Spyderco Forums

My big aluminum foot long MagLight is working well. Thank you all.

Olight Baton 4 CPM-S110V

JD Spydo wrote: ↑

Sat Jul 13, 2024 4:36 am

After all these years I still love my Surefire flashlights. And I'm a firm believer in a flashlight that uses rechargeable batteries ( especially the 123a batteries). I know that Surefire is a really pricey unit but their dependability is second to none IMO.

But I really like it when Flashlight threads like this one pop up because the flashlight market changes so fast that it is nearly impossible to constantly stay on top of it. I'm hoping that maybe some of you all can tell me a good source for rechargeable batteries. Because it seems like it's hard to find good quality rechargeable batteries in the past two to three years.

Yup,

Still have and love my Surefire EDCL1-T and EDCL2-T flashlights too.

That and the Streamlight Pro Tac HL-5X.

Surprised there's not much love for Fenix flashlights. They make some great stuff! I have 3 myself, my PD36R could put a beam to the moon haha!

I'm not a big flashlight guy, but I do have a few Fenix flashlights, a PD40R, a TK16, 2 PD36TAC's, a PD35 and a LD30 is my EDC. Hmmm, ok maybe I am a bit of a flashlight guy haha. But each one has their own use as I have yet to find the *perfect* model. Ideally if the PD40R had a tail switch instead of the twist switch and could still be stood up on the tail end, that would be absolute perfection!

Mile High wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 19, 2025 12:06 pm

I'm not a big flashlight guy, but I do have a few Fenix flashlights, a PD40R, a TK16, 2 PD36TAC's, a PD35 and a LD30 is my EDC. Hmmm, ok maybe I am a bit of a flashlight guy haha. But each one has their own use as I have yet to find the *perfect* model. Ideally if the PD40R had a tail switch instead of the twist switch and could still be stood up on the tail end, that would be absolute perfection!

As I'm reading your list and thinking...not a flashlight guy huh??

I hear ya though, my PD36R/V2 and UC35 are a bit larger than I like for edc, but they are fantastic lights. Used them a lot when working the warehouse at work and identifying name plates and inventory numbers instead of using a rolling ladder or forklift to see the ones in higher locations. Ideal for camping and maybe a little overkill for nighttime strolls. I also have a PD25R that I've had for a few months, also a great light that's more edc. Much smaller, but still a little bit of a tank...and like you mentioned, also doesn't allow the light to stand up on the tail end (something I strongly desire)

So, about an hour ago I placed an order for an E18R/V2. Much smaller, obviously not as great of a beam or battery life. But, I do like that it has the magnet end and can stand on the tail. I wish I could combine those features onto the PD25R and it would be the perfect package! Interested to see which I end up preferring.

TkoK83Spy wrote: ↑

Wed Feb 19, 2025 7:34 am

Surprised there's not much love for Fenix flashlights. They make some great stuff! I have 3 myself, my PD36R could put a beam to the moon haha!

I almost only buy Fenix or Nitecore, have put several lights from both brands through **** and never had one die on me. They just seem to have the features I'm looking for. It's a lot like knives, Spyderco just offers more of what I'm looking for, it's not that I dislike other brands but I can only buy so much.

Anyone using the streamlight microstream? Been looking for a small pocket flashlight for EDC. Anything else in that size range that's rechargeable?

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 5:43 am

Anyone using the streamlight microstream? Been looking for a small pocket flashlight for EDC. Anything else in that size range that's rechargeable?

I have both of these small lights, a little more pricey than a streamlight but are well worth it. Feels like a drop in the bucket compared to buying knives these days!

https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/ ... flashlight

https://www.fenixlighting.com/products/ ... 6483149878

Vash,
I have been looking at one for a coworker. He is always complaining of alkaline battery problems. I currently am lending him my Reylight Brass AAA pineapple. The cell from Reylight is their double 10440 with the built-in USB port. It's working really well for 6 months + now with no problems.

xceptnl wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 7:47 am

Vash,
I have been looking at one for a coworker. He is always complaining of alkaline battery problems. I currently am lending him my Reylight Brass AAA pineapple. The cell from Reylight is their double 10440 with the built-in USB port. It's working really well for 6 months + now with no problems.

Looks pretty good. Water resistant? I'm planning to carry this at work and I sweat a lot in the summer. Might even use it in the rain.

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 5:43 am

Anyone using the streamlight microstream? Been looking for a small pocket flashlight for EDC. Anything else in that size range that's rechargeable?

I own one and it's got the worst tail cap switch of any light I own. Bad enough I never really carry mine.

For not much more size / weight you can get the Nitecore edc23 - https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/edc23

I'd take just about any other light I own over the Microstream. It also has a bad clip in my experience,not enough retention.

If the edc23 isn't your style there's plenty of other options. Fenix makes lots of small flashlights. Every company makes a pen light. Nitecore TIP 2 is very pocketable.

Even the streamlight macrostream is worth the extra bulk IMO, much better button and clip.

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 5:43 am

Anyone using the streamlight microstream? Been looking for a small pocket flashlight for EDC. Anything else in that size range that's rechargeable?

Something like the OLIGHT I1R 2 Pro USB or similar is ideal for EDC if you only have casual uses... Hunting through a closet or a box, navigating to your car in the dark, etc. It's like having to carry just the head of a pen light like the Microstream with nearly the same output. It's been more than enough to get me out of the woods after sunset in a familiar area.

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 5:43 am

Anyone using the streamlight microstream? Been looking for a small pocket flashlight for EDC. Anything else in that size range that's rechargeable?

I have carried a Microstream USB for years. Excellent light. The Coyote tan version comes on Hi then Low; all other colors the opposite Low then Hi.
Very durable- I've accidentally run mine thru the washer and dryer without ill effects. Hi beam is quite bright and battery life is good. I have a dozen or so quality EDC flashlights and the Microstream USB has remained my companion for years. Everything I need in a small, durable package at reasonable price. Being able to put it on the bill of a cap to use it as a headlamp is awesome as well. Switch is excellent momentary/clicky too.

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 8:19 am

xceptnl wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 7:47 am

Vash,
I have been looking at one for a coworker. He is always complaining of alkaline battery problems. I currently am lending him my Reylight Brass AAA pineapple. The cell from Reylight is their double 10440 with the built-in USB port. It's working really well for 6 months + now with no problems.

Looks pretty good. Water resistant? I'm planning to carry this at work and I sweat a lot in the summer. Might even use it in the rain.

I have found them to be very water resistant. Nothing is officially reported from the maker like we see from almost all other more famous makers, but I own 7 of their lights and have never had one fail on me. I've had substantial drops from height as well as camping / hiking outings in dry as well as rain. Ive even dropped them into puddles without incident.
Current rotation I carry between pockets, bags, cars, toolboxes

• Brass Pineapple 14500 size

• Brass Mini Pineapple double 10440 size

• Aluminum Pineapple 14500 size

• Ti Mini Pineapple 10440 size

• Copper 4Sevens MkII 10440 size

I used to really enjoy the 4Sevens models prior to their merger with Prometheus lights. That caused me to look for another reliable yet affordable brand. Olight makes some great product as well, that i1R 2 Pro that abbazaba shared is an excellent Keychain light and I have found that one to be very waterproof as long as the o-ring remains lubricated.

Im still using the rechargeable EBL branded Li-ion 3.7 14500 & 10440 size cells for all my torches. These are the same cells I've used since 2021.

From what I've read those reylights are pretty good. Even cheaper in aluminum. The market is very saturated. I just don't wanna buy something that isn't dependable but I don't wanna spend surefire money. When I was a mechanic I used to carry a streamlight stylus but those use aaaa batteries. I also like the rear pressure switch lights with the extended bezel/tail cap so it can stand up. Ceiling bounce I believe is what it's called. I just want to make sure I don't sweat on it and kill it. I keep my maglite o-rings lightly coated in Vaseline so I understand the concept. Also helps with that terrible squeaking.

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 7:45 pm

From what I've read those reylights are pretty good. Even cheaper in aluminum. The market is very saturated. I just don't wanna buy something that isn't dependable but I don't wanna spend surefire money. When I was a mechanic I used to carry a streamlight stylus but those use aaaa batteries. I also like the rear pressure switch lights with the extended bezel/tail cap so it can stand up. Ceiling bounce I believe is what it's called. I just want to make sure I don't sweat on it and kill it. I keep my maglite o-rings lightly coated in Vaseline so I understand the concept. Also helps with that terrible squeaking.

I don't mind the spring clips on all my mini pineapples, but those newest machined clips are extra fancy. I would be willing to loan one of mine out for you to evaluate if you are on the fence. The collector in me wants to try one of those superconductor limited editions they make, but I can't spend Spydie money on a flashlight, thats just silly.

Two flashlights which are good, cheap, waterproof and robust with long run times are the Lumintop Tool AA 2 and Lumintop EDC15.

They both use rechargeable 14500 batteries with USB C charging ports on the batteries rather than the torch. I think this is a big advantage because it makes the torches more waterproof and means if a battery dies you can easily buy another one and put it straight in. It gives you the option of carrying a spare battery if you will be away from a charging source for an extended period and they also work with conventional AA batteries.

The Tool AA 2 has a tail switch and pocket clip and is lighter. It's a great edc torch to keep clipped to your pocket.

The EDC 15 just has a simple twisty switch and is absolutely bullet proof. I have carried it in my motorcycle jacket pocket and used it for fieldwork in my job for the last couple of years. It has been repeatedly soaked, submerged and dropped with no ill effects whatsoever. It comes with a diffuser and I also use it as my lantern when I'm camping.

Dan

vivi wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 9:32 am

VashHash wrote: ↑

Tue Mar 18, 2025 5:43 am

Anyone using the streamlight microstream? Been looking for a small pocket flashlight for EDC. Anything else in that size range that's rechargeable?

I own one and it's got the worst tail cap switch of any light I own. Bad enough I never really carry mine.

For not much more size / weight you can get the Nitecore edc23 - https://flashlight.nitecore.com/product/edc23

I'd take just about any other light I own over the Microstream. It also has a bad clip in my experience,not enough retention.

If the edc23 isn't your style there's plenty of other options. Fenix makes lots of small flashlights. Every company makes a pen light. Nitecore TIP 2 is very pocketable.

Even the streamlight macrostream is worth the extra bulk IMO, much better button and clip.

Have you gotten the nitecores wet? I read one review that said to avoid dunking them. Also comparison with a millie?

My posts need to be monitored these days, so normally anything I say falls back in conversations @VashHash

I suggested a couple lights above that check a lot of your boxes, wasn't sure if you saw them or not. I was surprised to see this thread take off a bit yesterday!