I had a crazy busy weekend and misplaced mine at some point. It was a Nitecore TIP 2 and I was mostly happy with it. The only things I didn't like were micro usb port instead of usb c, and you can't tap a button to turn it on, you have to hold it.
I also have the Surefire keychain light. It kind of sucks, but it can be activated by just tapping the button, which I like. But it's a bit bulky attached to keys and thrown into my pocket, its micro usb too, and not as water resistant with the exposed port.
I also had a Nitecore tip 1. Garbage that failed after a few months because the body is weak.
Currently on my keys is a Fenix E03R. Carrying it reminds me why I stopped carrying it. Pros are compact size, USBC port, and very dim modes, including a red light mode. Cons are having to hold the button to activate, not as bright as the tip 2, doesn't have a quick release built in like the tip 2, and it sometimes comes on in my pocket.
My ideal light would combine the best attributes of these:
- Like the Surefire, a simple tap activates the light, but the buttons resistance is enough to avoid accidental pocket activation.
- Like the tip 2, very bright for a pocket light, to the point it can fill roles normally not filled by keychain lights.
- USB C integrated charging port like the Fenix.
- Compact like the Nitecore and Fenix.
- Built in quick release like the tip 2 is nice.
I'll probably just order another tip 2 this week but I like to check if there's anything better, as flashlight tech advances pretty quickly.
Convoy S21E Nichia 519A 3000K + Anduril 1.0
A driver arrived with anduril yesterday, which was used to compensate for the wrong flashlight sent.
When I twisted the button with tweezers, it fell off and caused +1 scratch on the coating
The bezel of the button is unscrewed from the side of the positive spring, the two wires on the sprocket are unsoldered and the driver is pulled out, and a new one is installed in its place in the same way. There is no need to unscrew the star.
But now the button lights up.
Last edited by Makunochimaster on Tue Nov 07, 2023 10:03 am, edited 1 time in total.
got a replacement tip 2 and a nitecore edc27 in the mail. excited for the edc27.....looks a lot like my Fenix I carry for security jobs but 50% as thick.
I’ve got a few Olights, Maratacs, and a Fenix, all of various shapes and sizes. But I’ve recently gone back to my original TIP daily. The UI is tough to beat, and it pretty much does about anything I need with a light.
I lost an MT10C a couple of years ago, and still have the urge to buy another - even though there are better lights out there for the same or less money.
the tip se looks pretty nice for an upgrade from the original tip if the tip 2 isn't your style.
i had an original tip but the body was very weak and I went through 2 in a few months. the tip 2 has proven a lot more durable for me. it's also bright enough that it works well in roles I wouldn't normally use a keychain light for.
if you haven't had any issues with the tip I could see why you'd like it. it's a real nice light for the size/weight.
Tip 2 will be going straight on my keys. Tried a few other small lights I had and all it did is remind me why I prefer the tip 2. Weird seeing one that's still all black! I'm used to the way my worn one looked.
The EDC27 is promising so far. I normally carry a PD32 from Fenix for my main light. This one is about half as thick clipped to my pocket, which was the main draw for me. It also has a more flood style beam pattern, which will work better for certain things. Instant access to turbo / strobe let it fill tactical overnight security roles too.
To **** with round flashlights. Flat ones carry so much better.
I always carry my Cloud Defensive MCH. I chose the high Candela model because it gives me a high concentration of light that can illuminate things at distance.