t too bright (the ‘good’ flashlights I have are much to bright to be working that close range, and especially shining on reflective metal) but bright enough to show full detail of small components (think being able to clearly see resistors or follow circuit wires on a pcb). Small enough for the hand, but I also often have to stick the tail end in my mouth when working with both hands, and something with a mag tail would especially help. Waterproof and rugged enough to be tossed around with keys and other tools would be a plus.
Its tough for me to choose because whenever I look around my eyes always wander to the biggest and the brightest or with the most features which wouldn’t be appropriate in this case. Will any old flashlight do, or is there a dream EDC flashlight out there for me?
ArmyTek Wizard with mangnetic tailcap, or Zebralight? ZL does not have a magnetic tailcap, but workarounds exist. I’m guessing that a medium mode in the 100 - 150 lumen range would be usable indoors.
Here is a suggestion for a quick drop of $20 to open your mind to the possibilities while likely having something in time to put it under the tree. Second the recommendation above on the Wizard or ZL as well but those are much more expensive and depending on where you buy from take a long time to arrive. I just stumbled into this format of light for the first time a few weeks ago and I LOVE IT!
Actually don’t know anything about that particular light but the specs, price, clip, reviews, and availability make it something worth a look to see if that is the kind of light you would like and you can get a better one later.
If closer to $40 is throw away money for you this one is probably a much better light although I prefer a warmer tint.
The humble Nicron N7 is inexpensive but seems well built, has mag tailcap, and the swivel feature for the head I find very useful to help illuminate in awkward situations. Not a tiny light but still on the smallish side.
I’m really digging the design on this one. Is its bigger brother the Nicron B70 just a better version of the same, because that one looks right up my ally with the multiple brightness modes and red light feature which I use a lot for other applications!
Also, is there a great place to buy batteries online these days? I was looking for some brand name 18650’s online but I couldnt tell what would be a reputable marketplace.
I’d recommend the Armytek or the Zebralight headlamps also. You might want to check out
one the high CRI models if you do a lot of work on circuits and wiring. Both of these lights work great without the strap
as right angle lights also.
I’m sure the ArmyTek and ZL suggestions are nicer, but for a more inexpensive AA option, the Manker E03H seems great and is on 50% off clearance sale for 17.48 USD while supplies last. REVIEW MANKER E03H XPL
An angle light with mag tail will be really practical, AA is super common and although 18650 would give more runtime, the E03H’s regulated 50 lumen medium level with 7.5 hour runtime might be quite good for close-up work. The convenient diffuser might be an asset in that case too.
The only downside is the 90+ CRI Nichia 219C option that I really wanted to get is out of stock, but even then I’m still tempted to order the Cree XP-L option…
Does someone have a suggestion for a better value than the E03H?
