In an effort to EDC a light in my mostly executive casual world I found a pocket clip that just barely fits my Fenix E01. I put it on and clipped it to the inside of my front left pants pocket. My pants are dress pants at work and mostly shorts at home. I like the location a lot. I've used the light several times since I put it there. I'm really happy I have it and it's easy to get to. It is very innocuous, which I like a lot. There are basically two problems: It falls out of my pocket when I've been sitting sometimes (often enough to be annoying) I don't really like the light. It's too dim for most applications. The solution could be to get a new light with a better clip and a brighter light. I'm open to that. I want to keep it in the $20 or under range. A second solution may just be eluding me, at least for problem #1. Maybe there is a better way to clip it, or carry it. I'm open to suggestion to this. I suspect it will be the cheaper of the options and I am a very cheap guy. My other pockets are all pretty full and I keep a Kaweco AL Sport in that pocket with the flashlight so I want to keep them from banging into each other. Thanks
I have the 01, correct not that bright. Tiny, well made but bright as a match is the TEC pico keychain... But bright with clip is the Olight i3 CU. Good luck.
Thrunite ti5 has a very nice clip, clicky and 3 modes from superlow, medium and very bright. Get one. Looks good, too
I think I'm looking more for a single AAA size, maybe single AA. I did think a 2 battery light (penlight type) would work several months ago. I bought a 2xAAA like the Thrunite Ti5 (the Lumintop) and it stabbed me when I sat. It also turned on a lot on its own in my pocket. That is a good size in the hand, but not so much in my pockets. I ended up putting it in my chest pocket of my peacoat. For this particular application, I'm thinking the 1xAAA Olight i3S or Thrunite Ti3. Those types of lights. I'm open to other suggestions like maybe something on the form factor of a Nitecore Tube but I don't know how I would make that easy to get in and out of my pocket. I think I'm pretty sure a penlight or other 2 battery flashlight is too long. Thanks for the suggestion though.
The NiteCore Tube (or its current descendants such as the NiteCore TINI are great lights. I've used the Tube on all my keychains for years. Not only light weight and slim, but rechargeable via USB and for their size great output. Their form factor pretty much guarantees that they will sit flat in a pocket and not add bulk. You could attach a small lanyard to one or even better dangle it from a TEC P7 pocket dangler. These are also very lightweight and will not add dimensional bulk. The Tube can put out 45 lm; the TINI at peak is 380 lm. If you want something that uses a single AAA, take a look at a very popular light around here, the Streamlight Microstream. Again, puts out 45 lm. Clip is sturdy; and is shaped such that you could also attach it to the brim of a cap if you wanted. There is also a USB rechargeable version that at peak puts out 250 lm. The rechargeable one is essentially the same form factor as the AAA version. FWIW, the Microstream and its larger brother from Streamlight -- the Stylus Pro (2 x AAA) are the two lights that occupy all my FAK and my bags. One is also always in my pocket in addition to the Nitecore Tube I referred to. L'chaim! Moshe ben David
I concur about a keychain light if you insist on carrying it in your pocket. However, you can pick up an Astrolux in various configurations with upwards of 500 lumens for $25-$30 from several online sources. While I find them a little large for pocket carry, I keep my main light (I always have a keychain light as well) in an organizer that sits on/in my desk when I'm at work. At that rate, nearly anything short of a 4D Maglite would be an option for you.
Moshe ben David that TEC P7 pocket dangler might be the solution to problem #1. If I put the Fenix on that it wouldn't come out of my pocket, but would still be easy to retrieve. Problem is they are as expensive as a different flashlight. Also, if I were to get a Tube-esque light it would add another $10ish dollars to the cost of that light. Is there anything similar for cheaper? Can I DIY something with minimal skills?
Lookie what I found, there's a thread on this forum for just that, DIY danglers! I should have known. https://www.edcforums.com/threads/diy-danglers.106102/ I don't know which is more fun though, making stuff or shopping for stuff.
Except that the TI5 is a single aaa light and 1/2 the size of the leg stabber you think it is. It seems a bit bigger than a Microstream but not by much.
Thank you, everyone, for the suggestions. I rummaged through my junk drawer and modded a picture hanger to be a pocket hanger. I put my Fenix on that and it's been dangling in my pocket since 8 Jun 18. It took two minutes, a pliers, NO skill and no money. I should really sand down the edge where I snapped part off, but it hasn't snagged anything so I can do that later. I am really still jonesing to BUY a new flashlight that is brighter, but I can wait another credit bill cycle now (at least).
Cool. I was gonna suggest a hanger of some sort as well. Lots of amazing small lights out there now a days. I recently ordered 3 lights to try out. One's already arrived (Jetbeam Mini-1 Ti). A new one to stick on the nightstand and one other keychain sized rechargeable light, DQG Hobi plus. I'll probably lego the DQG Hobi onto my existing keychain pillfob/earplug holder. As it's the same thread size/diameter and designed to do so. Hopefully it's not 'too' long for use like I'm planning. These itty bitty lights can put out 100+ lumens. There are plenty of AAA size options out there. Multiple modes, exotic materials/looks. Aluminum would be the lightest (and cheapest), Titanium is a good mixture of strong/light (but slightly pricier), stainless steel and brass are nice if you prefer a little weight to your items. I tend to err towards light and strong, plus it's titanium. Who doesn't love titanium? I would recommend digging through the flashlight subforum as well as budgetlightforum and candlepowerforums. If you dare. It could significantly impact your pocket if too long is spent browsing. Just like here. Andrew
The E01 is sort of what I'd consider to be a small back up light; it's essentially indestructible and will siphon every last drop of juice from a battery. However, it's not incredibly bright. The next step up on the Fenix ladder would be the E05 at 85 lumens. The E15 continues that same form factor at something like 450 lumens. However if you are looking for small with a clip the LD02 might be more up your alley and it has a more convenient tail switch as well. Of course, lots of companies make decent small lights in this vein, however the trend now is simply a lumen race it seems like. 250 lumens from a small AAA pocket light looks great on paper but when you realize it's a timed step-down after 1 minute, it seems a bit lackluster. Plus, small lights take small batteries - I like a bright mode as much as the next guy, but in this style is think sustained output is more ideal.
