I want I want I want The Ideal LED

[Glance2]

Just like everyone else, I'm looking for my ideal LED flashlight:

Bright (like a Q5 or more)
Long runtime
1xAA eneloops
Less than $50
Lightweight
Lots of spill and throw

I'm have no experience in modding but I hear that drop ins are easy to install. Are there flashlights that can fit this profile with simple mods?

 

[Marduke]

Sounds like you might want the Fenix L1D CE for $51.06 shipped. It's not a Q5, but it's pretty bright using a P4.

They also sell a Fenix lego pack that includes a L1D Q5 with a bunch of goodies for $67.16 shipped.

The Ultrafire C3 5-mode might also be a contender, but again it uses a P4. Can be used with 1xAA, 2xAA, or 1x14500

 

[laserblue]

Flashlights with built ind DC to DC converters to convert 2.5 to 3.8 volts with voltage regulation too.

 

[Marduke]

Flashlights with built ind DC to DC converters to convert 2.5 to 3.8 volts with voltage regulation too.

ANY 1xAA light would contain a boost circuit, and by it's nature be at the very least semi-regulated.

 

[Gunner12]

I don't think you'll find any drop-ins for this.

The MTE Rebel 100 20 mode(the LED is only a little dimmer then the Q5 and has better color rendering) seems to have every thing except the simple modes. Some have found it confusing, some have found it easy after figuring it out(there was a guide somewhere around here).