My DQG AA seems to have broken. It won’t turn on anymore. So it’s time to look at new keychain lights. I’ve been away from BLF for a while, so I wonder if there are new keychain lights available that I don’t know about. I have the DQG AA, and before that the CQG S2 (gave that to spouse), and before that a generic 1xAA clicky, and before that a Fenix LD01 and L0D-CE.
I liked the specs on the XTAR WK21, but it might be a little too fat. I think I’d prefer a 1xAA/1x14500 light. I also own a DQG 18650, and if that had a keychain attachment, I’d try it on my keychain, but it only has a clip.
The DQG AA was close to perfect for me, until it broke. I want:
- small for the battery size. e.g. like the DQG AA.
- 1xAA and 1x14500 compatibility, or if it’s very small for the battery size, a 1x16340 or 1x18650 might be okay too.
- won’t accidentally turn on in pocket with keys
- SS preferable, since it’ll be banging around on a keychain, but Al is okay too
- at least 2 modes
- > 100 lm for sure
- one of the latest LEDs, like XM-L2, XP-G2, etc., but this isn’t a top priority
< $50, I hope. The Fenix L0D-CE and LD01 were good, but didn’t have great output or run-time and were too expensive.
I much like our Maratac copper CR123 light but don’t consider it a budget light. All I carry in day time are button lights. Inova red, Titanium Innovations white and a super cheap UV, all 2 x CR2016.
For my keyring light I go small - LEDLenser K1L It might be underpowered for most of you but it’s to find tricky keyholes, not to light my path. I always carry a Nitecore MT2A as well. Both were bought before I discovered the flashaholic side of my nature but if a system works I’m not changing it.
I have a tank007 ES12…it’s stainless, takes a AAA-sized battery, twisty, and I have come to love having it on my keychain. Got it in a WB instakill for like, 12 bucks or so.
I know it’s not exactly what you’re lookin for, but I love it enough to mention it anyways <3
