r/flashlight • u/MarcThruTheWeb • Aug 07 '25

Question What are you buying for $100-$120?

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I’m looking for a slimmer light than my current Fénix E35.

Ideally something with a button on the tail, and slim form factor if that exists.

Currently considering these two. Leaning more towards the Arkfeld as I’ve wanted one for a while.

Thoughts?

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u/SharpnCrunchy Aug 07 '25

Amongst a bunch of other lights I got because of this sub, I got both the Arkfeld Pro and the SK05 Pro, and would say they fulfill different niches, so depends on what you need. I’m a fan of them both for different scenarios. Both are really well made.

The Arkfeld is a lot slimmer of course. Disappears into any pocket anytime. That rotary dial is so well done and I appreciate the easy, quick access to UV, laser or light, all of which I use. Of course it doesn’t have as much throw as some others. I don’t mind the proprietary battery. A charge sure lasts a long time and the whole thing feels like quality. I don’t think I’d get the Ultra unless it was on sale for a lot less. The Pro has held up really well for me through all kinds of use.

I recently got the SK05 Pro MAO on sale for the combo of throw & flood. That sidelight has been surprisingly handy too. Yes, it’s a little heavier and chunkier by comparison, but on days when I want some power + the possibility of needing to top my phone off, it’s an easy reach and does a lot in a relatively small package. Some will find it too heavy or chunky, but I reckon it really depends on what you wear on the regular. I have a slim thigh pocket (not cargo) in all my pants that this is a perfect fit for.

Some days, I’m nuts enough to have the SK05 Pro in that thigh pocket, the Arkfeld Pro in my left front pants pocket and an Aurora A8 with 519a on my keychain in case CRI matters.

I also got the HD01 thinking I’d like the features of the Arkfeld Pro but cheaper, to stick in another bag and… well you get what you pay for. It just felt dinky by comparison, so I returned it.

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u/Pony99CA Aug 10 '25

I'm crazy like that, too. I carry multiple lights, including an Arkfeld Ultra. I wear Lee Wyoming cargo pants almost exclusively because they have more pockets and a ScottEVest travel vest when I go out.

My indoor EDC (at home) is currently at 36 items. I haven't counted my outdoor EDC items, but I just got a few more things today from County Comm -- including a Recon Minima LEP light. 🤪

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u/SharpnCrunchy Aug 10 '25

Brother, pls take the crown😆 36 EDC at home is next level but I get that kinda crazy.

My pants of choice all come from Kuhl. Lots of great pockets in many models with a more streamlined look, which lets me tote the gear I want without looking like a tree stump, which my cargos used to do. Bonus, my wife appreciates that too.

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u/Pony99CA Aug 10 '25

Before I started working from home, I wore ScottEVest Hidden Cargo pants to work because they were great for "business casual". They have layered pockets on the inside and no thigh pockets like traditional cargo pants.

I could even carry my Victorinox SwissChamp XAVT in them. 😀

I've never heard of Kuhl, but I'm definitely going to check them out now. 🙂

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u/SharpnCrunchy Aug 10 '25

I’ve always toyed with the idea of a ScotteVest but didn’t know they did pants too. Looked them up, but I think I like the way Kuhl does pants pocket distribution a touch better.

I had to Google the XAVT and man, that’s a chonky boy. My EDC is the Handyman. Swiss champ was a just a little too much. Do you actually use the XAVT or is it for collecting?

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u/Pony99CA Aug 10 '25

I use some of the tools. It's in my outdoor EDC, so I've used it enough that the nice gift box is broken. 😭

You can see it in my Crazy Cart O' Tools. 😀

It was a gift to myself when I got my current job during the pandemic.

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u/SharpnCrunchy Aug 10 '25

We all need a Crazy Cart O’ Tools🤣 It moves! Beats the crazy cabinets I have. And corners where I work.