(2) AA LED "back-up" light needed

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Hello everyone. I've settled on a Princeton Tec 40 for my main hunting flashlight and I am looking for a back-up light. Preferably something that runs on 2 AA batteries. This light would be used for hiking in the mtn's in the dark before the sun comes and after sunset. It doesn't have to shine 50 yards or anything but should give a guy enough light to climb through anything he may encounter.

The Princeton Tec 40 I just picked up seems to be a decent light. My back-up light wouldn't get used that much but it would be nice if it would run off of the "dead" batteries from the Tec 40. Even if there's another small light that I could buy an LED conversion kit for that would be fine as well.

I'm looking at something under the $15-$20 range if possible. Also the Princeton Tec 40 seems to be a good light, so I can stay with them for a back-up light that would be great.
Thanks much,

Herd Bull

 

[cave dave]

It's a little out of your price range but the opalec new beam mini mag conversion kit fits every other one of your qualifications. If you already have a new style Mini Mag, then this is for sure what you want. If not then the price jumps a bit high, but this light is worth it.

This is truely a great product. It's my favorite product of the year. (so far)

Check out the other threads. and here: http://ledmuseum.home.att.net/newbeam.htm

 

[txwest]

Empath's suggestion sounds to be the most practical to me. One other option close to that would be get a 2nd Tec 40 & a 3 or 4 LED bulb made by John B. But the Tec 20 with the Versalux sounds like a great idea. TX

 

[rycen]

What about the PT Impact?

 

[Lux Luthor]

Impact is a good backup light and will run "forever". In fact, you could just carry the bulb module and bezel if you're already using the Tec 40. Otherwise, carrying both might be a bit bulky.

Isn't CMG coming out with a 2AA LED light soon? That may suit your needs, but it doesn't really exist yet, so that could be a problem.

Dave's idea of using an LED Minimag is good. If you don't want to spend that much, the stock one may do just fine. It's less than $9 at Walmart, and has a built in backup bulb, and fairly good brightness and beam quality, strong aluminum construction, water resistance, and good runtime. It won't suck your batteries dry, though, like an LED will. So if you want a more serious survival type backup light, it may be worth the extra money for the LED conversion.

Tec 20 with LED bulb should also work well, although the head is a little large for this application. But if you don't mind that, this might be the easiest way to go.

One other thing: If you use the "2 flashlight system" - one for broad dim area light, and one for spotting, you cut down your battery demands dramatically, and you automatically have 2 lights in case of a failure in one of them.

 

[Empath]

It sounds like what you're after is the Princeton Tec 20. It's identical to the Tec 40, except it uses 2AA, and has a narrow beam reflector. I'd recommend getting the wide angle reflector at the same time you purchase the Tec 20. Otherwise, the narrow beam reflector probably wouldn't give you the pleasing beam characteristics you'd want. For burning the used AA cells from your Tec 40, you could get a Versalux PR 2AA LED bulb to drop into your Tec 20. It will give you light until the batteries drop down to .8 volts.

 

[Wits' End]

The CMG Infinity will use up your batteries and for walking will give you enough light, as long as you are away from light polution.
$10.99 + S from TTS.

 

[Quickbeam]

Let's look at the original question again: 2 AA batteries, LED, $15 to $20.

That's a tough one. Here's a few options, but most exceed the price range:

Opalec Newbeam - 2 AA, 3 LED, regulated, retrofit to minimag $28 + cost of Minimag

Technology Associates 1 LED replacement PR bulb - fits in any 2 cell light that takes PR base (standard flashlight) bulbs, step-up circuit - $13 + cost of cheapo AA light to put it in (works great in 2-AA "Sam's Choice" Wal-mart faceted reflector flashlight).

LEDtronics FlashLED 6 led light will run on 2 AA but no step-up - 1/3 the brightness of a photon with AA cells - $37

ARC LS - 1 Luxeon Star LED, very bright, comes with 3 battery packs including 2 AA, currently factory seconds available for $70

Other "close" options - run on 3 AA batteries include the Tektite Trek 4 and the Lightwave 2000 - both 4 LEDs, Trek 4 is more waterproof and durable but 2000 is a touch brighter $40-$45 each.

LED lights that run on 2 AA require a step-up convertor of some sort to boost the voltage, and that increases the costs quite a bit... so the price range you gave eliminates almost all the LED lights that run on 2 AA.

 

[lemlux]

Lightwave 2000 3AA flashlights with 4 LEDs have been autioning lately on EBAY for between $16 and $19 @ plus shipping.

Not as bright as John B's PR bulb modifications, but probably the best $20 LED value out there. Provides good brightness and will provide adequate brightness with relatively depleted AA's.

 

[Roy]

They're not the brightest in the world, but don't forget the Brinkmann "Long Life" and "Rebel". Both are single led, 2xAA regulated (if I remember correctly)lights. Sold at Wal-Mart for less than $15.00.

added later:

Also there is the Starlite 128R which is a single led and 2xAA. Order by e-mail for about $9.00.

See the LED Museum for reviews for all of the above.

 

[Slick]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Roy:
[QB]They're not the brightest in the world, but don't forget the Brinkmann "Long Life" and "Rebel". Both are single led, 2xAA regulated (if I remember correctly)lights. Sold at Wal-Mart for less than $15.00.
[QB]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree with Roy on this.. I have several of these single LED Brinkman's and they are perfect "glove box" lights. I keep a spare in all my vehicles and tool box as well.

 

[Roy]

In fact, it were the Brinkmann's that started me down the slippery road to being a flashaholic!

 

[treek13]

The Brinkmans are nice lights. I like mine alot especially for the money, but I am nearly positive that they are not regulated.