Another "what light does CPF suggest" thread..... (1xAA)

[DanTSX]

Ok, I have done my homework. Researched here and on other useful sights. Watched the youtube videos on 4sevens and other sources, and I am still confused as what to get. Hope to get some other peoples' reasoning here.


Looking for something for hiking and hopefully EDC. My hiking generally occurs at dusk/night because of my work schedule. I am doing about a half hour 4 to 5 times a week, so the CR123 batts will get to be a drag if I am replacing them any more than once a month or so, but some of the reports I am seeing on some of the new 2 stage SF lights are encouraging for battery consumption.

Currently, I am using my Inova X5, which is nice as it is something easy to hold onto, just enough light to see the terrain, and enough throw when the batts are fresh to see anything in the distance. Depending on conditions, I will also grab my SF 6PL or my G2L. The G2L is my "glovebox" light and I like to avoid using it for recreational purposes, as it is for "emergencies". The 6PL has a hot-rod DX R2 drop-in that is for nightstand duty, but that is going on my AR-15 along with a Malkoff drop-in on my next paycheck. :rock: So, as you can see, no AA lights in the house I do have a decent supply of fresh AA cells and a handful of rechargeable cells that I'd like to put to use. None of these lights are fun for EDC, but the G2L is kept in a holster and comes out with me for any winter fun.


The features I want are going to be 1xAA, maybe 1x123 if the run-times are good. Should be pocketable, (no-pocket gougers ) Offer good runtime. Have a high setting of around 80lm, but higher is always better. Also needs a low setting of under 20lm, preferably less. (I think around 80/7 would be "ideal") The BIGGEST "WANT" feature that I am looking for and am currently very confused on is switch operation.:hairpull: I just can't keep the different types of switches straight in my head. I understand the forward/rvs clicky stuff, but here is what I want. Light push = low. Hard push = high. . I want to walk around with "low" on, but if I hear something, I want to go right to high, not dance around with disco effects, tac strobes, ramping, or any of that goofy stuff. Either that, or I want to click through high to low, but be one click back to high if that makes sense?

I really like what I see with the Surefire E1B, and although it is an expensive pill to take, I trust SF 100% and really like their other products that I own. I understand it starts on high and is a click away from low, but does it click back to high from low again, or just turn off? Again, if I am walking in the woods and some stinky hippy comes out from his bong session:sick2:, and I have the light on low, is it a one click back UP to blind the hippy?:duh2: I will also be using this light as the nightstand "bump in the night" light so the ability to have an instant overpowering light effect is helpfull. (not going to use the AR-15 to check the locks before bed )

Am I thinking of the L1 that does the "light push = low" "hard push = high" format? That is an expensive light for not much output though.


What are my options from Fenix, Quark 4/7s, Olight, Nightcore, etc, etc?

I don't want anything too complex and it has to be QUALITY. My budget is to keep it under $80 or so UNLESS it is Surefire. For Surefire, I am willing to spend more to get what I want, but no more than $150. So, I think that would probably disqualify Ra, Novatac, etc, but surprise me if I am thinking wrong.



Is the Nightcore EZ-AA what I am looking for?:duh2:

 

[LEDninja]

Where do you hike and what are the colours of the objects along the path? That will determine if you need a cool white or neutral white LED.

The Nitecore EZAA is small, easily pocketable but is a twisty. You have to specify neutral white (EZAAw) to get that version.

 

[Nyctophiliac]

Is the Nightcore EZ-AA what I am looking for?:duh2:

Not really - I don't think that you would like the two handed twist for high - doesn't quite fit your PD style scenario for slight push-low, harder push-high.

Also that rules out other very bright 1AA lights like the Fenix L1T V2.0, the EagletacP10A, Nitecore Defender Infinity and other twist for level change torches. It may be possible to activate high level with one hand, but it's not easy with the ones I've tried.

The only ones I can think of that do qualify are clickies like Fenix L1D CE, LD10, Jetbeam Jet 1 Pro V3.0, where you can quickly go from low to high with a few clicks.

The best one, closest to the UI you describe would be the Nitecore D10 R2 - pretty much what you want and very nice quality - I've EDC ed one for ages and it's not had any kind of problem ( Only change being replacing my old Q5 model with a newer and brighter R2 one ).

Good luck with your search.

 

[waddup]

I want to walk around with "low" on, but if I hear something, I want to go right to high

novatac 120 or nightcore d10

 

[dirtech]

With any of my lights that use the bezel to go from high to low, it's easy to have the light on low and press the head with my finger to momentarily go to high. Works on my JetIIIM, MD2, and Quark AA tactical. The LF3XT (which can be used with 1 cr123 or 2 AA with optional tube) in full user interface has the function of click for your set mode and press hold for instant max which is very useful. The only switch I know of that provides a low with soft press and high will full press is that switch from the Sandwiche Shoppe that isn't being made anymore-can't remember the name.

 

[DanTSX]

These are all very helpful replies! Thanks folks! keep them coming if you don't mind. I am starting to see a few trends emerging from the recommendations of the illumisti here.


Someone asked about terrain in regards to tint. Northeast U.S. woodland and seashore. Dense forest, but hiking on trails. The trees cut down the throw on even my 200+ lumen 6PL, so I am mainly looking DOWN and to the sides of a trail, but would like to at least faintly detect moving objects in clearings. Atmosphere can get fairly humid and foggy, further reducing throw, and even creating annoying fog-glare with my floodier lights. For indoor use, I really prefer the warmer tints and still pop in my old P61 to remind myself the limitations of *most* LED bulbs. Ideally, i'd like to prop-up on a rock and read without killing my transition to nightvision entirely. Business travel also makes a nice warm tint on low a nice feature. Angry purple makes angry travel companions

How would this consideration affect my decisions? I.e. rule out all R2 lamps?

Not really - I don't think that you would like the two handed twist for high - doesn't quite fit your PD style scenario for slight push-low, harder push-high.

Also that rules out other very bright 1AA lights like the Fenix L1T V2.0, the EagletacP10A, Nitecore Defender Infinity and other twist for level change torches. It may be possible to activate high level with one hand, but it's not easy with the ones I've tried.

The only ones I can think of that do qualify are clickies like Fenix L1D CE, LD10, Jetbeam Jet 1 Pro V3.0, where you can quickly go from low to high with a few clicks.

The best one, closest to the UI you describe would be the Nitecore D10 R2 - pretty much what you want and very nice quality - I've EDC ed one for ages and it's not had any kind of problem ( Only change being replacing my old Q5 model with a newer and brighter R2 one ).

Good luck with your search.

Based on what I'm reading, the L1D and LD10 look strong, but if I am reading the description of the operation correctly, I have to still twist the bezel to change modes. Is this correct?

The D10 is looking to be a strong consideration. Did I read that they recently changed the UI to feature more "modes" and that it was not as desirable? If I am wrong, I apologize. Info overload If I go with a D10, I'll just have to get an E01 to go with it, as I am reading about some quality issues, but generally it appears to be reliable.

I'm also interested in the Quarks. The 1xAA tactical model looks good. Would this fit my needs? What would it do? Click between a few modes?




Also, any suggestions on the E1B or Lumamax surefires?

 

[Flying Turtle]

The EZAA might very well be what you want, if you don't mind a twistie. It can easily be switched one handed from low to high, or off to low. Also, don't underestimate the L1. Its 60 lumens will out-throw lights rated much higher. If you think a CR123 is okay, then my favorite is the LF3XT.

Geoff

 

[Henk_Lu]

The LF3XT and the Ra Clicky can be programmed so that they start on low (very low if you like) and with a CPH (click, press & hold) you get momentary high. Alternatively, with a double click (LF3XT) or a click + PHD you get constant high. To get to low again, a double click on both lights again.

What I described is only one possibility. The LF3XT can be programmed (FUI) from 1 to 5 modes, you can cycle them by double clicks, but not choose one of them directly, except if you program 2 modes of course, as described. The Clicky on the other hand has always 4 modes which you can set as you like them. You set it to start and low and have the possibility to set the high on another double click, on a three click or on ClicK + PHD, which is best, because momentary high is always on PHD (same for the LF3XT). You even can set all 3 modes to high, if you really don't need a brightness in between, so there's no chance not to land on high (except you shut the light off with only one click).

The choice of the light is yours, the LF3XT is a programmable bargain, the Clicky is bomb proof.

Don't be too afraid of the programming, it'll take you a little hour or more to getthe programmation you want to have, but then you never have to mes around with it anymore, if you programmed it exactly to your needs...

 

[LED Cool]

The features I want are going to be 1xAA, maybe 1x123 if the run-times are good. Should be pocketable, (no-pocket gougers ) Offer good runtime. Have a high setting of around 80lm, but higher is always better. Also needs a low setting of under 20lm, preferably less. (I think around 80/7 would be "ideal")

The BIGGEST "WANT" feature that I am looking for and am currently very confused on is switch operation.:hairpull: I just can't keep the different types of switches straight in my head. I understand the forward/rvs clicky stuff, but here is what I want. Light push = low. Hard push = high. . I want to walk around with "low" on, but if I hear something, I want to go right to high, not dance around with disco effects, tac strobes, ramping, or any of that goofy stuff. Either that, or I want to click through high to low, but be one click back to high if that makes sense?

What are my options from Fenix, Quark 4/7s, Olight, Nightcore, etc, etc?

I don't want anything too complex and it has to be QUALITY. My budget is to keep it under $80 or so UNLESS it is Surefire. For Surefire, I am willing to spend more to get what I want, but no more than $150. So, I think that would probably disqualify Ra, Novatac, etc, but surprise me if I am thinking wrong.

to go to high/max output, the nitecore D10 requires the user to click and then press and hold the button/piston. when you are done with the high mode, you have to press and hold the button (may have to do it twice depending on the direction, up or down, of the ramp) to ramp down to previously used output. i.e. your previously used output level is gone once you go to high mode (or low mode). so this light may not be suitable for you.

you said you want light push=low, hard push=high. but do you want to keep your thumb pressure on the button all the time while using the light on low? would it be better to switch on your light on low and rest your thumb on the button for any "oh, i need high mode" situation?

supposing that is your requirement, then there are few lights that you can consider.

for single CR123 format lights, you can consider the following.

Surefire L1.
you twist it on constant low, push the button hard and hold it and it gives you high. lift your thumb and it is back to low. simple and intuitive.
but the price to output ratio may not be your liking.

RA clicky.
from what i read in CPF and assuming it is the same procedure as my Novatac EDC-120P.
click it on to your preferred mode (1 of 4), push the button hard and hold it and it goes to high. lift your thumb and it is back to your preferred mode. simple and intuitive. again price is your consideration.

Novatac EDC 85T.
assuming it is the same procedure as my Novatac EDC-120P.
same operating procedure as the RA clicky. lighthound.com has it within your US$80.00 budget.

LiteFlux LF3XT.
click it to your preferred mode (1 of 5). push the button hard and hold it and it gives you high. lift your thumb and it is back to your preferred mode. simple and intuitive.
and if you do not like too many modes in your light, no problem. just select how many modes you want your LF3XT to have. 1, 2, 3 or 4 or 5 modes? you decide your own.
price? definitely affordable. comes with two user interface (UI) and there is an optional 2AA tube.

surefire E1B.
can't answer your question as i do not own one.

for single AA format lights, there is only one that i can think of. (CPF members please correct me if i am wrong.)
LiteFlux LF5XT.
click it to your preferred mode (1 of 5). push the button hard and hold it and it gives you high. lift your thumb and it is back to your preferred mode. simple and intuitive.
and if you do not like too many modes in your light, no problem. just select how many modes you want your LF5XT to have. 1, 2, 3 or 4 or 5 modes? you decide your own.
price? definitely very affordable.

and if you don"t mind clicking instead of "push hard for high", you can consider the jetbeam Jet 1 Pro V3.0. 3 modes programmable output.

you can programmable it to be low - high - low. or med - high - med.
click it on to the mode 1 - low/med, if you need high just a lightly tap on the switch and it will go to mode 2 - high. lightly tap again to go to mode 3 - low/med. lightly tap again to go back to mode 1 - low/med. but the procedure is "light tap" NOT "push hard"

finally, if you ever consider the AAA format that fits your need of "push hard = high". there is only one choice available. LiteFlux LF2XT. period.

one more thing, for all the LiteFlux LF2XT, LF3XT & LF5XT, while in your preferred mode, you can click and press and hold the button and the light will give you random strobe. this might come in handy if you encounter any unfriendly person or animals in you hiking.

good luck.
khoo

 

[LED Cool]

yes, the L1D, LD10 and Quark AA tactical requires you to twist the head to get to high/max mode.

 

[DanTSX]

to go to high/max output, the nitecore D10 requires the user to click and then press and hold the button/piston. when you are done with the high mode, you have to press and hold the button (may have to do it twice depending on the direction, up or down, of the ramp) to ramp down to previously used output. i.e. your previously used output level is gone once you go to high mode (or low mode). so this light may not be suitable for you.

you said you want light push=low, hard push=high. but do you want to keep your thumb pressure on the button all the time while using the light on low? would it be better to switch on your light on low and rest your thumb on the button for any "oh, i need high mode" situation?

supposing that is your requirement, then there are few lights that you can consider.

for single CR123 format lights, you can consider the following.

Surefire L1.
you twist it on constant low, push the button hard and hold it and it gives you high. lift your thumb and it is back to low. simple and intuitive.
but the price to output ratio may not be your liking.

RA clicky.
from what i read in CPF and assuming it is the same procedure as my Novatac EDC-120P.
click it on to your preferred mode (1 of 4), push the button hard and hold it and it goes to high. lift your thumb and it is back to your preferred mode. simple and intuitive. again price is your consideration.

Novatac EDC 85T.
assuming it is the same procedure as my Novatac EDC-120P.
same operating procedure as the RA clicky. lighthound.com has it within your US$80.00 budget.

LiteFlux LF3XT.
click it to your preferred mode (1 of 5). push the button hard and hold it and it gives you high. lift your thumb and it is back to your preferred mode. simple and intuitive.
and if you do not like too many modes in your light, no problem. just select how many modes you want your LF3XT to have. 1, 2, 3 or 4 or 5 modes? you decide your own.
price? definitely affordable. comes with two user interface (UI) and there is an optional 2AA tube.

surefire E1B.
can't answer your question as i do not own one.

for single AA format lights, there is only one that i can think of. (CPF members please correct me if i am wrong.)
LiteFlux LF5XT.
click it to your preferred mode (1 of 5). push the button hard and hold it and it gives you high. lift your thumb and it is back to your preferred mode. simple and intuitive.
and if you do not like too many modes in your light, no problem. just select how many modes you want your LF5XT to have. 1, 2, 3 or 4 or 5 modes? you decide your own.
price? definitely very affordable.

and if you don"t mind clicking instead of "push hard for high", you can consider the jetbeam Jet 1 Pro V3.0. 3 modes programmable output.

you can programmable it to be low - high - low. or med - high - med.
click it on to the mode 1 - low/med, if you need high just a lightly tap on the switch and it will go to mode 2 - high. lightly tap again to go to mode 3 - low/med. lightly tap again to go back to mode 1 - low/med. but the procedure is "light tap" NOT "push hard"

finally, if you ever consider the AAA format that fits your need of "push hard = high". there is only one choice available. LiteFlux LF2XT. period.

one more thing, for all the LiteFlux LF2XT, LF3XT & LF5XT, while in your preferred mode, you can click and press and hold the button and the light will give you random strobe. this might come in handy if you encounter any unfriendly person or animals in you hiking.

good luck.
khoo

Oh Wow. Excellent! This and Henk Lu's post are the most helpful towards figuring this thing out!


Oh man you are selling me on the LiteFlux. At first I liked what I saw a few weeks back, but the programming options left me a little put-off due to my own confusion and inclination towards simplicity. Now it seems all too simple!

I knew it wasn't that "hard" to understand the mode-switching on all these specialty lights, but without anything "in-hand" to see it in action, it is a little more difficult to conceptualize their use along with my needs.

Turn on to low, then press and hold to high seems like what I want!

What is the tint like on the LF5XT? I'm used to angry purple and slightly less angry purple. (SF P60L & DX P60 R2) Would like something "warmer" but it won't be a dealbreaker.

Let me do a little more research and I may be in touch!

one more thing, for all the LiteFlux LF2XT, LF3XT & LF5XT, while in your preferred mode, you can click and press and hold the button and the light will give you random strobe. this might come in handy if you encounter any unfriendly person or animals in you hiking.

Got something a bit stronger than strobes for that! (but I do admire the effect of a bright strobe to the eyes of a bad-guy who's vision has adapted to the dark).

 

[burntoshine]

Liteflux LF5XT if you want to use a single AA

Liteflux LF3XT if you want to use a single CR123

Liteflux LF2XT if you want to use a single AAA

i have the LF5XT and LF2XT; the most amazing lights i've ever seen!

 

[MrBenchmark]

I really like what I see with the Surefire E1B, and although it is an expensive pill to take, I trust SF 100% and really like their other products that I own. I understand it starts on high and is a click away from low, but does it click back to high from low again, or just turn off? Again, if I am walking in the woods and some stinky hippy comes out from his bong session:sick2:, and I have the light on low, is it a one click back UP to blind the hippy?:duh2: I will also be using this light as the nightstand "bump in the night" light so the ability to have an instant overpowering light effect is helpfull. (not going to use the AR-15 to check the locks before bed )

Am I thinking of the L1 that does the "light push = low" "hard push = high" format? That is an expensive light for not much output though.

Thought I'd chime in, since nobody really answered you about the e1b (unless I missed it.)

The e1b clicks on high. click again for off. click again quickly for low power. click again - off. click again quickly - high. (Or just wait a couple of seconds, it resets back to high if you last had it on low.)

In practice this is extremely simple to get used to. I like this light, and the low setting is plenty for walking around at night. It is very easy to pocket.

Things you might not like - it uses CR123a's.

Things I don't like - the new, melted format for this flashlight *is* somewhat easier to drop, I am finding. Obviously if you are less clumsy than I am (a low bar to hop over), this may not be an issue for you. It doesn't have an attachment point for a lanyard, although you could attach one to the clip I suppose.

I actually think most single cell lights are a bit small for my hands. They sure are convenient to carry in my pocket though.

Anyway, I carry this light around with me all the time now. It really is a very good light.

However, I agree with others that given what you've said, an L1 is better choice for you.

Best of luck, whatever your choice!

 

[Hitthespot]

I'm like you Dantsx. I like my 123 lights but also am enjoying my AA lights which I keep purchasing more of.

Heres my two cents.

The E1B would be fine for hiking althoug it would not be my pick, and it's not an AA light.

The Nitecore DI will use those AA's lying around the house and will go from low to high and back to low with just a 1/4 turn of the head. It is very bright on NiMh and Alk batteries.

My favorite AA presently would also be my pick if you were going to use 14500 batteries, the Jetbeam I Pro Version 3 with a R2 emitter. On a 14500 this thing throws better than any single CR123 light I presently have. It can also go from low to high or anything in between with just a tap of the switch. If you don't want to use 14500 I would go with the Nitecore. IT is a little brighter on regular batteries.

Bill

 

[AusKipper]

Theres a list of single AA lights here that I think is pretty comprehensive (I dont think any well known ones are missing)

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?p=3004348

You may want to go have a look there.

The only single AA light I have is the Zebralight H501, and I dont think that suits your needs in this case, so other than the above link i'm not going to be much help to you

Oh, Selfbuilt has a 1xAA roundup review too thats not too old..

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=224932

 

[dirtech]

You mentioned fog and humid environments. I live on the coast and its foggy 75% of the time. I notice a great advantage to warm tints in this environment. Less blinding/annoying back scatter from the beam. Something to seriously consider would be a q3 5a or similiar tint.

 

[JBorneu]

Get a Liteflux LF5XT and program the first mode to the low you like and the second to maximum. You can do with the rest of the modes whatever you like (extra low low? SOS? both can be useful when camping / hiking, or you can just leave them all out).

That way, first press is low, second press is high. Third press can be off, SOS, extra low, strobe, whatever you want it to be.

 

[DanTSX]

You mentioned fog and humid environments. I live on the coast and its foggy 75% of the time. I notice a great advantage to warm tints in this environment. Less blinding/annoying back scatter from the beam. Something to seriously consider would be a q3 5a or similiar tint.

Any suggestions? The only ones i've found browsing are modified lights.

Get a Liteflux LF5XT and program the first mode to the low you like and the second to maximum. You can do with the rest of the modes whatever you like (extra low low? SOS? both can be useful when camping / hiking, or you can just leave them all out).

That way, first press is low, second press is high. Third press can be off, SOS, extra low, strobe, whatever you want it to be.

Now, with the lightflux. These are looking really good, but I have a question....

After the battery dies.......do I have to re-program when installing a fresh batt? I looked up some of the really helpful runtime charts that someone linked to in a previous reply, and found that the LF5XT seems to have a very short life on "low" Which is not so much a big deal, unless I have to re-program it every time I switch batts.:green:

 

[LED Cool]

Hi Dan,

when changing battery, the programmed modes and settings will remain in the MCU memory. so you DO NOT have to re-program your LF5XT.

khoo

 

[dirtech]

Any suggestions? The only ones i've found browsing are modified lights.

Well you seem interested in the liteflux line and the LF2XT has a warm tint xpe I believe. I wish the LF3XT had this option, but to my knowledge it doesn't. Quark 1 AA neutral is another but they are a limited run. I see 4 7's still has the 1 and 2 AA tactical variants available. Like i said earlier, it's easy to have momentary high by pressing lightly on the head.