Hey,
With the nights drawing in again, I've started using my Fenix LD02 (v1) pocket torch again. The problem is, the last couple of times I've come to use it, the battery has been dead because it's too easy to switch on accidentally in a pocket/bag.
I think the problem is, the switch is unguarded, so if it bumps against anything, it switches on. I have a Fenix E12 (v1) which doesn't have this issue, presumably because it has metal guards around the tail switch. Sadly the E12 is just a little too big for the wallet I want to carry my torch in, otherwise I'd just use that.
I've tended to stray away from twist-to-turn-on. I had one once and the head section would always come off in my pocket. Maybe it's unfounded?
So what's better for me? Requirements:
- One AAA battery.
- No thicker than 15mm.
- No longer than 90mm.
- 2 or 3 brightness modes.
- Either a hard to accidentally activate tail switch, or a solid twist switch that won't come apart in my pocket.
- Max £30
Does such a thing exist?
Thinks I've considered:
- Lumintop EDC01 (but it's a twisty)
- Olight i3e (but it's twisty and I think only one brightness level)
- Olight i3t (but it has an unguarded tail light)
- Fenix E01 (but it's twisty)
- Lumintop tool AAA (has a partially guarded tail switch)
- Stick with the LD02 and just twist the head to detach the battery while not in use (annoying).
I'm most tempted to try the Lumintop EDC01 because it's very cheap. The Olight i3t looks best quality, but I'm unsure if I'd have the same problem as I have with the LD02.
Thanks!
There are tons of nice AAA twisties and I have seldom (won't say never) had issues with them accidentally turning on. They are the format I prefer.
The Streamlight Microstream has a tail pushbutton and is popular. I've never used one and can't report on accidental activation, but I haven't heard complaints.
Of course you should use rechargeable AAA's in any AAA light you use often.
The Sofirn C01S was kind of nice but it is discontinued and I don't see them on Aliexpress any more.
Of the lights you mention, the Fenix E01 is cheap and it's hard to go wrong. I'd probably get one and be done with it. I haven't had that specific model but they keep changing their 1AAA offerings and I've had several of the earlier ones. All have been nice.
Right now I use a Skilhunt E01 which is very small and has a high CRI led which I like. It has just one level but that is fine with me. It is about 100 lumens though that can be changed by swapping an SMT resistor. One of these days I might change it to maybe 30 lumens.
The thinnest 1AAA light that I know of is the Mag Solitaire (12.7mm thick) but it is on the long side (81mm). It is also 1 level. I had the original incandescent model and its switch was completely unreliable, a terrible light. I don't know if the LED version is better.
Thanks for the input!
Rest assured, I buy rechargeable batteries for everything nowadays. Not just for torches!