Need a Really Bright AAA or AA Flashlight

[Lone_Wolfe]

Hello flashlight gurus, newbie here. I need suggestions for a new EDC flashlight. I'm in Afghanistan, so I need something that can stand up to a little abuse. Here's what I'm looking for;

1. Very bright. The brightest out there. Adjustable beam is a plus.

2. AA or AAA batteries only.

3. Endcap thumbswitch. A button somewhere else might be OK, but no twist on and off.

4. Small enough to fit in my pocket.

5. Price not in the stratosphere, but I'll pay for a good one. I don't need one made of damascus or fancy steel, I save that for my knives. I just want one that's bright as hell and durable.

Thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

I couldn't get this in my first post, so here it is.

1) How would you prefer to purchase the light?

____I would like to purchase the light from a brick and mortar store. I am located in ______________.
__X_I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.


2) Budget: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest! :-)

____Less than $25.
____Less than $50.
____Less than $100.
____Less than $150.
_X__Less than $300.
____I have no limit.
_X_I’m flexible, tell me what you gotJ.
____Other, please specify ________


3) Format:

_X__I want a flashlight.
____I want a headlamp.
____I want a lantern.
____I want a dive light.
____I want a portable spotlight.


4) Flashlight-specific format/size:

____Keychain size.
_X__Every day carry small (2-4 inches).
____Every day carry medium (4-7 inches).
____Holster carry.
____Big enough to need its own travel caseJ.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.
____N/A


5) Emitter/Light source:

____LED (known for efficiency, longevity, and compactness)
____Incandescent (known for superior color rendition)
____HID (known for max output, but often at the expense of size)
_X__I don't know.


6) Manufacturer:

_X__I want to buy a light from a traditional mass producing manufacturer that is ready to go out of the box.
____I would consider getting a light that is pieced together (for example a "host" or flashlight body from one manufacturer, and a "drop-in" emitter from another source). Under the right circumstances, this path can provide more options to the consumer to meet specific needs, and can often be easily upgradeable as technology improves.


7) What battery type do you want to use?

_X__I intend to use alkaline batteries (AAA, AA, C, D) (disclaimer, while it does not preclude all choices, these are not recommended for many of today’s most powerful lights)
_x, secondary source__I intend to use rechargeable nickel chemistry (NiCad, NiMH, NiZn)
____I intend to use lithium primary batteries (CR123, CR2, Energizer Advanced/Ultimate Lithium AA/AAA)
____I intend to use rechargeable lithium (li-ion) chemistry. Feel free to specify a size if you know which size you want (14500, RCR123/16340, 17500, 17670, 18650, etc.)
____I want a light with an integrated rechargeable battery. (Note: these choices may be very limited unless you are looking at spotlights)


8) How much genuine out the front (OTF) light do you want/need? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).

____I want to navigate a dark room or read a map (0-10 lumens).
____I want to walk around an unlit rural area (50-150 lumens).
____I want to illuminate my entire backyard or a campsite (150-300 lumens).
_X__I want to illuminate an entire field, the neighbor's front yard several houses down, impress my friends and neighbors, etc. (300-700 lumens).
_X__I want ridiculous amounts of lumens (800+ lumens).


9) Throw vs. Flood: At what distance will you be most likely to use this light? Select all that apply.

____Less than 1 yard/meter (reading, other close work)
____Less than 5 yards/meters (looking for something inside a dark shed/garage/basement)
____5-20 yards/meters (check out a noise in the backyard)
____30-50 yards/meters (I have a big backyard)
____50-150 yards/meters (I live in a very rural area/farm with wide open spaces)
____150+ yards (I want maximum throw possible)


10) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims, but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries (Measured on maximum output).

____Up to 30 minutes (I want the brightest [and potentially smallest] light for brief periods)
____30-60 minutes (I have plenty of batteries just ready to be changed)
____90-120 minutes (Runtime is moderately important, but still not critical)
____3 hours + (I critically need this light to run on max for extended periods in between battery changes/charges).


11) Durability/Usage: Generally the old phrase "you get what you pay for" is very accurate for flashlights.

____Not Important (A "night-stand" light).
____Slightly Important (Walks around the neighborhood).
_X__Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box).
____Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue, Caving, Survival).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.


12) Switch Type and location (choose all that apply):

____I want a forward clicky (Helpful for momentary activation and signaling).
____I want a reverse clicky (For use with multi-mode/level lights).
____I want a momentary switch (Predominantly for use with signaling and short bursts of momentary light only).
____I want a twisty switch (Tighten the head/tailcap to activate, and the light will stay on until the head/tailcap is loosened).
____I want a body mounted switch (near the head, like on a Maglite).
_X__I want a tail mounted switch (found on the majority of today’s high end lights).
____I don't care.
____I don’t know.
_X__Other, please specify___I'd like momentary on with little pressure, press harder to click on.


13) User Interface (UI) and mode selection. Select all that apply.

_X__A simple on-off with only one output level is fine for me.
or
_X__I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
____I want multiple light levels. (Some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
____I want a programmable light.
____I want a selector ring.
____I want a strobe mode. (Blinks to show location.)
____I want SOS mode.
____I want a beacon mode.
____I don’t care.
____I don’t know.


14)Material/Finish/Coating

____Plastic/composite body (this may limit your choices significantly).
____Anodized Aluminum – either type II or III (Hard Anodized) (Aluminum, specifically HA, is the most common material/finish for today’s flashlights).
____Stainless steel (durable, but much heavier than aluminum)
_X__Titanium (durable and nearly as lightweight as aluminum, but can be moderately to significantly more expensive).
____I don’t care.
_X__I don’t know.
____Other, please specify____________.


15) Special Needs/extras: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Select any below.

____Red filter (for preserving night vision).
____Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________).
____Dedicated R/G/B secondary LEDs.
____"Hybrid" light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
____Pocket/belt clip
____Holster
____Wrist/Neck Lanyard
____Crenulated bezel
____Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments

 

[Kestrel]

Hi, LW, welcome to CPF. :wave:

I'm not an expert on AA lights, but I can see one difficulty with your choices. You are hoping for a rather short AA light (2-4 inches), so this means 1xAA rather than 2xAA. The voltage from a single Alkaline / NiMH cell (~1.2 V or so) will limit output to the ~120-150 lumen range, much lower than what you are hoping for. If you were to go to 2xAA and a somewhat longer body, the possible outputs increase dramatically, as the electronic driver will have a much easier time getting high currents from ~2.4 volts input.

Hope this helps,

 

[Imon]

Hey Lone Wolfe,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but a flashlight small enough to drop in your pocket (2"-4") yet 300+ lumens in AA or AAA is .... pretty much nonexistent.

I'm assuming that most of the time you're going to be using alkaline batteries and occasionally a energizer lithium here or there but a AA or AAA battery (1.5V) just does not have the electrical potential energy to drive a LED to max brightness. Some AA or AAA lights will accept 14500s or 10440s (Li-ion AA or AAA) these are 3.6V and can drive a flashlight harder not to mention Li-ion batteries have lower internal resistance than alkaline batteries...

Anyways, these really small, single cell flashlights that can go 300+ are nice and impressive but ultimately not too practical. They'll overheat very quickly and running a single cell-light 300+ lumens will get you anywhere from 20 to maybe 40 minutes of battery life.

Hope this helped.

 

[cbthedookie]

As others have posted, nothing exists that will hit all of the requirements you've outlined. If you are set on AA lights, a few to consider would be Fenix TK41 (800 lumens, thrower) or TK45 (similar power, very floody) but both take 8 AAs, have side-mounted switches and are larger than you desire; the Jetbeam PA40 (floody, about 400 lumens or so, 4AA a bit smaller than the Fenixes), 4sevens Quark X 2AA (about 250 lumens, 2AAs so longer than you prefer - there are dozens of great 2aa lights out there, fwiw), Zebralight SC51 (single AA, 200 lumens, but top mounted switch). There are dozens (maybe hundreds) of great lights out there, and some of those I referenced have "brothers" that are available in slightly different configurations. Nothing in this list would run you more than $150 or so, although that doesn't account for shipping to Afghanistan...

Hope this at least helps you target some research...

Also, if possible, consider purchasing eneloop rechargables - MUCH better than alkaline.

 

[michman]

Unless you are using rechargeable batteries, the you further reduce your options. Get Eneloop batteries and a ZL SC51. I think that that is the best that you can do for the size and power you are looking for.

 

[Gregozedobe]

WHS ^

A single AA alkaline battery simply cannot deliver the amount of light you have specified - even an AA eneloop will struggle to deliver more than 300 lumens (and then not for too long). Heat is a serious issue with lots of lumens from small lights.

If you go bigger you can get more lumens and better heat handling capacity. I would be wary going for very high power for a long time, as many lights are not designed for continuous running at very high levels.

Maybe if you let us know where you are prepared to compromise on your requirements we cana dvise some lights that fit your real needs (rather than wishes).

 

[helios123]

Take a look at this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...hotos)-Work-In-Progress&p=3820989#post3820989

Seems like it fits your criterias :)

Take a look at the peak vesuvius also.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

Hi, LW, welcome to CPF. :wave:I'm not an expert on AA lights, but I can see one difficulty with your choices. You are hoping for a rather short AA light (2-4 inches), so this means 1xAA rather than 2xAA. The voltage from a single Alkaline / NiMH cell (~1.2 V or so) will limit output to the ~120-150 lumen range, much lower than what you are hoping for. If you were to go to 2xAA and a somewhat longer body, the possible outputs increase dramatically, as the electronic driver will have a much easier time getting high currents from ~2.4 volts input.Hope this helps,

How much would I gain if the light had 3 AAA's? already have a couple mid/low end lights that are about 4" long, but take 3 batteries. Would that make much difference in a higher end light? And thank you.

Unless you are using rechargeable batteries, the you further reduce your options. Get Eneloop batteries and a ZL SC51. I think that that is the best that you can do for the size and power you are looking for.

I could do that if it helps. the only thing I'd be concerned about is that the light work, even if at lesser brightness, on alkalines if I couldn't get to my recharger.

Take a look at this thread: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...hotos)-Work-In-Progress&p=3820989#post3820989Seems like it fits your criterias :)Take a look at the peak vesuvius also.

That's a nice looking light. The only thing about it is that it's a twist on and off. I really need one hand operation. I'll be sure to check out the paek too.Thanks for the input, everyone.

 

[michman]

Originally Posted by michman Unless you are using rechargeable batteries, the you further reduce your options. Get Eneloop batteries and a ZL SC51. I think that that is the best that you can do for the size and power you are looking for.



I could do that if it helps. the only thing I'd be concerned about is that the light work, even if at lesser brightness, on alkalines if I couldn't get to my recharger.

In a pinch, sure, run alkaline batteries. But once you start getting into lights that can put out higher levels of lumens, you can only obtain those levels by running quality rechargeable batteries as they are better equipped to handle the load that the light puts on them. Alkaline batteries will only remain bright for a short period of time and then fall off. I have heard five minutes on high before they drop down a level.

Perhaps I missed it, but why do you need so much power? Unless you are trying to spot a squirrel 200m away, 100 lm is usually more than enough light to do everything that you need to do and then some. I personally find walking through the woods on a trail with 10 to 30 lumens to be more than enough. I only bump up to 80+ lumens if I am looking for a way marker far off in the distance.

 

[badmanners]

I second the PA40 someone mentioned above.

Its not a tiny light, but for an AA light, it has great output.

 

[Lone_Wolfe]

In a pinch, sure, run alkaline batteries. But once you start getting into lights that can put out higher levels of lumens, you can only obtain those levels by running quality rechargeable batteries as they are better equipped to handle the load that the light puts on them. Alkaline batteries will only remain bright for a short period of time and then fall off. I have heard five minutes on high before they drop down a level.

Perhaps I missed it, but why do you need so much power? Unless you are trying to spot a squirrel 200m away, 100 lm is usually more than enough light to do everything that you need to do and then some. I personally find walking through the woods on a trail with 10 to 30 lumens to be more than enough. I only bump up to 80+ lumens if I am looking for a way marker far off in the distance.

Duly noted. Guess I'd better learn a bit about battries too, not just the flashlights.

I second the PA40 someone mentioned above.

Its not a tiny light, but for an AA light, it has great output.

Thanks for the input, guess I'll get one of them sent out to me. :)

 

[lingpau]

Hey Lone Wolfe,

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but a flashlight small enough to drop in your pocket (2"-4") yet 300+ lumens in AA or AAA is .... pretty much nonexistent.

I'm assuming that most of the time you're going to be using alkaline batteries and occasionally a energizer lithium here or there but a AA or AAA battery (1.5V) just does not have the electrical potential energy to drive a LED to max brightness. Some AA or AAA lights will accept 14500s or 10440s (Li-ion AA or AAA) these are 3.6V and can drive a flashlight harder not to mention Li-ion batteries have lower internal resistance than alkaline batteries...

Anyways, these really small, single cell flashlights that can go 300+ are nice and impressive but ultimately not too practical. They'll overheat very quickly and running a single cell-light 300+ lumens will get you anywhere from 20 to maybe 40 minutes of battery life.

Hope this helped.

Try a Jet Beam! I love mine! Jetbeam PA12 LED Flashlight - CREE XPG3 - 780 Lumens - Uses 1 x 14500 or 1 x AA $34.99 Great for short run times. Get a lantern if you need long lighting times!

 

[Lynx_Arc]

How much would I gain if the light had 3 AAA's? already have a couple mid/low end lights that are about 4" long, but take 3 batteries. Would that make much difference in a higher end light? And thank you. I could do that if it helps. the only thing I'd be concerned about is that the light work, even if at lesser brightness, on alkalines if I couldn't get to my recharger.That's a nice looking light. The only thing about it is that it's a twist on and off. I really need one hand operation. I'll be sure to check out the paek too.Thanks for the input, everyone.

Forget 3AAAs for lights.... as 1AA = 2.5 AAAs in power so a 2AA light would equalt 5AAAs. I would strongly recommend considering 18650 or 21700 based lights. They have 5" 18650 lights and a single 3000+ mah 18650 is equal to 3 or 4 AAs and can easily put out 300 lumens for several hours. You could also get a decent 1AA flashlight to use alkaleaks and nimh and L91s in that may also take 14500s. I think you were talking about $300 max that would gets you several lights and a charger or two and spare batteries too

 

[Bicycleflyer]

Take a look at the Malkoff line of AA lights. Rock solid build.

 

[michaex]

I really hope he has found something in those 11 years that passed ;)

 

[Bicycleflyer]

LMAO…. I didn’t even notice that.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

LMAO…. I didn’t even notice that.

Me neither, but in reality we are still seeing threads where people are wanting AA/AAA flashlights and often people are tempted into buying 3AAA models which IMO is a bad idea if one truly is wanting to use the light routinely and vigorously.