As the name states, this is an Every Day Carry flashlight. I have been carrying 5.11 EDC PL 2AAA flashlight for the last several months now, both at work and off duty. More importantly, I have not lost this light in the last several months. I have carried it in the front and “knife” pockets of everything from jeans to uniform pants to outdoor recreation pants. I believe the size and shape of this light is what has kept it in my pocket. The light comes in at 5” long, machined from aerospace grade aluminum with knurling on the body and around the endcap. The knurling on the body assists the user with grip and retention but also is designed in a way that would keep it from rolling away if dropped. It comes with a removable belt clip for retention in your pockets or even in MOLLE straps on your kit. The belt clip in conjunction with the knurling help to prevent it from lifting out of your pockets, even while climbing in and out of the driver seat. Of note is the placement of the belt clip, it is near the endcap, keeping the flashlight oriented in your pocket for quick access and instant index with the endcap. It keeps the lens buried in your pocket; in the off chance you accidently bump the endcap.

Now that we won’t lose it and can retrieve it properly oriented, let’s talk about function. The EDC PL flashlight emits a 107 lumen LED flood with a 26-meter beam distance. Meaning the light will be bright enough to walk or run in the dark without tripping, but not aid in the selection of the path. It will be bright enough to illuminate half a room or light up a specific work area, but not completely bring you out of the darkness. It will be bright enough to identify a person and maybe see what is in their hands, but not enough to over power (or blind) them during a confrontation (200-600 lumen range). The lower lumen output is what allows the runtime to exceed 4 hours on just 2 AAA batteries. The fact that many handheld lights are powered by rechargeable batteries now, keeps us chained to power banks, wall chargers and accessory ports in our vehicles. I still carry a Ziplock of common batteries in my packs, in this case extending the life of my light. I can concede that this is probably a matter of personal choice and that I own some of each. I just leave my rechargeable lights at the house or in the car and carry battery operated on me and in my packs. The lens is fixed in a flood setting and the endcap has both momentary and constant on, distinguished by a positive, tactile and audible click. I prefer simple modes of operation over devices that have more options than I will use or can easily use. This not being a fighting light (200+ lumens) it is less important, but I come from the school of thought that speed is a product of efficiency. Meaning that if I can locate, retrieve the light already indexed and turn it on in the least amount of movement, it will be faster.

Final thoughts: The simple, but well thought out design makes this a near indestructible light. The EDC PL is drop tested to 2 meters and holds an IPX-4 water resistance rating, allowing you to remain worry free when getting splashed by water in any direction for 5 minutes. It is bright enough and lasts long enough to find your way out of a building during power loss or walk out of the woods if you get caught out after sunset. If part of your planning or risk assessment includes the possibility of a confrontation, you will need to carry another light source that is bright enough to overpower your opponent and this will be just a task light. Most fighting lights are higher lumens ranging from 200-600 and only have a runtime of 1-2 hours, potentially not enough to fix your car or exit the blacked-out building, depending on the last time you changed your batteries. This light is a great option for an administrative light being lightweight and having a long runtime. The EDC PL 2AAA comes in either black or sandstone and retails for $24.99.

By the numbers:
Comfort – 5/5 At 5” it will fit in your pockets all day without noticing it is there. The knurling is just enough to maintain a reliable grip and easily function the endcap switch. It is not too large or to small to hold on to.
Durability – 5/5 The light is constructed of aerospace grade aluminum and has a 2M drop and IPX-4 water resistance rating with an industry leading brand of LED, this thing will last until you lose it or someone steals it.
Functionality – 5/5 107 lumen, single setting, dual mode switch with a flood style beam that will last for over 4 hours. This is an admin or task light, not a fighting light.
Weight – 4/5 It is not the lightest and it is not the heaviest, but come on it’s only a 2oz flashlight.
Value – 5/5 This EDC flashlight is priced on par with all the brand name manufacturers for lights with similar lumen output and runtime (even some of the newer, less common brands).
Overall rating: 4.8/5 For the price, near indestructible design and above average runtime, this light will make a great (non-fighting) EDC light.

I received this product as a courtesy from the manufacturer via Spotter Up so I could test it and give my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give this product a good review. All opinions are my own and are based off my personal experience with the product.

*The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.