Best US-made AAA?

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CameronReddy

CameronReddy

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Feb 6, 2008
Messages
52
Location
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Hi everyone,

I joined a few days ago and have been reading and reading. Frankly, I'm still overwhelmed with all the terminology—and technology!

I've had Surefire 6 and 9 series lights for years and have always wanted something smaller without much drop off in power. I also have an E1 Executive but at 15 lumens it's just too weak. Apparently, however, I can now get the power of a two cell 123 flashlight in a single AAA! :twothumbs

I'd like a US made light with two or three levels of brightness. I don't expect this to be a defense tool so a strobe isn't necessary. I just want something to help my aging eyes see plug in the wall, the key hole in the door, the screw I just dropped on the floor...

Wide beam over throw would be my preference (I want to hot rod my Surefires for massive throw and possibly a disorienting strobe).

I'll use it as an EDC either on a key chain, holster, clip next to my custom folding knife, or just in my pocket.

Thanks in advance!

Cameron Reddy
 
you will probably be looking at a Peak flashlight if you want one with a current emitter, or the Arc AAA with a Nichia CS / DS... Other than that, not many choices except for custom lights like the Draco..
 
I cannot think of a US made single AAA light with multiple levels, and the one level lights probably will not outshine your E1.

Geoff
 
CameronReddy said:
Hi everyone,

I joined a few days ago and have been reading and reading. Frankly, I'm still overwhelmed with all the terminology—and technology!

I've had Surefire 6 and 9 series lights for years and have always wanted something smaller without much drop off in power. I also have an E1 Executive but at 15 lumens it's just too weak. Apparently, however, I can now get the power of a two cell 123 flashlight in a single AAA! :twothumbs

I'd like a US made light with two or three levels of brightness. I don't expect this to be a defense tool so a strobe isn't necessary. I just want something to help my aging eyes see plug in the wall, the key hole in the door, the screw I just dropped on the floor...

Wide beam over throw would be my preference (I want to hot rod my Surefires for massive throw and possibly a disorienting strobe).

I'll use it as an EDC either on a key chain, holster, clip next to my custom folding knife, or just in my pocket.

Thanks in advance!

Cameron Reddy
Click to expand...

:welcome: Cameron!
 
Choices are extremely limited for US made AAA lights of any brightness.

Any particular reason for US based? If it's just an assumption of better quality, we might have to introduce you to some VERY nice, quality AAA lights made elsewhere (Fenix LOD comes immediately to mind). If it's for other personal reasons, that's fine too, and we'll continue on with the search.

AA bases (just a bit bigger), you get the option of the Photon Proton Pro.
 
I highly recommend the Proton Pro. One of my favorites. It is, however, made in China. I seem to recall Bryan at PhotonLight saying that the only Photons lights made here are the Photon 1 and 2's.

Geoff
 
Thanks for the welcome and all the help!

When I can, I try to buy from countries that don't have nuclear weapons aimed at me. :poke:

Plus, as I am from Michigan, and my wife is a Ford engineer, I try to support US manufacturers. It's not always possible, but when I spend money on foreign-made products, it's usually because the US simply doesn't make what I want (Wood working machinery, for example), or what they make is simply not competitive.

Does the Draco have multiple levels? I haven't found much written about that light. It does look to be super high quality, and I like that!

I would consider a larger light... Maybe I'll have to. Perhaps a good carry system for a AA or a 123 light could sway me.

Thanks again!

Cameron
 
The Draco is not an AAA light if by that you mean one that runs on standard AAA cells. Aside from its use of exotic rechargeables, in other regards it's absolutely wonderful from all indications.
 
I have a Peak 3 LED ultra power that fills the niche, for me, you are looking for.

No adjustable levels, but it is quite bright, at relatively close quarters. Bright enough to use where there is some ambient light, or with eyes that aren't dark adjusted.

It lives on my key chain, with a Energizer lithium AAA cell. A vast improvement over an Arc-AAA, and not too expensive.

In a year or two you may see the light you are looking for go into production.

I would very, very surprised if it is made in the USA, however.

Odds are, Fenix will make what you are looking for. They already make a single CR123 light that does what you are looking for; it would be relatively simple to make one that runs off a single AAA cell. Of course, using a lithium AAA battery will be the only way such a light would have a good output.

It's a pity that lithium AAA batteries cost more than double what a CR123 cell costs.
 
stonehold said:
I've had my eye on the brass PeaK Pacific for a while now. They're made here in Phoenix so I don't have much of an excuse not to go get one. It's a beautiful light.

http://www.peakledsolutions.net/Products/Pacific_Brass.html
Click to expand...
If your going to buy a pacific order the AA battery tube the AAA isn't really any smaller just thinner, the pocket body is my favourite, but if you want to put it on your key ring and use a AAA battery I would recommend the Baltic in brass http://www.peakledsolutions.net/Products/Baltic.html please note brass isn't shown on this page but it is available. This is a bullet proof last you a life time sort of flashlight, Give them a ring and they will help you choose there are lots of options not shown on their web site.
A small discussion about the Baltic http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=131098
The two flashlights Baltic keyring and Pacific pocket body.
peakbrassvq0.jpg


Norm
 
Last edited:
goldenlight said:
Odds are, Fenix will make what you are looking for. They already make a single CR123 light that does what you are looking for; it would be relatively simple to make one that runs off a single AAA cell. Of course, using a lithium AAA battery will be the only way such a light would have a good output.

It's a pity that lithium AAA batteries cost more than double what a CR123 cell costs.
Click to expand...

Where have you been? They already make the LOD Q4, and the light runs quite well on LSD NiMH. If you wish to run it on L92's, they are generally about the same price as quality CR123 cells, at about $1.67 each or less bought locally. Bought online, you can get them for as low as $1 each, without sacrificing quality/reliability like you do with $1 CR123's.

On 10440's, the light is blindly bright.
 
I don't know where to get L92's for less than $2 or so, even online. Can you reveal?

Anyway, at least for flashaholics using rechargeables, multi-levels are overrated and a 1-level light has its attractions. I have an L0D and the extra modes get in the way as far as I'm concerned. However it can be a very useful light if you're trying to narrow it down to just one.
 
I'd also suggest the Fenix L0D-CE Q4. Or the Liteflux LF2 if you want programmable. Might be Chinese made but that doesn't mean it has crappy quality. Fenix Store has an 8% off coupon for CPFers, "CPF8".

The only programmable US made light that I know off is the Novatac. It is a CR123 powered light.

The Draco would only run on Li-ion batteries. Normal AAA batteries don't have the voltage needed.

:welcome:
 
Last edited:
The Draco is a great keychain light IMO I have had a "chrome" one on my keychain for over a year and sometimes pocket carry the "longer" 14440
(AAA rechargeable) It is multi-level....have done reviews

click here
or
here

Power Source:
· 10280 Li-Ion
* 10440 Li-Ion (with extension pack)

Here's my latest picture with a Drake....Draco's smaller brother
225236937_djYuD-M.jpg

Turbo w/AAA, Drake (10180) Draco (10280)
Good Luck in your search!

jeffb
 
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