AA/AAA lights for emergency kits

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Nacht

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Jun 8, 2015
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There are so many choices out there that I've been struggling to find what I need and hope the wisdom and knowledge here will help me find some good lights.

I'm sure this question gets asked often, so I appreciate your patience because technology changes really quickly. I went to buy another Foursevens that was purchased in December and they were no longer making it.

The short version of what I would like assistance finding is really long lasting AA and AAA flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns for power outages and emergencies. Being able to go to a higher brightness is a big plus, but I'd really like lights that last a long time in the 20-50 lumen range and are waterproof to a reasonable standard.

I'd also really like the lanterns to take no more than three batteries at a time, flashlights two, and the headlamps one AA or three AAA. I'm hoping that giving some features I'm looking for will aid you all in helping me :)

Thank you all for taking the time to read this!
 
Recently got a ZebraLight SC5w flashlight.

This is a 1 x AA light, with multiple modes.

I've been VERY impressed with this so far !



Has a Medium-2 mode, which produces (factory specs)
19 Lumens.

And my testing confirms that Sanyo Eneloops (2000 mAH)
(at least seven years old !) run in perfect regulation
for 16 HOURS !

Then, it doesn't simply GO OUT, and leave you
stuck helplessly in the Darkness . . . .

Automatically drops to Low-1 mode of 3 Lumens.

Continues to provide this lower light level
for More than an HOUR !


VERY handy and useful flashlight !

I'm impressed !

:twothumbs

Edited to add --

Of course, for Emergency Kits,
i would recommend Energizer Ultimate Lithium (L91)
batteries !

Figure those will last 1.5 times as long as my white Eneloops !

_
 
By term "emergency flashlights", I assumed that this would be a "secondary flashlight", separated with your daily EDC flashlights.

I myself keep a few of these cheap flashlights and spare AAA batteries at home, just in case I have trouble with my "main flashlights".

76931_20150603024626.JPG


They only has one brightness level at about 70-100 lumens (I haven't measured it yet, just estimation). I got them for about $5 (each!) including shipping from AliExpress.
 
Go to Battery Junction and pick up a dozen or so Titanium Innovations button cell lights. At that quantity, about a dollar each. I have one on the zipper of every jacket and coat I own, as well as my keyring. Just enough light to see to get around and last a long time. Grab a couple of pop-off neck lanyards and you can keep one with you all the time when the emergency strikes.

For a single AAA light I have the Streamlight Microstream. $20, single mode, four hour run time with lithium primaries, 20 some lumens. Mine is my EDC, and I love it. For a single AA I would get the Streamlight ProTac EMS. 3.6/10/50 lumens and a decent run time with lithium primaries.

Those handle the close-in tasks. For a reach out and touch someone light get a Nitecore EA41. Four AA, good run times, especially with the two lowest modes, small and easy to use.

For a lantern I have to disagree. My choice is the Energizer Folding Area Light. Takes eight AA for some serious run times, but can run on four as well. Infinite brightness adjustment between high and very low. The big advantage is that it folds flat to not much larger than a paperback book. A lot easier to store than a typical round lantern.

And, as Burgess says, Energizer Lithium primaries are the way to go for emergencies. The only reason to use an alkaline is if there is absolutely nothing else available. I have several 18650 lights, so have a charger for them and for NiMH AA and AAA cells. Those are what I use in my every day stuff. But I also have a 14 watt solar panel and a couple of power banks so I can recharge everything, as long as I don't get to wild, even without power.
 
My son starts college in New Orleans in late August. I'm giving him an Eagle Tac D25A Clicky Nichia titanium and an 8 pack of AA Energizer lithium primaries. Nice enough that he'll take it and robust enough to be reliable. A nice light and UI is good for him. I just don't use it and this will be a good use for a good light.

He also has a bunch of button cell lights. I get mine from the Hound and tie lanyard knots on them (sometimes with GITD 1/16" cord).
 
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For emergency kits, I like low voltage Quarks (dealers still have them) and the D25A Ti since both have efficient low mode spacing and can easily be MacGyvered to run on ANY battery (eg, 9v, D, CR123, 18650). I'd suggest two of the same/similar lights for parts redundancy over a dedicated lantern or headlamp, which can be covered with an aftermarket diffuser or headband.
 
There are always a lot of opinions on this. You can't go wrong with just about any light. However, the cheaper you go, the higher the likelihood of the light failing. Although, even the most expensive lights fail. I would at least go with one of the better known brands.

The MOST important part, in my opinion, is to NOT use alkaline batteries. They are notorious for leaking if left unused, as most emergency flashlights are. Use lithium primaries or Eneloops, and you have a much lower chance of leaking and destroying the light.

Eagletac makes some great AA lights, but can be on the pricier side. I use the D25a and D25a2 Tactical.

Thrunite has some nice prices and pretty good quality. I use the Archer 2A V2, T10 and Ti3 (aaa)


Sent from my iPhone using Candlepowerforums
 
sandalian said:
By term "emergency flashlights", I assumed that this would be a "secondary flashlight", separated with your daily EDC flashlights.

I myself keep a few of these cheap flashlights and spare AAA batteries at home, just in case I have trouble with my "main flashlights".

76931_20150603024626.JPG


They only has one brightness level at about 70-100 lumens (I haven't measured it yet, just estimation). I got them for about $5 (each!) including shipping from AliExpress.
Click to expand...

A lot of my lights eat batteries. I've just in the past year begun to spend the money to try and get better lights that have a longer run time. Those are fine in most situations, but I live in an area where earthquakes, fires, and severe winter storms could happen, so at some point I could be without power for an extended period of time. I'm trying to find flashlights, lanterns, and headlamps that would give me sufficient lighting on a high mode, but have long running medium modes, so my batteries would last longer.
 
reppans said:
For emergency kits, I like low voltage Quarks (dealers still have them) and the D25A Ti since both have efficient low mode spacing and can easily be MacGyvered to run on ANY battery (eg, 9v, D, CR123, 18650). I'd suggest two of the same/similar lights for parts redundancy over a dedicated lantern or headlamp, which can be covered with an aftermarket diffuser or headband.
Click to expand...

The Quark Tactical was actually the discontinued light I spoke of. The representative informed me they were being replaced by a Quark Click in the next few weeks. My only hesitation is sometimes replacement products have additional features, but take a few steps back in other key areas. I'm hopeful about the Click, but will have to wait until the knowledgeable people on here do a review before I purchase one.
 
Nacht said:
The Quark Tactical was actually the discontinued light I spoke of. The representative informed me they were being replaced by a Quark Click in the next few weeks. My only hesitation is sometimes replacement products have additional features, but take a few steps back in other key areas. I'm hopeful about the Click, but will have to wait until the knowledgeable people on here do a review before I purchase one.
Click to expand...

Yes, I know, and I have a new Click coming. I mean you can still get the old versions from dealer stock - eg, I see 14 QT2A-Xs left on Amazon ;)
 
reppans said:
Yes, I know, and I have a new Click coming. I mean you can still get the old versions from dealer stock - eg, I see 14 QT2A-Xs left on Amazon ;)
Click to expand...
Thank you! I didn't realize they still had them in stock. Would you spend that kind of money for the QT2A-X or wait and see about the Click?

There have sure been some good suggestions that I thank you all for! It looks like I'll be getting an Eagle, Microstream, and some new batteries. I haven't had a chance to look at the Zebra light suggested above, but will do so shortly. I had previously been looking at the Fenix LD09, EO5, and the E01, but those seem a cut above.

The lanterns currently on my list are the Streamlight Seize and the Fenix CL20. The UST 10 day lantern is appealing, but it takes six AA. Is that an advantage when it comes to conserving batteries or counterproductive?

When considering headlamps are the Black Diamond Spot or Fenix HL23 good choices?

That Zebra SC5W looks like a lot of flashlight for the price, but it's confusing because it looks like there are a few versions with different numbers and letters. Also, where is the best place to get one?
 
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reppans said:
For emergency kits, I like low voltage Quarks
Click to expand...
I like the low voltage Quarks as well. My primary EDC since 2009 has been a Quark in one form or another (primarily AA). I've had excellent reliability and durability from my lights, but Fourseven's customer service is top notch if you have any problems. I prefer the now discontinued Quark Pros, but did pick up a Quark Click (QK2A-X) at Blade Show this past weekend. It is a forward clicky (like your Tactical) and comes from the factory programmed with the modes you select. It is very simple to toggle through the modes, plus it has mode memory so the light will come on in the last mode used. I think either of the 2AA Clicks (QK2A or QK2A-X) would make a very good emergency/utility light. I would probably opt for Moonlight/Low/Med/Max so I would have the option of long runtimes and higher lumens.

For AAA lights, I like the Fenix E01. It's nothing fancy and doesn't have the best tint in the world, but gives you usable light for around 20 hours. It's IPX8 rated (waterproof to 2m) and at ~$12, affordable enough to have a few stashed in different kits.

Lanterns - I have both Streamlight Siege's (3AA and 3D cell) and have been very pleased with them.

Headlamps - I don't have much experience with headlamps, but do have an Underwater Kinetics Vizion that seems to be a good light, especially in harsher conditions. You mentioned the Black Diamond Spot. I've read some good reviews and would like to try one myself.

Hope this helps.
 
twin63 said:
I like the low voltage Quarks as well. My primary EDC since 2009 has been a Quark in one form or another (primarily AA). I've had excellent reliability and durability from my lights, but Fourseven's customer service is top notch if you have any problems. I prefer the now discontinued Quark Pros, but did pick up a Quark Click (QK2A-X) at Blade Show this past weekend. It is a forward clicky (like your Tactical) and comes from the factory programmed with the modes you select. It is very simple to toggle through the modes, plus it has mode memory so the light will come on in the last mode used. I think either of the 2AA Clicks (QK2A or QK2A-X) would make a very good emergency/utility light. I would probably opt for Moonlight/Low/Med/Max so I would have the option of long runtimes and higher lumens.

For AAA lights, I like the Fenix E01. It's nothing fancy and doesn't have the best tint in the world, but gives you usable light for around 20 hours. It's IPX8 rated (waterproof to 2m) and at ~$12, affordable enough to have a few stashed in different kits.

Lanterns - I have both Streamlight Siege's (3AA and 3D cell) and have been very pleased with them.

Headlamps - I don't have much experience with headlamps, but do have an Underwater Kinetics Vizion that seems to be a good light, especially in harsher conditions. You mentioned the Black Diamond Spot. I've read some good reviews and would like to try one myself.

Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
It does help. Thank you!

Why do you prefer the discontinued Quark to the new Click? I'm not sure what the differences are between the QK2A and the QK2A-X, but I'm guessing since you bought the X it's the one to buy?
 
Fenix CL 20 lantern: can substitute a CR123a for the two AA's

D25A

D25AAA

Keep in mind AA's and AAA's are easy to find and cost effective when power is out for a long time.

Good luck with your choice(s)!
 
Nacht said:
Why do you prefer the discontinued Quark to the new Click? I'm not sure what the differences are between the QK2A and the QK2A-X, but I'm guessing since you bought the X it's the one to buy?
Click to expand...
The discontinued Quark's UI was managed by twisting the head of the light to access different modes. Fully tightened was Max, click again for Strobe and loosened gave access to Moonlight, Low, Med, High, SOS, Beacon. It's really just personal preference, since I've been using the Quark Pros for several years.

The difference between the QK2A and QK2A-X is the emitter. The QK2A uses an XP-G2 (slightly tighter hot spot, a bit more throw, but only 246 max lumens) while the QK2A-X uses an XM-L2 (a bit more flood than the XP-G2 and 336 max lumens, but slightly less overall runtimes). Again, personal preference.

The light I bought was actually the QK2L-X (I apologize - I listed the wrong model in my original post). It's the 2xCR123 version with a 780 lumen burst mode. I didn't have any Quarks with a forward clicky (tactical) switch or the 780 lumen head. For emergency/kit lights, I would stick with one of the 2AA models.
 
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I have the D25A in my shopping cart. I'm still not entirely sure of it's advantages over a Fenix E12, but I trust many of you wouldn't have suggested it if it wasn't the way to go.

I'll have to think about it, but I lean towards the QK2A with the higher run time and throw because 246 lumens is still pretty bright.
 
There is this thing around here about stuff like that and it makes it hard to finalize a suggestion so, get both.

Have a great day.
 
Hahaha I'm halfway there. I just pre-ordered the QK2A on their site. I'm not one who takes long following good advice. Hopefully, there aren't any bugs.
 
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