An FW3A.
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The answer has to be a headlamp and high cri since a headlamp can be a lantern , a flashlight and a … headlamp .
You’re asking a difficult question that some might say is a stupid question because by necessity “ only one light “ is going to be lacking in many different circumstances .
For instance a headlamp makes for a really , really bad keychain light .
When people say there are no stupid questions they have forgotten all the ones noobs ask when entering the chat . What’s the brightest light out there ? Or thinking they can spend more money on one light and get the perfect light .
People have multiple multiples because there are basically 7 different kinds of lights everyone probably needs to cover most circumstances .
Having only one “ do it all light “ probably ends up looking like a bad zoomie with a seatbelt cutter , can opener , lots of flashy modes and a glass breaker .
If I had to chose one light I’d chose a $2,000 Hanko custom titanium light and suffer not having a dedicated thrower or a lantern …. Or a keychain light … or …
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Convoy S6 with 4000K 719a, 2A driver, 10 degree pebbled TIR, and if I can cheat a little I’d say the 18650 and the 18350 tubes (if not just the 18650)
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If I only had one light, it’d be my EDC because that’s the light that I use most.
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My Malkoff MDC HA. It was a constant companion for the last 13 years of my career. It never failed me, was beat to holy hell and did everything I asked of it. I’ve retired it out of respect, but it sits within reach with a fresh battery should I ever need it. Some things just can’t be replaced or considered for obsolesence. Worthy of rest (?) most assuredly, but I have all confidence in its continued ability to serve as always.
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This would have been my first choice except for the fact it does not take AA batteries which will be easiest to find in a zombie apocalypse situation.
LOL. I hear ya, but I doubt I’ll be around to have occasion to press her into service for that scenario. I have enough ammo (CR123A) to survive the Apocolypse.
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Nice, CR123 is a far superior battery over AA also.
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That’s not a fair question!
I have 3 kids, so it’s like asking if I had to choose only one!?!? 
I like having a variety of flashlights, from 1800K to 6500K, but I prefer high CRI and negative tint.
So if I had to choose amongst all my precious flashlights, it would be an 18650 variant and 4000K. I have several of those, but I’m leaning towards my Convoy M2 with quad 219B sw40 D200 LEDs. But don’t tell my other flashlights!!!
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There are no stupid questions.
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That’s more like it!
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Well…there are stupid questions…the ones that are asked to boost one’s own ego. But by definition, every legitimate question is a dumb question, because the positors of such questions are asking in ignorance. Not every dumb question is stupid, nor every stupid question dumb…
That said, If I had an essentially indestructible light (you know to make up for the lack of choices) then it would have to be something similar to the Eagletac d25 mini a2. Possibly the lightest and slimmest 2AA form factor light ever made, but I’d mod it to have a nichia 519a in 3500k
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Sunwayman V11R. Can use 123 or AA, variable output from v.low to 300, no longer available though.
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Manker E02 ii NW
with 1.5V rechargeable battery with usb-c charging port and
with head band and clip.
All you need for narrow distances,
high cri,
good runtime,
super low moonlight modes,
no charger for travels needed,
can take Alkaline batteries,
hands free possibility!
BUT:
hard to get!
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Absolute favorite source of illumination.
Intelligent, adaptive, warm, high CRI, works independently.
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I would like 2 of the same light. A Emisar D4SV2, both with the 21700 tube option. Both with the same OSRAM W-1 L.E.D.
One light has the 6000k tint, the other has the 1800k tint. The W-1’s in that light has the perfect beam that I like.
I also like the feel of the light in my hand. I prefer the old school Anduril 1 installed instead of Anduril 2.
Which Novatac is that.
Completely agree about headlamps.
Problem is I haven’t found a headlamp with good UI and quality LEDs. Anduril is fun but I want a rotary interface for a headlamp running AA/14500. 18650 could be acceptable too.
Decent heatsinking and Hi CRI 4000K. Dual emitters one with complete flood like the OG zebra lights or mule. Other one with useful throw, I prefer TIR ~10° usually.
Honestly the most useful light I have is a Manker E03 II with an sst20 4000K. Just missing the rotary interface and needs a bit more heat sink/ dissipation area to run a bigger more modern LED a bit harder.