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.
The DQG 18650
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
Thanks a bunch! I really appreciate all of your help.
I’m going to look into these suggestions and work on which light will be the best for me. I’ll let everyone know the lucky light that I choose!
Kaleb
Check out the Convoy S series of lights too. I use an S5 as my EDC along with a CRKT M16-10KZ. The pair fit perfectly in the Fasttech X-Power holster.
Links to my kit items:
Flashlight
Knife
Holster
The kit looks like it’s meant to be together:
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!
http://www.lt-box.com/uniquefire-uf-2160-cree-xml-t6-3-modes-led-flashlight-1-18650.html
Have it, like it. Only $15, great starter.
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”.
Try the search feature at top upper left of this page. Type in color chart. Then scroll down slightly til you see the BLF search results.
It will give you visuals you are looking for.
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.
My review so far.
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.
I think the PD35 is the closest to perfect for you, but it will be $75.00, that price glitch was caught and ended.
I tried to put one in my basket but it came up as out of stock, and then the price was repaired.
I think we get a 5% discount at the Fenixstore, if we use a blf code.
Thanks Brad. I’ve been leaning toward it for a while, just wanted to see if there was a better/cheaper alternative.
Only if you feed it twice a day with the highest grade of wagyu beef steak.
Haha jks. In an ideal world, yes it is very capable of that figure.
So if the current regulating chips were perfect, you had perfect heat sinking, no lens loss, etc...
OTF lumens would probably be anywhere from 650-750.
I'm going to +1 the S5 because I was really suprised at how nice a cheap EDC can be.
And being significantly cheaper than an EagleTac or Crelant or similar, you don't really have to treat it as a prized possession.
If you really are serious about getting into flashlights, there really is no escaping lithium for the near future.
Get some decent, non _____Fire 18650's, a reliable charger and you're guaranteed to use them in time to come.
If you're smart about it, you can get the S5, batts and charger for easily less than 50.
(The S5 fits only unprotected batteries well. Most protected batteries are too long. This should be fine with a single battery light with low voltage protection like the S5, anyway. Just keep that in mind when you use it for other lights.)
Welcome to BLF! Don't forget to use the coupon on appropriate sites.
Tank 007 EO9
UF 2011
Anything Solarforce
Thanks for the input 2 Dogs. I’m looking for a higher lumens output and preferably a light I dont have to cycle through to turn on and off.
Ramblings: What is the difference between the S5 and the S6, etc? There are many different variations of this light. I’m leaning to buying a charger and some lithium batteries. I guess I should wait until I order the light so I will know what size to buy.
What do you mean unprotected batteries? and also what do you mean about Non __Fire 18650s?