Imagine that the Intergalactic Union introduced the One Flashlight Policy: you’re only allowed to own a single light and no more. If you need one for mountain rescue and one for your bed night table - tough, the one you choose will have to be used for both. Recharging and fresh batteries are plentiful, but lights are not - if yours break, your neighbours may not be willing to lend you theirs. Leveraging family size is not allowed (as in I’ll go for this light since my wife already has another).
I quite like my FF X1S Pharos with XHP50.3 HI 5000k, but it would probably need some minus green to be my only light. It’s efficient, pocketable, bright, and throwy with enough spill to still see what you’re about to step on. I’ve got an E04 Surge 3500k/6500k FFL505A mix in the mail that I’m hoping is a little closer to being the perfect all-rounder.
The right boost driver D4SV2 with 26800 might be good for this as well. Or perhaps a DA1K with SFT70, though I have concerns about sustained brightness with a host that small.
Of the lights I currently own? Honestly I think the 1xAA/14500 1 x SST-20 Acebeam H40 is probably the one I use the most. Moonlight is too high, UI is too simple and ramping is underwhelming, but it’s just so straightforward and easy to lockout and pocket.
Thanks to electrical tape I carry this one everyday.
It has all of the qualities of a tiny compact thrower such as a convoy s6 SFT40 3000K with a short tube and the added benefit of 120° wide smooth flood that you would get with an armytek c2 pro nichia at 3000k. In emergency situations you can cut the tape. I looked it up, it’s legal.
The inter tic gala can go suck an egg.
And it has dual clips so you can carry it tail up or tail up.
My first thought was TS32 w/ 519 a flood and SFT40 spot capability, but then I thought “too big.”
Zebra AA and 18650 lights - sturdy, reliable but not as versatile.
So. I have to go with the humble Wurkkos FC13 w/ SFT40. Good throw, reasonable spill, Anduril (if only for capability of dim red switch or auxiliaries for locating in the dark), and reverse charging capability. Tint is “meh” but it needs to do more than make scenery look natural.