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Small (AA or CR123A Battery powered) flashlights

Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:25 pm
Posted by NASA_ISS_Tiger
Huntsville, Al via Sulphur, LA
Member since Sep 2005
7983 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:25 pm
I had a mini Maglite LED AA that I bought back in December of 2017. I haven't used it that much and it looks like it's given up the ghost. I've written MagLite hoping they'll replace the LED module but in the interim I'm trying to decide if I'm going to get away from MagLites all together. I know it's my fault, but I've thrown at least 5 away that have had the batteries swell up and I couldn't get them out...I guess I wanna throw my money somewhere else. Had a buddy recommend Fenix lights and they look good. Surefire could be an option too....

What says the OB on small flashlights? (I hate saying "Tactical" but in reality I guess Tacticool is the new style of flashlights).

Not planning on mounting this on a rail on an AR. Strictly for pocket or backpack carry only. And I have to be able to put a red filter on it for night use. The mag's primary use was when I was setting up my telescope so I kept my night vision (had a good tight red filter on it). I've even thought about going back to a military style crook neck/90 degree flashlight but the on/off switches fail over time.

All ideas are welcome. I don't know what's out there so I figured I'd get some ideas to start my research with.

TIA.
Posted by DisplacedBuckeye
Member since Dec 2013
71824 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:32 pm to
quote:

Surefire could be an option too....


There you go.

If you don't mind spending the money, it doesn't get any better.
Posted by celltech1981
Member since Jul 2014
8139 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:45 pm to
I've had one of these in my car for a couple of years and it still works. It may be smaller than what you are looking for and I'm not sure if they make a filter but it has been a reliable back up. It is about as bright as the LED mini mag.

LINK

Academy has them. The QC guys in the shop all use these

ETA: I just noticed they have a green led version.
This post was edited on 4/11/19 at 2:47 pm
Posted by Ace Midnight
Between sanity and madness
Member since Dec 2006
89548 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:48 pm to
For penlight, Streamlight or Coast get my first look. But sounds like you want something more robust.

There is little to fault in the Surefires other than the price.

One of the few pleasures we're afforded in life is working with good equipment.
This post was edited on 4/11/19 at 2:48 pm
Posted by The Last Coco
On the water
Member since Mar 2009
6841 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:50 pm to
Streamlight or Coast is my recommendation.
Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
25004 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 2:53 pm to
how small are you wanting? I have this one. Was a birthday gift from a neighbor. It's pretty incredible for the size:

Olight Baton

This thing is tiny.

Also have this one:

Klarus MI7

Runs on an include rechargeable or AA
Posted by NASA_ISS_Tiger
Huntsville, Al via Sulphur, LA
Member since Sep 2005
7983 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:00 pm to
quote:

how small are you wanting?


5-6" long would likely be the smallest. I have big hands and nerve damage so anything too small becomes hard to hold. Seems weird but little lights and little guns in my hand feel foreign (like my wife's S&W Shield) just doesn't feel right.
Posted by dstone12
Texan
Member since Jan 2007
30303 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:04 pm to
i buy a bunch of these when the coupons come out for $10....then I give them out as gifts..... they are bright and take AAA

Harbor Freight Quantum 588 lumen


but if you are looking for pocket flashlights, you cant beat these for $7

Harbor Freight 65 lumen



just remember that headlamps still free up both hands.....i have too many headlamps....from what I have experienced, the Zebra headlamps have hellacious output lumens.

zebra now on amazon......but check here first because they have a lot.......I alwasy opt for AA
This post was edited on 4/11/19 at 3:11 pm
Posted by DisplacedBuckeye
Member since Dec 2013
71824 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:09 pm to
quote:

There is little to fault in the Surefires other than the price.

One of the few pleasures we're afforded in life is working with good equipment.




Truth.

I still have the first two Surefires I was issued (M952). Upgraded both to the Malkoff LED drop ins and they're still getting used.
Posted by weadjust
Member since Aug 2012
15106 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:11 pm to


Posted by bbvdd
Memphis, TN
Member since Jun 2009
25004 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:12 pm to
Nitecore P12

This one will run on 2 cr123a

5.5" long by 1" diameter

1000 lumen

Very, very good light.
This post was edited on 4/11/19 at 3:14 pm
Posted by Bill Parker?
Member since Jan 2013
4473 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:13 pm to
I've transitioned to flashlights with 18650 batteries. I keep a small one that takes one battery and use it vacant buildings with no electricity. I have a couple of other lights that run in two 18650s. I use those at times. They are ridiculously bright.
Posted by dstone12
Texan
Member since Jan 2007
30303 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:17 pm to
thank you weadjust
Posted by Glock17
Member since Oct 2007
22389 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 3:39 pm to
I got the first version of this light and I love it

LINK /
Posted by Clames
Member since Oct 2010
16581 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 5:11 pm to
Checkout Prometheus (formerly 4Sevens) line of mini lights. I have an older Preon and it's plently bright and takes a AAA. Much easier to pocket than a CR123A light. The current Preons are 100 lumen and $50.
Posted by JohnWicksDawg
Member since Mar 2018
358 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 5:12 pm to
Never yet had a problem with Fenix (handhelds that stay in boat), Surefire (handhelds for general purpose use around the house) or Streamlight (TLR1 on nightstand gun).
Posted by Bawcephus
Member since Jul 2018
2747 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 6:18 pm to
Streamlight



I've beat mine to hell.
Not the brightest, not the cheapest. But it'll work when you need.

If your looking DS means dual switch and isn't necessary as you can always buy the end cap that makes it "dual" later.



*edit* noticed you asked for aa or cr123. Ignore if you're set on those, but this comes with a rechargable battery (charger is extra cost) but ita nice just docking and coming back to full charge. Also if your set on batteries, cr123 are expensive and sometimes hard to find at brick and mortar joints.
This post was edited on 4/11/19 at 6:21 pm
Posted by DocHolliday1964
Member since Dec 2012
1305 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 6:36 pm to
Fenix or streamlight
Posted by Mister Bigfish
Member since Oct 2018
919 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 7:17 pm to
I have had good experience with all of my streamlights.

For me they are one of the best combinations of price and quality.
Posted by Timmayy
Houston
Member since Mar 2016
1592 posts
Posted on 4/11/19 at 7:32 pm to
Fenix pd25 or the uc35. You won’t regret
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