AA Flashlight recommendation

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SomeoneSomewhere

Newly Enlightened
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Jan 8, 2008
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I'm relatively new to the flashlight world and being a college student precludes me from following up on my wanton lust as much as I'd like so I'm trying to be pragmatic and really pick the one AA light I'd need. I'm considering either the new Liteflux LF5 XT or the LRI Photon Proton Pro.

I already have a Fenix L0D on my keychain so what I'm mostly looking for is something to augment it when I'm wearing a blazer or coat or something with more space than just jeans and a t-shirt. What I really like about the Pro is its size, the clip, and that it looks kinda dressy for when I'm at a banquet or important event. But then that only happens so often and if the lights go out I imagine people aren't going to be criticizing how well the light matches my tux.

As I said, I'm new to the flashlight world and new to carrying them so I welcome any advice from you folks who are much more initiated in the finer points of it.
 
Im going to suggest a minimag AA with a drop in, three reasons they look good, not too bulky, they come in loads of colours and there cheap :D

Have you looked into a Fenix L2D or even the L1D?
 
I have the NDI, Jet-1 IBS. Both are fine lights, but I heartily recommend the Fenix L1D / L2D.
 
I have the L1D, L2D and the Nitecore DI and well they don't quite compare. The Nitecore is a much better light, more expensive too so it many not be worth it to some people.
Don't get me wrong the L1D and L2D are excellent lights but just not quite as good as the NDI.
 
LightJaguar said:
I have the L1D, L2D and the Nitecore DI and well they don't quite compare. The Nitecore is a much better light, more expensive too so it many not be worth it to some people.
Don't get me wrong the L1D and L2D are excellent lights but just not quite as good as the NDI.
Click to expand...
different stroke for different folks. I like the L1D way more than the NDI, which I still do like a lot btw.
 
i don't have any LiteFlux lights, so i can't comment other to say that fancy programming in a light is an attractive reason to purchase such. i have NovaTac a 85 & two 120P, a Ra Twisty-100-TW, a Mr. Bulk Chameleon, and two Mr. Bulk DragonHearts, w/other Bulkware on the way, plus a NiteCore Extreme, along with Gladius and Typhoon - both with some programming/configuration features. so, i'm NOT down on fancy lights. [Note: please be aware that i'm NOT saying that the aforementioned don't have other aspects to them that are quite desirable and make them a good purchase aside from programmability/configurability, e.g. some of the above are very robust in construction, or special tactical uses.]

however, what i've noticed is that, for general EDC purposes, i program them a certain way, depending upon how i intend to use them, and then i almost never change the programming again. sometimes, one can find a non-programmable/configurable light which just happens to provide the light levels, etc. that one uses the vast majority of the time at a significantly lower price (not sure of the cost of the LiteFlux) than for a programmable light.

don't let this Post dissuade you from purchasing a LiteFlux light if that best fits your needs. i just want to, if appropriate, save you some $$$ by learning a lesson that i've learned from my excesses expenditures. i'm not dissappointed in any of these programmable lights (except maybe just a bit in the NE), but if $$ are tight, then a good non-programmable/non-configurable light might be a better way to go if one exists that closely (or exactly) meets your needs.

---------------------------------

if you're considering the ProtonPro, before you buy, do yourself a favor and also take a look at the LumaPower ConneXion ($52.95 at BatteryJunction.com use the coupon code cpf2006 or savespring2008 for add'l savings).

if you NEED either RED, or a really LOW Low (w/super long burntime), then the PP is the superior to the ConneXion. the PP (as was the 1st Gen. Proton) was my "goto" "smallest" 1xAA light when size was impt until i discovered the ConneXion.

however, my crabs w/the P/PP were that when i wanted dim white, i first had to fire that lil' fella up on HI white and ramp down. i rarely (almost never) used RED due to the poor color rendition which, in my case, is quite important to me in most cases, only when i wanted to start out w/really dim light, but i really would have preferred a dim white (not since my military days have i really ever needed RED light).

the ConneXion addresses this last concern. it's LOW o.p. mode is NOT anywhere near as low as the PP, but it suffices for most uses. the fact that the ConneXion can remember the "last used" setting (Low, Med, or Hi - there are only three of them; no silly, IMO [for most EDC uses], flashing modes) and turn on to that last used mode "automagically" is a real plus. side-by-side the 120-130 lumen o.p. of the ConneXion is overall brighter and it has a nicer/smoother beam pattern than the classic-Cree beam pattern of the PP.

the ConneXion is actually just a tad shorter than the PP, but appears more "porky" due to the fact that the PP tapers down in diameter below the "head", while the ConneXion retains the same outside diameter as the head throughout its entire length. the entire ConneXion's O.D. is the same as the PP's head O.D. so, in essence they are both about the same size, though the PP appears to be smaller until the two lights are placed side-by-side.

the ConneXion has a nice clip as well for proper bezel down carry - just like the PP (though the removable clip on the PP is nicer, IMO). however, in my case, since i'm almost never w/o a ballcap on my noggin', i use a AA Mini-Mag/GerberInfinity/Streamlight Jr./etc. barrel clip with both lights (and almost all of my other AA and CR123A lights - some larger O.D. CR123A lights excepting). the barrel clip is slipped or forced as the case may be (forced for CR123A lights; have yet to damage the finish on any light - just be careful) on the light so that it may be clipped to the brim/visor of a ballcap for hands-free use. obviously, a bezel down clip pointing to the head of the light doesn't facilitate this as well as a clip pointing to the tail of the light, but it can be done if one must with somewhat less effective results (clip it to the side of the cap brim and it points slightly inward - not ideal, but in a "pinch" it works).

anyways, these are my two shekels on the subject.

either way you go, i.e. PP or ConneXion, you haven't made a bad decision if you decide that you don't need the programmability/configurability of the LiteFlux.

two (or three if counting the LiteFlux) good choices are available to you. your needs, which you know best, will dictate which you go with.

enjoy. 'nuff said.
 
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Thanks Half-Watt, I'll probably go with the ConnexIon, looking at them. I'm not on too much of a budget but I know I have a tendency to spend way too much on silly things (Flashlights silly? Nonsense.) that I don't need so I'm trying to temper my natural inclination to buy every AA flashlight I looked at when realistically one would do the job.

The momentary on switch is pretty important on my list and I definitely like that the simple UI with only 3 modes.
 
:welcome:

Disclaimer: I don't have many AA lights, so take my suggestions with a grain of salt.

The LiteFlux LF5XT is the next AA flashlight I'm going to get. It's a little more complicated than other lights since it has many programmable features. Some people are turned off by the complexity and/or they have the mentality that the more complicated the light is, the more likely it'll fail. I personally like it, but to each his own. It also features a crenellated bezel, which members have mixed feelings about it.

I used to have the Fenix L1D and thought I was a great light. If you get it at Fenix-store.com and use the discount code CPF8, you'll get 8% off. I'm nitpicking, but the only thing that could make this light better for me is to add some knurling. The combination of wet hands and short flashlight can make it a bit slippery without knurling. Other than that, I cannot complain.

I have the Nitecore Defender Infinity, and think it's a good light. It has two programmable modes and one strobe mode, so you have the option of setting the level of brightness. It also features crenellated bezel, which you may or may not like.

Lumapower Connexion seem like a good light. I don't own it, but have the Lumapower Incendio which is the same but uses CR123a battery.

JetBeam has several AA flashlights, with the IBS models being programmable. I don't own any of them, so I cannot comment.

If you're not in a rush, you may want to check out CPF Marketplace. Many members here buy and sell lights pretty quickly, so oftentimes, you'll be able to get the light you want in like new condition for a deep discount.

Also, another site that many CPFer frequent is dealextreme. They carry a lot of flashlights and are priced relatively inexpensive. However, dealextreme is located in China (longer delivery time), and all the lights they carried are made in China. Some brands are very good, and some you should avoid altogether. For instance, all the other lights I listed above (Fenix, Lumapower, LiteFlux, etc) are made in China, but are of high quality. In dealextreme, you'll find many lights that don't even have a brand and simply named "CREE". Your best bet is to go to dealextreme and find the light you like and repost here (or start another thread) and see if anyone have the light you're interested in. Chances are high that if you like one light, there are many CPFers have purchased it. You could also take a look a this long thread regarding budget DX light and its performance.

That's all I have to say. Good luck
 
RWT1405 said:
Fenix L1T FWIW my .02
Click to expand...


+1 for the L1T v2.0. Good output on high, simple hi/lo UI and forward clicky for a good price. I thought about the LF LF5XT but am a bit paranoid of programmable lights. I'm always afraid that micros0ft made the software and that it will crash about as often as my computer. I'm just down with the simple hi/lo lights these days. Flashlights don't need to be/shouldn't be as complicated as they are lately......................
 
The L1/2D lights are pretty much the standard right now and are really one of the best buys around. My L2d has been through hell and back and daily use for a year (sometimes a couple sets of batteries a day) and it kept going with some regular maintenance.


The NDI would be a good one for jacket carry. I am still lusting after a Jetbeam IBS but some other lights are in the queue first. The Liteflux you mentioned is going to be one of them.
 
I'll chime in with another recommendation for the Liteflux LF5XT if you're after a programmable multimode AA torch. This is the best AA torch currently available as far as I'm concerned. Looks great, really well built, beautiful beam, great versatile programmable UI with true multiprocessor control. The other programmable lights such as the NDI and the Jetbeam IBS are very good also (not in the same league as the LF5XT IMHO) but I've had quality issue with both of mine.

If you're after a non programmable AA torch, then the Proton Pro could be the way to go. Again, well built, slim, attractive, great UI. It does have a very artifact ridden beam though. The L1D is a nice solid torch with great regulation, but it is a little bulky, and does not do a decent low.

If you're after the smallest and most unobtrusive AA then a Zebralight H50 could fit the bill. It's barely larger than the AA it uses, has 3 levels with a simple twist UI. Technically it's a headlight but it's very useful just as a plain torch.

Obviously you can't go for the CPF mantra of "buy them all and decide later" :) If I had to get rid of all my AA lights and keep only one, then it would be the LF5XT, it's just that good.

EDIT: The soon to be released D10 from 4 sevens/Nitecore also looks to be a great candidate, if the rumours are true!
 
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+1 on the L2D/CE-Q5 being the standard, and for the moment, almost the Holy Grail in AA flashlights.
It does it all with super bright capability, throws well for it's size, runs forever on lower brightness settings, and the strobe is cool for helping people find you in a crowd.

Short of something new coming out that proves itself to be better*, the L2D would be a good first choice.
If a smaller size is necessary, I'd go with the Jetbeam MK IBS as a single cell choice (I also have the NDI but I like the UI of the Jetbeam better).


* Too many people tout models that haven't even come out yet as being the next "greatest" light based on marketing promises alone.
 
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