With the new year right around the corner, there’s plenty of new gear in store for us to look forward to. But until then, now’s a great time to look back on the gear that served us best through 2018. We polled our community in our exclusive Facebook group and asked what their favorite EDC gear was in the past year. In this quick round-up, we’re highlighting your favorite flashlights! We’ve narrowed it down to the top three answers among the community — read on to see what your favorites were, and stay tuned for more gear to come in our Readers’ Choice series.
3. SureFire E2T-MV Tactician
Number three on the list is the new E2T-MV from the masterful mil-spec manufacturers over at SureFire. In addition to the tried-and-true reliability and performance of SureFire lights, the E2T-MV comes with solid features befitting its fit and finish. First is its dual output from 2 x CR123A batteries that give a maximum of 800 lumens between two modes, including momentary-on options. Next is its MaxVision beam that gives a wide, floody beam that’s perfect for everyday use. And with an included clip, the E2T-MV is ready to EDC for a lifetime’s worth of service.
2. Fenix PD35 V2
Fenix has been a long-time EDC favorite thanks to the performance and build quality you get for the price. They’ve taken one of their most popular models, the PD35, and upgraded it to a flashlight fit for 2018. On the inside, the V2 gets a bump in lumens, runtime, and throw distance, with a maximum of 1000 lm, 430 hours, and 25 meters respectively, thanks to a new Cree XP-L HI V3 emitter. It comes with a new metal side switch that doubles as a battery indicator. It maintains a robust IP68 resistance with its anodized aluminum body, with thoughtful features like an included clip and anti-roll design. Finally, a tactical tail switch gives instant activation for the PD35’s 5 output levels.
1. RovyVon Aurora A5
It’s rare to see a piece of gear that gets near-universal praise, especially for enthusiasts, but that’s what the RovyVon Aurora A5 was this year. With a unique and extremely compelling combination of features, collectibility, and affordability, it’s well-deserving of its place as the community (and our) favorite flashlight of 2018. The Aurora A5 bucks the trend of your typical metal-tube flashlight design with its fluorescent polycarbonate shell. It glows green in the dark, but it’s also translucent enough for its two side-mounted LEDs to shine through. Its main CREE XP-G3 LED pushes up to 550 lumens on its highest setting. The Aurora A5 also comes with a low-battery indicator and recharges via USB in just 45 minutes. For even more convenience, it comes with a 2-way friction clip for pocket- or ballcap carry, while a lanyard attachment points rounds out your EDC options. Perhaps most impressive is it manages to fit all this technology into an IP65 water resistant body that’s only 2.16” long and weighs less than half an ounce at 0.416 oz.
What was your favorite flashlight in 2018? Leave a comment and let your fellow EDCers know about lights you think should be on their radar! Stay tuned for more Readers’ Choice picks as we wrap up this year.
