Thinking about possibly upgrading my Pelican 1920 2nd gen if there is anything out there better.
Here are the key features that a replacement MUST have.
1. Easy to access forward clicky that can be used with gloves on. No tail standing hidden buttons that you have to use the tip of your little finger to press.
2. Tight beam. Needs to throw. I know there are brighter lights out in the penlight format but many of them are too floody.
3. 1-2 modes only. 5 modes and a complex UI is pointless. It should just turn on and off with no fussing around.
4. Rugged and reliable. The Pelican has been 100% reliable and seems built to last.
Hmmm… That Thorfire looks awfully nice. I like the fit and finish of the Pelican lights, however. I have a 1910. I do wish the tail switch boot was user replaceable.
If that Thorfire didn’t have a moonlight mode, I’d probably say stick with the 1920. BUT, at only about $15-17, you aren’t going to be out anything if much if you don’t think it’s substantially better than the 1920. You could still gift it to your mechanic freeing and I’d bet he’d be tickled pink with that light.
I might buy one now too…. Sometimes I hate what this site makes me do. Lol.
+1 on the Thorfire PF04, I really like it and it has great output for the penlight, and good build quality.
They HAVE changed the modes from low/hi/med to low/med/hi now which was a big improvement to me, since the version I did the review on. (best watched in full screen)
Here is the video review I did on it, Teardown starting at 4:35 and outside shining around starts at 5:40.
Yes, it has three modes. The reason why I mentioned it because of the easy access/glove requirement and the switch. Beam profile was throwy for the size/pen style. Build quality is quite amazing, too.
I got in on that group buy for the SS penlight. Mine was 2xaaa. It does have a great beam but it is not something I would carry at work.
I also have a Hugsby xp2 which for less than $10 is a pretty good light but it has a reverse clicky and in no way would I consider an upgrade from the Pelican.