Re: Flashlight for home and carry
mdesign,
First I am not a subject matter expert or former anything so all my opinions below are coming from my own trial and error experience carrying lights. Additional/foundational information was gained during lowlight training at pistol/carbine etc. courses and collecting information from those various instructors on the use of a light in the regular civilian type setup. So take all of the below with that in mind.
I think you need to stick to a couple of things based on your criteria, and you might even consider one light for home (larger/more powerful) and one for carry (smaller and with good power) provided they are activated in the same manner. I would also encourage some thought/discussion on mindset and how/when to access and use the light plus how it integrates with whatever other combative/defensive/offensive measures are available on your person/in your system. If you and your wife have already got a good handle on this then rock on, if not then seek instruction or guidance from a good trainer (likely a dude that is a top tier firearms trainer also). Any light that works well as an edc "tactical" light will be more than good as a utility light so no need to worry about dual use as long as you prioritize like that.
First, I would recommend not getting any light, even a Surefire, that has multiple modes activated by some series of clicks on the tail cap. If you really need light, you need it right now and shouldn't have to worry about waiting 1 second to turn it on again or double clicking or any of that bs to make sure you have "high" power rocking. With a one setting (high-only) light, you can always partially cover the lens with your hand to modulate the amount of light etc. since anytime you only need a little bit of light you almost certainly are not in a rush or whatever.
Number two is size...for a carry light I think the goal is "as small as possible while still having sure grip, tailcap click activation, and good power". Also a pocket clip may or may not be a desired feature (though for accessing the light quickly and consistently from a pocket it is nice). Not having 2" of flashlight sticking out of your pocket is a nice feature that is overlooked sometimes I would say. So in this category (carry light) I would look for a light with single stage tailcap activation with at least 100 lumens from a proven and reputable manufacturer with the option to either remove or not have a pocket clip. The light should have some knurling or other grip aids (smooth barrels etc with no flared cap or anything lack the needed grip in my opinion). Personally I don't use a light clipped to the pocket for EDC most of the time (4Sevens Quark 123 tactical no clip in the pocket loose) and feel that in a close in emergency I'm not going for or getting my light out anyways (either gaining dominance so I can use the light if needed or going straight to other stuff...not to sound like I'm super ninja but that just makes sense to me), and otherwise if I am in/entering an area where the ambient light is really low enough where I can't ID stuff or I feel the handheld light would be a big benefit, I just get the light out and hold it in my hand anyways so if I need it I'm ahead of the curve. If a clip is needed as the primary mode of attaching the light to your person or is just a welcome option (clipping into/onto the belt line or clothes with no pockets...or wherever else) then by all means get/use a clip.
I have experience with a lot of the Surefires, some Streamlights (PT 1 and 2L), and the 4 Sevens Quark 123 Tactical (single CR123 version). Out of them all my favorite do-it-all light and BY FAR the best for carry (for me) is the Quark. It does have multiple programmable modes, but to activate the second mode (i.e. "low") you have to physically loosen/turn the bezel about 1/8 of a turn before hitting the switch. Otherwise it is always whichever mode is set for the light when screwed together normally (i.e. every time you click it is high...no thumb switch dance required). This is one of the only ways I have seen that correctly prioritized light modes and gives me confidence in the switching while still allowing for the marginal convenience of multiple modes/levels.
If you wanted a separate home light with big power, I would look at Surefire single stage LED models starting with the Single stage Fury (Fury Defender...has the better click on tail cap than the Fury Tac single stage). Add grip tape to taste fr a sure grip
So the cliff notes: Consider mode of carry, priority of use, and mindset. Then stick to single output (high...with the clause on switching as outlined above) lights with rear tailcap click on activation, at least 100 lumens, and some degree of sure grip whether it be knurling, a flared tailcap, or even grip tape added yourself. Then get a light of minimum size for positive grip that runs on a standard-ish battery (CR123, AA, AAA) from a solid, known, and proven manufacturer. Top 3/4 lights for me are
1.) 4Sevens Quark 123 Tactical (clip or no clip option)...great all around an carry light. Plenty of power and excellent switching/modes...plus pretty ideal beam shape/ balance between spot and flood. Runaway winner for me.
2.) Surefire Fury Defender (single stage high output home light...way awesome power if you wanted a second dedicated home light).
3.) Surefire/VTAC L4 and Mini-L4 (see "P.S." section below). Slightly underpowered compared to the two above and beam a little too focused.
I hope that didn't put everyone to sleep and makes sense. I also hope that helps!
-TSean
P.S. It kills me that Surefire doesn't make a compact light like the Surefire/VTAC Mini-L4 (described below) but with a smaller bezel and slightly less focused beam. The closest Surefire comes to ending this debate on "best carry light" is their best overt carry and multi-purpose lights...the special edition L4 and Mini L4 they make for/with Viking Tactics. Those are worth a look too for sure for a great all around light (a little overt and bulky for EDC for my taste...but absolutely awesome and versatile single output (high) lights).
P.P.S. As pointed out there are other good brands out there. Just match their offerings to your criteria, do your homework, and you should be good to go! Enjoy the search!
