Energizer Double Barrel 4AAA runtime?

[LEDagent]

I have one of those lights and I CAN'T stand its dim light and SHORT battery-life. Especially out in the wilderness...

I wouldn't mind its battery-life if it wasn't for its DIM output.
Here's my Question:
Does anyone know the actuall continious run-time of this flashlight? I ask because if its somewhere around runtime of a Surefire E2, then maybe i'll consider buying the E2 very soon.

Those of u that have the E2, are u satisfied with it as a primary, carry around light? Since it only lasts about an hour, is it an economical and reliable flashlight if i use it A LOT?

I like usually use my primary light for about 2-5 minuts evernight, and more extensively on camping trips and outdoor use. Is the E2 ideal for this type of use? Can u recommend something as small with somewhat similar output and longer runtimes?


...Boy thats a lot of questions huh?

 

[Gandalf]

You've got questions, I've got answers!
My favorite is the Underwater Kinetics 2L flashlight. Not as bright as the E2, but about as bright as a 3D Maglite, with a claimed 4 to 5 hr burn time. ( I say claimed, because they used to claim 3 to 4 hr.) from 2 lithium 123's. I carry one with me at all times; it's small enough to go in my pants pocket, it's light ( I just weighed mine: 2 1/2 oz., with batteries) and waterproof. The only real down side is they take both hands to turn on. They are reasonably priced, too: $26 at brightguy.com
with 2 batteries; replacement lamps ( xenon, of course), are very reasonable at $6.50; cheap compared to Surefire prices. I've been carrying the same one for about 6 or 7 years now, and I've had to replace the lamp twice.
You can get the same light output, using the UK 4AA flashlight; it uses the same lamp, but it's larger, and heavier, of course; but only costs $16. Batteries will cost less, too.

IMHO, you need more than a one hr. burn time when you are out in the woods. I've seen the 4 AAA Energizer, and I thought it would be fairly bright, but not much run time; but if it's not even bright, I'd replace it. You'd be better off with a Mini maglite (AA)

Really, I'd pick a Mini Maglight over what you describe the Energizer 4 AAA is like!

 

[geepondy]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LEDagent:
I like usually use my primary light for about 2-5 minuts evernight, and more extensively on camping trips and outdoor use. Is the E2 ideal for this type of use? Can u recommend something as small with somewhat similar output and longer runtimes?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

There are a lot more experienced surefire/flashlight users in this group then myself but I can say with authority, nothing beats an E2 output for it's size. It will beat all 4AA lights in that regard and of course much bigger lights as well. It has a Surefire claim of 70 minutes runtime per set of two CR123 batteries and with my experience, that's pretty accurate. Buying the batteries, other then mail order is very expensive. Lots of discussions on that subject in this forum on that but you can get them mail order in bulk for a little less then two dollars apiece in some cases. Still much more expensive then AA Alkalines in most cases. My only personal complaint with the E2 is that it gets quite hot to hold after a few minutes of continuous use.

For myself, I use a rechargeable Surefire (8AX) for everyday house hold uses and carry my E2 for walks outside and on vacations(as well as some LED lights but we won't get into that here). Check out Brock's regular flashlight site for notes and comparisons of flashlights including quite a few 4AA models. http://www.uwgb.edu/nevermab/flash.htm

 

[X-CalBR8]

I'm not very pleased with the Double Barrel 4AAA runtime either, but the flashlight itself is a very good quality light. That's why I've modded mine with a Nichia White LED. It is a very nice, high quality flashlight with a very good runtime with a LED. I hope to sell a few of these modded AAA DoubleBarrels on Ebay someday soon so stay tuned.

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