In this day and age, danger lurks in every corner. As such, we have to be alert and prepared on any emergency situation that may arise. I remember my dad bringing our bulky home flashlight whenever we watch movies and telling me to be prepared for anything.
I thought it was just him being paranoid – he looked pretty goofy bringing a bulky red flashlight in the cinema. If I knew what an EDC tactical flashlight is back then, I would have recommended it to him.
As such I made this best EDC flashlight article – so people are well informed on what types and models then can have (while not looking goofy at all).
LRI Photon Freedom
This 6.8-gram everyday carry flashlight runs on a CR2016 coin battery that can last for more than 12 hours. It looks like an ordinary key chain with a black finish, but its light output is visible for up to 1 mile from the user’s vantage point.
Also, its micro LED bulb produces a clear white light of 4.5 lumens. The LRI Photon Freedom is bodied in polyurethane and is glass-filled. The brand claims that this EDC flashlight can withstand tons of pressure and impact.
A single push of the only button powers up the LRI Photon Freedom, while the 4 light modes (Slow, Medium and Fast Strobe, and SOS/Morse Code modes) can be accessed by continually pushing the button. The LRI Photon Freedom is water-resistant and has a built-in lanyard ring.
Pros
- Includes a magnetic Photon Clip that can hold your LRI Photon Freedom even onto flat metal surfaces;
- Comes with a necklace attachment
- Has dimming functions so as not to damage your night vision
- Inclusive of a lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not bright enough for late night hikes
- Customers often receive knock-offs of the product
- No knurling design for better grip
Spotlight Speck Time Machine
Weighing only 0.3 ounces, the Spotlight Speck Time Machine is perfect as an everyday carry flashlight. The body has an anodized aluminum finish. The Spotlight Speck Time Machine’s 5mm LED can give up to 15 lumens of light output. This EDC flashlight runs on LR 521 batteries that are included in the package.
Its light output is visible up until 5 meters or 15 feet of distance. This can also function for a whole sixty minutes of use. The Spotlight Speck Time Machine is also available in 6 different colors, namely Racecar Red, Gemlin Green, Lil Mule Blue, Pink Caddy, Time Machine Titanium, and Jet Black.
Pros
- Ultra-compact design ensures optimum convenience
- Easy-grip switch
- Comes with a free carabiner and LR 521 batteries
- Inclusive of lanyard and pocket clip
Cons
- Dries up battery juice fast
- Has only one light mode
- Changing batteries can be a workload
- LR 521 batteries can be quite expensive
Olight i3s
This third generation flashlight is equipped with the latest Cree XP-G2 LED bulb. This EDC flashlight runs on a single AAA battery. It has an 80-lumen light output on max. The Olight i3s has an Aluminum body with scratch resistant type III Hard Anodizing black finish. Its optical lens is also water clear.
The Olight i3s flashlight has a beam that floods surfaces with its large hotspot coverage. It is also note-worthy that this EDC flashlight has a greenish tint to it. This also uses a constant-current circuit that ensures efficiency.
Light modes are from medium to high to low. This also comes with hidden strobe and moonlight mode. The hidden strobe function can be accessed by twisting the body continuously for 7 times. The moonlight mode is at 0.5 lumens, perfect for checking on sleeping children or equipment, without damaging your night vision.
Pros
- Equipped with a reversible side clip;
- Has tail stand capabilities
- Works by twisting
- Strobe mode is hidden
- Has an impressive battery life
Cons
- Keychain feature is not secure
- Half-twists expose the O-ring
- Clip is not durable
- The light modes start with medium instead of the previous Low
Fenix PD35 TAC Edition
From the entire Fenix PD series, the PD35 has the highest lumen output. Giving off 850 lumens at maximum, this easily becomes a must-have flashlight in the series.
The flashlight body is made from durable aircraft-grade aluminum with a premium type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish that adds to its sophisticated and manly look.
The deep trapezoid-shaped knurling on the body also improves grip and threads are very well and clean as well.
This flashlight uses a CREE XM-L 2 (U2) LED bulb that is perfectly centered. It is also protected by a toughened ultra-clear lens with anti-reflective coating. The PD35 runs on a single 18650 rechargeable battery or two CR123A lithium battery cells.
You have two modes to choose from: Outdoor Mode has 6 output modes including a variable strobe, while the Tactical Mode allows you to control all light modes from the tail switch.
Pros
- 3 cooling fins are situated on the head to help with the flashlight’s heat regulation.
- This has a warning function for low voltage warning in cases when a battery replacement is needed.
- Beam is excellent with a bright hotspot and a bright, wide spill.
Cons
- Heat could not be managed well throughout the body because of aluminum thickness.
- Time-controlled output step downs are to be expected.
- The PD35 cannot tail stand because of the tail switch for on/off.
Surefire P2X Dual Output
This pocket-sized flashlight, weighing 5.7 ounces (batteries included), is light enough to be the best EDC flashlight for you. This houses a Cree XML LED bulb that is protected by tempered glass and focuses using a micro-textured reflector. Its 500 lumens of output light on max and 15 lumens of output light on low, is both delivered bright and focused.
The Surefire P2X Dual Output is powered by 2 lithium metal batteries. Its 500-lumen capacity is perfect for medium-ling range spotting and is visible for more than 200 feet of distance. This flashlight also has what is called a “lock-out tail cap” which locks the flashlight into a permanent off mode to prevent accidental on clicks.
Pros
- Dual output feature offers a bright light output for extreme lighting needs, and a dim light option to prevent night vision damages
- Focused beams, whether on High or Low light mode
- Deep finger notches instead of knurling
- Switch can be a tail switch or a body clicker
Cons
- Head is intact and sealed, limits self-repair
- Does both flooding and throwing at the same time
- Runtime depends on what batteries are being used
- Temperature rises to the point of discomfort
Eagletac D25C
The Eagletac D25C is from the “clicky” series of the brand that uses a tail cap switch to turn it on or off. This specifically is a reverse-clicky flashlight, weighing 4.8 ounces. It runs on a single CR123 battery. Its LED bulb is Cree XM-L U2 that has a maximum light output of 277 lumens, while the LED bulb Cree XP-G S2 has a maximum light output of 219 lumens. Both light capacity has up to 105 meters of beam distance.
The Eagletac D25C is also waterproof according to IPX-8 standards. This flashlight has good grip as the knurling design covers most of the body built. This flashlight also has memory features, that is, allowing for the last light mode used to be the first light mode available upon turning on the flashlight.
Pros
- Light output stays the same regardless of which type of battery you use
- Durable pocket clip
- Commendably handy for a CR123-operated flashlight
- Can tail stand perfectly
Cons
- Has a customized circuit that limits battery preferences
- Maximum light output cannot be used for more than 5 minutes
- Screw threading is not anodized
- Light mode sequence can be hard to follow
Olight S10-L2
Powered by either a single CR123A or a RCR123, this EDC flashlight can give up to 400 lumens of bright light. The LED bulb used is a CREE XM-L2. The 400-lumen light output has a runtime of up to 1.25 hours, while it can last for up to 360 hours on Moonlight Mode with 5 lumens of light output.
The Olight S10-L2 has a blue main button made out of hard plastic. The user interface can be understood very easily, that is, a single click turns the flashlight on, 2 clicks to enable the maximum light output, and 4 clicks for strobe mode. This EDC flashlight also has a memory feature, as well as that of Moonlight which can be easily accessed through holding the blue button while the flashlight is off.
Pros
- Light mode sequence starts with low-medium-high
- Hard plastic button ensures durability
- Equipped with a magnetic tail
- Flat tail cap for tail standing
Cons
- Batteries are not included in the package
- Non-removable side clip
- Steel bezel is not removable as well
- Side clip could only be turned sideways
Fenix E05
Equipped with a Cree XP-E2 LED bulb, this flashlight has a lifespan of 50,000 hours. The body is made of aluminum with hard-anodized (Type 3) finish which measures 64.4 mm—fits perfectly in your palm. This flashlight is powered by a single AAA battery with a built-in diffuser.
The knurling on the body of this flashlight ensures an awesome grip. It also has knurling designs on the head portion. The battery tube is secured by multiple threads. At high, this flashlight shows off up to 85 lumens of light output. Also, the three light modes (High, Medium, Low) are accessed by the twist mechanism.
Pros
- AAA replacement batteries are easy to find
- Has tail stand capabilities
- Capable of a bright spill
- Inclusive of a spare O-ring
- The battery tube can still tail stand even when the split ring is mounted
Cons
- Light mode sequence starts with High
- 8-lumen Low Mode is still quite bright
- Hard to operate using one hand
- Excessive twisting turns off the light
So What’s Our Best EDC Flashlight? Verdict
The best EDC flashlight for you very much depends on your personal preference and your overall purpose. These recommended 8 models will make it easy for you to find the one.