The Laulima Hoku Clicky has rapidly become my favorite go-to flashlight when wearing shorts. Using a 10440 (AAA size Li-ion chemistry) battery and the latest Nichia 519A LED it packs an outsize punch for its size and has a programmable driver that lets the user select their preferred mode group. Unfortunately, battery capacity is incredibly low compared to more usual 14500 and 18650 cells, so this isn’t a top pick for flashlight-heavy adventures.

The original Hoku is also available at a lower starting price without a clicky, using twist to activate. Despite my affinity to twisty lights I find the new Clicky version to be a massive upgrade for daily use.

For those looking to fill a similar role at a more affordable price point, the Rovyvon A3 G4 is an excellent alternative, but has a substantially worse clip and is better used when attached to a keychain.

Pros:

  • high quality build and machining
  • most powerful flashlight available in its size
  • amazing pocket clip
  • excellent clicky action which is nicer than any other pen size light on the market
  • programmable driver for fine tuning the mode groups to user’s preferences
  • can be customized at time of order to suit a variety of aesthetic tastes
  • Laulima offers top tier customer service as a two-man operation

Cons:

  • very expensive for an aluminum light
  • runtime is very short especially on higher modes due to FET driver
  • reverse clicky is “slow” to activate compared to standard McClicky lights
  • availability is currently limited as maker hasn’t been able to catch up to demand
  • @[email protected]English
    2•1 year ago

    I’d add that the switch seems overly recessed, or that it’s rather a small diameter,either way it feels more difficult to click. Which is exacerbated by the poor choice of the reverse clicky.

    That’s said, it disappears in the pocket and packs a punch in such a well done package. I find myself carrying it a ton.

    • @barry_budapestOPEnglish
      2•1 year ago

      Agreed on the switch being a little hard to press compared to most. I think the upside is that reverse clickies for whatever reason tend to be far more durable/reliable over time especially at high amperage, so I can’t complain too much about it. Plus of all the lights I own I’d trust that the Hoku Clicky will never turn on accidentally in my pocket.