NiteCore EZ-AA Comparison Review

[UnknownVT]

Through the kind courtesy of 4Sevens I have this NiteCore EZ-AA to look at.

So what's so special about a single AA twisty light -
even if it has 2 levels?... so I thought......

That is until I saw one in the flesh -
it looked like a single AAA light it was that slim -
I even wondered how they could fit an AA in the body...
but, duh, of course they do with room to spare -
I think it is the black anodizing and the knurling that makes it look so slim.

I think it even shows in the photo -

Size -

I deliberately placed a standard AA battery next to the EZaa to show how slim it is - and the Fenix LD01 (AAA) next to it doesn't seem that much more compact - amazing - especially if you compare the EZaa with more regular sized single AA lights (note the NiteCore D10 is considered pretty compact)

Head -

This shows how slim the EZaa is - it is not that much wider than the AAA Fenix LD01......

So how does it perform?

High level using NiMH (Kodak Pre-Charged - recently charged)

vs. NiteCore D10 on Max and NiMH

very close match, the D10 perhaps has a slightly better tint.

vs. Fenix L1D-Q5 on Turbo/Max NiMH

again pretty close - with the Fenix having a warmer tint.

vs. Fenix LD01 Stainless Steel max NiMH AAA

yes, the NiteCore EZaa is noticably brighter than the Fenix LD01 on max....

But the interesting psrt of the EZaa is the low level - pretty clever for a twisty light.

When the light first turns on it is at low level -
and it seems a pretty useful low level -

vs. NiteCore D10 Min NiMH

The D10 can reach a very low level - and lathough it is very useful to have I normally program the D10 to my "favorite" low level - which is about the same as the Fenix L1D minimum Low -

vs. Fenix L1D-Q5 Min Low NiMH

these low levels seem pretty comparable - not surprising since they are both rated at 10 lumens - although the L1D-Q5 may be a bit brighter.

How about the Fenix LD01 AAA on minimum low?

vs. Fenix LD01 Stainless Steel Min Low NiMH AAA

again pretty comparable thye LD01 may be a tad brighter.

Now what about my "favorite" level programmed on the D10 - note this is not exact - but it's the level I set the NiteCore D10 at by eye for my general usage -

vs. NiteCore D10 set at personal favorite level NiMH

yes, the D10 is slightly lower - but the EZaa is close enough that I'm quite happy with its level for my personal use.

So overall I am now very impressed with this little NiteCore EZ-AA - I may even consider EDC'ing this light over my current Fenix L0Drb80, because of its size....

 

[Crenshaw]

thanks for the great review, once again,i very happy i stuck with my EzAA warm preorder

Crenshaw

 

[BigBluefish]

Nice review, thanks. Now that Nitecore seems to have worked the bugs out of the light. I'm pondering it a a good suit-pocket light, that and the LumaPower Connexion x2. The EZAA looks to be brigher on hgih, the Luma, lower on low, with insane runtime.

Probably, I will succumb to CPF practiice...JGTB.

 

[regulator]

Thanks for the review. I should be receiving mine Monday or Tuesday and look forward to receiving it. I really like the size of this light for an AA. While I really like AAA lights (Liteflux LF2X) for EDC, it is nice to know that you have the extra capacity that an AA cell provides. Its kinda like having a bit of runtime insurance.

 

[tsask]

This may be my next keychain EDC for several reasons:
The AA size is probably the most available cell in the world.
(I realize this light loses some of the power of a 14500)
The size is small enough for keys.
It is apparently more than 100 lumens.
It has a better means of attachment than my Raw Ns.
Nitecore, aside from the earlier recall, overall IMHO builds a pretty solid light.

To make this $100 keychain inspired extravangaza, I think I'll get a D10 as well. I'll probably try to get the warm tint in both.

 

[applevision]

Beautiful comparison photos, thanks UnknownVT. I agree and am very happy with the EZAA--it is like a slightly bigger brother of the LD01... :twothumbs

 

[LightWalker]

:kewlpics::goodjob::thanks:

 

[DM51]

Very good comparisons - thanks!

Moving to the Reviews section.

 

[benlg]

Thanks for the nice review. My first post here :wave:and just registered to add on to the positive feedback for the EZAA I just received form 4sevens. What a great little light! Compared to my Surefire G2 led the beam is not as smooth and the spill is not as wide but man is the EZAA small, also EZAA has a much whiter and brighter beam. Truly a pocket spotlight. Low mode is great as well, very usable for 90% of my every day tasks.

UnknownVT could you comment on the runtime?

 

[Zeruel]

Thanks for the review. :goodjob:

I generally don't like twisties, but I find the size and the output for its size highly appealing. The brass is a nice touch, aesthetically and practically. A worthy addition to the Nitecore family.

 

[UnknownVT]

could you comment on the runtime?

Welcome to CPF!
Many thanks for the kind words.

I don't have the equipment to do meaningful runtimes -
but according to NiteCore's own specs -

" Output & Runtime:
High Mode: 130 lumens for up to 50 minutes
Low Mode: 10 lumens for up to 20 hours "

which sounds reasonable.