When I needed a small, bright, long-lasting light for inspection work, I found several Fenix flashlights that met the bill, but, having had good luck in the past with a Coast light from Home Depot) I eventually settled on a significantly less expensive Coast HP8R 1000 lumen USB rechargeable light (with 3 intensity levels) that uses AA batteries as a backup. The backup is important on longer days on the job.

I've had it almost a year and have been very pleased.

There are several recommendations for Fenix. I would like to recount my experience with Fenix customer support.

I had a single-cell CR123 Fenix light that stopped working. Contacted Fenix to arrange for repair. Gave them the model number and serial number. They told me that model was no longer supported.

This was NOT a warranty issue, I stated that I was willing to pay for repair. Nope, no can do.

They did offer me a 20% discount on a replacement. I did not bother to respond -- prior to this, I was being swamped by their sales emails offering 20% discount on my next purchase.

No more money for Fenix, from me. There are too many other good brands out there.

On the higher end side, look at Malkoff, Modlite and Surefire for 18650/CR123 powered lights. As suggested, dual fuel is the way to go these days for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Nismo:
I use an Olight Warrior mini 2 daily at work. magnetic rechargable and super bright.

I also have a S1R Baton 2 that's about the length of a chapstick. I keep one in the litte fifth pocket in my jeans when I'm not at work.

Huge Olight fan here.
I carry a Gen 1 Warrior Mini at work.



Easy to charge, most give a battery level every time they are turned on.



That battery in my Seeker 2 lasts a long time.

Although I do have several of these around the house.
I know my wife won't recharge the Olights so an AA battery flash light fits her needs better.
It reatains the last setting when turned on.
LUMINTOP Tool AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight, Pocket-Sized Keychain Flashlight, Super Bright 650 Lumens



Whatever you get I'm a big fan of a tail cap switch on a flashlight.
Easier to use with gloves.
The Olight Warrior Mini tail cap gives you 2 settings, high and low, from the tail cap.
A few other settings from the side switch.

https://www.bereli.com/mch-duty-ho-df-p/

The moonshine version of the Cloud Defensive MCH Duty at $99 is an absolute steal. Fantastic handheld. Add the Thyrm Switchback and it is good to go. I have one that I use daily when taking our dog out at night.

quote:

Originally posted by 06wrb:
https://www.bereli.com/mch-duty-ho-df-p/

The moonshine version of the Cloud Defensive MCH Duty at $99 is an absolute steal. Fantastic handheld. Add the Thyrm Switchback and it is good to go. I have one that I use daily when taking our dog out at night.

I have this light on my Duty belt and it is a great light.
The Moonshine is a great deal!
I picked up a Rein 3.0 Moonshine awhile back from them on clearance. It was on clearance because they updated their mount. Even after buying the new mount it was still a good deal.

I really like CDs stuff. Looking forward to their new pistol light.

Probably everyone on this thread will laugh at my suggestion:
COSOOS 3 1-AA LED Flashlights with Clip
https://a.co/d/dubUfPy

Yeah, a box of three for $9. But, by God, they’re well made and do what I want: click the tail cap button to toggle the ON/OFF state. No red/green/white/high/low/SOS modes. A sleeve on the front of the light bears a lens. Push the sleeve in for a broad cone of perfectly even light. Pull it out for a tightly focused beam. Or anywhere in between. O-ring seal on the tail cap. I have yet to replace a battery in any of them.

So inexpensive I have several around the house and car.

quote:

Originally posted by Pipe Smoker:
Probably everyone on this thread will laugh at my suggestion:
COSOOS 3 1-AA LED Flashlights with Clip
https://a.co/d/dubUfPy

Yeah, a box of three for $9. But, by God, they’re well made and do what I want: click the tail cap button to toggle the ON/OFF state. No red/green/white/high/low/SOS modes. A sleeve on the front of the light bears a lens. Push the sleeve in for a broad cone of perfectly even light. Pull it out for a tightly focused beam. Or anywhere in between. O-ring seal on the tail cap. I have yet to replace a battery in any of them.

So inexpensive I have several around the house and car.

Nothing wrong with that choice at all. For that price it’s worth trying out for even the guys with dozens of lights because they will most definitely work for many situations



Since the OP didn’t list a price range i’ll list a great all around light. You have a rotary dial that you can easily spin to control brightness in both modes and it has a rechargeable battery that lasts a long time before needing a charge.

One mode will turn darkness into daylight with a massive round beam. You can then flip a switch and that massive round beam becomes a much tighter focused beam that gives the reach you are wanting to see things across a field hundreds of yards away.

https://www.batteryjunction.co...ht-marauder-mini-opt

Yep, I have several Fenix lights of different sizes with 18350 batteries and a compatible charger. They charge up fast and run a long time on a full charge. Reasonably priced as well.

I still have my 4-D Maglight on the shelf in the closet . Haven't used it in years . I guess when I die somebody will take it or throw it out .

Went with a Fenix PD36R Pro from Fenix. depending on how I like it I'll likely order more from Fenix.

They offer a 25% military discount which is considerable.

Palmetto armory has the 2 cell sig sauer flashlight for 89 bucks today only...

1300 lumens and 1.5 hour

There's always something like this:

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/...cts/2355-21#sp-specs

I have this light and the specs say it'll run on high (800 lumens) for 5 hours. Of course just recharge the battery after or keep another on you and you have light all night.

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Went with a Fenix PD36R Pro from Fenix. depending on how I like it I'll likely order more from Fenix.

They offer a 25% military discount which is considerable.

I promise you will love the light! You made a good pick and yes, their discount program helps out a lot!

quote:

Originally posted by OttoSig:
Went with a Fenix PD36R Pro from Fenix. depending on how I like it I'll likely order more from Fenix.

They offer a 25% military discount which is considerable.

Did you remember to pick up a few spare batteries and a charger?