My next flashlight

[ez bake]

So I'm getting the urge to pick up another Spyderco and another flashlight. I'm thinking I've got my wish-list down for Spydies, but as to my next EDC flashlight, I'm sort of torn.

This is what I'm looking at next:

4Sevens Quark 123 - http://www.survival-pax.com/4Sevens-Quark-123-S2.html

JetBeam BC10 - http://www.batteryjunction.com/jetbeam-bc10.html

Nitecore EX11.2 - http://www.batteryjunction.com/nitecore-ex111.html

Novatac 120ST - http://www.batteryjunction.com/novatac-120st.html

The Novatac is pretty much just because I've wanted a Novatac for a while - its got the weakest specs with the shortest amount of Battery life.

The Nitecore scares me a bit because I know some of their older models had a parasitic battery drain (but I think they fixed that problem with most of their lights last year).

The Jetbeam is really my favorite, but to be honest, there are about 4 different models of Jetbeam that I want - that one is just the most economic/pocket friendly.

I've already got the 4Sevens Quark Mini123, but I really want to try out a standard Quark as well.

I've got a Fenix PD-20 (older grey model that's not as strong as the current R5 black model), a SunWayMan M10R, and a Quark Mini123. I'm looking for a pocket-sized single CR123 light (like the ones I have) to throw into the rotation.

I'd love to own an RA (or now EDC I guess) Clicky, but just don't see me spending that kind of money (that's why I sold a lot of my Surefires) on a pocket-flashlight for my needs right now.

Anyone own one of the above flashlights I'm looking at? I'd love any input before pulling the trigger.

 

[Nighthawk]

Have you looked at L3's Insight Technology HX series?

 

[ez bake]

Have you looked at L3's Insight Technology HX series?

The HX-120 is really the only one in the size I'm looking at, and I've not really considered them too much - I'm just not a big fan I guess.

 

[Backstrap]

Here's my most recent flashlight purchase: http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Flashlights/Light-For-Life-Flashlight-PC3300.html

Uses capacitors instead of batteries; recharges in 90 seconds! It's a little on the high-$$ side, but you'll never buy batteries for it.

 

[peanut]

Here's my most recent flashlight purchase: http://www.511tactical.com/All-Products/Flashlights/Light-For-Life-Flashlight-PC3300.html

Uses capacitors instead of batteries; recharges in 90 seconds! It's a little on the high-$$ side, but you'll never buy batteries for it.

You carry an almost 9" flashlight in your pocket? Looks nice but too big in my opinion.

 

[peanut]

EZ, I'm currently carrying a Surefire E1 Exec and have also been thinking about another pocket carry light.
I want something smaller in diameter(1" at bezel), possibly shorter(3.3"), with the same light out put or more with same run time, and made in the USA with a clicky tail cap. Any suggestions?

 

[Backstrap]

You carry an almost 9" flashlight in your pocket? Looks nice but too big in my opinion.

Never said I carried it in my pocket - 'cause you're correct, it would be too big. I carry it in my truck, wired to a 12V outlet. I'm just fascinated with the technology; won't be long until someone begins making compact flashlights with capacitors.

 

[peanut]

Ok, i gotcha! Excellent idea for a light for sure!

 

[ez bake]

EZ, I'm currently carrying a Surefire E1 Exec and have also been thinking about another pocket carry light.
I want something smaller in diameter(1" at bezel), possibly shorter(3.3"), with the same light out put or more with same run time, and made in the USA with a clicky tail cap. Any suggestions?

This is the hard part man. I don't know of a good US-made flashlight other than Surefire. I'm no expert (because I gave up trying to decipher which manufacturers started using overseas parts and just assembled their lights in the USA), but I want to say that Streamlight is no longer exclusively manufactured in the US (I don't know about Mag Light - I've not kept up with them).

These guys are USA-made, but I don't know how good they are:
http://www.em-mgt.com/LED/Peak.html

As much as I hate to say it, if you can give that up, then you've got options, but other than that, you're pretty much left with Surefire or maybe a handful of other smaller manufacturers.

Pretty much every one of the flashlights in my links above are overseas-made. It sucks, but the alternative is to reduce quality or pay for a Surefire - and I'm not knocking Surefire at all (I've owned plenty and still have more than a few) - I just don't think they have kept up with the LED technology like some of the other latest/greatest manufacturers have.

I completely understand why they haven't been able to do so - they produce a large number of high-end flashlights, spend a fortune on R&D, and provide lights to .mil and LEO - and you can't change/retro-fit your products every 6 months for changing LED technology and do all of the above unless you're only producing a smaller run of products to flash-o-haulics.

 

[peanut]

Wow! Many good options there, but nothing worth trading the E1Exec off for, as far as size is concerned.
I did find a small streamlight(of course not US made) but my wife and son(Mil.) wanted the 2 that I bought so I am still carrying the same light! Lol!