If the LD01 is really the one to pick then the higher price is OK. Ideally, I prefer the price point of the others though.
I want a bright, cooler coloured, floody light that is going to be a robust “fit and forget” solution for us. Something that looks good would be a bonus too!
Both clickies and twisties have to be looked at as to whether they will turn on and run down accidentally. If the head or tail cap is turned, then it needs to have enough thread and tension that the light will not come apart in that condition (EDIT - be sure to turn far enough that sideways pressure does not activate light).
I quite like the TN Ti (even for one-handed operation), but the T10 AA version is also very good - it will easily tail stand. The new L3 L10 light is another comparable to the T10 at a good price.
While not a replacement for a small proper light, a Photon/fauxton is great to have on a key ring. For me, the AAA or AA light coexists well if it is on a lanyard that can easily be clipped off the ring (with the fauxton always staying put).
Recently, keeping a AAA in the fold of my wallet in a front pocket is handier and more likely to be on my person than the keys or EDC at home or work or when traveling with someone else doing the driving.
But I have gone through a few keyring lights recently!
Maglite Solitaire: Incan version. Had it for years. Super reliable, but dim. Only problem I encountered was that the threads got a bit gritty over time. Coast G10: A bit big. Clicky on the tail (small button). Light was purplish, but adequate. Lasted 2-3 months. Looks a worse for the wear. No longer works for unknown reasons. Tank 007 E08: Large clicky on tail. Very durable finish. Nice bright light. Retired after the second or third time I found it accidentally turned on in my pocket. ITP A3 EOS Upgrade Edition: 3 mode twisty. I really like how it starts on low. Doesn’t blind you when all you need is a little light. Head is a little looser than the Fenix. Fenix LD01: 3 mode twisty. Starts in medium. Been attached to our minivan keys for a year without any problems. Shows very little wear. Thrunite Ti: On its way (hopefully not much longer to wait).
I have high hopes for the Ti. It seems ideal- starts low with quick access to high by twisting further. FYI, I have been looking for a bigger light for my father and had settled on the Jetbeam BC-40 which has the same UI. Don’t have either in hand yet, but the UI seems ideal to me.
IMHO: The LD01 is the best in terms of fit and finish, but I favor the ITP because it starts on low— and because it’s than half price of the LD01! The looser head on the ITP might mean future grittiness, but that hasn’t happened yet.
The thrunite is the best lower cost aaa if only because of the interface. Tank007 e09 high draws too much current and has same problem with driver efficiency as most cheaper lights; this is a problem on AAA which doesn’t have much capacity in first place.
Makes perfect sense with keys .Anchored by the keyring it's easy to use .Without it would be too small and too slick . there is a new upgraded version xpg instead of xpe and a 3 mode instead of a single mode ..
Down side is the nw option is gone and the supposed upgrade has strobe .maybe I don't like it .... someone needs to ask Ric what the hell he was thinking ..
the thrunite ti is an easy answer yet a polar opposite it has some serious knurling goin on . The colors have a little more bite than the black which is a little bit smoother ,The colored ones feel like they are etched .The black being better finished .
