Best 1-AA for LEO (plain clothes)- help me choose

[Dissipator556]

Hello, and thanks for an awesome site with a very informative FAQ. I own a Strategos-upgraded Gladius and a Malkoff-upgraded Surefire, and would like to improve my INova X1 by replacing it with something much brighter and more effective.

I love the X1 size (1-AA), and find that it hides perfectly. AAA lights feel a bit too small for me, and I am only considering the 1-AA/14500 size for this niche light. Run-time and price are not as important to me as high output (with strobe), and good UI.

Some lights I am considering are: Fenix L1D, Fenix LD10, or JetBeam JET-I PRO I.B.S (Cree Q5-WC 3-Mode 235-Lumen LED).

What else is this exact size and worth comparing?

Thanks!

 

[Toaster]

Nitecore Defender Infinity. Has strobe and is fully functional on both AA and 14500.

 

[Yucca Patrol]

I have had great experiences with all my AA powered Fenix lights and really enjoy my Nitecore D10 (but that one doesn't have the strobe you want).

Since you may use lithium battery, I'd go with the Nitecore Defender Infinity.

The Jetbeam you suggested is nice too, but its larger head might make it a bit more chunky for concealed carry.

 

[KiwiMark]

Jetbeam Jet-I Pro Q5
http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/jetipro.html

This is what I EDC, works great with a 14500.
225 Lumens on max. Great brightness, good throw.
IBS circuit allows you to set each of the 3 settings to whatever you like with a selection of strobe, beacon and SOS options you can choose. I choose min-low-max but you could go for max-strobe-med or whatever you like. It always starts on the first custom setting so max-strobe-med would mean it always starts on max when you turn it on. Instructions for programming here: http://www.bugoutgearusa.com/iusinin.html
It comes with a good clip (removable) that works 2 ways so you can clip it bezel up or bezel down.

Yucca: chunky? I find it fine in jeans pockets, shirt pockets or whatever - the head is only slightly larger than the body.

 

[Dissipator556]

Thanks for the input:

I was thinking the same thing about the bigger size of the head on the Jet- I like the Nitecore Defender Infinity- it looks like a very well made little light. Thanks for mentioning it, or I would have never found it.

190 vs 230 lumens between the Jet and Nitecore respectively...the Nitecore looks smaller and less bulky and I'm not sure that there is an actual noticeable difference (to me) in output between the two on max with 14500's.

Please talk to me on the UI's for the Fenix L1D, LD10, Nitecore Defender Infinity. I prefer a forward click to a twist, but it's nice to have both. Which of these three lights do you all think would have better UI for my stated purpose?

 

[Mjolnir]

The eagletac P10A is also a light to consider. It doesn't have a strobe, but it has a forward clicky so you can manually strobe it. It also has a low mode that is activated by loosening the head.

You should check this thread out. It is a comparison of 1 AA lights, including some of the ones mentioned here.

 

[Wyeast]

The Leatherman multi-pack at Costco carries a rebranded Fenix 1-AA. About 100ish lumens on high, 10 on low. Bargain priced.

 

[kaichu dento]

Thanks for the input:

I was thinking the same thing about the bigger size of the head on the Jet- I like the Nitecore Defender Infinity- it looks like a very well made little light. Thanks for mentioning it, or I would have never found it.

190 vs 230 lumens between the Jet and Nitecore respectively...the Nitecore looks smaller and less bulky and I'm not sure that there is an actual noticeable difference (to me) in output between the two on max with 14500's.

Please talk to me on the UI's for the Fenix L1D, LD10, Nitecore Defender Infinity. I prefer a forward click to a twist, but it's nice to have both. Which of these three lights do you all think would have better UI for my stated purpose?

I wouldn't hesitate to go with either one of the L1D/LD10 or the NDI. The only weak factor for me in regards to the Fenix would be lack of a real low setting, but for your purposes I think it should work just fine. If I was LEO it would be difficult to not want to carry both!

Much as I like the Jet-I Pro IBS, I prefer the Fenix and Nitecore for your application.

 

[Toaster]

Which of these three lights do you all think would have better UI for my stated purpose?[/SIZE]

Fenix L1D/LD10
Both have the same interface. Reverse clicky, no momentary on. The clicky is used to switch between the various levels which I consider to be a negative on a tactical light as you can inadvertently switch levels in a stressful situation. Not designed for use with 14500. You lose most of the levels running on a 14500 as the light goes into direct drive. Don't know if you lose strobe as well but that's something to look into. Also has heat issues when used on max output for extended periods with 14500.


Nitecore Defender Infinity
Has forward clicky switch with momentary on. Half press clicky for momentary on, full press to switch on/off. Clicky is only used to turn light on/off and won't change levels no matter how fast or often you hit the switch. Low mode is infinitely adjustable so set it wherever you want. No issues running on 14500.


Between the three it's no contest IMHO. I'd take the Nitecore Defender Infinity everytime.

 

[Gunner12]

The Fenix LD10s and L1Ds have two main settings, general(bezel/head loose, low-medium-high-SOS), and turbo(bezel/head tight, Turbo-strobe).

In general setting, the first click will give you low. Then a halfpress and letting go, like tapping the switch, will move to the next mode, medium in this case. Another tap goes to the next mode and so on. When it gets to the last mode of the
set, it will repeat with the first mode of the set. Same goes for Turbo, tapping will cycle between turbo and strobe. For the L1D/LD10, high and turbo are around the same.
-----------------
The IBS UI, check this link.
-----------------
For the NDI, check this video by WadeF.

:welcome:

 

[hyperloop]

As i recall your criteria, high output and strobe with a good UI were important and i believe the Jetbeam Jet I or in fact any model with IBS would suit your needs, the lowest low is even lower than a Fenix E01 (10 lumens).

As an LEO, i think that the Jet I Pro IBS would be more suitable, you wouldnt want to be mucking about with head twisting, reverse clicking etc if a situation calls for light, you want light, NOW!!

Depending on your needs for a particular night, you could program the IBS for 15hz strobe (fast) - max (225 lumens) - low, so that you know that the very first click is going to give you strobe or max or whatever you need.

I personally own a few jetbeams, the Jet I Mk IIr, Jet II Pro IBS, Jet III Pro ST and i love 'em all, i got forward clickies for the Jet II and Jet III which i find easier to use as i can have a momentary on function and can cycle through modes with half-presses and click on when i reach the mode i want.

 

[h2oflyer]

Nitecore defender --

Simple forward clicky with momentary - tighten head for high and hidden strobe - loosen head for user adjustable low.

I have EDC'd mine for 6 months with no problems. Use AA Energiser lithiums.

 

[LiteTheWay]

I go along with the others who recommend the NDI. I have carried it for months now - great light, very robust, dependable, easy to conceal and I use it with AW 14500s but the fact that it also runs on AAs is VERY useful if you are travelling.

 

[gottawearshades]

Well, since you're already using 123A cells, you might want to consider a single-123 light, like a novatac or a Ra Clicky. Much better runtime, and still pocketable. My $.02.

 

[Dissipator556]

Thanks guys, it looks like I'll be purchasing the Nitecore Defender Infinity- I can't wait to try it out and report back to you!

Thanks again for everyone who contributed input- I do appreciate it.

So, what is the best place to buy the NDI and some 2 14500 batts, and a charger for them?

 

[HoopleHead]

Nitecore Defender Infinity. Has strobe and is fully functional on both AA and 14500.

sounds like youve already decided, but +1 for the NDI!

 

[Gunner12]

You can get some 14500s and charger from AW. Here's his thread at the CPFmarketplace.

 

[Toaster]

4Sevens is the best place to pick up the NDI and he stocks AW 14500s as well. Use coupon code 'cpf8' for an additional 8% discount. If you're planning on ordering some other li-on rechargebales as well, you'd be better off getting them directly from AW here.

Nitecore Defender Infinity
Protected AW14500


As for the charger I recommend you get the Pila IBC. Here is a thread with more info on it.

Pila IBC™ 4-stage Charger

 

[Dissipator556]

I'll be placing an order with 4Sevens ASAP for the NDI, 2 14500's, and a AW-138 Dual Bay Charger. (Couldn't justify spending $45 for the Pila IBC charger, when hopefully the AW-138 will do basically the same thing- charge the batteries).

Many thanks again to all of you who gave me advice- I'll report back soon on my results with the new gear.

 

[Dissipator556]

Just placed my order- thanks for the heads up on the discount- that's even better.

I also purchased the Fenix red filter- a $6 gamble- any chance that I will be able to mod this to work with my NDI light? Pictures of the two bezels look very close, so I am hoping that this will work with minimal application of sanding and/or electrical tape.