There’s a lot of people that tend to think that the bigger or brighter their flashlight is, that the better it will be. However, a big and bright light won’t be of any use if it is out of power, and being stuck in the dark without a light source can be trouble. That is why it’s always a good idea to have a backup light or a key chain light, just like the Nitecore T2S flashlight.
Powered by a single AAA battery, the Nitecore T2S is not a powerful light, but it is a reliable light. The small body of the T2S allows the user to attach the light to almost any point (key chain, backpack, pocket, etc.) that can be easily accessed if needed be. By using a twist head interface, the light can cycle through three modes: low, medium, and high, allowing the light to keep a small profile and making it easy for anyone to use. The body of the light is constructed out of the same heavy duty aluminum as the other higher end flashlights, and even maintains the IPX-8 waterproof capability, making it a great light for handling almost any element.
In a previous post, I went over the EagleTac D25 flashlight series (D25C, D25A, D25LC2, D25A2), which covered four variations of EagleTac’s well-known pocket lights. The difference between that D25 series and this series lies in the upgraded XM-L LEDs and the new tail switch application. By using a CREE XM-L LED, the D25 series lights are now much brighter than their predecessors, which gives the user a great amount of light in a very small body. The tail switch of the Clicky series moves the focus of changing interface from the twist head to the tail switch, making it much easier to use for first time flashlight users. The stainless steel bezel on the D25 Clicky series has been painted to match the color of the rest of the body, which actually gives the light a better look while still giving the same amount of protection to the lens and emitter. All four lights come standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating and are constructed out of heavy duty aluminum. All in all, the D25 series is a great choice for those that are looking for a reliable EDC pocket light that is very bright along with an easy-to-use interface.
So far for the new Niteye brand, we’ve reviewed a great selection of lights that fit the wants and needs of any person that’s looking for a good pocket light or a good and functional tactical light. What we have yet to review, however, is a light that uses AA batteries instead of CR123′s or 18650′s. Granted that the lithium-powered cells are more powerful and better performing than the traditional alkaline batteries, but when it comes down to convenience and affordability, the Niteye EYE12‘s AA capability makes it a perfect choice for an EDC or emergency flashlight.
Using a CREE XM-L U2 LED that produces an impressive 260 lumens, the EYE12 is powered by two AA battery cells, which makes it a perfect starting light for those that are looking to delve into the high performance flashlight realm and wanting to stick with convenience first. The light has a tail switch that is used to turn the beam on and off, while the ramping ring located towards the head of the light is used to manage the lumen output, which allows the user to set the beam at a preferred mode rather than using programmed settings.
The body of the EYE12 is constructed out of aerospace aluminum, which allows the light to be durable and reduces damage by impact or accidents. The stainless steel bezel located on the head gives the light an executive finish, while it doubles over as reinforced protection of the lens and LED. Just like the other Niteye flashlights, the EYE12 comes standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating, meaning that the light can handle heavy rain storms and can be dropped in water without any worries.
Sunwayman has always been known for making very innovative lights with a rotary that allows a custom lumen output, making them ideal for those that do not like to have a light with limited settings. This is why the Sunwayman V10R Ti was so popular amongst flashlight users: it was a lightweight EDC light with a titanium body that had an integrated Magnetic Control System (MCS) ring.
Recently, Sunwayman did a re-vamp with all of their lights by introducing the new CREE XM-L U2 LED into most of the models, which included the V10R. Now known as the Sunwayman V10R Ti+, this flashlight has a few new upgrades. For instance, the light has been given the new XM-L U2 LED, a more efficient emitter that can produce up to 500 lumens from a single 16340 battery (190 with a CR123). A heavy duty pocket clip has been added to the light as well, so those that stressed about the previous model sitting too deep in the pocket can now breathe easily, knowing that it will remain in a fixed location and can be reached easily. Instead of keeping the rubber switch, Sunwayman upgraded the V10R Ti+ with a new titanium switch, which gives the light an executive look, and still has the full function of the original switch (they also included the rubber switch for those that would like to have that one instead).
With these new upgrades making the V10RTi+ an even better light, it’s no wonder why so many people love to carry this light on their person.
As an up and coming flashlight company, Niteye is becoming well-known for their magnetically ramping lights: ranging from the monstrous 2000 lumen EYE30, to the tactical TF series. Now, Niteye has released their pocket-sized EDC light that can produce up to 500 lumens with an XM-L U2 LED: the Niteye EYE10.
Using only a rotary to control the interface of the light, the EYE10 allows the user to pick a custom lumen output, and clicks to ensure a hold on the mode (also can be used to count how many clicks to get to your favorite setting). With the lens and LED protected by a stainless steel bezel, the head of the light is reinforced for any kind of impact, and can also double over as an aesthetic appeal to the light. By relying on only using the ring, the tail of the light can be used to attach a lanyard or key chain ring, that makes the light very versatile and easy to grab. It can also be used as a tail stand light, which does come in very handy for power outages, or for a main light while in a tent or car.
The Niteye EYE10 is a fantastic pocket light with a solid ramping ring to control the output, and a sleek design gives the light an executive look.
Nowadays, there seems to be a lot of flashlights that have the ability to use two separate battery types, and for an EDC light the feature does come in very handy. However, most of these lights tend to have an extender piece that needs to be attached, and if it ends up getting lost, then the light is limited to one battery type, leaving you in the dark (no pun intended) if you need to use the other battery type. Zebralight saw the issue with this design, so when they released the SC80, they actually designed the adapter piece to be placed inside of the light so that it never needs to be removed from the light. The brass piece allows the SC80 to run either a CR123 with an output of 220 lumens, or AA (preferably Sanyo Eneloop rechargeable) at an output of 200 lumens. While the internal battery adapter is unique for the Zebralight selection, the user interface remains the same as the rest of the product line, and the quality build is impeccable (just ask Casey what happened to his SC30). All in all, the size of the light makes it a great choice for an EDC light, along with its adapting brass insert and the incredible lumen output.
When Fenix upgraded the PD20 and PD30 to the PD22 and PD32 respectively, they only found it fair to make the same upgrades to the small AA cell-powered flashlights as well. Therefore, the Fenix LD10 and LD20 have been upgraded to the LD12 and LD22 with all new dual switch operation and an anti-roll body design, but still has the same reliability as its predecessors. The LD12 is an ideal light for those that are looking for something compact, while the LD22 is for those that are looking for a solid EDC light that has a little more firepower, all while using the conveniently available AA battery cells. With a single AA, the LD12 can produce up to 115 lumens and the LD22 can produce 190 lumens from the XP-G R5 LED, and include four different modes with an easy to learn interface using the side switch. Both lights do come with a removable pocket clip, which allows the light to remain still and quickly accessible while in the pocket, or attached to another location.
The Fenix PD20 was a fantastic EDC pocket light thanks to its small body and impressive output, along with having a great price. While most users found the PD20 to be an impressive light, the engineers at Fenix decided that the light could use an upgrade: integrate an even easier user interface with the same design and features of the older model. The Fenix PD22 is simply the PD20, but with a dual switch operation instead of one. This allows the user to access all of the light’s modes by pressing the side switch on the light and even allowing access to the strobe feature. Powered by a single cell CR123, the PD22 can push 180 lumens with its R5 LED, making it perfect for a pocket throwing light. Just like the rest of the Fenix flashlight line, this light comes standard with the IPX-8 waterproof rating, and makes for a great pocket light for your daily needs.
When most people look for an EDC pocket-sized flashlight, they tend to look for something that is simple to use and is very bright. For the most part, it has been rather difficult to find such a bright and compact light, until the Spark SL6S-800CW was introduced to the market. Producing a whopping 800 lumens, and being only five inches long, this light is an incredible illumination tool. The light has an incredibly easy to use interface that is all managed through the side switch (hold down the switch to cycle through four different modes). The smooth and deep reflector of the SL6S-800CW allows the user to light up far targets, and still produce a fair amount of spill. The light also comes in a neutral white version (SL6S-740NW) and both lights come standard with a frosted lens, spare o-rings, and a holster. For a simple, compact, and astonishing bright beam, the SL6S series is definitely the way to go.
The JETBeam PA20 is one of the company’s higher end, EDC sized lights that has a very durable build with a simple and easy-to-use interface. Designed with a tactical purpose, this dual cell AA powered flashlight has a turbo mode that produces an impressive 230 lumens, and has a plethora of modes that can be accessed with the head of the flashlight loosened (this includes a moonlight, strobe, SOS, etc). The light is great to use for instant flashes of lights thanks to its forward motion tail switch, and can also be used to cycle through the modes quickly for the PA20. This light comes standard with an IPX-8 waterproof rating with an anti-roll body design that will keep this light by your side, even if it is placed on a slanted surface. For those that love the grand mode selection with a tough aluminum body that’s powered by the convenience of two AA batteries, then this is a great choice.
