Nice carry. I work in a hotel as well. If you would like a flashlight as well I find this lumintop tool to be great and fits nicely in the pocket as well as being super bright and there is a 5 dollar off coupon as well on there right now making it only like 22 bucks for a decent flashlight with the micro-USB rechargeable battery. I've had people ask if ik making money off this cuz I praise it so much but it seriously is an amazing, simple and bright edc light. Not to mention water resistant to 2 meters and shock resistant to 5 feet.
Knipex seems like the thing rn lol. I dont use pliers enough to qualify the purchase i think lol if I could recommend a better light? this lumintop AA 2.0. Its 650 max LM with a single 14500 battery and can also use a standard AA battery. This thing ROCKS. it got a decent throw and multiple brightness levels. I'd also recommend the manker EO2 ii, 420 lumins with a t.i.r lens ensuring even light distribution but very little throw, it's an ultimate mini flood light and runs on a single triple AAA! Love it so much!
650 lumens if you are using a 14500, can use regular AA in a pinch, the 14500 included in the kit won't require you to buy a charger, and the kit also includes a magnetic tall cap and diffuser for a lot of versatility in use and carry. Well under your $50 budget.
650 lumens seems paltry compared to some of the other recommendations here, but believe me, it's MORE than enough for day-to-day tasks. The most annoying part of that light for me is that the low mode isn't low enough. Also, this will be much easier to comfortably carry than any 18650 light.
Like /u/d4n13lf00 , I also have a few more expensive lights but my cheaper pocket lights get used more.
I would highly recommend the Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 with the rechargeable battery. This was my most recent purchase and now it is always with me.
The 14500 battery it comes with recharges via micro USB so you don't have to buy a separate battery charger until you get into bigger lights. It will also work with a standard AA battery (Not as bright as the 14500 battery it comes with, but still impressive). I think it's a great way to get into flashlights for under $30.
Today I received a message from Lumintop why my aux light is not working.
"Good day,, we do not have a blue tail light for this light (TOOL AA-UV). Only the Lumintop Tool AA which consists of a blue tail light. Here is the link: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07X3BMZXS?ref=myi\_title\_dp
With kind regards
LUMINTOP"
Ok, so no aux light. Thanks for the light I received for free.
Ontario - Rat2 Smaller less "intimidating" for non-edc types and you can beat the hell out of it.
Lumintop - tool AA No joke I have 4 of them on my desk right now. It is a light that will leave your friends wondering how they used their phone lights for so long.
I also have olight warrior mini 2, olight i3t, 2 fenix lights, 3 nitecores, 1 BLF light laying around..
Yet I find myself using the LUMINTOP Tool AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight which is on sale right now for the whole kit and it comes packaged like a gift box.
I know you said you'll be mixing and matching based on person but this combo would be amazing for anyone.
Also I would look at some of the Kershaw knives listed on their website as "multi-function" i.e. the Shuffle 1, 2 , DIY, and the antic/pub knives.
I carry a Lumintop tool AA, I actually have a couple and have bought them as gifts too. Great value, can use a 14500 cell, and has a tail switch or a magnetic cap if you prefer, and comes with a diffuser. I've had no issues with the pocket clip
From bottom to top:
Hate the "small peen machine glaring blue". Then you hate "cool white" or 6000k as we call it.
Understandable, so do most of us.
I think you'd enjoy something in Warm White (aka 2700k), but this knocks out most of Thrunite since they seem to be all in on Cool whites.
You like clicky button. Can definitely work with that. Do you prefer side or tail mount?
Dual fuel around here usually means it can take both a rechargeable lithium ion battery (which outputs at 3+ volts and has a better power density than 1.5 volt alkalines or 1.2 volt eneloops, so can run brighter and longer) or alkalines or eneloops. Just never have a brain fart and put the lithium ion in a unit built for alkalines, you'll fry it.
You don't want huge or microscopic, got it.
I'm really seeing this as a job for a Lumintop Tool AA.
I just got one (in the more expensive copper body) and I find it nicely pocketable, powerable by AA or lithium ion 14500 battery (using the latter unlocks hidden features of more power and an always on find-me light in the switch), shielded tail switch (not too prone to turning itself on in your pocket, and if it does, doesn't burn a hole in it), tint isn't horrid.
I'm a little late to the party, but I would toss in a Lumintop Tool AA with a USB Rechargeable 14500 bundled. 0.73"x3.52", super lightweight. High CRI version is available if you want to buy the battery separately.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3BMZXS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_2VSRCDSD84K7ZBZRFC8M
I'd go leatherman unless you have another screwdriver.
I'd recommend a Lumintop Tool AA. Not expensive, not bulky, rechargeable but it can run on a standard AA in a pinch, plenty bright and it comes with a diffuser if you want to light up an area like if you're working under a desk.
As for other things, it's personal preference really. Some odd things I carry are a mini 3' tape measure, a flash drive with USB-A & USB-C, and a pen & notepad. Just be mindful of times you wished you had something handy, and balance that with how much you're willing to carry.
The Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 Runs on 14500s, comes with a micro-usb rechargable battery, and it's under $30. Unfortuately not high CRI though :/
Tailswitch and magnetic tailcap are almost mutually exclusive, except for some convoy lights and some olights.
I have both the Lumintop EDC AA and Tool AA 2.0. The EDC is neat, but keep in mind that the beam is pretty much pure flood.
The Tool AA is super solid IMO and has some options available. You can get the Cree version w/ 14500 battery included for $29 on Amazon. There’s also a Nichia 219C version available from Lumintop’s website and an SST20 exclusive version available at illumn. Only caveat for the SST20 version is its only available in copper and is $52. I have it and love it tho.
Honestly I'm not sure yet. My first light was this and it came with a USB chargeable 14500 so it's the only one I have right now. Lol
I too would have to say the lumintop tool AA, it's the first light I've bought and I haven't gotten another yet cuz it pretty much good for everything I need. Lol. this link comes with a 14500 with a micro USB port. It's nice to not have to get a charger and have everything you need as soon as it gets there. If you use this dont forget to click the little box for the 5 dollar off coupon (makes it like 22 bucks total) its suprisingly bright for the size as well.
I get shit for pushing this light from people in here for some reason but I really like it. The lumintop tool AA 2.0 it comes with everything you mentioned, a secondary magnetic cap as well as a micro USB rechargeable battery (not to mention a diffuser that basically makes this thing a latern/beacon light)and right now there is a 5 dollar off coupon you can use making it only like $22 dollars for the light and battery and at 650 lumens on turbo, it's great. I love it and almost dont see the point in buying another light lol. Lights up my backyard on high and turbo with ease but I mostly use it for fishing at night mostly, not extended on times. It's also 18 lumens on low and lasts for 36 hours. I should mention. Its only 650 lumens with a 4500 rechargeable battery thought it will work with regular AAs it only goes to 260 lumen. Enjoy your new light!
I got this, lumintop tool AA 2.0 and I love it! It has 5 modes, low, med, high, turbo and strobe and also features a tail switch or twist top operation. low mode it lasts for over 24 hours I think and on turbo mode it shines at a pretty bright 650 lumens! Best part is it comes with it's own battery and the battery has a usb charging port itself so no need for a charger. Also comes with a cap that makes it into a lantern basically and a magnetic tail cap. With the 5 dollar coupon on there it's only like 22 bucks out the door. I've been super happy with mine. It will light up you backyard at night easily on high or turbo. And it's only like 3 inches long and it has a pocket clip! It's also water proof to 6 feet and shock resistant to 5 feet. Lol I like it a lot. Definitely recommend it!
I sure like my Lumintop Tool AA. I don’t have an S2 to compare it with though. I got mine through amazon.
Pocket-sized Super Bright Flashlight Set- LUMINTOP TOOL AA 2.0 EDC Flashlight with Magnetic Tail & 14500 Rechargeable Battery, 650 Lumens, 5 Modes with Mode Memory, Waterproof Torch for Camping https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3BMZXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fyNIEbWJ7AGGH
Do you just want something the size of an AA light or do you want it to actually use AA batteries? They are very seriously outclassed by modern li-ion batteries.
If you want a really small light then I'd check out the Lumintop Tool AA 2.0. I've linked to one that includes a rechargable li-ion battery, but it can also use regular AA's.
But my real recomendation would be a little bit bigger, the Wurkkos FC11. It also comes with a rechargable li-ion battery and has built in USB-charging. The magnetic tailcap will come in very handy for working on cars and probably crawlspaces too.
It is the most recomended light in this subreddit by a pretty huge margin.
I got this one on amazon, TOOL AA SET
•Lumintop Tool 2.0 --Comes with all the accessories and a USB 14500 battery, so no add'l charger needed. It's a great deal for only $25 with the instant coupon. I personally prefer the Nichia 219 LED version instead of the cool white CREE, but it's not going to come with all these accessories and the battery. It also comes in gray, white, and even titanium, but again, it won't be for only $25.
•Wurkkos TS10 --Comes with a 14500 battery, separate small charger, and one of four beautiful aux light colors. Fantastic light with tons of power for only $24. Comes in red or black and also an MAO white version for a few dollars more. Choose 4000K for a warmer rosier light or 5800K for a cooler blue light like your old zoomy.
You could just buy another Tool AA but get the one that comes with a USB rechargeable 14500 cell and an optional magnetic tailcap. Lithium ion batteries don't leak and ruin things. There's also Lumintop EDC AA which is somewhat similar but comes with a nicer clip and tail switch that supports momentary on. At least now you know not to use alkaleak batteries in your nice light!
Deal link: Amazon
Coupon code: LUMINTOP
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Or if you don't think you'll care about CRI and just want a normal LED tint then this is the package deal. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3BMZXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zUzrFbJXS6RJE
Having any flashlight that isn't your phone's camera flash is a start, and I have purchased quite a few similar lights to keep as giveaway/loaner lights when people are in need.
The Wurkkos FC11 is a pretty standard answer, and there are several good reasons for that.
For something a little smaller, you could consider a Lumintop Tool AA, or even smaller and simpler, a Streamlight Microstream USB, if space is a consideration or if you intend to carry it on your person. Not that the larger lights can't be carried, but I'm a fan of pen lights for EDC.
I use a Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 w/ a 14500 and the optional magnetic tail cap. It’s a pretty compact setup, and has a good amount of power. UI is simple - 4 levels, with mode memory.
Here’s a shot of mine next to a 14500 cell.
You can get one on Amazon for $25 shipped (with coupon) - this includes the magnetic tail cap and a 14500 cell w/ built in charging.
No need to spend a fortune!
Here’s the link. Amazon has it on sale (-8$ coupon). It’s been up for a few days, not sure how much longer they will keep it. lumintop top tool AA 2.0
Just getting into flashlights. Thanks for doing this. Lumintop Tool AA 2.0 w/ 14500
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3BMZXS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LGb8DbQ59H353
Sweet, managed to catch this one this time, thank you for doing these! I am interested in a Lumintop tool AA. https://www.amazon.com/LUMINTOP-AA-2-0-Flashlight-Pocket-sized/dp/B07X3BMZXS?th=1
This is very cool - thank you! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X3BMZXS/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_feLRDb8HD8J54