I have carried a flat utility flashlight every day for years…and that light was the Streamlight Wedge. And, my Wedge has the wear marks to prove it.
Recently, I started testing the Nitecore EDC17 to see if it could realistically replace my long-time daily carry.
This was not a “tactical” test.
I used the EDC17 the way I use any everyday carry flashlight: walking at night, checking the ground, finding items, and handling normal daily tasks.
What matters to me is how it carries, how it feels in hand, and whether its extra features are actually useful in real life.
This is a carry-based review, not a spec-sheet comparison.
Quick Takeaways
- Flat, slim EDC flashlight that rides well in the pocket
- Multiple lighting modes that see real daily use
- Higher output than the Streamlight Wedge
- Extra tools (laser and UV) add utility without bulk
First Impressions After Daily Carry
I carried the Streamlight Wedge for a long time. It worked well, but it is a simple tool. I picked up the Nitecore EDC17 to see if it could fill the same role while offering more flexibility.
Right away, the EDC17 feels like a work-focused utility light. It is not tactical in appearance or use. I treat it as a tool I grab multiple times a day.
A few things stood out immediately:
- Flat body with a clean, simple profile
- Deep-carry pocket clip that keeps most of the light hidden
- Side switch that is easy to locate and press
The pocket clip works the way I prefer. It slides into the pocket easily, stays secure, and does not stick out.
Design and Build Quality
Flat, Pocket-Friendly Shape
The EDC17 is a flat EDC flashlight designed for pocket carry. It rides low profile and stays out of the way, similar in concept to the Streamlight Wedge. For daily tasks, the shape matters more than aggressive styling.
Deep-Carry Pocket Clip
The deep-carry clip is one of the biggest things I look for. Only the top edge of the light is visible in the pocket, and nothing catches or shifts throughout the day.
What I notice most:
- Easy insertion and removal
- Secure hold once clipped
Side Button and Controls
The side switch has a clear, tactile click. I can feel each setting without looking. It cycles through low, medium, and high output.
Small LED indicators on the side show battery level, which makes it easy to check charge before relying on the light.
Light Output and Modes
White Light Performance
The Nitecore EDC17 offers three brightness levels:
- Low for close tasks
- Medium for walking and general use
- High for maximum output
On high, the EDC17 reaches roughly 1,350 lumens, which appears noticeably brighter than the Streamlight Wedge. For an everyday carry flashlight, that extra output is useful when needed.
Battery status LEDs activate when the light turns on, so I always know how much charge I have left.
Extra Features That Actually Matter
Built-In Laser Pointer
The laser gets used more than I expected and a quick press of the side button activates the laser, even when the flashlight itself is off.
I use it for:
- Teaching and instruction
- Pointing out objects or terrain
- Directing attention without blasting white light
It lets me point, release, and move on without running the main beam.
Integrated UV Light
Another press switches the laser to UV.
I live in a rural area with scorpions, which glow under UV light. This feature lets me spot them at night around the house. It adds real utility without adding noticeable weight or bulk.
Charging and Battery Life
The EDC17 charges via USB-C, which keeps things simple. I already have these cables everywhere.
After several days of heavier use, the battery indicators still showed roughly three out of four bars. For daily carry, runtime has been solid and predictable.
Nitecore EDC17 vs Streamlight Wedge
Size and Carry Feel
The EDC17 is shorter than the Streamlight Wedge but slightly wider. Thickness feels similar. Both ride flat in the pocket, so the carry experience feels familiar.
Pocket Clip Comparison
The EDC17 clip sits deeper in the pocket and only the top edge shows. The clip itself runs longer, even though the light is shorter overall, and stays secure once clipped.
Output and Controls
The EDC17 offers three brightness levels instead of the simpler setup on the Wedge. The side switch provides clear tactile feedback, and on high output the EDC17 is definitely brighter to my eyes.
Daily Use in Real Life
Handling and Ergonomics
When I pull the light from my pocket, my thumb lands on the switch without thinking. The light texturing provides enough grip without feeling aggressive.
Being able to tap the button and instantly check battery status is a small detail that ends up mattering.
Everyday Tasks
I use this as a utility light, not a tactical tool. It handles:
- Finding keys
- Walking at night
- Checking ground conditions outdoors
The extra modes see regular use:
- Laser for teaching and pointing
- UV for spotting scorpions
They add capability without slowing me down.
Pocket Comfort
It sits flat and remains comfortable all day. I carry it clipped in my pants pocket from morning to night without issue.
Final Verdict
The Nitecore EDC17 fits how I actually work. It is easy to carry, easy to operate, and does not require thought to use.
The flat profile and deep-carry clip keep it out of the way. The added features provide real utility instead of gimmicks.
Reasons it stays in my pocket:
- Practical low, medium, and high white light
- Laser that I use regularly
- UV light that is genuinely useful where I live
- USB-C charging
- Battery life that holds up under daily use
I do not treat this as a tactical flashlight. I treat it as a daily utility tool, and it performs that role well.
Right now, the Nitecore EDC17 is in my pocket.
The Streamlight Wedge is in my drawer.
I have not found a reason to stop carrying it yet.
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