help me choose - AA edc for purse carry

[underconstruction]

dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

My mother wants one for real estate work - for looking up close at lock boxes, for walking through rooms and basements when there are no lights working and for reading a house number from the street. Any sugggestions? Romisen or a ultrafire c3 maybe?

 

[MattK]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

For reliability an Inova X1 is bulletproof and under $20 - not super bright though.

 

[underconstruction]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Deosn't the innova have a very blue tint? My worry is that the really blue tint of the innova may make rooms look horrible when showing them to clients.

 

[Black Rose]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

I've got a Romisen RC-N3 Q5, great light. It's slightly longer than a minimag but much much brigher. Forward clicky with momentary on. Works on 2xAA or 1 CR123A.

You can get the P4 version from Shining Beam for just over $17, or the Q5 version from Shining Beam for $23. Both prices are when using the CPF discount. Shipping is extra ($2.75)

 

[underconstruction]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

I think she wants to stick with the single AA format since it will be an easier fit in her purse.

 

[Sgt. LED]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Geez dude it's for your mom, can't ya go a bit higher than 19 bucks.
:mecry:

For low prices check the marketplace.

 

[Black Rose]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

OK, in that case there are a couple of options from Romisen: RC-A3, RC-H3, or RC-G2.

Also, take a look at BessieBenny's Budget DX/KD lights thread stickied at the top of this forum.

However, with a 1xAA light, reading a house number from the street is going to be tough.

 

[kramer5150]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

oops never mind, I didn't read your follow up post.

 

[Art Vandelay]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

The Fenix L1D Q5 is "Mom worthy".


The Inova X1 is ok at that budget. If you can afford it, a Fenix L1D Q5 is much, much better. It is so much better, it is not even in the same league. It's on sale at these two places. I don't have any connection to either place.

http://www.lighthound.com//Fenix-L1...ht-HA-III-Black-Finish--6-levels_p_6-351.html

or here

http://www.eliteled.com/products/flashlights/fenix-l1d-q5.html

 

[Hooked on Fenix]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Energizer 1 watt 1AA l.e.d. light from Target is $18. I think that would work.

 

[rpage53]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

The little AA is a handy backup for finding her way but the clients are looking at plunking down a lot of money. She will need a larger brighter light with a lot of spill to properly show a dark room. And incandescent is better for tint.

Chances are that a clicky is best. The twist multi-mode Fenix just confuses most people. So I would suggest the Target AA and a standard 2C Mag.

Rick.

 

[sol-leks]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

I think from the description your wrote for what your mom will be using it for, most of these lights will be too bright most of the time. Pretty much anything with one mode and a p4 or better will blind her when she uses it for close up stuff. I recommend either getting her an E01, which she will love for the small size and love most of the time but maybe sometimes wish it was a little brighter, or get her the Lumapower LM31 or a similar 2 mode light which is still easy to use and gives her the option of low or high.The LM 31 also meets your desire for a single AA type light. However you will have to increase your budget a bit since its 29 bucks.

 

[MattK]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Yah, for an AA powered light for showing room to clients I'd look at the LumaPower LM31 or Fenix E20 - both a bit over that budget.

 

[superflytnt]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Energizer 1 watt 1AA l.e.d. light from Target is $18. I think that would work.

+1 I got one of those to steal the clip for my D10 and they're not bad at all! I'd guess 25-30 lumens with a great beam and creamy Lux tint.

 

[fnj]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Dependable, cheap, bright: pick any two. You're not going to get all three.

 

[1dash1]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

My mother wants one for real estate work - for looking up close at lock boxes, for walking through rooms and basements when there are no lights working and for reading a house number from the street. Any sugggestions? Romisen or a ultrafire c3 maybe?

Underconstruction:

For pure utility, you might consider the X2000. It comes in several form factors: 3xAAA (twist to zoom), 3xAAA (slide to zoom), CR123 (slide), 18650 (slide).

For your Mom's purposes, the 3xAAA (slide) might be the simplest. In the flood setting, she can do close-in work. For completely dark rooms, she can use the flood setting. For partially lit rooms, she can use a mid-setting. For reading a house number, she can narrow the beam to its tightest setting.

Bessiebenny seemed impressed by it. You may read his anecdotal comments here.

It fits your price criteria, but is larger than you specified. Nonetheless, it is much smaller than the 2D incandescent flashlights that your Mom might be used to wielding.

P.S. Please note that product delivery times from overseas sources are variable. Sometimes you get it within ten days. Sometimes you get it in two months (I'm still awaiting one item that was ordered on June 26th). So, please factor that into your decision.

 

[sol-leks]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Dependable, cheap, bright: pick any two. You're not going to get all three.

I disagree. You're not going to find cheap bright and long run time usually. I think most of the romisen lights are cheap dependable and bright. Maybe you mean uber bright, like over 200 lumens, but most ppl are still going to see a p4 and be impressed by it. Sorry to digress. the x2000 isnt a bad idea, but the 3xaaa format just sucks. Maybe he has a mini maglite he can mod for her, if the fenix e20 is out of his budget? Also, it might be a little complex for a non-flashy, but the ultrafire c3 q5 is supposed to perform quite well in 1xAA form:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.10727

 

[loanshark]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

A fenix L1T can be had for $45 delivered, and is tough to beat... 16 lumen low mode for 15 hours on a single AA= very useful light!! If she needs to spot a house number simply tighten the bezel for 98 lumens!!!

Don't go cheap, you'll regret it sooner or later. Picture your mother in an unfamiliar, dark basement with a stranger when the $20 light you gave her quits working. If she's gonna have another light for backup ( I would) it's not as big of deal, but if she's likely to only carry one I'd get her a good one.

Sorry for the guilt trip, just hoping you can learn from my mistakes. I've bought a few cheap KD/DX lights, it's like playing the lottery...

 

[superflytnt]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

Energizer 1 watt 1AA l.e.d. light from Target is $18. I think that would work.

FWIW, this light is made by Nuwai and is actually built pretty well. It's better than many "extremedeal" lights in this price range, IMO. Here is a video review on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0raI95vy7cY I think that it would do the job well but if you have a few extra $$ I agree with the Fenix L1T recommendation as well.

 

[kramer5150]

Re: dependable cheap <$20 single mode AA light.

FWIW, this light is made by Nuwai and is actually built pretty well. It's better than many "extremedeal" lights in this price range, IMO. Here is a video review on it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0raI95vy7cY I think that it would do the job well but if you have a few extra $$ I agree with the Fenix L1T recommendation as well.

FWIW, this light isn't really "made" by Nuwai... It is merely a re-brand. Nuwai doesn't really make/fabricate lights. I have updated my video with this commentary.

:thumbsup: