Flashlights

[vivi]

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?

Yes. I carry a Nitecore every day, rain or shine. No issues with sweat, rain, etc.

Here is my EDC27 next to a Millie 2.





While it's a fairly long light it carries well due to being thin and flat with a sturdy clip. They also make a shorter version I mentioned earlier in the thread, and a thicker more powerful version.

Here it is next to a Microstream, Macrostream, a compact Fenix and a TIP2:



I used to EDC that Fenix light, then upgraded to their PD36R when I took an overnight outdoor security gig years ago. It did a better job of covering long distances on the property I oversaw.

For me the biggest issue with EDCing pocket lights were their thick, round shape. It was very uncomfortable for me.

While lights like the EDC27 are pretty big overall, I find length less of an issue than thickness and shape. Being pretty thin and flat I have no issues carrying these lights every day.

The TIP2 is plenty of light for just about anyones EDC needs. I could get by with one these for day to day stuff since I no longer work security, but I like having a more tactical style light with me when carrying a gun.

The EDC series lets me access turbo or strobe with a single button press. I don't feel fully kitted out without some sort of tactical light paired with my hand guns.

Here you can see despite being a much larger light overall, the EDC27 is actually thinner than the Microstream.

[VashHash]

Thanks for the comparison. It's a tough decision. That nitecore has a lot of lumens.

[xceptnl]

@VashHash
@vivi
I agree that the bulkier AA size lights tend to be a comfort problem for me as well. This $15 solution has worked well for me. It also means fewer clip on pockets which play well into my profession of working around production cars with high dollar paint jobs.
YMMV

[vivi]

I've been moving to belt carry more myself too. Today I tried a Leatherman + Street Beat on my right hip as my EDC combo, and enjoyed it.

That's a nice looking organizer.

[TkoK83Spy]

I 2nd that. Very nice setup Landon.

[xceptnl]

I've been moving to belt carry more myself too. Today I tried a Leatherman + Street Beat on my right hip as my EDC combo, and enjoyed it.

That's a nice looking organizer.

Thank you vivi. Leatherwork like all goods is a get what you pay for situation, both in quality of materials and in workmanship. It was an eBay store purchase to determine if this style of edc carry would work for me. I'm coming up on 9 months of daily carry and see not even a sign of the stitching starting to fray. When it expires, I will look into the more high quality comparable holster.

[VashHash]

After some more searching I came across the nitecore MT1A. It's compact and runs on a rechargeable battery or a standard AA battery. No strobe or anything just click it on and half click to cycle brightness. So far it seems like a good light and it's supposed to be submersible to 2m for 30 minutes. Hopefully this is a one and done and not another rabbit hole.

[Makunochimaster]

[vivi]

I used to have that fenix on my keys but it comes on by accident too easily.

Surefire seems to be the only one that's figured out pocket light buttons. Everyone else relies on finnicky lockouts instead of making the buttons require a firm push.

[abbazaba]

After some more searching I came across the nitecore MT1A. It's compact and runs on a rechargeable battery or a standard AA battery. No strobe or anything just click it on and half click to cycle brightness. So far it seems like a good light and it's supposed to be submersible to 2m for 30 minutes. Hopefully this is a one and done and not another rabbit hole.

FWIW I keep a similar AA Thorfire TG06S in my garage jacket... Because it starts on high. Nothing fancy, only thing I miss is high CRI in the engine bay.

[TkoK83Spy]

I've got a Baton 3 Turbo on the way. I need to see it with my own eyes. Just over 3'' in length but can throw 510 meters!! Get outta here! Got it for $50.

That's one thing I'm loving about these lights, is the price compared to knives!

[vivi]

true. I think I've only dropped over $100 on a light once, with my PD36R when they had just come out. the tech improves so fast compared to knives too.

I still remember my first high end light, Surefire G2 that took two CR123A's. $10 for about an hour of 80 lumens, LOL.

"Output is either 65 or 120 lumens, depending on which easy-to-install lamp you use--high-output or ultra high-output. "

www.amazon.com/Surefire-Nitrolon-Single ... B0002XCJEA

I have keychain lights that put that Surefire to shame these days.

[Makunochimaster]

[TkoK83Spy]

Mak, how many different lights/headlamps do you have? Feel like I've seen over 20 over the past couple years!

[TkoK83Spy]

This might be one of my favorite pictures I've ever taken. Sunset was perfect for the 4000k rosy emitters!

[Donut]

I was into flashlights before I got into knives.

I don't even know anymore. Maybe I'm in the ballpark of 100 lights and 100 knives or something.

I probably carried a HDS every day for 8 years. Lately I don't carry a light unless I think I'll need it. I keep enough lights scattered around so I can use my phone light to get me to a real light.

[Makunochimaster]

Mak, how many different lights/headlamps do you have? Feel like I've seen over 20 over the past couple years!

i lost count)

[Makunochimaster]

[Makunochimaster]

Emisar D3AA night light mode

[Makunochimaster]