Paul_in_Maryland
Flashlight Enthusiast
Greetings. As a kid, I used to stuff D cells into a paper towel cardboard tube and burn out PR13 bulbs after 30 seconds of glory. In my 40s, I got into Pelican lights for my belt pouch (4AA Stealth, Stealth Rechargeable, Black Max) and my car (5D with a wide bumpy reflector).
Well, last week, at a hardware store, I stumbled across a couple 1AAA and 1AA LED flashlights at the checkout counter. I knew I HAD TO HAVE something like that for my keyring. But I also knew that the best offerings would not be found at the checkout counter, but on the Web. That's how I found the candlepower forums.
After studying these forums, this week I ordered a 12-LED single AA ($9 shipped, eBay) and a UK 2AA (xenon bulb, $18.50 shipped, plus $3 orange wand to keep in the car).
We'd all want something like an HDS Systems EDC, but this family guy can't justify that. Besides, I love to evangelize for flashlights, and so I've tried to limit my options to 1AA or side-by-side 2AA models (any beside the Underwater Kinetics?) for under $20. That way, I can keep extras handy to sell at cost or give away, with L91 lithium cells and quick-release keyrings.
But the Peak Kilimanjaro 5 LED High Output, with its beautiful craftsmanship and regulated power, kept calling me. And because it's been discontinued, I figured it's now or never: I just ordered one in black from pocketlights.com. Just $45 plus $3.80 shipping! (And: I was able to have it shipped to me at work so the wife won't know!) While the site doesn't make it clear, Pocketlights' David Kochan confirmed by email that "All of the Peak lights that I sell have high output LEDs."
The only CR123A model I may yet buy is the Nuwai QIII. But I strongly prefer AAs; if you run out, you can always plunder a cell or two from another portable appliance.
Well, last week, at a hardware store, I stumbled across a couple 1AAA and 1AA LED flashlights at the checkout counter. I knew I HAD TO HAVE something like that for my keyring. But I also knew that the best offerings would not be found at the checkout counter, but on the Web. That's how I found the candlepower forums.
After studying these forums, this week I ordered a 12-LED single AA ($9 shipped, eBay) and a UK 2AA (xenon bulb, $18.50 shipped, plus $3 orange wand to keep in the car).
We'd all want something like an HDS Systems EDC, but this family guy can't justify that. Besides, I love to evangelize for flashlights, and so I've tried to limit my options to 1AA or side-by-side 2AA models (any beside the Underwater Kinetics?) for under $20. That way, I can keep extras handy to sell at cost or give away, with L91 lithium cells and quick-release keyrings.
But the Peak Kilimanjaro 5 LED High Output, with its beautiful craftsmanship and regulated power, kept calling me. And because it's been discontinued, I figured it's now or never: I just ordered one in black from pocketlights.com. Just $45 plus $3.80 shipping! (And: I was able to have it shipped to me at work so the wife won't know!) While the site doesn't make it clear, Pocketlights' David Kochan confirmed by email that "All of the Peak lights that I sell have high output LEDs."
The only CR123A model I may yet buy is the Nuwai QIII. But I strongly prefer AAs; if you run out, you can always plunder a cell or two from another portable appliance.