AA / Pocket Clip (Deep) / EDC Light

[cyberhh]

I lost my nitecore with a tritium in the tail and I want something new. Love the size of the nitecore AA.

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

Less than $150.


3) Format:

I want a flashlight.

4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

Every day carry small (2-4 inches).

5) Emitter/Light source:

LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)


6) Manufacturer:

I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.


7) What battery type do you want to use? - I would love to be able to use AA and rechargables

_AA_I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)
_AA_I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
_AA_I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
_AA_I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

MUST - I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
BONUS - I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)

I have used my current light in situations requiring a very dim light several times - always in a movie theater where someone lost their phone or glasses. Would like a dim mode.


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.

Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).


12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

____I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)


15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

LIKE - Red filter (for preserving night vision).
NEED - Pocket/belt clip

 

[archimedes]

Peak Logan 17500 QTC in stainless steel + clip + momentary switch :thumbsup:

 

[ikeyballz]

I think 300 lumens is asking a bit much on a AA light, but if you're okay with lithium ion cells a quark AA with a deep carry clip + li-ion battery will put out quite a bit of light. it also has 0.2 lumens for the super low needs too.

A quark AA2X (same as a AA with li-ion) is my bedside light. High power when needed, super low mode when i want to walk around without disturbing anyone

 

[reppans]

Quite a few folks here that like running all chemistry AAs go with the Quark AAX (the 2 cell model run on an optional 1xAA tube). With a 14500 it's good for ~ 300 lms and 200 hrs on moonlight, and retains full regulation/all modes.

If you're willing to sacrifice low lumen runtimes, you can consider infinitely variable ring lights from Sunwayman or Jetbeam, like the V10A X or V11R or RRT with extension tubes.

And there's the new Zebralight SC52, of course, that will be out in a month or so that can do anything the Quark can do.... with claims by a factor of ~2.

 

[cyberhh]

Ordered the Sunwayman V11r and am looking at the Logan in Brass!! Have a copper Maratac AAA that I like, but want more output in my pocket and brass sounds sweet.

Thank you for the very quick replies.

 

[Outdoorsman5]

+1 on what reppans said. The quark AA tube with the XML head, deep carry pocket clip, running on a 14500 Li-ion is an outstanding light. It has been my favorite edc for two years.

The new Zebralight SC52 looks really good (500 lumens on a single 14500.) I have pre-ordered, and am expecting it to be one of the best.