I found sloppy assembly work in all flashlights that I have opened, including Nitecore, Jetbeam, Lumintop, Jaxman, Fireflies and more that I forgot.
Most durable is the light that I have overhauled myself: checking all parts and connections, fixing present and possible future flaws, and doing a proper assembly. I trust those fixed Convoys, Jaxmans, Thorfires, Sofirns and some brandless budget lights better than any A-brand that I have not opened to check.
The light will still past those tests and I’ve heard good things about Fenix though, just that a lot of brands will too. Didn’t mean to seem like I’m ripping them if that’s how it came across.
Another vote for redundancy. Stock H03 in the go bag with cr123as, Q8 in the trunk, D1S in the glovebox, modded H03 in my EDC backpack, D4 in my EDC laptop bag, D4 always clipped in my pocket, and a C01 on my keychain. I won’t be without light haha
IMO, I’d say a modded 1x 7135+6x7135 SST-20 Convoy S2+ potted with dual BeCu springs and a simple mechanical switch, and a 3500mAh cell, with lubed high quality O-rings, ULCp AR lens, and smooth reflector.
You would be getting an efficient light in general, no standby drain, good usable throw, very low moonlight for efficiency, very good durability.
An EDC for light IMO if you were able to find a good buck-boost driver for a Convoy S2+.
uh, i usually have 20 or 30 other lights on deck or in the bullpen-at least at home
also in about 3 alternate locations - bedside, kitchen, downstairs
if in the car, 2 more
if on foot or bike, i have bike light, or bike light plus photon keychain light
one thing i might not do is depend on rechargeables that do not get used much
some of my car and home lights are either li primaries, or C cell, or AA, something like that
now you have to ask about b atteries — what batteries WOULD YOU TRUST YOUR LIFE TO
More parts and more electronics = more failures. If your life depends on light, it’s not a matter of brand but more a matter of diversity : don’t put all your eggs in the same basket.
Driver & LED, incandescent bulb, carbide lamp, kerosene lamp or oil lamp, candle, etc.
Myself and my family have never been in a life threatening situation that could be eliminated by having a torch. Like, has SOS mode ever saved anyone? On the occasion we go camping or have a blackout 1 light just won’t cut it. I’m not going to have a dozen surefires or elzettas on hand for that.