Opinions: Best EDC Flashlight using AA batteries?

glorn · **on:** January 04, 2009, 09:01:11 AM

I currently EDC a Mini Maglite 2 cell AA with an LED conversion. I'd like to hear some suggestions for what else might be out there that also uses AA batteries and performs as well or better. My main complaint with the Maglite with conversion is the length. I'd like very much to find something a bit shorter, if possible. A larger diameter is not an issue.

I wonder if this is possible without going to a 123 battery model?

Any help?

jzmtl · **Reply #1 on:** January 04, 2009, 09:04:54 AM

The important question is always how much do you want to spend?

glorn · **Reply #2 on:** January 04, 2009, 09:27:41 AM

I am always willing to pay for an item if it perfectly fulfills my needs. And I respect quality.

I do not want to pay for "the very best of the best" just for the sake of it, however. I do recognize diminishing returns and my own lack of interest in fawning over a name.

I like tough items that work and that offer a lot of bang for the buck. I appreciate good design, but I believe in function over form by a narrow margin.

Peak LED Solutions has some nice looking lights, and I even like the little molle clip bent jobber that Pentagon makes. I am used to and like Maglite, but I have been carrying them for decades now and I do not like the LED version they introduced. I carry an LED converted model now, and it just seems like it is time to move on to something that might be better designed for my needs.

Is $50 to $60 US reasonable for a solid EDC light? Can I spend less? Need I spend more?

donvito · **Reply #3 on:** January 04, 2009, 09:35:03 AM

Check out Gerber Infinity, cheap, reliable, and fits your specs. It's a twisty but you can use it like a clicky by pressing on the tail cap.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #4 on:** January 04, 2009, 10:33:22 AM

I really can't fault and of the Fenix range, and I'm sure they'll be one to suit your needs

parnass · **Reply #5 on:** January 04, 2009, 04:24:32 PM

Consider the LRI Photon Proton Pro. It runs on 1 AA battery, has both white (Cree) and red (5 mm) LEDs, adjustable brightness, and a lot of features. The Photon Proton Pro is well built and thinner than the Fenix 1AA flashlights.

I bought one for about $43 with free USA shipping from cfrlights.com

Here are a few reviews:

Review by CPF member this_is_nascar

Review on CPF Reviews

Leatherman123 · **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2009, 04:26:18 PM

I'd say go with the Fenix L1D or L2D they are spectacular lights!

Edit- you should check out the Streamlight Stylus Pro/Microstream lights. They are cheap and very adequate for EDC tasks.

jzmtl · **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2009, 05:42:30 PM

Fenix L1D, nitecore D10, LRI photon proton pro etc are all good choices, go with one with the UI you like. One thing thou with high powered AA light you NEED either rechargeable cell or lithium, alkaline cannot supply enough power at higher brightness levels and will die quickly.

Benner · **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2009, 06:00:21 PM

Quote from: Micky d on January 04, 2009, 10:33:22 AM

I really can't fault and of the Fenix range, and I'm sure they'll be one to suit your needs

My thoughts as well.

prime77 · **Reply #9 on:** January 05, 2009, 06:39:47 AM

The only AA light I have is the NiteCore Defender Infinity and I have been very pleased with it. It is a two level light with a very bright high, a user programmable low and a hidden strobe. There is a silver model and a anodized one as well.

NutSAK · **Reply #10 on:** January 05, 2009, 04:55:38 PM

I EDC a AA light, and I consider the NiteCore SmartPD D10 the best in that category. The combination of an excellent user interface, small size, aggressive knurling, HA-III finish, durable switch, dim "low" mode and a great pocket clip make it second to none, IMO.

665ae · **Reply #11 on:** January 05, 2009, 04:58:01 PM

Quote from: NutSAK on January 05, 2009, 04:55:38 PM

I EDC a AA light, and I consider the NiteCore SmartPD D10 the best in that category. The combination of an excellent user interface, small size, aggressive knurling, HA-III finish, durable switch, dim "low" mode and a great pocket clip make it second to none, IMO.

So what AA light would you consider the best of the ones you have? What one do you think runs the best off of Alkies?

glorn · **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2009, 05:55:50 PM

Quote from: prime77 on January 05, 2009, 06:39:47 AM

The only AA light I have is the NiteCore Defender Infinity

That is a nice looking flashlight!

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I have been looking at each of them as they come in. Good stuff out there!

Lithium batteries... got it. Or should I go rechargeable? If so, which brand? Do rechargeable batteries hold their power as long as alkaline or lithium? I normally EDC extra batteries and would need to know if they will fade on power too much compared to the alkaline units I carry now.

Neil · **Reply #13 on:** January 05, 2009, 07:39:16 PM

Go with new generation rechargeables that hold their power longer. Sanyo Eneloop are an easily obtainable option.

http://www.sanyo.com/eneloop/

Neil

Mike D · **Reply #14 on:** January 07, 2009, 04:21:53 AM

I gotta agree with Prime77. I also have an NDI, the anodized version, and its a great light.

american lockpicker · **Reply #15 on:** January 08, 2009, 01:24:04 PM

Minimaglite AA LED.

Rodion · **Reply #16 on:** January 10, 2009, 03:01:00 PM

Vic 2AA LED.

Not the brightest out there and has no ON button, but it's bright, tough, reliable, pretty and has a battery compartment that'll take fatter-than-standard AA. It is very much a user.

DoughDTD · **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2009, 09:55:31 AM

Don't count out the Olight T10-Q5 LED light. Its a slightly lesser known company, but they make FANTASTIC lights IMO. I have one, and it has blown me away with its preformance. Very long battery run times, good selection of levels, VERY bright, and sturdy as hell (not to mention very water resistant). I snagged mine, with an optional CR123A battery tube, for 45 shipped. The light by itself without the 123A tube will run you about 40 shipped, I believe.

-Dough

Neil · **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2009, 01:40:49 PM

I have an older L2D and a Nitecore D10. Both are good lights. I do quite fancy the new(ish) LRI Proton Pro.

Neil

Styerman · **Reply #19 on:** January 19, 2009, 07:24:02 PM

From what I have seen , factoring in build quality and interface simplicity , I would say the nitecore D10 , and D20 (2cell version ) .

Chris

Leatherman123 · **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:50:41 PM

The best EDC lighe IMO is the Fenix L1D!

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #21 on:** January 19, 2009, 10:53:38 PM

Fenix LD10 it's a superb light

Leatherman123 · **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:01:36 PM

Do you have it in silver or black? I cheaped out an bought black!

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:03:32 PM

Black, as it's a bike light too, so didn't want to anything reflective

Leatherman123 · **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2009, 11:28:04 PM

Did you get the Fenix bike mount too? If so, how does it work? Thanks

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Opinions: Best EDC Flashlight using AA batteries?

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