Looking at red and comparing some big names

buck91 · 2018-08-12T19:17:31.000Z

Title sums it up pretty good. Looking at keychain and ultralight weight red lights. Budget is a huge factor as it will only see very limited use. I also am strongly partial to primary batteries due to the low runtime it will see.

I’m aware of basically the following
Inova microlight
Photon Microlight 1/2/freedom
Nitecore Tube (rule out due to integral li-ion cell)

I see the Photon 1 and Freedom are rated for IPX-7 but I don’t believe the Inova or the Photon 2 have any true water resistence rating… Although I did carry a photon 2 for probably 5-8 years back in the day and never had a problem.

Is there another good option out there? Definitely want to keep it on a TIGHT budget but I don’t want to fool around with those fauxton lights unless somebody can vouch for a particular brand/model/vendor. Another option would be something in a 1xAAA format but I’m not aware of any lower cost, decent quality options in that size.

Pete7874 · 2018-08-12T20:01:05.000Z

Another option would be something in a 1xAAA format but I’m not aware of any lower cost, decent quality options in that size.

Not sure what your definition of “TIGHT budget” is… I just picked up a Manker E02 that’s red and you can get it with Nichia 219c, too. It’s around $23. Quality is good. Moonlight mode is programmable.

However, it does have a magnetic tail. To me, that’s a plus, but if you are truly planning to use it as a keychain light, then it might just be a hindrance.

Or did you mean red as in red beam?

djozz · 2018-08-12T19:31:39.000Z

Sofirn is developing a 1xAAA light with 5mm leds at the moment, the BLF version will be housing high CRI Yuji leds but likely they will make a red led version too.
But it can be half a year before it is there

buck91 · 2018-08-12T23:09:50.000Z

djozz:

Sofirn is developing a 1xAAA light with 5mm leds at the moment, the BLF version will be housing high CRI Yuji leds but likely they will make a red led version too.
But it can be half a year before it is there

Very interesting. Is there a GB or…? re: the BLF version.

Solar · 2018-08-12T23:19:32.000Z

Ya that Manker E02 is a nice light, my wife has one on her at all times.

richnpc · 2018-08-12T23:27:02.000Z

It’s here.

[Available again! - BLF special edition light] new Sofirn AAA twisty high CRI 5mm LED BLF Special Edition Products

Focus of this thread The Sofirn C01: a single 1.5V cell AAA twisty with 5mm high CRI Yuji LED (one version in 3200K, other version in 5600K); co-creation between BLF community and Sofirn; commemorative clone of Fenix E01 and Arc AAA; cockroach light. Update (2020-10-27) YES! Available again, perfectly in time for bringing light in days of darkness Sofirn website: https://sofirnlight.com/c01-aaa-flashlight-5mm-3400k-led-95-cri-p0152.html Sofirn AliExpress store: https://www.al…