Looking for a powerful bright 1 AA led torch

Albinoni1967

Enlightened
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Jul 17, 2011
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I'm currently looking to buy myself a nice powerful and bright single cell AA led torch. Most of my torches use CR123 type batteries but this time would like a nice AA bright powerful torch

Basically what I'm looking for

1. Holds 1 AA battery
2. Preferably forward clickie if it's tail end activated
3. Waterproof
4. If not forward clickie than a side button is perfectly fine
5. Quality lens glass
6. Price range between $50 - $120

Any good recommendations
 
I've been looking for something similar. From what I've found so far, the front runners are the Zebralight SC52 L2, the Olight S15, and the Eagletack D25a.
 
I have (or had) all the mentioned lights and all are good lights depending upon your priorities - my favorite is a Quark AAX (QP2A-X run on a 1xAA body) for its versatility.
 
Olight S15 is a very nice little light and has the option of running on 2AA with extension tube.

Thrunite Archer is also very powerful little light with great build quality. Accepts 14500s if that's your thing but runs great on a single Eneloop. One of my favourites.
 
While the Olight S15 offers electronic lockout, it still may come on in your pocket. It's easy for the button to press again your leg and stayed depressed until it unlocks and turns on. This has happened a couple of times when I did carry my S10. The S15 can also be locked out by leaving the tailcap slightly unenlightened, but some may find that a bit of a hassle to have to re-tighten when you want to use it. At least it is for me.
 
Thrunite Archer is on sale for $26 at ThruNite-Store.com and Amazon.
 
The Olight S15, beside using the 1X AA battery, also allows you to use the rechargeable 14500 Li-ion battery which brings the max output to 280 lumen. Not all 1 x AA flashlights allow the use of the 14500 battery.
 
Zebralight SC52W L2, takes AA, Eneloops, nimh AA and 14500. When fitted with a 14500 it gives 500 lumens for the first minute and then steps down to 280.

It has a side button, no tail clicky. I have the standard SC52W and I'm very pleased with it, it's my EDC as its so small.
 
I'll throw another vote the way of the ThruNite Archer 1A

It does everything you're asking and at a bargain price.
Light is built like a tank.
 
+1 on the QT1A and Archer1A if you are looking at cheaper prices.

The Klarus XT1A will also work with 14500 and retain all modes but does not officially support Li-ions according to the user manual.


Thrunite mentioned on several forums they are planning to release a 1xAA light that will possibly output 350 lumens on a one AA but haven't given a date as far as I have seen and final specs haven't been released either.
 
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