The Best EDC Flashlights are Flat. Here's Why

Flats are better than drums when it comes to an EDC flashlight. Here’s why

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00:00 Intro
00:26 #1 Better Ergonomics
01:50 #2 Super User Friendly
03:25 #3 Minimalistic EDC
04:52 #4 Store in tight Places
07:03 Which would I Choose?

[bills.]

Like the overview of the flats. I personally am not ready to go to a flashlight that is only rechargeable. I've actually just started carrying a Sofirn SP10, and I like the versatility of being able to use a 14500 or an AA. Thanks for sharing!

[matthewweeks]

Ergonomics are fine but what happens when the battery runs out? You have to plug the flat flightiest in where with a cylindrical flashlight you can swop out the battery. I’ll stick with my cylindrical flashlight.

[stevedyer]

How many years does the battery last in the wedge flashlight? At the end of battery life, can the consumer replace the battery? Does the manufacturer offer battery replacement or just the flashlight then become disposable?

[DemoMan]

I prefer drum style if battery is replaceable. A light running on CR123, 14500, AAA, AA, 18650 and everything in between means it will last a lot longer in the long run. Replacing a flat battery may not be for everyone. I didnt choose a flashlight made of copper so the internal lithium could die and the flashlight would be thrown out.

[HighTideEDC]

Flats for the carry win! Drums/batons for stationary use when not carrying.

[PappyfromtheKeys]

Wow you covered a lot of info and did a great job. Would have liked to have had info on battery size and corresponding run times plus lumen outputs can look it up.

[landonh]

Flat flashlights are cool and more ergonomically friendly in the hands. But one limitation I see is swapping out batteries. Cylindrical flashlights you can have a spare battery around to swap out when batteries run low. Overall I like the flat lights you picked out. Got a few of the ones your showed. Keep posting good content videos.

[SuperMurrayb]

Thanks for posting the useful information. In my experience the flat lights are easier to carry but have a serious drawback. Lithium cells lose capacity over time and most manufacturers of flat lights do not offer a battery replacement service. That is odd because the lights all use standard size lithium pouch cells that could be easily changed by a technician with a soldering iron. Even though I would prefer a flat flashlight for everyday use my main EDC light will continue to be one that uses an easy to get 18650 size lithium cell.

[TheFossilChannel]

Skilhunt ec 300 and angel eyes for the utility. only thing flat lights have that are a con is that the batteries are not so replaceable for long term. id much rather have a light that can use 14500 cells and also aa batteries for modular use. however being a more traditionalist, the flat lights offer ergonomics. i think some of the angel eyes variants use dual power sources. both a built in li-ion and 1x aaa battery which is interesting. Overall throughout the years ive come to prefer 2700-4000k temperature lights with high cri 90+ with a nichia emitter, probably a 219b rosy tint bin or 519a which pretty hot right now. Ui depends on purpose of light. edc i like anduril 2. For search and rescue i prefer a simple ui in case i hand off a light to a teammate. Excellent video as usual!

[kwjr.]

Flat style lights definitely have their advantages in many situations. I've had lots of lights through the years for machinery, automotive work, hunting, and home use. Compact small lights, like Tip2 Nitecore, and the other X shown. Make life easier. Being to clip the Tip to my hat for wiring harnesses and electronics is awesome. And!! I've had tons of snap-on, streamlight, and countless other brands and battery styles. Sold and given away everything else to go to 21700 with everything. It's lovely and hassle free.

[tboneaja]

Great info, not to mention when your trying to do something with both hands the drum style rolls around ..SEMPER FI

[davinchewk]

I carry the arkfeld in my pocket, but a "drum" i5r in the organizer in my bag (if i'm carrying a bag). Nice as to have a backup light that you can swap batteries if needed.

[craigb]

I need to be able to swap batteries on the fly and get instant function.

[KernowEDC]

This was really helpful X. Thanks again! I’m interested in the Streamlite Wedge but curious as to wether it tail-stands? I’ve just got the Olight Warrior Mini II and I am LOVING IT!! The fact it can tail-stand, has a magnetic base (as well as the tail-switch) ticks a lot of boxes for me! Plus it’s nice in the hand for self-defence uses. The two way clip is always super handy too. If I could find as versatile a flat flashlight with similar features, I’d definitely go for it! Love the video as always my friend! 🤙

[piela]

I like the idea of the form factor, except for the fact that the on switches are placed forward on the side of the light instead of the rear tail cap. I would lean toward stream light as well, but the problem I see being right handed, keeping the light in the left pant pocket, when you pull it out, you'd have to slide your fingers up THEN flip the light over for your thumb to come to the switch. I think that takes a lot more attention and motor skills than hitting a big button on the back with your already solid fist grip

[qtipper]

I haven’t really thought about changing but maybe ill give one a shot. Thanks for the info and breakdown.

[edwardfletcher]

The only reason they're cylindrical is because of the battery shape.

The cylindrical batteries are also much more robust & have better longevity than pouch batteries.

[nomap]

I never even heard about flat lights until about 3 months ago. I’ve been carrying Streamlight drum lights for years both on and off duty. I almost bought the Streamlight Wedge a couple months ago until the Surefire Stilletto popped up in my Amazon search. I think it was about $30-$40 more than the Wedge, but I really love how it’s a little flatter than the Wedge and has buttons on the “tail cap” and side as well as a lockout feature so it doesn’t turn on if clipped into a back pocket.

[xdrk]

Use my wedge all the time as my EDC but think I might try the Angel eyes out! thanks for the great content

[codyc]

I'm looking for my first flat flashlight. But it has to have usb-c charging, magnetic base, 90° pivoting head and at least 1000 lumens. Under $200. Is there such a flashlight?