Kind of EC200?
Sort of. If they offered a clicky version with simpler UI and better led options maybe.
Back to offer more thoughts/ramblings:
Another “category” that seems to have peaked and disappeared are the ultra-compact lights for a given battery class- this used to be mostly the DQG lights before they vanished; Zebralight lineup is quite compact for most cell sizes, given they use e-switches, and if I remember correctly, the 18650 Skilhunt headlamps are remarkably light weight.
Here is a review of the DQG Tiny AA, making ZL SC52 look chunky!
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The DQG is really neat, even shorter than an AAA keychain light and not wider either at the head. The category should really be brought back–one can either have the same battery and get a much smaller light, or keep the size and get a light with many times more battery capacity.
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Thanks for your input, Zulas! I really like your thoughts on the EDC flashlight design, especially your point about Anduril possibly complicating things. I agree that Fenix and Acebeam really excel in reliability and durability. As for the charging issue, I’m also thinking about how to balance portability with battery capacity. Looking forward to discussing more ideas with you all!
Thanks a lot for your detailed input, ebastler! Your thoughts on EDC flashlight requirements are very insightful, especially regarding USB-C charging, high CRI, and the balance between throw and flood for both indoor and outdoor use. I completely agree with your points on brightness and flood, an EDC needs to provide enough brightness outdoors without being too harsh indoors. Also, a reasonable UI and AUX lights are definitely key, especially for use in total darkness. The Anduril UI design you mentioned is a great reference for simplicity and ease of use. Looking forward to discussing more of these ideas with you and seeing what we can learn from each other!
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Haha, thanks for the welcome, Pinky! Now that you mention it, I’m starting to imagine Homer’s car too—looks like I might have to throw in some creative and crazy elements in the design! But my goal is still to create a practical yet fun EDC flashlight. Looking forward to more of your ideas!
Thank you so much for the detailed input, gravelmonkey! Your thoughts on EDC flashlight requirements are spot on, especially the emphasis on size, USB-C charging, and adjustable beam design. I completely agree that a compact design like the Sofrin SC01 is perfect for daily carry. I’m also considering how to balance portability with brightness. As for LED customization and durable materials, those are definitely areas I’m keeping in mind during the design process. The Liteflux LF2XT you mentioned is also a great inspiration—it’s considered top-notch in the field. Looking forward to discussing these ideas further with you!
Thanks a lot for your suggestions, dannyd555222! Regarding high CRI, I plan to go for a 90 CRI since achieving 95 CRI would push the cost a bit too high. As for heat dissipation, I’m definitely going to pay attention to it—after all, I’ve been burned by a flashlight myself! 
So I’ll make sure the design handles heat well and keeps things comfortable. My goal is to create an EDC flashlight that balances both cost-effectiveness and high performance, and I’ll definitely consider the side light feature you mentioned to make it more versatile. I’ll also aim to design the battery replacement to be user-friendly, so everyone can enjoy long-term use. Thanks again for your ideas, and I’m excited to work together to create a better flashlight!
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Thanks for sharing, Firelight2! I totally agree with your requirements, especially when it comes to portability and battery type. Like you said, if it’s too heavy or large, it’s hard to carry around, and a good size with the right battery ensures solid brightness. As for the UI, you’re right—overly complicated interfaces just make things harder, and I prefer something simple and intuitive as well. The accessories you mentioned, like the tail switch and proper grip design, are definitely important, comfort is key when using it! Looking forward to discussing more design ideas with you!
Thanks for sharing, idleprocess! The requirements you’ve listed are really comprehensive, and I completely agree with your focus on replaceable batteries and USB-C charging. As you mentioned, the ability to quickly swap out batteries is a huge advantage for an EDC flashlight, especially when you need to get back to using it fast. As for the operation, I also prefer simple, intuitive designs, especially ones with a twist head that’s easy to operate and hard to accidentally activate. I really like your thoughts on LED and beam quality, especially the high CRI and neutral tint—definitely easier on the eyes for longer use. Regarding the USB function, having an IPX68-rated port with a charge indicator is definitely a nice bonus! Looking forward to exploring more design ideas for EDC flashlights with everyone!
Yes, I’ve already considered the reverse charging functionality in the design. However, I’m still unsure whether 20W output would be enough. Discussions on other forums suggest that at least 30W output is needed, but if I go for over 30W, the internal structure space will be extremely cramped, which presents a big challenge for me. I’d love to hear thoughts from everyone on how to balance power and space in this case.
Thanks for sharing, Sirstinky! Your ideal EDC flashlight requirements are really insightful. The flashlight I’m designing is slightly larger, with a length of about 10 cm and a width of around 2.5 cm, which differs from the 100mm length and 25mm width you mentioned. While the design is compact, the size had to be increased slightly to accommodate replaceable batteries and the USB-C charging port. For the battery, I plan to use two 18650 cells, which will provide longer runtime. As for brightness, my design aims for over 2000 lumens, with plans to use the Luminus SFT-25R LED to ensure efficient brightness output. The UI will be simple and intuitive, avoiding complex operations to ensure quick usage in emergency situations. I look forward to hearing your feedback on these design details!
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Forward tail clicky for the momentary ON function & zero parasitic drain.
Lens as close to unbreakable as practical. +1 if easily replaceable.
Has to tailstand, no proprietary cells. Deal breakers both.
Vampire if 1.5v. Any light @ 0.8v is better than no light @ 1.0v.
Child-resistant disassembly & waterproofing.
90+ CRI, 3500K ~ 4000K
Lanyard retention.
Some hexagonal feature so it won’t rolll.
Selectable moon>L>M>H and, H>M>L>moon.
Conservative head crenelation.
Smooth, anodized, square or trapezoid threds.
Proximity sensor that beeps if owner > 10ft. away for loss prevention. (jus’ kiddin’).
slmjim
Nice to see you’ve taken that with the good humour that was intended. I’ll put forth my preferences.
The short answer
I prefer tube lights, aluminium, 18650 or 14500 replaceable batteries, simple clicky ui with LVP, sturdy pocket clip, flood to throw beam for 18650 / throwy beam for 14500, no aux lights.
The long answer
This is an everyday carry, not a bedside light nor a camping light, not even a movie theatre usher light.
Tube and battery
I like slim, 18350 just feel short and fat. Hence my battery preferences.
Aluminium
I have a penchant for jewellery lights but not for edc. EDC also used to be called beaters. I don’t want to worry about pampering what’s in my pocket.
UI
EDC’s are there to produce light, i don’t need to screw around with fancy candle mode when i need light. Just hit the tail switch and get on with what I’m doing.
Pocket clip
If it’s getting carried around with me all the time the pocket clip better hang on. I work in construction so if the light can’t hang on it’ll get dropped and lost.
Slightly throwy beam
EDC (every DAY carry) i work daylight hours so my use case is usually looking in dark places like the back of a sea container or in a ceiling space where my eyes haven’t fully adjusted. A throwy beam helps me focus on what I’m looking at.
Aux lights
On an edc doesn’t make sense to me… I’m carrying it, why do i need aux lights in my pocket?
Usb charging. If it’s a silly silicon flappy cover then NO. If it’s in behind the threads and waterproofed by the oring then okay but i don’t ‘need’ in light charging.
Currently edc’ing a convoy s6
In a couple weeks I’ll be visiting Japan. I’ll take a 14500 light and don’t expect to use it much if at all. Maybe something like this
As far as I am concerned, an EDC light has to be utilitarian and ultra reliable. Cool has no place in the EDC world. You want a light that you can count on no matter what the circumstances.
If it sounds like I am describing a Malkoff, I am, but there are other as well as mentioned above.
Awesome. I really like the SFT-25R. Great led. A nice upgrade over the sst20 and xp-l HI. Effocient and does well when direct driven. I’m looking forward to your design!
- HIGH CRI.
- Deep intermitent knurling, with flat spots that won’t wreck your pockets.
- Hard HARD anodizing, if possible on 7076 Al
- Simple interface with physical forward clicky, with hidden Anduril optional using a side electronic switch to activate. Physically clicking off the forward clicky will default light to physical simple interface, med/high with hidden low.
- single AA sized powered.
- less than 100mm long, less than 20mm thick.
- double oringed square cut anodized threads, for physical lockout. IP79 rating. (Yes I’m being dramatic)
- 2 way deep carry pocket clip, protrusion in excess of the thickness limit
- Potted electronics
- have very MINIMAL lettering and engraving, perhaps a shallow etched or engraved logo that is anodized over.
- AR coated Sapphire lens.
- On 14500, max output of 300 lumens, at 10kcd, (more realistically 200 lumens at 4kcd) for 1.5 to 2hr. Low mode 2-5 lumens for 7 days, medium of 70 for 8-10hr. On Eneloop, all lumen output ÷3, same runtimes per level.
- ABSOLUTELY NO PWM. PDM ok if within 70%
***14) Under 50 grams excluding the power source.
That’s a pretty hard list of requirements. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not diss’ing your preferences but is that even possible?
If someone can imagine it, it’s only a matter of time till the tech comes out to make it possible 
we humans are funny like that.
However, I think it’s very possible, with the current exceptions of 4, 6, and 12 being hard parts to achieve, given that they all conflict with each other…the challenge of an anduril board fitting into a 20mm head, and finding a high CRI led with an intense footprint to pair with a sub 17mm optic…perhaps SOME concession can be made for the head diameter to address those issues, but no more than +4mm at the thickest point. The whole light should be under 50 grams assembled…make that soft point #14 lol.
Also, edited 12 for more realistic expectations, although it would defeat the thrower aspect.
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