AA or AAA for Headlights?

[jayflash]

I offered my opinion that I prefered AA power and might not buy an otherwise good headlight if it needed AAA batteries. While AAAs would be perfect for a small LED light for quick, temporary, task usage, don't AAs make more sense for extended (hours long) use?

I'm seeking advice because someday (hopefuly soon) I want to supplement my Niteize head band and large, 4D belt pack, headlight with something in between. It seems that when the total weight and size of headlights is factored in, AA batteries don't add significantly to size/weight but more than double runtime or amount of light.

While AAAs are better for all-in-one front mount, AAs would probably be better rear band mounted in a separate enclosure. I'm thinking I'd prefer the rear/AA style. BTW, I'm not planning to use this light for laying down and reading. Hiking, caving, skiing, and repair jobs are my uses.

From what I've read on the CPF, both AAA & AA lights have their followers. What and why do you prefer a particular light. Thank you for taking part in the poll or your replys.

 

[Phaserburn]

Go with the 3AA Yukon HL. 3led for flood, 1W LS SE for nice white spot with throw. It's got a textured reflector, excellent build quality and will run a long time on the 3AA's. And, you can use lithiums if you so desire. A great all around performer. Very comfortable, sturdy and adjustable.

 

[SilverFox]

Hello Jayflash,

This is a hard choice. I have both types and use them a lot while camping. I think I prefer the AAA style because it is so small. I am not relying on a head lamp for hiking, just around camp chores. A light like the Pizel Tikka + offers decent run time and enough light to cook and clean up the dishes.

If you need to hike with a light, my decision would go to the larger battery types.

Tom

 

[Ocelot]

I prefer AA because when I use my light, I need it for many hours of use. I also use a 5W Luxeon as the LED, so that makes even more of a difference.

I also use NiMH rechargeable batteries. These have much lower internal resistance than alkaline AA batteries and can thus handle the higher powers necessary to drive 1W-5W Luxeons. And, at 2.25AH, the batteries last as long as AA's under low load conditions, and much longer than AA's under high load conditions. Alkaline AAA batteries have even higher internal resistance and quite a bit lower amp-hour rating.

You can pick up 2.25AH NiMH batteries for as low as $1.25 each (including shipping) when they are on sale. Otherwise you'll be paying $1.50-$1.75 per cell.

Scott

 

[PhotonBoy]

I use 4 NiMH AA's in an Elektrolumens Elektro Star headlight (1W Luxeon) which I use for biking and in winter for snowblowing at night-time (we had almost 3 ft. in one fall this year). But for casual, short time use, I'd prefer a 3 AAA light due to the lighter weight. Again, I'd likely use NiMH cells for economy. As usual, buy both.

 

[TheFire]

Depends on your needs. You get very long runtime with either option in strictly 5mm headlamps like the petzl tika, and those are usually good for walking around with. If you're looking for a 'hiking' headlamp and are willing to wear the bigger battery pack, go for it! I just don't like that style pack for most of my useage.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

I also prefer AAs. Looks like the Yukon HL would meet your needs, and it can use Lithium AAs (winter, Cold, extended runtime).

 

[jayflash]

Thank you for the insight. Yes, it looks like the Yukon is the current benchmark for me. I'm not rock climbing or into anything serious enough to warrant a $200 light so the $40 - $60 range seems appropriate.

 

[AilSnail]

aa is interchangeable with liion 17x50 if you can bore the container (f.x. princeton tech matrix). more enery dense at high power than primaries and cheap on ebay, i think.

 

[Xrunner]

AAA for size for most things, but AAs if runtime is a factor and size really doesn't matter. Somehow it seems that the AAA headlamps seem to do pretty well for most of my needs.

-Mike

 

[tygger]

are you sure about using lithiums for the HL? i didn't see that on the packaging at the store. if thats correct i'm gonna get one right away cause i backpack in cold weather and would love a lithium headlamp.

 

[Alan]

[ QUOTE ]
AilSnail said:
aa is interchangeable with liion 17x50 if you can bore the container (f.x. princeton tech matrix). more enery dense at high power than primaries and cheap on ebay, i think.

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you sure? I don't know if the circuit or the 3-poor-LED blow first🙂

Alan

 

[Emilion]

AA prefered, long run time is a must for my whole night trial, any headlamp that serves less then 15 hours will never be considered.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Lithium AAAs are due on store shelves for Holiday Season 2004, and the BD Moonlight was designed with this in mind.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

I don't consider the Yukon HL to be a hybrid. Only LED/Incans are hybrids. The HL is all LEDs, even though they are 2 different types.

 

[Alan]

Charles,

No one say Yukon HL is a hybrid in this thread /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

By the way, I wish the BD Soliras would have a LIII as main light instead of 1A bulb. If so, that'd be my dream headlamp🙂

Alan

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Princeton Tec say Yukon HL is a hybrid. That is what the 'H' in 'HL' means. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Phaserburn]

Charles, tygger - the Yukon HL can utilize lithium AA's. I emailed PT and asked them.