Buying the best 1xAA AND 2xAA light

[tjdean01]

I've looked endlessly online and there are many, many options for what I need. I will buy two lights: 1xAA and 2xAA light. I want the slimmest, brightest, best constructed light available. Price up to $100 or so isn't a problem. A focusing beam would be nice, but I don't think many companies make them (why not?). I'm going to ask the experts! If you have time please answer any questions you can! Here's what I basically want in approximate order of importance (I realize all conditions can't be met):

* AA batteries - 1 or 2 AA cells
* Quality - it can be cheap, but I want quality construction
* Small barrel - around 20 mm diameter or smaller
* Black color OR base metal color - most are black, but it would be cool to have a non-painted one so scratches don't show up
* Clean beam - most are "Narrow spot" or "medium spot" I guess. I just want the light to be consistent and not blotchy and cheap looking, if you know what I mean?
* Small head - I don't want the head to be bigger than the barrel UNLESS the light can focus from flood to spot
* BRIGHT! - Here's where I have a problem, because if testing by lumens, the light I'm looking for will be around 200 or so, I guess. There are other output indicators, but they seem to vary by who does the test. What's a good way to compare lights without actually seeing them in action?
* Case - it either has to come with a case or have one I can buy easily
* Tail click switch - don't want to twist
* Different modes

Right now the light that seems the best for me is the Fenix L1D-CE Premium Q5. However, I like the light coming from the JETBeam JET-1 Pro better because A) the beam is more prominent, (less spill?) and it looks nicer being perfectly round without light seeping out of the main circle. You can see the comparisons between by clicking on the image on the upper right corner to see the beams: L1D-CE and JET-1 Pro. I guess I could deal with the extra wide head on the JET-1 Pro, and I could take the pocket clip off (if I could do it without scratching the barrel, that is), but I like the LCD-CE better because no clip, no wide head. But the JET-1 has a better looking beam, and this review SHOWS it's a lot brighter, but I think that's just because the beam is more focused.

Here are some other candidates:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2888
http://www.batteryjunction.com/t15-specialedition-olight.html
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7937
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7938


I guess by default I'm looking at the Fenix L1D-CE (and the 2-cell L2D-CE [cree Q5 version]), but if there's something considerably brighter I'd consider going for that.

In fact, some of these Ultrafires and Romisens are pretty cheap, so I wouldn't mind buying a couple if say, the cheap one doesn't have all the features I like but is brighter, or something like that. With the Romisen/Ultrafire type, I would only have to buy one light because they come with extensions to make it 1 or 2-AA cells. Does anyone have any experience with these quality, brightness, beam, regulator-wise?

Thank you all!

EDIT: Just found this one too, Olight: http://www.light-reviews.com/olight_t15_2008/review.html

 

[BigBluefish]

Well, for what it's worth, I own several Romisen lights, but none of the 1 x AA / 2 x AA combos. The Romisens are nicely made, and for the price, are a great deal.

However, they are pretty basic. And I have no idea about their long-term durability.

As for the Fenix L1D/L2D, particularly with the Q5, I have heard nothing but favorable reviews. If I were looking to get another 1 and 2 AA light, and had the money to spend (get one light, and an extra body tube), I think I'd get this one.

I have an older model Fenix L2P v2.0 and an L1P body tube. This is a simple, two level Luxeon light. It has very nice beam quality and tint, and great build quality. It is nowhere near as bright as the current Q5s, but if the L1D/L2D quality is the same, I think you'd be happy with that light.

 

[Stereodude]

Olight has a 2AA light coming out soon, and they have a 1AA Q5 out now. I have several L2D's myself and I'm eager to see how they compare to the Olight T25.

 

[Gunner12]

I think the reason why there aren't any focusing ones is because of the crappy beam a reflector gives when defocused and it would be harder to keep the light water resistant. The real reasons I don't know.

The Olights throw more then the L1Ds because of the different reflector. The T15 might be good.

200 lumen out the front is a stretch for 1 AA and I don't think there are any 2 AA ones that can do that.

The Fenix L1D-CE Q5 is available from Fenix Store for $60 before the 8% off coupon "CPF8". The Olight T15 is $52 before the coupon. The L2D body also works on the L1D(same circuit) so you can swap bodies and keep spare AA cells in the other body(using this cap).

These lights aren't painted. The color is a dyed growth on the light made of Aluminum Oxide(sapphire) that resist scratching.

There should only be, at the most, 1 ring in the light, which is common with lights with the Cree XR-E LED. It won't be too visible in use.

What lights do you have now? The L1/2D-CE Q5 would be similar in output in medium to the Coast you have now.

A focused beam would project further. You can compare throw(and maybe output with light with similar beam pattern) by looking at the Lux figure. Keep in mind that it takes 4X the lux to throw 2x further.

It also takes 4X the light for our eyes to perceive a 2x increase in output.

:welcome:

 

[Ryanrpm]

What about putting a LED dropin in a 2AA minimag? With that combo, you'd have your focusing ability. Won't be the brightest though. (about 100-140 lumens)

Just a thought.

 

[Marduke]

What about putting a LED dropin in a 2AA minimag? With that combo, you'd have your focusing ability. Won't be the brightest though. (about 100-140 lumens)

Just a thought.

However, the heatsinking is terrible in a MiniMag. For the price of a MiniMag and dropin, you can buy a new, better, brighter light.

Edit:
LED's also don't focus as dramatically as incan bulbs do in a reflector.

 

[Stereodude]

What about putting a LED dropin in a 2AA minimag? With that combo, you'd have your focusing ability. Won't be the brightest though. (about 100-140 lumens)

Just a thought.

Are there actually any good LED drop-ins for incan minimags? :thinking:

 

[Black Rose]

Are there actually any good LED drop-ins for incan minimags? :thinking:

I'm happy with my 1 watt Nite Ize drop ins with reflector.

They're not earth shattering compared to some of the lights talked about on here, but it's certainly better than a stock minimag.

 

[gilly]

Can't speak for the Olights, but I have owned three Fenix L2 variants and was very happy with each. Nicely built, bright and reliable. Couple that with the incredible warranty that Fenix-Store is giving their customers:

NO QUESTIONS ASKED LIFETIME WARRANTY

We have a new policy for all Fenix brand products. We are so
confident in these flashlights that we are now upgrading all Fenix
lights purchased past, present and future to an unconditional
lifetime warranty.

"We will repair or replace any Fenix lights purchased from
www.Fenix-Store.com. Simply go through our "contact us"
link to initiate the RMA process. Your light will be return fully
functional. The exterior finish is not covered as this is cosmetic
and does not affect the function. If your model is discontinued,
we may issue you store credit or offer you a newer model of
equal or greater value. We reserve the right to issue a
refund in lieu of a replacement. "

Link: https://www.fenix-store.com/information.php?info_id=2

Now that's something...:thumbsup:

 

[MicroE]

Photon Proton, the single LED version.

 

[kavvika]

Jetbeam C-LE V2 (although max is only ~65 or so lumens)
Fenix L1D or L2D CE
Romisen RC-G2 w/ Cree Q5 and DX driver board #7880 (won't fit in many cases, though)
Nitecore Defender Infinity

To be honest, you won't find any 1-AA lights near 200 lumens, and the Fenix L2D-CE is the only 2-AA light that will come somewhat close.

 

[tjdean01]

Okay, thanks a lot, guys, you helped a lot! I think the L2D (with the 1-AA cell barrel extra) would be the best bet. Some of the others may be a bit brighter, but they really eat up the batteries!

These lights aren't painted. The color is a dyed growth on the light made of Aluminum Oxide(sapphire) that resist scratching.

Thanks, Gunner, your post was really helpful! Okay, they are all black, and I know the black scratches off, right? (Some in the store were scratched off.) However, the black is less prone to scratches? Does the L2D-CE also have this special coating? And, from what I gather, if it didn't have this Aluminum oxide, the base aluminum would scratch really easily, am I right? And for the record, are regular black AA maglites just painted?

There should only be, at the most, 1 ring in the light, which is common with lights with the Cree XR-E LED. It won't be too visible in use.

What lights do you have now? The L1/2D-CE Q5 would be similar in output in medium to the Coast you have now.

Right now I just have the Coast LCD Lenser. I know it's not the brightest but it might be different than the one shown in the picture. I bought it in Japan, and the package says the battery lasts 3.5 hours, and the ones online are saying 10 hours at 50 lumens. Something's wrong with this. If mine only lasts 3 hours, wouldn't be it be more lumens?

Anyway, I LOVE the ring of light the Coast puts out on it's wide mode. It's a perfect creamy circle with very little light spilling out. When I put it on spot it's not as perfect. Will the L2D-CE have such a nice, crisp beam as this Coast on wide? Hope so! (I realize it will be a narrow spot, not wide) I really like the prominent beams!

 

[Marduke]

Okay, thanks a lot, guys, you helped a lot! I think the L2D (with the 1-AA cell barrel extra) would be the best bet. Some of the others may be a bit brighter, but they really eat up the batteries!

Thanks, Gunner, your post was really helpful! Okay, they are all black, and I know the black scratches off, right? (Some in the store were scratched off.) However, the black is less prone to scratches? Does the L2D-CE also have this special coating? And, from what I gather, if it didn't have this Aluminum oxide, the base aluminum would scratch really easily, am I right? And for the record, are regular black AA maglites just painted?

Right now I just have the Coast LCD Lenser. I know it's not the brightest but it might be different than the one shown in the picture. I bought it in Japan, and the package says the battery lasts 3.5 hours, and the ones online are saying 10 hours at 50 lumens. Something's wrong with this. If mine only lasts 3 hours, wouldn't be it be more lumens?

Anyway, I LOVE the ring of light the Coast puts out on it's wide mode. It's a perfect creamy circle with very little light spilling out. When I put it on spot it's not as perfect. Will the L2D-CE have such a nice, crisp beam as this Coast on wide? Hope so! (I realize it will be a narrow spot, not wide) I really like the prominent beams!

There are several types of coatings for a light. Few lights are actually "painted" like you are thinking. Most are anodized in some fashion, which is similar to electroplating metal (think cheap gold plated jewelry). Maglites are Type-2 anodized. It wears fairly quickly, but they can get lots of colors and a shiny finish. The Fenix (and some others) are Type-3 (or HA-III) Hard anodized. This type of coating is much more durable, and is generally not glossy or extremely colorful. It is scratch and wear resistant. The three most common colors for this finish are black, dark gray, or a lighter titanium colored finish. There are others available however. Fenix carries black and olive for their AA lights.

For some beamshots, try looking here:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=186665

On another note, Coast (LED Lenser) likes to inflate both lumen and runtime figures. Particularly, their runtime is not to the typical "end of regulation" or "to 50% initial brightness" which is fairly standard in the industry, but rather until the light simply ceases to function anymore, at a VERY small fraction of the initial output. Their lumen figures are usually very optimistic, if not worse. That's one reason they are not very popular on CPF.

 

[HKJ]

Okay, they are all black, and I know the black scratches off, right? (Some in the store were scratched off.) However, the black is less prone to scratches? Does the L2D-CE also have this special coating? And, from what I gather, if it didn't have this Aluminum oxide, the base aluminum would scratch really easily, am I right? And for the record, are regular black AA maglites just painted?

Flashlights are not painted but anodized. Usual two qualities are used:

Type 2 can give bright colors and scratches easily. Maglite uses this finish.

HA3 Restricted colors and mostly they are somewhat dark. This finish are very difficult to scratch. Fenix and most other quality flashlights uses this finish.

 

[Gunner12]

As the above posters pointed out,

Type II anodizing (Not HA II, HA II does not exist) is not as though at Type III(aka Hard Anodizing, HA, HA III). This is because Type III anodizing is much thicker, and harder to produce and dye. Type II on the other hand is cheaper and can easily be dyed to different colors (easily as compared to HA III).

Most lights have type II anodizing, like Maglite(notice you can't peel off the color).

Aluminum by itself oxidizes (its actually pretty reactive) and forms a thin layer of oxide to protect the underlaying metal from oxidizing. It's this layer that makes aluminum pretty stable. Anodizing is a process that makes this layer thicker.

Coast have been known to stretch their runtime claims. You light might still be lit after 10 hours, but it won't be usable.

As for the beam pattern, the L2D will have spill because if the way it produces its beam(with a reflector). The hotspot won't be very crisp. Look at the wall beam shots(like the ones in this review) and they should give you a pretty good idea of what beam pattern you will get.

 

[BigBluefish]

Olight has a 2AA light coming out soon, and they have a 1AA Q5 out now

Really? Now, that would be an interesting light, wouldn't it. I missed out on the L1T/L2T v2.0 combo and thought I'd probably have to go with the L1D/L2D, but an Olight 1 x AA/2 x AA sounds even better. I'm going to wait and see what the ultimate word on the L_T lights is. Hopefully Fenix/FenixStore will let us know, soon.

 

[xcel730]

I own 4 fenix light, and I didn't even know about their no hassle lifetime warranty. That gives me a good level of assurance.:twothumbs

Anyway, tjdean, I think the Fenix L1d or L2d are good picks. Nitecore Defender Infinity is also nice ... especially with the Li-Ion 14500 batteries. Which one would I recommend? I don't know, I like them all, so I bought all three.

Can't speak for the Olights, but I have owned three Fenix L2 variants and was very happy with each. Nicely built, bright and reliable. Couple that with the incredible warranty that Fenix-Store is giving their customers:

NO QUESTIONS ASKED LIFETIME WARRANTY

We have a new policy for all Fenix brand products. We are so
confident in these flashlights that we are now upgrading all Fenix
lights purchased past, present and future to an unconditional
lifetime warranty.

"We will repair or replace any Fenix lights purchased from
www.Fenix-Store.com. Simply go through our "contact us"
link to initiate the RMA process. Your light will be return fully
functional. The exterior finish is not covered as this is cosmetic
and does not affect the function. If your model is discontinued,
we may issue you store credit or offer you a newer model of
equal or greater value. We reserve the right to issue a
refund in lieu of a replacement. "

Link: https://www.fenix-store.com/information.php?info_id=2

Now that's something...:thumbsup:

 

[Stereodude]

Really? Now, that would be an interesting light, wouldn't it. I missed out on the L1T/L2T v2.0 combo and thought I'd probably have to go with the L1D/L2D, but an Olight 1 x AA/2 x AA sounds even better. I'm going to wait and see what the ultimate word on the L_T lights is. Hopefully Fenix/FenixStore will let us know, soon.

It the T25 Q5. See the first post in this thread.

Here's a teaser pic:

Matt K. at Battery Junction said he expects to have them in his hands in about 1 week.

 

[LED-holic]

One thing that's very important is the UI of the light.

I was interested in the Olights as well but the user interface is not as good / convenient for most users as the Fenix lights.

Also, Output modes I find are very very important. I might have one very good light that is very bright, but I won't use it very much if it only has a very bright output (for example my single mode Leatherman Monarch which sits unused most of the time).

The reason I love my Fenix L2D Q5 is not mainly because of the brightness, but because of its ability to output in low, med and high.

I guess for this reason I will love the NDI even more, since it has a lower low and a very good high.

So in summary, Output Modes and UI are very very important characteristics for EDC lights.

 

[streetmaster]

It the T25 Q5. See the first post in this thread.

Here's a teaser pic:

Matt K. at Battery Junction said he expects to have them in his hands in about 1 week.

Wow, that looks surprisingly a LOT like a Fenix L2D. Hmmm...