Best 1 AA led light with uniform light distribution

[ale]

I'm a newb to the LED flash light world. There seems to be endless numbers of flash lights out there. If an expert could kindly give me some guidance to give me several top candidates for my requirements:

Size: pocketable, preferably 1 AA

Light beam distribution: as uniform and wide angled as possible for work at 1 m e.g. car engine or pc repairs. But also powerful enough to use at camping/home. (so possibly two modes at least: spot light and close quarters would be ideal)

Light beam brightness: As bright (but as evenly disturbuted) as possible. Also I want white light so I can see colours properly. None of that blue or red light that only helps you recognise shadows... Over 100 lumens would be a miracle I guess...

Battery lifetime: as long as possible, over 10 hours would be ideal, but that's may be asking a lot.

Water proof and shock proof would be a good addition to have. But optional.

Budget: Under 50 USD would be great, but prepared to pay a little more if it's really worth it.

Before that I was also thinking of getting a key chain LED light with the same, but lower criteria.. such as with AAA battery. But I'm not sure the technology is good enough to produce enough brightness and battery life that would be useful. Someone prove me wrong and send some good links?

In general there are so many manufacturers and models that it's impossible to tell. I know there are reviews, but it would take me dozens of hours I think.... I need a solid starting point.

Any kind guidance to an ameteur very much appreciated!

 

[Lobo]

Hi there, Ale, and welcome to the forum.

I dont know if you heard anything about the latest LEDs, cree and seouls. They have been a big leap in technology, you can get longer running and brighter lights with regular batteries, so I would recommend that you get one with a cree or led.
There are a bunch of 1AA cree lights out there, and the best IMHO is the Fenix L1D. Some people that the beam is ringy, some have no problems at all, IMHO, it's fine, but you could judge yourself by looking at beamshots (I'll post a couple of links later).
The are two 1AA cree lights I know of with focusable heads, Lumapower M3 and the 10dollar cree from kaidomain. The later one you basically unscrew the head, which you could do with the Fenix L1D also. The Lumapower M3 will have a much smoother beam than both of them since it has an orange peel reflector(OP). But is significantly larger with the 1AA body and not as bright as the Fenix L1D on regular batteries.

Lumapower M3.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156860
http://www.lumapower.com/m3.htm

10dollar Cree.
http://www.kaidomain.com/WEBUI/ProductDetail.aspx?TranID=1341
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2098

Fenix L1D
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l1dce-l2dce.htm
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=151460

If you're looking for an AAA light, you should probably take a look at either Fenix LOD CE or Liteflux LF2. You might actually only want to buy one of those, cause with the new LEDs they are plenty bright!

L0DCE
http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/fenix_l0dce.htm
Happy LODCE owners
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=158320

LiteFlux LF2
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=154068
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=150055

I believe all of them falls around your 50USD budget, with the exception of M3, but if you buy that, you get an CR123 and 2AA body also, plus some other goodies.

If you have time, www.flashlightreviews.com is a great place to compare different flashlights. Unfortunately hes been semiretired lately, so he decided to just review the more significants lights lately, still, a great site.

Good luck!
EDIT:This thread might be of interest to you.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156056

 

[GeorgePaul]

AA + multiple levels + price less than $50 pretty much narrows you down to the Fenix brand. The L1D CE for about $54 is regarded as an excellent light and pretty much meets all of your requirements. See Fenix Store Fenix L1D CE. There are many posts here at CPF about this light -- do a search.

 

[Calina]

In the AAA format, don't forget the new Huntlight.