How do you choose an EDC pocket light?
I know I need something that’ll fit in the pocket of jeans or slacks, I need end-cap switch, but beyond that what do you look for? Polymer vs aluminum body? I’d love something as light as possible. What else should I be looking for? And how much do you REALLY need to spend? I don’t need something that’ll last three generations, but I also don’t need a Home Depot special.

MadPick convinced me last weekend that I needed an EDC pocket light as he kindly escorted a couple of ladies to their car in the earlier dark after our women-only pistol class. I’m trying to be like MadPick.

I’ll just lock this thread until mislabeled gets here. She’s the one with the unhealthy flashlight addiction.

Here is one guy's opinion of the ten best EDC lights from 2017:
http://everydaycarry.com/posts/21753/th ... ts-of-2017

I personally like the Eagtac lights: http://www.eagletac.com/

Also check out Coast Products out of Portland. They have lots of stuff to choose from, good prices, here is the link to the LED flashlights: https://coastportland.com/flashlights/

My own EDC flashlight is a Foursevens Mini Mk II. I picked up a special copper colored model while at their Shot Show booth a couple years ago and I use it all the time. It's tiny but it's sure nice having 1000+ lumens at hand when needed.
Note: Foursevens was acquired by Prometheus Lights: https://darksucks.com/

Oh forgot.... I've carried sunlite eagle turbos for like 12-14 years now.
When you work on cars for a living, flashlights are tools that get used non-stop.
I have a couple weapon mounted as well.

I have many lights from Foursevens. Carry one every day next to my Fox labs pepper spray. Too bad they aren't available anymore. Love my Maelstrom MMX. Think they are discontinued. merp.

What sort of budget are you looking at? Because I can probably come up with some thoughts on every spot on the spectrum.

In for $40 recommendations for as small and portable and bright as possible.




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My Maelstrom was probably nearly 200 when I bought it 5+ years ago. I'm drowning in suggested sites so far--clearly things have changed!
I'm not opposed to spending 50-100 for the right item. Prometheus has apparently killed off four-sevens models--they have a spiffy carbon fiber model for a mere $750!

Here's what I think I'm looking for:

1. Light weight
2. Truly pocket carry (not looking to elicit questions of the sort: Hi, honey, is that a flashlight in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?)
3. Tail switch so worst case it can be used alongside a pistol
4. Scalloped front would be nice

Some things to think about.

1) Is your intended use for self defense?
Bright beam first. When you click on it should be on high. Not the one where you toggle up to high. First click is high output.

2) battery type
Do you have a preference to battery type?
AA, AAA, 123, etc.
each comes with advantages and disadvantages.

3) heat
Some used to heat up so long term use on high makes the flashlight too hot to handle. Most now with better LED doesn’t have these issues.

4) do consider high and low beam options. Besides for self defense on low a light should last you the night or at least a few hours. In any event if you ever needed a general purpose light for long term (meaning over 1-2 hours or more) you want something that will last.

5) cost
Hell if price isn’t a consideration you can get blazing lights for $$$$ but there are so many out there too choose. Do select one that will take a beating and last.

6) how does it turn on. Click on side, back or does it twist? All factors in a good light. For self defense consider one handed use. So make sure you can work it one handed as you free up the other for “other” purposes.

Looks like it. Loved my MMX--until my son decided that possession is 9/10s of ownership. Now it is on his rifle.

Excellent suggestions, oldkim!

Self-defense is certainly a consideration. Tail switch is a must; and hadn't yet considered first click being high output. I'm intrigued by rechargeable batteries that seem common but don't have a problem with CR123.

I don't pretend to know much about lights, but here are a few thoughts.

My first carry light was an EagleTac D25C2, which uses two CR123A batteries. Great light.

Then I switched to the EagleTac D25C, which is similar but uses only one CR123A battery so it's quite a bit shorter. I really appreciated the smaller size in my pocket. The drawback to this light was the pocket clip, which was really prone to damage, and the screws would sometimes back out, strip out, etc. I consider this pocket clip design to be "HELL NO."

I replaced that with a Fenix PD25 just over two years ago, and I've been really happy with it. I use a rechargeable battery in it, which I have to charge every once in a blue moon. This light is still relatively small (one CR123A size), it has a tail switch which I consider a must, and the pocket clip has been robust. I've torn off the clip a couple of times when getting too close to a doorway , but it snaps right back on. You change the intensity with a side-mounted button, and that's a bit of a pain in the ass because I need to spin the light 'round and 'round until I find the button . . . but since it's just intensity (not on/off), I can live with it.

I've been happy with the PD25, and I don't have any plans to replace it.

If there are any inclination for disaster preparedness...

Common battery or a stockpile is needed.
Loss of power or alternate power source is needed to replenish any rechargeable. It’s not a big factor but it also can play in the mid to low light level usage for duration.

Most modern day lights will be very efficient and last a long time (most will be 3-10 days on low).

If you ever want to truly appreciate a light go hike the Ape Caves Near Mt St Helens. It’s a lava tube and inside there are no light. It’s total darkness. Back up to a back up light becomes key.

Hint: headlight with extra batteries.

Back on topic:
I still carry my WaGuns EagleTac D25C

That's a really good point. I'm in the process of converting over to camp stoves that generate USB power for that eventuality, but not quite there yet.
And Ape Caves was awesome when the lights go out! We had a couple of headlamps that just barely made it down and back.

I've been carrying my WaGuns EagTac Clicky daily for years. The anodizing has worn through to a nice patina. I've found several rechargeable batteries it likes and I change it out about once a week. It's tiny in your pocket,bright as hell, and I use it constantly.