It’s a big EDC market out there, and tons of awesome gear is released all the time. We made The Drop to help you discover the latest and greatest essentials worth a spot in your EDC.
Manker’s previous flashlights have already been highly pocketable, but the Mankerlight E14 IV’s mere 3.23” length and 2.43-ounce weight become even more impressive considering how much power it packs in its small frame. It integrates four high-performance Samsung LH351D LED emitters in its compact body, delivering a floody beam with a maximum output of 4,000 lumens. Manker’s user-friendly one-button interface makes operation and access to common modes easy and intuitive: a single click activates the light, double-clicking activates Turbo mode, and triple-clicking enables Strobe. Additionally, a quadruple click initiates the lock-out feature, preventing accidental activation.
If fine-tuning your light output is something you’d geek out over (like I do), you’ll appreciate the E14 IV’s hidden engineering mode, where you can adjust and program its Moonlight brightness. This feature is perfect for times when you feel the default level is still bright enough to be a disturbance (to sleeping campmates, for example) or when you need a bit more light in pitch-black scenarios.
The E14 IV package comes with a 1100mAh high-discharge 18350 li-ion battery with a built-in Type-C USB charging port that you can charge directly from a PD charger or power bank. But if you want to maximize the E14 IV’s output and length of use, you’ll need to swap it out with a larger 18650 battery, which it can accommodate without swapping out the battery tube thanks to the built-in sliding body tube we last saw on the MC13 II. A convenient battery check mode lets you know when a recharge is due.
Other nifty features include a magnetic tail cap and a white diffuser filter, providing a gentler, more even beam distribution for close distance and area lighting. You can also opt for a red diffuser filter as an optional accessory, perfect for emergencies, cautionary signals, and traffic alerts.
What we like: With its aircraft-grade aluminum alloy construction and IP67 waterproof certification (up to 2 meters), the E14 IV is remarkably durable, given its highly compact size.
What to watch out for: With a max throw distance of 166 meters, those looking to cover longer distances should look elsewhere (like the MC13 II).
Final verdict: Its compact size, powerful quad emitters, user-friendly interface, and customizable features make the Mankerlight E14 IV a convenient addition to any EDC pack.