Here goes nothing.
Hi everyone! This is my first post, and I am pretty new to flashlights more than a Black and Decker when the power goes out. I want to apologize in advance for being new, and not knowing very much in this subject, but I guess everyone has to start somewhere. I’ve been reading posts in this forum for a few days now, and I have not come across an answer to what I am looking for so I thought that maybe I would give it a shot and see what kind of replies I get.
So down to business.
What I am really looking into purchasing is a relatively small, something that will fit inside of blue jean pockets. A light that I can carry with me everyday. Something that has some throwing power, pretty durable, high lumens, and can be used for self defense by blinding the target. I’m also not looking into spending big bucks on one just yet. Possibly in the future, but for now I’m looking at around $30-$50.
One that I have found that seems to be a pretty good match is the Fenix PD35. The only reason I haven’t bought it yet, is that it is in the upper portion of my price range and I wanted other peoples opinions as well as inputs on alternative possibilities.
It depends on the size, most 18650 lights will get awkward in the pocket for EDC use.
FancyFlashlights/CNQualitygoods has a small 18650 light but it’s out of stock.
If you would prefer AA size have a look at the DQG AA or ThruNite Saber 1A
Or AAA size maybe the DQG AAA or ThruNite TiS.
It also depends how bright want to go, for a EDC light I think 100+ lumens is fine. But if you want 500+ lumens they tend to get too big to be comfortable pocketable.
Have you dealt with lithium batteries before? Or are you looking for a flashlight to use only one or two AA batteries with it?
I'd stay away from the V11A... owned one. It gets too hot on high with 14500, and kind of sucks with nimh AA's.
If you're looking for a light that will work well with an AA battery I'd suggest the Zebralight SC52.
If you want more throw, but slightly lower output, I would suggest the Thrunite Archer 1A.
Given their small size, I really can't see using either as a weapon/kubaton, but I guess you could do something with the archer. Definitely not with the SC52... it's very small.
If you're willing to go up in size somewhat, and switch to lithium batteries, more options open up, both higher and lower priced.
Name:DQG
Body Material:Aluminum
Zoom:No
Battery Type:Lithium Ion,Lithium
MetalCertification:CCC
Waterproof:Yes
Switch Mode:High/Middle/Low
Body Color:Black
Model of LED Beads:T6
Flashlight Type:Working
Product Description
LED: CREE XM-L2 T6 1A CW LED / CREE XM-L T6 3C NW
Material: 6061-T6
AluminumColor: Black color
Reflector: optics lens for T6
Mode: Low>>Mid>Hi;Head twist ON/OFF
Current: 50mA>500mA>2A
Max output: 500 lumens
Battery Type:1*18650 (not include)
Size: 90mm(Length)*25mm(head diameter)*22mm(tube diameter)
Weight::38g(not include battery)
Accessories: 1*stainless steel clip
Kaleb. Check out the Romisen RC-29. The AA & 14500 model. Dont think it’s available in US. I got a couple from China. Just what you are looking for. Very small. Zoomable lens, TONS “OF THROW. and wide angle to boot. PLUS STROBE! 3 modes HI, LO, STROBE.
I bellieve the one Shining Beam carried/carries was the AA model only. The AA/14500 model ROCKS!
Does the S5 really have 886 lumens?? I see that it uses a lithium 18650.
What are the pros/cons of lithium batteries over alkaline? And what are the differences between the various lithium batteries?
I’m leaning between the S5 and the Fenix PD35. I found a link on the forums that brings the Fenix down to like $55. But compared to the $20 S5 thats a big difference.
I posted this, before I saw the last 2 posts. I will check those lights out also and compare them to these 2
Does anyone know what the color temperature for the Fenix PD35 is? I cant find it. I’m trying to gather as much info on all of the lights so I can choose the best one.
Also about color temperature. The higher the number, the brighter the color right? So it would be best to find a light with a higher number?
same principle applies to weapons/lights/gear.
I would say to carry around some cheapie lights of different sizes until you find the size that suits your
carry style and activites—THEN get a quality light of that size.
Personally—I don’t like holsters—I am strictly a small pocket light guy.
My Fenix E15 next to my Leatherman E4 are my best carry combo.
Something like a ThruNite T10 using a 14440 might pack a blinding punch,
or a larger diameter light like a Solarforce L2M with a single 17350 cell and a Manafont drop-in for a
“blinding rocket”.
I kind of think you should forget about using your light for defense and buy a nice AAA that rides in your pocket well. I like the Olight I3s EOS. It’ll run on AAA or 10440 Li-ion batteries, but regular AAA work well enough and retain a nice low level. I have the Fenix LD01 also. Very nice but more expensive.
Rominsen RC-29: Affordable price- $15ish; low lumens at 180; AA; 3 modes, high/medium/strobe; zoom capabilities; neat looking design; only tail switch; i think you have to cycle through the modes every time?; height 3.8”, width 1.18”; water proof
UniqueFire UF-2160: Affordable $15; high lumens 1000?; 18650; 3 modes, high/low/strobe; no zoom; simple ordinary design; tail switch only; i think you have to cycle through the modes every time?; height 4.5”, width .92”; not sure if water proof
Convoy S5 Cree XM-L U2-1B 950: I chose this over the other Convoy mentioned above because this one has a higher color temp as well as high lumens; $20; neat looking design; tail switch only; high lumens 950; height 4.53”, width .91”; remembers previous mode on power up; water resistant;
Fenix PD35: More expensive at $70, possibly $55; high lumens 850; 18650; 5 modes, high/med/low/eco/strobe; tail, and side switch; water proof; height 5.5”; remembers previous mode on power up and can be changed through side switch;
That took longer than I expected lol!
If anyone sees anything I missed, or want to add anything else to help with the decision please help
When I say use it as defense, I do not mean to strike with. I have enough striking power with my fist, and my Ka-Bar. I only mean to use it in a defensive way as blinding them.
