4xAA Flashlight

[CarlR]

I really want a 4 x AA light but have not found much around.

I have done some searching on CPF history, and the consensus is that it's due to (a) people don't want to carry AA light that is 12" long (4xAA in a single line), and/or (b) it's more difficult to manufacture a non-round case to hold two side-by-side.

What seems like it would be perfect would be the same form factor as the EagleTac M2C4 series, but with AAs instead of 18650s.

Am I missing something?

The closest thing I have found is the Fenix TK40, and I am leaning toward that, even though I don't need that much power (but let's not kid ourselves, it certainly wouldn't bother me...). I need AAs because I don't trust myself to keep enough CR123s around and at the store they are like $10 a piece, which is ridiculous.

As a side note, anyone ever bought from this site: http://www.luxolite.com/products/fenix-tk40? Looks decent but I've never heard of it.

TIA

Carl

 

[FlashKat]

Why do want 4 AA? Is it for the size? Most AA flashlights are very bright and efficient on 1 or 2 AA batteries.

 

[carl]

you can get a custom maglite in a 1D shorty format holding a 4AA side-by-side battery carrier if you go to the CPF custom and modified section. Several machinists have been making them. One goes by wquiles (Will). He has tons of pictures on his thread.

The mag D size has lots of available accessories and you can spend as much or little to make your own with various options.

Also there is the polestar 6AA light. A bit smaller than the 8AA fenix tk40.

 

[CarlR]

Fair question. I have some 2AA lights, and they are nice. I am looking for more runtime, maybe a little more brightness, in the 300 Lumen range.

And honestly, the AA lights almost seem too small to me. I am so used to carrying old clunky C and D Maglites, I always afraid I'm going to drop or lose the little things. I'm certainly willing to carry a little more size/weight - in fact I may prefer it.

Sounds like the TK40 may be the best fit?

 

[CarlR]

Thanks Carl. I've been afraid to venture into the custom light waters but this might be worth checking out.

And, so you're the reason I couldn't just be "Carl"

 

[sol-leks]

I don't own one, but duracell makes a daylite tough led light that takes 4xAA's, looks pretty decent.

 

[yellow]

a light with a single 18650 as power source houses about the same power, is better to pocket, easier to machine, overall cheaper equipment, no chance to mix used/fresh batts, less rattling batts anyway, ...
probably a reason 1*18650 are getting more and more, 3/4*AA decrease.

 

[hyperloop]

Well, though it isn't a popular light here, i do own a LED Lenser P14 which runs off 4xAA and can focus from a tight spot to a wall of light. Output wise, i don't think it hits 300 lumens but when i compared the spot to my Jetbeam Jet III Pro ST, it was equal to that at least. If you want, i can try and take some pictures to compare the 2.

 

[FlashKat]

Brightguy.com claims the Coast P14 puts out 212 lumens which should be bright enough.

 

[carl]

I got this advise from another similar thread.

Try the ultrafire FC-MCU-C88

it's 150lm out of the front, looks good quality but expensive.

http://www.qualitychinagoods.com/ult...88-p-1540.html

 

[Bolek]

Old but good Streamlight 4AA Luxeon

 

[SirJohn]

You could always go 6 AA and get the ITP A6. Or you could completely cheap out and get the poly Dorcy Cyberlight for $20, only rated for 180 lumens at best though.

 

[euroken]

There are Led Lenser M14 also that runs on 4xAA. I think it's just an updated P14 with regulation...Don't know all the details but have seen some posts about it in the past.


Oh, then there is Solarforce L2 2xAA host that you can change the drop-ins on. Probably one of the best for the price.

Good luck with your search!

 

[Tuikku]

Can this be modded to give more than 77lumen?

http://www.uwkinetics.com/product/15

 

[toolpig1]

Old but good Streamlight 4AA Luxeon

Still strong after being out a few years. If you take a look at Streamlight's Propolymer 4AA, make sure it's the Luxeon.

It's rated 40 lumens, which might scare you off, but don't be fooled. This light is a tough little thrower that can hold its own against lights rated 2-3 times as much.

 

[JaguarDave-in-Oz]

To me the advantage of the modernisation of torches is that they are getting enough performance into a small enough package that the carriage of a single all purpose torch in the pocket is becoming closer and closer to a reality. That means it might soon be no longer a case of having a big powerful torch sitting on the fridge for longer range outdoor use along with a smaller one on the cupboard for indoor use, one in the garage for under the car and another on the keyring for finding the keys. For me, a four AA torch does away with a goodly portion of the newly gained advantage and that's probably why they aren't quite as common nowadays as the slightly smaller sized configurations.

 

[toolpig1]

JaguarDave, you're right....plenty of very small, modern lights that do amazing things. Some of us still like the feel of a larger lights.
My Propoly 4AA fits the hand like a glove, and love the TK20 as well as any 2C light.

It's like with cars and trucks, you can certainly find ones that are faster, smaller, and get better fuel economy, but the Ford F-150 is still the most popular vehicle sold in the US year after year.

 

[JaguarDave-in-Oz]

JaguarDave, you're right....plenty of very small, modern lights that do amazing things. Some of us still like the feel of a larger lights.
My Propoly 4AA fits the hand like a glove, and love the TK20 as well as any 2C light.

It's like with cars and trucks, you can certainly find ones that are faster, smaller, and get better fuel economy, but the Ford F-150 is still the most popular vehicle sold in the US year after year.

Indeed, and that's why I have and cherish my led lenser p17, sized in between my old three and four cell maglites but great wads more illumination ability and runtime for those occasions where I feel the need for something substantial in my grip or when the old tuck-under-the-arm torch hold is more convenient.

I do keep an e-type in the garage for those times where the truck or sedan won't suit the occasion but if they ever put together a four door e-type ute then I'll have all bases covered, so to speak..........

 

[Flying Turtle]

I was always quite pleased with my UK eLED 4AA. It has that oddball side firing batwing LED and very good regulation. Don't think this exact light is still available.

Geoff

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

Re: 4xAA Flashlight vs. NiZn AA

As an owner of four 3xAA long lights (3 FiveMegas, 1 Dereelights), I asked FiveMega whether he could make a batch of 4xAA bodies. He replied that the advent of nickel-zinc (NiZn) cells had made that unnecessary. Taking his point, I've converted from NiMH to NiZn. At 1.6 to 1.7V per cell (under high loads), I get 4-cell output in a 3-cell length.