EDC Flashlight

[d7e7r7]

Hi guys,

I am wanting to buy an everyday carry torch that I will wear on my belt but need some advice...
The Fenix PD32 looks really nice but I'm worried ease of availability and price of the CR123A batteries it takes.
Should I rather be looking at something that takes AA batteries, like the Fenix LD20? The LD20's output is much less compared to the PD32's though and it is longer which will matter as it will be on my belt all day long.

I have only mentioned Fenix's because I looked at the Surefire's but what put me off them is that they are not waterproof like the Fenix flashlights are.

Any ideas/suggestions would be welcome...

Thanks

[Teufel Hund]

A good idea/suggestion would be to head over to the intro thread to post a intro.
After a intro you won't be a stranger no more and someone might take the time to awnser your questions.

[Khumba]

What TH said.

Why do you say Fenix is waterproof and Surefire not?

Most of the better brand flashlights have O-ring seals in the tailcap and flashlight head. I know that Surefire definately uses O-ring seals and Surefire is one of the best flashlight brands out there although more expensive than the Chinese lights.

Imo Surefire and Elzetta have much better and harder annodising than the Chinese lights but you pay for it...if you are not really going to use the light very hard the better annodising may not be important.

[d7e7r7]

What TH said.

Why do you say Fenix is waterproof and Surefire not?

Most of the better brand flashlights have O-ring seals in the tailcap and flashlight head. I know that Surefire definately uses O-ring seals and Surefire is one of the best flashlight brands out there although more expensive than the Chinese lights.

Imo Surefire and Elzetta have much better and harder annodising than the Chinese lights but you pay for it...if you are not really going to use the light very hard the better annodising may not be important.

The only reason I say that is because Fenix advertise their lights as waterpoof to IPX-8 Standard whereas Surefire don't advertise most of their lights as being waterproof/water resistant? Unless I am missing it on their product pages?

---------- Post added at 09:29 ---------- Previous post was at 09:20 ----------

A good idea/suggestion would be to head over to the intro thread to post a intro.
After a intro you won't be a stranger no more and someone might take the time to awnser your questions.

What TH said.
/snip

Ok it's a done deal

[Rudes]

The PD32 looks fine as a EDC light. I would not worry too much about CR123 batteries. The PD32 can also use 1x18650 which is what I would use as default and carry 2xCR123 batteries as backup. The 18650 lasts longer in my experience than the CR123 batteries and are rechargeable LiIon which means you probably won't have to buy batteries again. But 2 x 18650 batteries and a 220V charger and you will be GTG!

Also look at the Olight range of lights for good quality affordable lights. Specifically the M20S which has similar specs to the Fenix PD32. Try hailstormza.com for the Olight and 18650 batteries and chargers. That is Khumba who commented above site.

[morneg]

I have been using a Olight M20S (bought from Hailstorm) for the past couple of months for everything from impromptu night game viewing to crawling around burntout buildings etc. Great flashlight!!!

[d7e7r7]

The PD32 looks fine as a EDC light. I would not worry too much about CR123 batteries. The PD32 can also use 1x18650 which is what I would use as default and carry 2xCR123 batteries as backup. The 18650 lasts longer in my experience than the CR123 batteries and are rechargeable LiIon which means you probably won't have to buy batteries again. But 2 x 18650 batteries and a 220V charger and you will be GTG!

Also look at the Olight range of lights for good quality affordable lights. Specifically the M20S which has similar specs to the Fenix PD32. Try hailstormza.com for the Olight and 18650 batteries and chargers. That is Khumba who commented above site.

Thanks for the reply.

I see you can get the PD32 on Amazon for US$67.95 (+-R554.15) and 2x18650 batteries and charger for US$10 (+-R81.55). I don't know how much shipping is but I'm guessing it would still work out cheaper in the end as compared to buying locally?
I hope this doesn't come off as me not supporting local suppliers, just looking for the cheapest method...

Do you use any of the Olight flashlights? They say they are rated to IP-68 waterproofing... How is that different to the Fenix's IPX-8? I don't know all these codes...

Thanks again for the help.

[Rudes]

I have used an Olight M20 and M30 for more than a year and a M20S for 6 months. The M20 is older technology and I have migrated it to a backup role in the Landy. I use the M20S as my EDC and the M30 when I patrol at night and need some extra light. I can highly recommend the M20S.

I also have an older Fenix P2D that gets used now and then but the 18650 batteries are just far superior so I now mainly use lights that take these batteries. I have a few 18650 batteries and just rotate them every week which has worked well for me.

I do not dive so the waterproof rating is less of a concern to me. Both the Olight and Fenix brands are value for money lights and will survive rain and the occasional dunking. I seem to recall Paul's P2D surviving the washing machine once or twice :-)

I tend to buy from local suppliers if products are available locally as it takes the risk of the importing, shipping, etc. out of the equation for me and it stimulates the local supply of products. Warranty and after sales service is also much easier if the product was bought locally. I would buy the Olights and 18650 batteries and chargers from Hailstorm as I have always had great service from them and if they are out of stock would look at Iwarehouse which also sells Fenix.

Dont underestimate after sales service which local suppliers are normally in a better position to supply than Amazon for instance. I have had a faulty switch which Hailstorm replaced on a Friday night at 20:00 without any questions and then there is always the free advice and personal relationship you build with a local supplier that is difficult to duplicate with an overseas supplier.

[d7e7r7]

I have used an Olight M20 and M30 for more than a year and a M20S for 6 months. The M20 is older technology and I have migrated it to a backup role in the Landy. I use the M20S as my EDC and the M30 when I patrol at night and need some extra light. I can highly recommend the M20S.
/snip
Dont underestimate after sales service which local suppliers are normally in a better position to supply than Amazon for instance. I have had a faulty switch which Hailstorm replaced on a Friday night at 20:00 without any questions and then there is always the free advice and personal relationship you build with a local supplier that is difficult to duplicate with an overseas supplier.

You make a strong case for the Olight but I'm still leaning towards the Fenix for it's waterproofness...

Khumba - do you have pricing on the Fenix PD32 as well as 2x18650 batteries and charger? Can't find it on your site.

[shark_za]

Fenix are not more waterproof than Surefire or Olight, that is for sure.

The IP codes are pretty mixed up by makers but IP68 is the same as IPX8 . They just put an X instead of 6 for the dust protection.
You can be sure an IPX8 light is actually IP68 . If its totally waterproof its also dust proof... doh.

If you want a light that is cost effective and offers similar build quality to the Fenix take a look at 4Sevens.
The Olights mentioned and the Surefire are tactical forward press switches while the two Fenix mentioned are reverse clicky switches.
ie, press to click and it only comes on when you release. The Surefire/Olights activate as soon as the first forward motion happens. May be an issue, depending on your use.

4Sevens have the regular interface that works like those Fenix as well as the Tactical that works like the Surefire/Olight.
Khumba can hook you up with a good Olight and all the chargers batteries, probably the best option if you want some sort of guarantee/warranty.

Even get a simple iTP SA2 Eluma, really cost effective and runs on AA. Actually get that as a backup.