2xAA thrower with a side switch?

[Gryffin]

As I've posted several times before, on the trail I like a headlamp with just enough lumens to know where my feet are going, and a "thrower" to see further ahead along the trail, or into the woods when something goes "bump". And, I've standardized on AA cells, to simplify my load-out: same cells for the headlamp, thrower, GPS, FRS/GMRS radios, whatever.

But here's the thing: the AA lights with good performance are 2xAA lights, like my Quark "X" AA² (who names these things???), but schlepping a long 2xAA light in a cigar grip for hours on end is a bit less than convenient. Having grown up on MagLites, an underhand grip and a side switch near the head seems a lot more useful.

So... Does anybody make a good 2xAA light with a side switch? Since I use the thrower intermittently on the trail, a single mode light would work, but I'd prefer a two- or three-mode light, ideally without blinky modes.

Any suggestions?

 

[enomosiki]

Romisen RC-P3 is a single mode 2xAA light with a side-switch that is used for activation. Unfortunately, it's not much of a thrower.

The best available 2xAA throwers, consisting of EagleTac P100A2, Dereelight Javelin and Quark AA² Turbo, all use tail switch.

The few 2xAA lights equipped with side switch use the side switch to change modes, and you still need to use the tail switch for activation.

 

[hiuintahs]

As enomosiki noted there's a number of 2AA lights that might could fit into the thrower category but most will have tail switches. And some will have mode select side switches which is a favorite of mine. If the predominate criteria is for a thrower, then you might have to compromise some.

A thrower will have a smooth reflector and possibly a deeper and bigger reflector to concentrate the hot spot. My 2AA thrower (if you want to call it that) is the iTP SA2 with XP-G and smooth reflector. It also has side mode selector switch and you do have to cycle through strobe if running through the modes. It's a little bulky and I don't think it's very popular around here but it has good spacing between modes and good regulation and efficiency.

 

[Gryffin]

Yeah, I'd seen the iTP SA2, and was disappointed to find the side button only switches modes. Ah well...

 

[roadkill1109]

dereelight javelin, but no side switch though.

 

[bbb74]

A zebralight SC51 is only a single AA but it has pretty much the same output as a lot of 2xAA lights (~200 lumens). It has a side switch.

It is not a thrower, but it depends on how much throw you really need. Its fine out to 20-30 meters or so, or more if your eyes are dark adjusted. How much throw do you actually need? I was going to suggest a fenix tk41 which is AA and has a side switch and has awesome throw ... but its 8xAA not 2xAA 🙂

 

[trevordurden]

The Fenix LD22 has a side switch to change modes, but it doesn't turn the light on or off. Because of the size of a 2 x AA tube, it's very hard to design a side switch in.

If you can deal with 3 x AA or 6 x AA, you should look at the Olight S35 and Olight S65.

 

[Gryffin]

A zebralight SC51 is only a single AA but it has pretty much the same output as a lot of 2xAA lights (~200 lumens). It has a side switch. … It is not a thrower, but it depends on how much throw you really need.

Yeah, I considered it. Too floody for me, though. Since I like to maintain my dark-adapted vision, the last thing I need is a big wall of bright light; I would prefer something a bit more precise. In fact, besides the SC51, that probably rules out any XM-L lights in that size as well. I also have a Quark AA² "X", and doesn't throw nearly as far as the older one.

What I've been using is my old 4Sevens Quark AA² Tactical. Even on the lower setting, I can see well ahead on an unfamiliar trail, and on high, it reaches waaaaay into the woods. If it only had a side switch, I'd be set!

I was going to suggest a fenix tk41 which is AA and has a side switch and has awesome throw ... but its 8xAA not 2xAA 🙂

With 8xAA, it better be a screamer! Not sure I wanna carry an extra backpack just for the extra AAs, though. 😉

(I know, I know... I shouldn't have to reload one of those unless I'm through-hiking the Appalachian Trail.)

 

[bbb74]

With 8xAA, it better be a screamer!

Oh yeah it is, it has a very deep reflector. With night adjusted eyes the throw on low might almost be enough to see a long way. On medium definitely.

 

[Labrador72]

The Fenix LD22 has a side switch to change modes, but it doesn't turn the light on or off.

Take a look at the the Klarus ST20, it's like the Fenix LD22: tail switch to switch or activate the momentary on/off and side switch to cycle through. The ST20 actually has a twist bazel to access hidden modes (2 flashing modes+ 1 super-low mode).
So you won't be able to switch on/off using the side switch! IMO, it is still a better option if you want to hold the light in a underhand grip for long times: if you expect o hold the light for hours, it is likely that you'll have it on for quite some time too and at least you won't have to change grip or use two hands to change output level.

Existing reviews don't say much about throw but the ST20 might be better than the LD22 in that respect.
Try to run a search on existing threads and check what those who have a ST20 say about throw. If you are luck you might be able to find someone who has both!