Looking for a Pocket LED flashlight

[41magsnub]

I have killed a number of LED pocket flashlights over the years.

Anybody have a recommendation for a durable pen light that can go on my keychain that is in the single AAA battery size range give or take?  It needs to fit in a jeans pocket along with keys, a pocket knife, a pen, and random debris.  The other pocket is usually tied up with my CC piece.

[Brad Johnson]

What brands have you killed so we'll know what not to suggest.

Brad

[Balog]

Fenix LD15.

[41magsnub]

Mostly I have tried something very similar to http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=8579 from the same place.

They don't make the one I have killed several times anymore (bought a multi-pack).  I still have a couple left in my fishing vest and hiking pack for emergencies but would break them too if I carried them everyday.  The issue was it is 4 aluminum sections with a friction fit holding the middle 2 together and a screw fitting on the bottom end for battery replacement.  The friction fit didn't hold together for crap with the twisting of the top section to turn the flashlight on and off.  I tried several different glues to augment the fit after it would come apart with little long term success.

[Ryan in Maine]

It's hard to go wrong with Fenix.

The Maratac deals County Comm runs are good buys too.

Hard anodized: http://www.countycomm.com/aaa.html
Matte stainless: http://www.countycomm.com/aaastainless.html
Polished stainless: http://www.countycomm.com/aaapolish.html
Polished copper: http://www.countycomm.com/AAAcopper.html

[zahc]

I've been carrying a fenix L1P (I think--single AA model) that I drilled out to fit a CR123, for like 3 years. It still works, even though it looks pretty beat up. Recommended.

[French G.]

I carry a little single cell Streamlight with a pocket clip. Recently got a nice Inova for a ridiculously low  clearance price at Target but it is much bigger, 6 LEDs and a bunch of batteries.

ETA: My favorite pocket light is a Streamlight Stylus, but many people do not have the patience to suffer the logistics of AAAA batteries. Carries like a pen. Asshat stole the one etched with my dad's business logo, my current one is with a green LED, pilots at sea at night tend to frown on people scurrying about with white lights.

Still carry my Surefire G-2, but not everyday, kinda bulky.

[AJ Dual]

One more vote for Fenix.

[Marvin Dao]

How much light you need? If it's not much, the 10 lumen Fenix E01 is cheap ($15) and durable.

If more, the 4Sevens Preon 1 is a great pick. Have that one, had a Fenix LD01. I like it better than the Fenix LD01 as the clip attachment is much better designed and it goes from Low>Med>High instead of Med>Low>High. Low is more often than not enough for whatever needs doing. Price for either is < $40.

Fenix E01 http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=435
4Sevens Preon 1 http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_332_366&products_id=2083
Fenix LD01 http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=639

[41magsnub]

I have a Surefire G2 as well but I agree, it is a bit bulky for me every day which is why I don't do that.

I don't have a specific need, just want to have a quality flashlight handy for random stuff that comes up like peeking in the back of poorly lit wiring closets, inside servers, seeing what I am doing at night when fumbling with keys, and that sort of thing.  I like the models that have multiple brightness settings since the lower light level is fine for most of the use.

[mgdavis]

I've been carrying a Leatherman 1-AA light in my pocket for a few months now. I like it, and the finish doesn't tear up my pants like my Surefire. They make a 1-AAA light too, my brother seems to like the one that I gave him.

[makattak]

http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_19&products_id=255

My wife just got me this for my birthday.

I can't speak to its durability yet, but it seems well-made and the three brightness settings are very good.

[vaskidmark]

http://goinggear.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14_19&products_id=255

My wife just got me this for my birthday.

I can't speak to its durability yet, but it seems well-made and the three brightness settings are very good.

Took a flyer on your recommendation.  Got this within an hour of clicking on the "submit order" button:

Date Ordered: Wednesday 23 June, 2010

Your order has been updated to the following status: New status: Shipped

I'm impressed!

stay safe.

[Balog]

Here are a couple threads I started about just this subject...

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=271322

http://edcforums.com/showthread.php/72870-Looking-to-start-EDCing-a-light-need-opinions

[BReilley]

I like my Streamlight Stylus Pro(uses 2xAAA).  It is LED so does not have fantastically long reach, but it is quite sufficient for a pocket flashlight and is pretty rugged.  Had it for a few months with no problems.  I keep it in my shirt pocket at work, and jeans pocket anywhere else.
Darn cheap - I paid less than $15 - and it is also available with a green lens, which is kind of neat.

Basically, good enough to last, but inexpensive enough to not feel too bad when it gets lost :)