[Help Me] Lookin for new EDC light, replacing Olight S1R. 18650, integrated charging (USB-C?), robust, clip
##Help, I am looking for a new EDC light as a replacement/alternative for my Olight S1R Baton
Price Range: should stay below 100€. I am located in Germany. I have good experience importing stuff from china.
Purpose: All-purpose EDC light, clipped to the side of the leatherman case on my belt. Currently I carry Olight S1R there, which serves me quite well. But after three years there might be something better out there, and I look for an upgrade.
Battery Type & Quantity: one 18650. I want more runtime than the CR123 provides. The S1R tends to be empty at the worst moments. It also steps down too quickly from turbo for my taste.
Size: maximum diameter should not be much bigger than the olight (21mm). Length must be below 100mm (height of the leatherman case)
Type: Handheld. I might consider an angled light.
Main Use: Quick access EDC. I often use the moonlight mode of the S1R to unobstrusively look for something near-range. Just as often I turn it to turbo to illuminate a dark room, or something outdoors. I usually use the lamp very briefly (10 seconds to 1 or maybe 2 minutes max), but many times a day. I rather often take it between my teeth when I work on something with both hands. I prefer neutral white and need reasonable CRI to reliably identify wire colors for electronic work. I need more flood than throw and ~1000 Lumen are fine for me. I don't need (and want) to burn holes into anything with this lamp.
Switch Type: I am torn between side and tail switch. I think I would prefer a recessed tail switch because it is easier to find and is less prone to accidental activation. But I got used to the side switch of the S1R, and I like the magnet for attachment and charging.
Anything Else?:
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Integrated charging is a priority for me. First choice would be USB-C because of the robust connector and I already own and travel with all the neccessary infrastructure (chargers, powerbanks, cables) for laptop, phone and other stuff. Micro-USB would also be acceptable. While I like the magnetic charging adapter of the S1R, I would prefer not to have to worry about another propriatary adapter again.
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I need a good clip which sturdily attaches to the lamp and easily slides on the leatherman case without any fiddling (I currently remove and return the lamp many times a day in a single motion without looking or even thinking about it) The olight is pretty good in this regard.
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The magnetic bottom is nice to have but not a must. In hands-free situations, I tend to take the lamp in my mouth between the teeth, because in my experience, any nearby surfaces are usually not oriented correctly and/or not ferromagnetic.
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The lamp will eventually fall down, on concrete, from the top of a ladder. It will get wet. I will handle it with greasy and oily fingers, and it might get in contact with paints, resins and solvents. The S1R took all that really well so far and I expect nothing less from its eventual successor. I don't want cracking lenses, dissolving button covers or loose contacts. Nicks and scratches are no problem.
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It would be good to have some active warning for a low battery (red blinking button or something) to remind me of charging it.
That is all I can think of so far. Thanks for reading my elaborate requirements and ramblings. Of course, I already looked around myself. But so far, nothing I found felt like a worthy upgrade.
I tend to just lurk, but I really like the community here on r/flashlight. Looking forward to your recommondations. Shine on you crazy diamonds!
Posted Feb 2, 2020, 12:57 AM UTC · edited
Wowtac A6?
I recently purchased one and I do like it even though it hasn't seen much use yet. I EDC the EDC18 because it has a deep carry clip mainly. It's a little shorter but thicker than the A6 but doesn't have the built in charging like the A6. But I do feel if I didn't have the Lumintop that I would be carrying the A6 otherwise
The Wowtac A6 seems to closest to my requirements and is cheap enough that I just might get one and see if I like it.
The EDC18 also looks good, especially the clip. If I drop the internal charging, the field really opens up.
I just got the A6 and I've been enjoying it!
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