AA flashlight - Your thoughts

[beginner123]

Hi,

I'm quite new to this, hence the name,

I'm in the market for a reliable flash light/torch, I'm in law enforcement and need a light that can be attached to my duty belt through a holster.

My preference is using AA batteries (2), as they are available everywhere, and if i need them whilst out and about, the corner store will have them.

as you would imagine, all im after is two setting on the torch, Max and Low.

Max will be the main use, so i would like a good flood/throw. The low setting will be mainly used so i can read driver licenses etc... and not blind myself.

A guy at work has or (had) the four sevens AA2 turbo flash light, but recently lost it due to the crappy holster that is came with. (he was also winging about the tail rubber button falling apart).

So, i would like a good torch, with a sturdy holster.

My budget is approx $60.

Thanks,

Robert.
:thanks:

 

[joe1512]

Well, you have quite a few choices. I recommend going to goinggear.com and doing a search for "AA". This will give you a pretty good list of what is available.

A 4Sevens or Fenix latest version of an 2xAA should do nicely. Be sure to get an XP-G emitter as it is the latest...preferably S2 bin but R5 is fine too. XM-L would be even better but they have a fatter head than you might like.

 

[Napalm]

Eagletac P20A2 with XP-G S2.

It has more than 2 modes, with the Maximum and Medium being directly and easily accessible. the other modes are more complicated to access but won't stay in your way either.

Nap.

 

[tre]

FYI, the rubber switch boots on all lights will wear out with use. It is an easy and very cheap item to replace.

There are a ton of great 2AA lights. I have quite a few. DO NOT get a 2AA light with an XML (like a Thrunite Neutron) - it will be way too floody with no throw at all.

Take a look at:

EagleTac P20A2 MKII - get the XPG version. good throw and flood. low mode may not be low enough. Reverse clicky may be an issue.

Fenix LD25 - decent throw and flood. Great 3 lumen low mode (yes it exists). 180 lumen and 45 lumen main modes. Much brighter than advertised lumens. VERY tough light (mine has been abused). I would say the toughest. It is metal coated with rubber. forward clicky.

4sevens quark AA turbo - yes your buddy had one but it is a nice light.

Dereelight Javelin - Great throw, 3 brightness modes, no strobe, forward clicky, uses standard P60 drop-ins. It is small and light. I've never dropped mine but I somewhat question the toughness if I did (I could be wrong).

Solarforce L2r 2AA body with Dereelight P60 Javelin drop-in (or other drop-in) - The Solarforce L2r body is heavy, tough, and cheap. If you screw it up just spend another $12 and get a new one. It uses standard P60 drop-ins so you can put whatever low voltage drop-in you want it the thing. I like the Dereelight XPG Javelin drop-in because it throws well and has a large hotspot. Changing P60 drop-ins gives you a new light in the same body any time you want to buy a new drop-in. It does have a reverse clicky - not sure if that is an issue for you.

 

[GeoBruin]

In my experience, flashlight companies are not holster companies. Buy the light for the light, and get the holster separately. That said, the Quark is a great option. It has high and low accessible easily and the other modes are hidden.

 

[B0wz3r]

For something nice and bright with a simple two level interface, look at the Jetbeam BA20.

 

[Napalm]

EagleTac P20A2 MKII - get the XPG version. good throw and flood. low mode may not be low enough. Reverse clicky may be an issue.

It's forward clicky with momentary.

 

[bullinchinashop]

http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-255/**NEW**-JETBeam-BA20-XP-dsh-G/Detail
I don't know what kind of beam it has but this will almost definitely be my next AA light.

 

[LEDninja]

:welcome:
The Quark MiNi AA2 will fit in pants back pocket.
Shown with Minimag 2AA and a Duracell 2AAA penlight.

A bit heavy for shirt pocket carry, but known to be carried in working man's shirts with the button down flap.

Available at 4sevens and goinggear.
Don't forget your CPF discount!

 

[aimxplode]

For something nice and bright with a simple two level interface, look at the Jetbeam BA20.

Another +1 for BA20

 

[samgab]

You only want 2 modes, nice and simple, and 2 AAs? I'd suggest Fenix E21. or E21 warm white.
It's affordable, strong, and will be reliable as anything available.
• 164mm (Length) x 25.4mm (Diameter)
• 90-gram weight (excluding batteries)
Waterproof of course, and digitally stabilised to maintain constant brightness at either 48 lumens or 150 lumens, and long battery life.

Edit: of course, no holster... for a great holster you could contact Dan, aka cpf user Hogokansatsukan...
Check out some of his holsters here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?318852-Holster-for-my-SC600!
He does a lot for LEOs

 

[EnduringEagle]

Well, you have quite a few choices. I recommend going to goinggear.com and doing a search for "AA". This will give you a pretty good list of what is available.

A 4Sevens or Fenix latest version of an 2xAA should do nicely. Be sure to get an XP-G emitter as it is the latest...preferably S2 bin but R5 is fine too. XM-L would be even better but they have a fatter head than you might like.

+1 on this. EagleTac also a good choice.

 

[tre]

It's forward clicky with momentary.

Good catch. It has been a while since I had one.

 

[tre]

Edit: of course, no holster... for a great holster you could contact Dan, aka cpf user Hogokansatsukan...
Check out some of his holsters here http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?318852-Holster-for-my-SC600!
He does a lot for LEOs

Yes, do this. He makes some great stuff.

 

[beginner123]

Wow,

Thanks for the great feedback! this in one amazing forum.

The three flashlights I'm liking the look of at the moment is;

1. Jetbeam BA20 - 270 Lumens - The extra lumens may be good.

2. Fenix E21 - 150 lumens - looks Nice and simple

3. FourSevens (mini aa2) - 206 lumens

Would the extra lumens of the jetbeam make it a better, brighter light with more throw?, and would the extra lumens mean a shorter battery life?

The fenix and foursevens look very similar to me, but look great.

I have a funny feeling that one flashlight will lead to many!.

Thanks everyone for there time and knowledge!.

Ps, those holsters look great!, Perfect for my belt. I will have to look into that!.

Thanks again.




Edit: How about the Fenix LD25 as well?

 

[skyfire]

i have a quark AA turbo and think its a good choice.
you can easily buy a new tailcap or switch boots. cant really say that about most other brands.

i do worry about its bezel protection, or lack of it, along with its larger lens, makes for a bad combo.

a maxpedition 5 inch holster would provide better protection, and itll be more secure.

 

[Samy]

I have both a Klarus ST20 and a 4Sevens Quark Tactical, both use 2x AA's and are excellent lights. For your use i'd get the Quark in Tactical format for ease of use.

cheers

 

[ROVER]

Another +1 for BA20

Here's what I'd do with the $60...
1. Get the abovementioned JetBeam BA20 for $40 from shiningbeam...with it's simple 2 stage interface, forward clicky (can do momentary) and good brightness.
2. You could stop there, but rechargeables are so much better performing than alkaline batteries, so I'd recommend using the $20 you have left, buy Sony's awesome 4 independent channel smart charger and a set of LSD NIMHs on sale at amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DL9WDG/?tag=cpf0b6-20

 

[LEDninja]

3. FourSevens (mini aa2) - 206 lumens

The Quark MiNi AA2 is a twistie and 180 lumens.

The Quark AA2 is a rear clickie and 206 lumens.
It comes in regular, tactical, and turbo versions.
Regular - loose head moonlight, tight head max.
Tactical - You can program your own 2 levels for loose and tight head.
Turbo - a tactical with a bigger reflector/head for more throw.

 

[shao.fu.tzer]

If you're in law enforcement, you might want to spend a little more than $60 on your duty light and get something made in the US with a bomb-proof warranty - like a Surefire E2L AA Outdoorsman (3 lumen low, 80 lumen high - conservative SF numbers though). But since everyone else is recommending Chinese lights, you could always go the cheap route and get a Solarforce L2r with a low voltage 2 or 3 mode XPG dropin. It would holster well and is easily upgradeable.