Alrighty then… If you where in the market today for the very best of the bunch single cell 123A light available what would you buy and why?
Everyday carry in mind, a pocket clip is a plus.
My EDC white light is a SF E1L Outdoorsman. I picked up two for no other reason than a local bigbox store hand two left in the case on clearance for $64 a pop.
They are G2G with typical boring SF reliability.
I would go with the Malkoff MDC. Just waiting for the one i want to be in stock.
- It has a Malkoff head which uses the same reflector as the M61.
- They have a bunch of different models to choose from and you can even get a crenelated bezel ring for it.
- Its protected against reverse polarity.
- Did i mention it was a Malkoff
Mine is an E2L, but I’m with you on this. Always works. For a handheld I like the dual output. It’s not a portable lighthouse, but the light provided is more than sufficient for admin/nav duty.
Depends on what you want it to do. sunwayman V11R, nitecore, Olight, jetbeam all make a good quality 1xcr123 light in addition to the other brands mentioned above. I have been jonesing for an Olight s10 baton myself.
Nobody made a better “tactical” user interface than novatac
I’m normally a Surefire guy, but I picked up a Klarus P1C light just before Christmas and have been pretty impressed with it. I’ve used it everyday since I bought it. Battery life has been on par with my SF e2DL; on the e2DL I had to change batteries every 2-2.5 weeks on the Klarus I change the battery every 7-10 days.
Streamlight Protac 1L but should mention clip is garbage. http://www.streamlight.com/en-ca/product/product.html?pid=200 . It’s compact with ok battery life and was affordable. Clip was no go, it just slipped/pressed on light and easily got pulled off.
I too have been looking for compact single CR123, but to be mounted on SBR AK.
Thanks for the suggestion guys. I’m a diehard Surefire nut myself, but I’ve never handled, much less seen in person any of the single cells(other than Scouts). Which Surefire is the best? Are these other lights mentioned better than the SFs?
Also I saw SHOT pics of a new single cell coming from Elzetta. Anyone else see those?
What are you looking for? Size? Output? Color temperature? Rechargeable? User interface? Budget? It really depends on your specific needs…
Look at the HDS systems clicky and rotary. Very bombproof.
As mentioned, Malkoff has some great drop in conversions for Surefire lights and his own great stand alone lights like the md2.
HDS and malkoff are the only 2 manufacturers I would put on par with Surefire.
As far as Surefire, if you don’t like clicky interfaces, look at the LX2 - I love mine. Also own a e2l and e1l. Had an e2dl, l1 and e1b, but never used them. Also not a fan of the high level first in the e2dl and e1b - why I prefer the outdoorsmen and L series. Honestly, really can’t go wrong with any Surefire - just choose your favorite.
Fenix and 4sevens are OK, but I would never trust my life to one. Surefire, malkoff and HDS I would.
Compact, one cell light, decent output, non-rechargeable. Not sure on the interface as I’ve never really used dual output lights. Surefire is a candidate, so budget is whatever.
Do you want Hi Mode or low mode to come on with first click (is your main Priority as a defensive/offensive light or an EDC light you’ll use around the house at night)?
Surefire eb1 if the former, e1l if the latter.
If you could care less and want it bright as ****, eb1.
I would also encourage you to look at the Hds EDC and tactical line - also single cell and highly customizable if you want to get fancy.
I like my stream light 1L. The battery life isn’t excellent on high but on low it isn’t bad. Its plenty bright for most things on low (but I use it when working under trucks). I don’t use the holster it came with, I just put it in my pocket.
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That’s exactly what I’m waiting for. I asked them the ETA on it last week and they said summer. I’ve owned all kinds, I’m really jonesing for a Elzetta single cell.
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I have both the streamlight and 5.11 one and two cell units and none of those have failed me. The streamlights have a bit tighter of a beams, but the 5.11 models are great for smaller rooms with their greater spill but being less bright.
After looking over all the suggestions posted here I think I’m back to SF.
The HDS lights look nice but I don’t care for what looks to be a sharp crenelated bezel or a strobe function.
Malkoff single cell lights seem to be OOS, but look like an option.
I think the SF EB1 is what I’m looking for.
One question RE: the EB1 tailcap…
Do you guys prefer the shrouded or tactical tailcap?
ETA: They also offer an un-shrouded clicky.
surefire EB1.
I love this light and have both. While I like the shrouded because you can tail stand, I would get non shrouded as its a bit smaller. I carry an older non shrouded daily.
Different strokes… I like shrouded - less chance of accidental on and can tailstand.