I've been buying the Streamlight Microstream for pocket carry. I have others that I can carry when I'm out hiking, outside in the dark and such (surefire models). But I wanted something light and small for EDC around town.

The Microstream is about $20. The problem is that I've had a few break on me - not sure what happens but they just don't light up anymore. I guess the LED dies.

The alternative from Surefire is the Titan Plus or the E1B-MV, both about $120.

I can get 5-6 Streamlights for the price of a Surefire. But, that price does me no good if the light has failed when I need it. Again, I've had a few fail unpredictably on me. I've never had a Surefire fail on me yet.

Financially, it seems to make sense to just continue with Streamlight. But pragmatically I think it's better to just cry once and get the Surefire now.

Thoughts? I'm not really interested in Olight or other chinese brands / makes. Streamlight is as far as I'll go there. So, it's really between these two choices unless there is another first world, non-chinese option - quality of surefire but price of streamlight or somewhere in between.

I am in the same boat as you except I use the Microstream USB. I have been very happy with it until as of late. It is only about 2 years old but it has started flickering like crazy.
Trying to find a replacement.

As discussed before, Surefire lights are made with imported parts. Likely the important parts, like the electronics and LED.

I wouldn't look down my nose at Olight, Fenix, or Nitecore. They know their flashlights and build quality is good.

If I was going to spend Surefire money,then I would also look at Elzetta, Malkoff, and Zebra Light. For my money, if I had reason to avoid the "Chinese" brands, I think Zebra Light makes a good value argument.

Hmmm, interesting. I think that about seals it for me. I think I'm gonna go the Surefire route unless there is another 1st world alternative (ie - german or japanese option).

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
As discussed before, Surefire lights are made with imported parts. Likely the important parts, like the electronics and LED.

I wouldn't look down my nose at Olight, Fenix, or Nitecore. They know their flashlights and build quality is good.

If I was going to spend Surefire money,then I would also look at Elzetta, Malkoff, and Zebra Light. For my money, if I had reason to avoid the "Chinese" brands, I think Zebra Light makes a good value argument.

Thanks! I'll look into these options. Not familiar w/ them.

My well worn Fenix. Hasn't failed me yet.

I've been pleased with a single AA battery powered L3 Illumination L10. I have a pair with different lamps that run 130 - 140 lumens. Disappears in the pocket.


http://www.sbflashlights.com/L3-Illumination-c36/


Somewhat bigger is the Thrunite Archer 1A. I have the original with 178 lumens. Powered by either a single AA or a 14500. It's now in V3 with 200 lumens.
https://www.thrunite.com/archer-1a-v3/



I also have an older Fenix PD32(R5) which is larger still. Requires a 168a/18650 battery. Mine puts out 315 lumens.

Some of the above may not meet your non-Pacific Rim requirement but still....

Microstream... the charging plug goes on them, or at least on the couple I've had. My current one still works, I just have to be careful charging it, jiggling it and setting it down just the right way to make contact.

I’ve been carrying a Streamlight Stylus Pro for a few years now and use it all the time and it’s been great. Before that I carried a Surefire T1A Titan for about ten years and loved it. I only switched to the Streamlight because the Surefire ate batteries too quickly for my liking and used C123s so I couldn’t always get replacements.

I own a bunch of Surefire products though and they have all been great lights.

Fenix E05 that uses a aaa battery for me. Discontinued but it’s still going strong and banged around a lot.

I used to carry Fenix religiously, specifically CR123 rechargeables, but losing one was a $60 mistake! I have switched to OLight and love them. My favorite thing is to hold them in my mouth, aiming them on what I'm working on-- been very impressed with them the last few month's!!!

I carry the Surefire Sidekick.

I have one streamlight and it is stuck in one of the drawers as I don't care much for it.

All of my other lights are Fenix. I carry an E11 which takes AA battery or an E30R which is a little bigger and brighter.

Another Chinese one, but well proven durable one Fenix LD12. Uses rechargeable battery but you can also use regular AA's in a pinch with some sacrifice in brightness. $50 makes it a great value. Diameter is better than 123's. If you need higher output or run time get a PD32/PD35.

My little carry light is a Guide Gear. It's about 3" long and 1" in diameter, and the light comes from a housing on the side of one end, near the on/off switch. It takes one CR-123A battery and doesn't have a long life, but it fits nicely into the watch pocket of my jeans.

flashguy

Thanks guys. Has to make a quick decision. Went with the surefire for edc. Didnt have time to research much but will look at the suggestions for short list next time.

Are you talking about a key chain size light. Or an actual flashlight you carry in your pocket. I ask because the streamlight you mention is a key chain light, right? Not sure about anyone else. I do not care to have and actual flashlight in my pocket. The American made maglite key chain sized light has been good for me and pretty darn affordable. Ymmv

I recently was at Home Depot and saw this for under $20. Seems like a nice small light for single AAA and 100 lumens. God Bless
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ni...100F-03-R7/313283820

I carried a MicroStream for years. Gave many away as gifts. Then my son sent me an OLight i5T EOS.
It’s just a little bit bigger and heavier than a MicroStream, but has 4 light outputs, but I’ve only mastered 150 and 300. . 15-30-150-300 lumens. It uses a AA batt. It really lights things up. A MicroStream is $20, OLight i5T is $30 at Amazon.

Zebralight. They make a solid line of lights in about every popular battery configuration. They make the most convenient user interfaces out there. Their circuitry efficiency is top tier. Their reflector design and subsequent output is excellent. The construction of the body is one of the best heat sink designs on the market to bleed the biggest killer of LED emitters- heat. Yes, it’s made in China, but so is nearly everyone’s offerings these days.

http://zebralight.com/