Best AA ( single cell ) EDC light ?

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #30 on:** May 01, 2011, 10:01:07 PM

Quote from: NutSAK on May 01, 2011, 01:17:26 PM

Quote from: Heinz Doofenshmirtz on May 01, 2011, 11:56:48 AM
The QAA is a much better overall light than an LD10.

I would agree with that but mainly because I use 14500 in my EDC.

That's the beauty of the QAA... runs on any AA format cell... I gave my wife one for Christmas year before last and she can literally grab any cell off of my charger shelf, and as long as it's charged, it will work, no matter what it is; eneloop, 14500, lithium primary, etc., so I don't have to worry about her accidentally grabbing the wrong kind of cell for her light.

Styerman · **Reply #31 on:** May 02, 2011, 02:20:10 AM

Jet Beam has some interesting offerings , including a model that will take either AA or CR123 , or RCR123's . Whats their build quality/ruggedness like ? I'm a bit suspicous about the stated output levels - 255 for the CR123 , and 180L for the AA config . Price being about $110 USD with the AA extender .

Chris

Heinz Doofenshmirtz · **Reply #32 on:** May 05, 2011, 03:11:26 AM

Quote from: Styerman on May 02, 2011, 02:20:10 AM

Jet Beam has some interesting offerings , including a model that will take either AA or CR123 , or RCR123's . Whats their build quality/ruggedness like ? I'm a bit suspicous about the stated output levels - 255 for the CR123 , and 180L for the AA config . Price being about $110 USD with the AA extender .

Chris

You're thinking of the RRT-0. I had an older one with a neutral tint emitter that was very well made; the fit and finish were all top notch, and it felt very substantial and solid in-hand. It had a massive brass heatsink in it so it could run on max output for literally the entire charge cycle of a new cell without any heat issues. I sold it several months back on the CPF marketplace to fund a new purchase. I don't have one of the newer R5 models, but I've heard they're less solidly built; I don't think the brass pill in the light engine is as large as in the older models, most likely to reduce cost and save weight. But, all things considered, the RRT-0 is generally considered to be a pretty much bulletproof light. They are rather large for being a single cell 123/AA based light though.

I still have a Jet-III Pro ST with an XRE Q3/5B neutral white emitter and it also is very well made, just like my RRT-0 was. I've run it for extended periods on max and while it does get warm in-hand, it never has gotten so hot that I was worried about the heat build-up affecting the emitter. And, even though it's two years old now, it's still the single brightest EDC-size light I have, but I haven't gotten any of the newer lights with the XML emitter... Some of those that are powered off of 1x18650 can put out as much as 750 lumens on max.

I'm currently saving up to buy two new lights; a new Spark SL6 with an XML neutral white emitter that uses 1x18650 and has a max output of 740 lumens, and a Zebralight SC51c high CRI which will take the place of my current pocket EDC light, an SC50w+.

choombak · **Reply #33 on:** May 07, 2011, 04:55:50 AM

This may have been said before, but the best 1xAA light is the Zebralight SC50* or SC51* (either cool or neutral). Here are reasons why I feel so:
(a) side-clickie (unless you intend to use it on a gun, this is the best grip.
(b) fast access to low-low, highest, as well as medium
from off:
- short click to go to high
- click and hold for a moment and you are low-low
- double click and you are medium.
(c) the fit, and finish - this one is milled, and absolutely the best fit and finish I've seen. Also comes with a sturdy pocket clip.
(d) smallest AAA light - similar to the mini-AA.

Presently they have the SC50w+ and SC50+ on SALE for $49 US (plus ~$3 US shipping registered post).

Styerman · **Reply #34 on:** May 07, 2011, 05:12:35 PM

Zebra lights have interested me for some time , they have a very loyal following .

Chris

Bellasdaddy · **Reply #35 on:** May 13, 2011, 05:48:23 AM

Energizer 1AA Tactical. $16 at Target!

Tabasco · **Reply #36 on:** May 13, 2011, 06:46:16 AM

I have owned and sold a Nitecore D10 and a ZL SC50. There is one AA light that keeps ending up playing second fiddle to my CR2 Aeon. It's the Photon Proton Pro. While far from perfect, I really like the minimal weight, side switch, and pocket clip. I was able to open mine recently and I am debating replacing the 3mm red led with a white one. I have been pleased with it's performance on a Eneloop cell too.

ICanFixThat · **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2011, 06:10:20 AM

Yes, I really like the 'Photon Proton Pro' as well. they really need to update it though... fantastic light even if it does not have the best run-time or the best looking beam. They could really fix this and make it in to a SUPER light if they did a little work with it.

The Fenix LD10 is still a great AA light especially if you're using regular batteries. I like to gift AA and AAA lights, but I don't like to gift black lights to non flashaholics. I don't know if you can get the Fenix lights any more in their silver or grey anodizing.

Stainless Steel is always a favorite, but they can be slippery and heavy even in AA size.

I highly recommend the Zebra Lights, but I do find at least on the AA SC flashlights that accidental activation can be an issue depending on how it is carried. Super lights though, and the side switch is more comfortable for many people.

I think there is one limited edition Jetbeam AA I want to find, but other than that I'm waiting for new ZebraLights in the AA format. I'm very happy with 18650 though, and need to burn up my stock of CR123A, so I'm not using an AA light myself on a regular basis. Between AAA lights and those on 18650, I'm pretty covered for a while; especially since I have a number of CR123A lights that fit perfectly in the middle for size, output, and runtime.

Lots of great lights out there.

Tabasco · **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2011, 01:55:52 PM

Quote from: ICanFixThat on May 14, 2011, 06:10:20 AM

Yes, I really like the 'Photon Proton Pro' as well. they really need to update it though... fantastic light even if it does not have the best run-time or the best looking beam. They could really fix this and make it in to a SUPER light if they did a little work with it.

You are right.. it would not take much to improve on the light. I really like the form factor and ease of carry of the Pro. I machined off the keyring attachment and filled that void will glow powder and epoxy. Makes it very easy to find on the nightstand in the wee hours. Would be a quite unique looking light in other HA3 colors too, I imagine.

ICanFixThat · **Reply #39 on:** May 18, 2011, 11:33:10 PM

I think another light that would have to be considered in the list of best AA lights would be the Sunwayman V10A. Now I don't own one, I have their early M10R, and the new one is quite an expensive light, but they now have a smooth beam and the variable output with simple control ring is very intuitive. I'll be picking up one of their new V10R (CR123 version) lights, but I think their AA light would be pretty fantastic. This would be a great gift light if it was just a little more economical; unless your giving it to someone who can really appreciate it, then it is worth it.