AA/AAA Pocketlight

[MatthewSB]

I'm looking for a high quality pocket light, something like a single AA, but preferably one that is big enough that I won't lose it.

I care more about high quality quality fit and finish than a lot of lumens and features.

1 mode is fine, 2 is better. More than that is the opposite of intuitive.

I'm going to be using this light in a garage and while working on equipment, there are times when my Surefire E1B or EB1 are too thick to keep in my pocket.

I'm pretty picky about quality - I love my Surefires, streamlight, etc. but have been disappointed by Fenix and Klarus due to their cheap feel. That said, I'm willing to give new lights a try.

Thanks for any ideas.

 

[mhs]

If weight isn't problem for you, I'd suggest Jetbeam E3S. Not the brightest, but it's well made, takes 1xAA and has 2 modes.

 

[bigchelis]

With small AA/AAA type of lights (which currently are my favorate) what do you look for:
Twisty
forward switch/Reverse switch
Piston
Momentary/on off

sub 100 lumens
Floody
ect...

I myself think the Peak Eiger AAA or Peak Volcano AA lights with momentary on/off are the best. I use them as single modes but since they can be super floody for closeup work it. Check out Oveready.com

bigC

 

[yoyoman]

Many options:

1. Malkoff Devices AA light: I don't have it (I'm not blaming Mr. Malkoff) because shipping and tax to Switzerland is too high. I'll probably order it when I go to the States to visit friends and family. The UI is questionalbe - H, L and blinky modes. I have several Malkoff drop ins (purchased from several dealers) and they are great quality. Don't know your budget and how strong your distaste is for multiple modes, but this should be a high quality light that meets your standards.

2. Olight I3s running on a 10440 Li-ion. Bright and nice fit and finish. Nice beam. I don't like the UI - M>H>LL

3. Maratac copper AAA or AA, mods by Vingh (XP-G2 4000K) running on 10440 or 14500 Li-ions. Nice tint (with the mod), very bright. I like the UI - L>H. I like the way the copper warms up when running Li-ions.

4. ThruNite Ti2 AAA, interesting UI (twist to L, keep twisting to H). I don't, but I hear you can run it on Li-ions.

5. Tank007 E09 is cheap, AAA, and runs on Li-ions. More throw than the others.

6. Titanium Innovations Illuminati CA-1 Alum: AAA, can run on a Li-ion, L>M>H UI. Very similar to the I3s.

7. Deeree Light DA-3: AAA (looses modes with a Li-ion). Kind of weird tint, but I like it. Very floody.

8. L3 Illumination L10 in either the Nichia 210 or XP-G2. 3 or 4 modes (always L to H). AA and runs on Li-ions. Don't get the white (it is paint). Very good value. I like this light a lot. The beam, tint and output are great. The fit and finish are OK.

9 DCQ AA or AAA comes with a magnet on the tail, which might be very useful. Very small - I have the AAA and it is much smaller than any other AAA. I don't have the AA version. SS and the knurling is good. Came dry as a bone - nothing a little lube couldn't fix. Neutral tint is nice. The AAA does not run on Li-ions, but I believe the AA does. Considering the SS body, this is another one that is good value.

10. Peak Eiger from Oveready. I have the Nichia 219 mule head and the XP-G2 4000K large optic. The large optic is on an AAA body, no QTC and momemtary switch. (Twist the head for constant on.) Streamlight Pro Stylus clip fits perfectly (you can order the part). Very bright on an Li-ion. The SS body is built like a tank. Longer than the others, but a very handy size. The Peaks are more money than the others - you didn't mention your budget.

Many, many others. These are just the ones that come to top of my head. There are threads about AAA and AA lights and the different choices.

I like AAA lights because they are so small. I clip them to my lanyard so I don't loose them.

 

[cjmorris]

Sunwayman v11r withh AA extender. Excellent UI and beautiful light.

 

[gsr]

The Malkoff MDC AA is a fantastic light, and should meet your requirements.

 

[AVService]

I have been carry the Zebra SC52 every day since it came out and can not imagine a better single AA light?
It is essentially a single mode light if you want to think of it like that and just not use the interface past that but the other modes don't seem to get in my way either.

The clip is very nice and never comes off unlike every slide on clip I have and the side switch is less prone to accidental use for me too than a tail clicky.

I also have and love the Peak lights and also carry one often.

 

[yoyoman]

^ I have a Zebralight H502D, which I don't think is what the OP is looking for because it is very, very floody. I bought it on a whim after reading paragraphs and paragraphs trying to explain how simple and nice the UI is. Bottom line is that it is well made, very solid and the UI isn't complex. If there is a version you like on the market fine, but if there is talk about a future model with the features you want, don't hold your breath.