EDC flashlight

EDC Flashlights

For me, my favorite EDC flashlight is the Streamlight Wedge XT. Its just a bit smaller than the older Streamlight Wedge, but carries nicely in the left front pocket. I am a flashlight junkie and when I buy new lights I immediately remove the pocket clips. They are one of the ways to loose a flashlight. the XT is a great light, flat sided and very easy to carry. I gave my old wedge to my grandson, who is a fireman. I have been carrying the XT since they were introduced in the early part of 2024. Great light.
 
O Light makes one with a magnetic charging USB cord which I enjoy. I'll admit I hardly ever carry it as a minimalist. I have two young kids so I'm not really out past dark because I'm ready for bed when they are asleep. If you are out after dark a lot it makes sense, otherwise it becomes another thing that is left at home. Which is fine for me as I use it as a bump in the night light with my revolver.
 
I carry this,


Don't remember how much it cost but it's a good little light.

Used to get those from the supply vending machine at work. Probably have half a dozen around in the house and a couple in the car. Good, rugged lights that aren't super bright. I have a super bright flashlight and find it great for searching the woods but less than ideal for trying to light up delicate work.
 
I carried a Fenix for a long time. Then i got a Surefire Stiletto. The flat form factor is great, but getting a grip on it to engage the tail switch isn’t natural for my hands. Don’t know why.

Now I carry the Streamlight Wedge unless I know I’m going to need a light (staying at friend’s camp, out in the side-by-side, etc.). I have run the battery to zero by inadvertently turning it on in my pocket.
 
I've been using Streamlights for years. I EDC a little Micro-Stream in my left pants pocket every day. Puts out good light for its tiny size.
Back when I was still working, I carried a Stylus model in my shirt pocket just like a pen. Worked great for my needs.
Good lights and not very expensive.
 
I will probably get flogged for this. Maybe tarred and feathered. BUT when I carry a flashlight it is a 200 lumen Harbor Freight special. They are $7.99. I’ve bought them for as little as $4.99 on sale. Compact and bright. Pocket clip and tail cap switch. I could spend a whole lot more. BUT WHY????????
 

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I don't carry a bright light. I've been carrying the Microstream for several years. I keep a brighter light in my car but for a pocket light the Microstream fits my needs. I've carried cheaper ones in that size category but the switches don't last. I do use my little light a good deal.
 
I picked up a Streamlight ProTac (single CR123) about 10 years ago to replace a Fenix whose interface just didn't work for me. About 5 years ago it rolled off a table and the lens cracked. I called Streamlight and asked if I could buy a replacement lens. They mailed out a new light no charge.

I switched to rechargeable CR123s about a year ago. So far, so good.

My wife was wanting a new light. I brought home a couple of samples from a friend of mine that is a Fenix dealer. She picked not one, but two (one med, one large). The PD25R (med one) is pretty slick. USB plugs right in for charging. Tail clicky works great. Separate button to cycle through different modes. It is larger than my Streamlight, but Fenix has one the same size.
 
I like the 5.11 RAPID PL that uses 1AA for 190 lumens. I am not sure where people get the great idea of EDCing some ridiculous lumen count light that will destroy your night vision as soon as it redirects off anything remotely reflective. Probably the same people who think a 3-4 lb / .25 inch stroke striker trigger is perfectly safe too.
 
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Streamlight is pretty awesome. If wanting something more rugged check out Surefire, Cloud Defensive, or Modlite. I would not use a rechargeable "only" light. Power outages are a pain. "Dual fuel" batteries (something like a AA and a CR123 (or rechargeable batteries) is ideal. I also really like the Thyrm Switchback as an addition. Once you learn/practice with it, it's amazing!

It is just as easy (and cheaper in the long run) to carry a few charged spare 18650s as a pack of CR123. When they come out of the light they go on a solar panel. Two on the charger, two in the tool bag, two in the light. I've never run out of battery power.
 

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