Help me choose a 1xAA flashlight !

[ml1710]

It has been a while since I surfed these forums and it seems like a lot of new stuff has come out since then. I currently own an Arc 1xAAA (from way before they went out of business) which is still in excellent condition, however, I would really like to use the more common AA format.

I apologize if this has been asked somewhere before, but I'd like a current view on flashlight tech (with CREEs and all these new companies it is hard to catch up). I'd like a flashlight that is:

- 1xAA format
- Durable
- Regulated
- Long run time (or has low and high light modes)
- Decently bright for camping tasks

My budget is around $20-25 and if you could help me find a Canadian friendly store that would be nice too

Thanks!

 

[carrot]

I don't know, there aren't many good lights in that price range for that form factor... but in your price range is the Inova X1, at $20. The one you want is the reflectored 5mm one, not the one with the newer high powered LED, because the latest one has shorter runtime. If you are going to examine these lights in person, be sure to look up pictures of the Luxeon Rebel so you can know that it's the version NOT to get.

MattK at BatteryJunction.com should have it...

Also for around $20 is the Gerber Infinity Ultra. I have one and it is a very nice, solid light. Not sure about a source, but if REI ships to Canada it is an option.

There's the Fenix Civictor V1 for $30, uses a Luxeon I, a nice light with pretty good output but short runtime. You can get it from Fenix-Store.com and there's some CPF discount (I think it's code CPF8).

Edit: Did not notice, you want a Cree light. The only 1xAA I am actually familiar with is the Fenix L1D-CE, and it is about twice your budget. It is a very good light, though. I know there are cheaper models around, but their runtime is not as good. Unfortunately for you, Cree-based lights currently command an absurd premium at this time.

 

[Martin]

DealExtreme will ship you the Dexlight X.V for merely USD 23.95

This is a multi-level, regulated single AA light with a Cree LED, aluminium reflector, AR glass lens, HA finish. It's a twisty, not a clicky. Workmanship is darn good as I can judge from my single unit.

Only cons are that the threads were not pre-lubricated when it arrived (no big deal for me) and that it uses PWM for the low modes (an issue for some people).

 

[ml1710]

Thanks for replying!

Is this site known to be reputable since it is in Hong Kong? Also, what is the disadvantage of PWM?

 

[carrot]

PWM is rapid strobing of the LED to make it appear to dim (and giving the same effect). Some people such as myself are sensitive to the effect and cannot stand to use PWM. Using your typical PWM for a length of time gives me a headache, however the PWM on a rare few bunch of lights is VERY fast and almost unnoticeable. One such light that uses PWM properly is the McLux. I believe another would be the HDS EDC.

 

[gunga]

ml1710, you have pm...

 

[TORCH_BOY]

The Fexix L1D-CE

 

[s002cjs]

Last discussion I saw similar to this, the choice ended up being the Mini Palm.

 

[derfyled]

As TORCH_BOY said, I would also go for the L1D-CE. You will then be able to buy a 2 AA tube later to have much more power (135 lumens). You will also avoid PWM since it does not use this technology.

It cost more but it worth it.

 

[barkingmad]

Yes the L1D-CE is a great light - get the 2 x AA body as well and you have the option of more runtime / brightness in a slightly larger package.

 

[matrixshaman]

I've had very good dealings with dealextreme.com - takes about 2 weeks or so to get things but other than that it's all been great there. Fenix will be faster and our Fenix dealers here are great. But expect to pay a bit more. The other thing that has held me up lately in buying Fenix (beside being broke now) is that they haven't gone with any textured reflectors (to smooth out the rings from a Cree). At first I didn't care about this but having gotten several other Cree lights with lightly textured reflectors I found they still throw quite good but look so much better. All in all it's still a fine point but one that has slowed my interest in buying a Fenix lately.

 

[Gunner12]

Here is part of my list of Cree or Seoul AA lights from Dealextreme. Dealextreme is pretty reputable but the products usually takes about 2 weeks to a month to arrive.

Dexlight X.V(multi modes,$24)
Dexlight, $45 Uses PWM, many modes, review
Ultrafire C3(Review, $18)
MXDL Cree(Review, $10.50)
MTE 1AA Seoul, $13.50, reports of bad switch.

 

[mhubble]

Last discussion I saw similar to this, the choice ended up being the Mini Palm.

Big +1 for the MINI PALM, You can find it here.
http://www.goldengadgets.com/p327/F...t_info.html?osCsid=425jr1ngbn0trh156a5ja8k781

Also check out the RIVER ROCK 1-aa at TARGET. Do they have target in Canada?

 

[Martin]

+1 for dealextreme.com
Shipping takes long but if cost is an issue, they are hard to beat.
I personally will wait for the LumaPower LM31 before I buy another 1AA light. Should be out this month.

 

[emitter]

+0.9 for the dexlight XV. Just got mine. Yes the low PWM frequency is annoying (this does not happen on high mode) but the output is well regulated, and for camping, low lasts 20+ hours. Plus cheaper than the jetbeam c-le which it is a relabeled version of. I also agree about the threads, they need cleaning and some lube. Leave on secret beacon mode for those 4am needs.

too bad the lm301 is unavailable, it would have worked. the new version should be sweet.

If it's camping tasks you wish to illuminate though, consider the streamlight enduro. Has high and low modes and uses, countem, 2 aaa's. very lightweight. not a luxeon, but a 'high power' 5mm, goes 6 hrs high, 20+ low. no annoying pwm. Looking forward to camping with mine. They're within your budget, available from http://www.fox-intl.com/searchresult.asp?id=3257 tho their shippings a bit much the lamp is cheap, and they're in Ohio.

I still admire my arc aaa and ultra govt, they make good tent lights.

 

[:)>]

PWM is rapid strobing of the LED to make it appear to dim (and giving the same effect). Some people such as myself are sensitive to the effect and cannot stand to use PWM. Using your typical PWM for a length of time gives me a headache, however the PWM on a rare few bunch of lights is VERY fast and almost unnoticeable. One such light that uses PWM properly is the McLux. I believe another would be the HDS EDC.

I am pretty sure that the McLux 2-stage lights are current regulated on each level no PWM. I know that the HDS is PWM on the lower levels and it is done well enough to not be noticeable.

I have a L1D CE on the way in and expect to be pretty happy. I have been happy with the other Fenix lights that I have owned.

-Goatee

 

[Lee1959]

I have been using the Ultrafire C3 for about 3 weeks now and am extremely impressed with it so far.

 

[FliGuyRyan]

Fenix L1D CE... it's only logical. Just save your money. Then get an L2D CE body and a P2D CE body and you'll have a LOT of versatility.

My .03

 

[Schizoid1]

I agree. Stretch to get the L1D-CE. I'm very pleased with mine and it is a great camping light, plus a lot more. I'm planning to get the L2D-CE for the car, and a P2D body for the option. Good customer service too (call don't email to speed things up).

 

[BSCOTT1504]

The Fexix L1D-CE

+1