I'm looking for a new AA EDC light to replace my Zebralight SC52 which has gone missing after many years of faithful service.
Looking around I'm drawn to the 2017 LD12. It reminds me of my Quark AA Tactical I had before the Zebralight and checks alot of boxes for me:
- 14500 and AA compatibility (want to use AAs in a pinch but 14500 for standard day to day use).
- Forward clicky that is not tied to the mode output. I want modes handled completely discretely from the main switch.
- Reasonable mode range, will miss moonlight on the ZL a little, but really my use of that was limited.
- Neutral white.
- Throw looks pretty good for a smaller light.
Disadvantages:
Output is not spectacular by modern standards, especially when compared to some of the compact 18650 lights. But AA compatibility is very important to me.
Is there any alternatives I should be looking at that are similar in style and function?
I'm not familiar w/ the Zebras, so I won't compare to those - but since you are, that's OK because you already have. Yes, the LD12 is still highly 'relevant', and is a great design that I think would be difficult, if not impossible to beat in a AA/14500 light within your criteria.
I don't have one, but do have the PD25, and as far as I can tell the LD12 is essentially a AA/14500 version of the PD25 in every respect except the dimensions.
If not for one issue, my PD25 would be on my short list of favorite lights of all time, an issue which unfortunately renders it unusable for me, and is the
only reason I don't also have an LD12 for a compatible AA/14500 option.
Unfortunately, when I use the PD25 I frequently (almost always) unintentionally press the side switch when I grip the light and operate the tail switch, due to the fact that I also naturally increase my grip pressure when doing so. This results in the light coming on in 'low' instead of 'max' output level (which it would otherwise stays in thanks to 'last state power-up'), which makes the light dangerously unusable in my intended 'tactical backup' role. I fear I'd have exactly the same issue with the LD12, otherwise I would undoubtedly already have one as a compatible AA/14500 option.
If you don't think the issue I have would be a big issue for you, then based on everything I can tell, the LD12 looks like a great light / design (as the PD25 is), and would be a great choice.
Given this part of your requirement #2 (<<<I want modes handled completely discretely from the main switch>>>), I can't think of a better choice for a AA/14500 light among the manufacturers I'm familiar with and whose products I prefer to use. All my other recommendations would be full, single tail switch control (such as 'single / double-tap' for output level selection), with no side switch.
