Multi-stage 2AA/1AA recommendations

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Oink

Oink

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Mar 9, 2008
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I am in the market for 3 LED flashlights, preferably 2AAs or 1AAs. I have had my eyes set on a Fenix L2D premium Q5/R100 for the longest time but am also considering a Nitecore D10. The other 2 flashlights are going to fit into a budget of $40 for BOTH. I was just about to order a Romisen RC-G2 (DX) and a RC-N3 Q5 (ShiningBeam) after reading all the reviews but noticed that they are both single stage. I would definitely prefer a flashlight with a low output option, strobe is not necessary. Are they other decent flashlights that fit into this range that I should pay attention to?

These will be used as EDC, general purpose, occassional camping and reading.

Thanks in advance
 
sol-leks said:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12395
Click to expand...

Thanks,

The sku 12395 sounds good. It has 3 extra modes that I don't need but what the hack. The 5-mode model apparently doesn't have mode memory...

While browsing, I also found this very similar light... more expensive and without the extension barrel...
Ultrafire C3 Cree Q3 6-Mode LED Flashlight (AA/14500) Price: $22.97
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12093

I am now very tempted by the D10. Trying to read up on the limited version with Golden Dragon +.
 
If you are willing to spend the money and dont mind missing out on the extension tube by all means go for the d10. I dont own one but havent heard one bad thing about them.
 
I've head of problems with the Ultrafire C3s.

What's your price range?

I think the D10 might be good because it can be at a good range of outputs. the Jet 1 Pro IBS might be interesting to you too.
 
So far, I haven't come across ~$20 multi-level that I could recommend in good conscience. The Ultrafire C3 should have been a good choice, but there are issues - see my detailed review for a discussion. The MTEs also have problems.

I've been impressed with the build quality of the Romisens for the price, but they are single-stage as you pointed out.

Probably your best is the LM-31, but that's a little more. The Rexlight and JetBeam C-LE (V1.2 or V2) were also good choices at a similar price, but are no longer available except second-hand.

If you are willing to go second-hand, an old Fenix L1T/L1S should be even cheaper (since they used older luxeons). But definitely much better build quality, if you don't mind the lower output. I've given a lot of these away over the years, and no one has come back to me yet looking for a brighter light. ;)
 
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Thank you all for a list of new flashlights to read up on.

Since I have a proven record of attracting troubles, I should probably stay clear of the C3, pity as the 6-mode model looks to be a great candidate. I haven't actually looked into the second-hand market mainly due to my being in Canada - crossborder shipping can be a hassle. That said, is there a good source for second hand flashlights?

I think I am set for
1. Fenix L2D Premium Q5 or R100
2. Nitecore D10 (intridgued by the mechanism and the lack of complaints on the forums)

These two torches already exceed my budget for 3 lights, but I could probably stretch for a third from a pool of
Lumapower LM31
Ese AF2
Romisen RC-N3 (single mode)

Shipping cost, and more importantly custom clearance fee will be reduced if three lights are purchased from one vendor... Checking it out now

Thanks again everybody.
 
Oink said:
These two torches already exceed my budget for 3 lights, but I could probably stretch for a third from a pool of
Lumapower LM31
Ese AF2
Romisen RC-N3 (single mode)

Shipping cost, and more importantly custom clearance fee will be reduced if three lights are purchased from one vendor... Checking it out now
Click to expand...
I received my Romisen RC-N3 Q5 from ShiningBeam last week. Excellent value for the money.

Shipping was $2.95 to Canada for the Romisen, no customs issues.
 
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Oink:

I have both the AF2 and RC-N3 Q5. Of the two, I personally like the AF2 better ... but be prepared to spend some effort on it.
My particular battery cavity was a bit too short for batteries to fit properly. (Not one of my dozens of AA NiMH rechargeables would fit.) This meant that the batteries stuck out a fraction of an inch from the end of the barrel. This fraction of an inch meant that exposed (non-anodized) end of the barrel could not physically make contact with the tailcap base ring. No contact meant no light.

The solution was simple. Close the circuit. I stuck a spare split ring (18.5 mm diameter) into the tailswitch. Works fine, no contact problems. You could probably use a stiff wire, shape it into a ring, and that should work. It doesn't need to be neat, it just needs to bridge the gap.

The same result could probably be attained by sanding off the anodized finish on the body threads, tailcap threads (especially around the tailcap base ring). It's a lot more work and it may be aesthetically neater, but you'd have to be careful about crushing the batteries. (The split ring solution acts as a stop to prevent battery crushing.)

Note: This may simply have been a production run problem. Shiningbeam advised me that he had no such problems with the unit he personally looked at. YMMV.
​
I think most flashaholics are up to the (small) challenge of fixing the AF2, if necessary. I've found it to be a versatile and handsome light.

The RC-N3, on the other hand, is a workhorse light. Good quality. Very dependable. Much more robustly built. It's my "beater" light. Thow it in my toolbox and bounced around with a bunch of tools, it'll work. I can highly recommend the RC-N3.
 
Oink, you are smart to go with LSD NiMH like eneloops for your battery choice. Unless you have a specific need that requires the use of the CR123's, the LSD's are a great choice. And, you can always use alkalines in a pinch.

You're 2 choices as list above a very good. Also, take a look at the L2T... great dual level light. Although I don't own one yet, the D10 is a solid choice.
 
A quick update after many more hours of reading CPF,

Instead of a cheapie multi-stage, I am getting the urge to step up to the Zebralight. 4sevens seems to have all these 3 lights, and it is looking mighty attractive. I have also renewed my interest in the Romissen RC-N3 Q5 despite the single stage. I am however still am concerned that without brightness control, a torch this bright would be quite annoying on many occassions.
 
The Zebralight is AWESOME!!

I EDC my D10, and then a ZL H50 Q5 that holds a spare Eneloop. The H50 is just barely bigger than an AA battery, and thus is a PERFECT back up.

Go for it!! :)
 
I think the Lumapower LM31 is a good bet. BatteryJunction has them, and the price has gone down a couple of bucks, recently.

If you want one of the older Fenixes, I think Lighthund has some L1T/L2T and L1S/L2S lights available. These are the older, Luxeon lights, so they don't have the 90 lumen + output of the newer Cree lights, but the high is still usefully bright, and the price is down in the low $20's range.
 
A Nitecore D10 coming my way, the first of my many flashlights, not counting the unreliable Mini Mag with a 1w luxeon drop-in and the unpredictable IQ switch... The Olight T15 Q5 has somehow made it to my list also, and I thought I needed help reducing that list. Sigh!
 
Oink said:
A Nitecore D10 coming my way, the first of my many flashlights, not counting the unreliable Mini Mag with a 1w luxeon drop-in and the unpredictable IQ switch... The Olight T15 Q5 has somehow made it to my list also, and I thought I needed help reducing that list. Sigh!
Click to expand...
Just surrender your wallet now...it will only get worse :D
 
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