Best sub-AAA Pocket Lights

[RichS]

I really like the AAA format, but I don't like much in my pockets and I have found an almost constant need to carry a small Swiss Army knife.

I've seen a few sub-AAA lights pop up around here that run a 10250, and I think that size is about perfect for being unobtrusive in the pocket, but also able to deliver a lot of light if/when needed.

I've been away from this hobby for a while, so I was hoping some of you could enlighten me on the best sub-AAA lights out there right now. All I'm really aware of at the moment is the IMB HF, which seems like it would be pretty awesome..

Thanks in advance!

 

[shelm]

lumintoch miniworm

dqg spy

 

[archimedes]

Peak 10180/10280 ,
Veleno Designs Quantum ....

 

[yoyoman]

A new DQG 10180 came out recently. 2 mode twisty and the NW XP-G2 is available. 1 trit. Looks very small. Bad name. Don't know the quality...yet.

The ones listed are good options.

Tain Ottavino 10280, Copper Mini Worm, Maratac cut down copper AAA, Peak Eiger 10180 with delrin cap, Peak Eiger 10180 Nichia 219 mule from Oveready, Veleno Designs Quantum DD (XP-G2 N by Vinh). The 2 little copper lights take 10180, but are running on small NiMH cells - more capacity, but lower V and output. The QTC on the Peak Eigers work for me. You can't dial in an output setting and the QTC can be a little finicky. But it is efficient and reliable.

The MBI HF uses a 10250. Very short runtime on H is recommended. Nice UI - the tail twists 360 degrees so you can set between L & H or L & M or M & H to meet your needs and desires.

Runtime is the compromise you make with these small lights. The cells don't have a lot of capacity and the lights don't have the mass for good heat management. On high, runtime is less than 10 minutes. Much longer on lower output. The best light is the one you have with you and these lights disappear into your pocket (until you need them). The SS ones like the Peak Eiger SS 10180 and Quantum DD do fine on a key ring - solid and relatively scratch resistant (especially compared to copper).

 

[BillSWPA]

FourSevens makes two tiny lights for CR2 cells: the Mini MLR2 and the just-released CR2 version of the Atom.

For something even smaller, a Photon Microlight is impressive for its size. Energizer and Inova also make nice coin cell keychain lights.

 

[yoyoman]

The new kid on the block: DQG Spy

 

[MrCrane]

Klarus mi10 gets my vote

 

[MrCrane]

Klarus mi10 gets my vote

Doh ignore me I missed the sub aaa part. Apologies

 

[mcorp]

L3 illumination L08 if you're on a budget!

 

[mcnair55]

Swiss Army knife with built in Led.

 

[chorlton]

L3 illumination L08 if you're on a budget!

+1
The L08 is the best aaa light on the market right now in 4 mode with Nichia 219. Only complaint is it's size! Damn shame all other aaa options with this gorgeous emitter suffer from PWM (3 mode Beta QR) or have QTC and a plastic optic (Peak Eiger)

 

[chorlton]

Sorry, was a little off topic there! I have a Quantum D2 on order! Beautiful looking and robust design, I can't wait. Had my Drake Ti for four years now and I love it except for the PWM which is quite noticeable at lower levels, shame as it never fails to impress in every other aspect. I hope the QTC holds up on the Quantum, have ordered two spares just in case! It would have been nice to have the option of spot optic and a Nichia 219 like on Steve's limited runs but right on the money and in durable ss, not much here not to like for a sub aaa!

 

[twl]

I just picked up an MBI HF-R, and it is an awesome little light!
The low is just enough for close range in the dark, the medium is perfect for a walk along a pathway or to your shed, and the high is like something you don't even believe!
It is just a wall of super bright light for about 40 yards out. Not a lot of throw because it's a flood light, but at 600 lumens it can power its way out there to about 40 yards or even maybe more.
This is a very fun light. If you use it mostly on low, with a moderate amount of medium, and save the 600 lumen blasts for an occasional giggle, the batter will last as long as most people would need for a day or two of normal use before recharging. Get a cottonpicker's USB charger to put in your car, and you are all set.
Also, it comes with an extra body tube for 10440 battery, and that will give a LOT more run time. Just order a couple E-Fest 10440 IMR batteries for it. The cottonpicker's charger will charge both types of these small batteries.
Build quality is very good. I really like this light!

 

[jmoyat]

I have 3 Peak Eiger QTC: copper, Ultra HA black and stainless steel with short body. Among 20 other aaa flashlights, these are my favorite, high CRI leds are just better and being able to get only a couple lumens is such a plus for a flashlight! Eiger is the way..


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