Please recommend a SIMPLE 2xAA flashlight

[Rixter]

I am looking for a 2xAA flashlight for my wife, who is not technically oriented. So any UI more complicated than on/off and high/low won't be appreciated by her.

Moreover, the light must be cute, at least in her opinion. Anything that looks too techno or military is not cute.

Good light output will be appreciated, and probably more of a flood than a spot, but the ability to blind an attacker is not necessary. High/Low would be a plus.

Obviously, I am looking at the low end. One choice is the min-MagLite. Maybe there are better choices. Any other suggestions? If so, why?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jhc37013]

Look at the two links below, both should be just fine for her.

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=335

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=498

 

[shark_za]

+1 on the Fenix L2T V2 (L1T if you want smaller 1AA, get both bodies)

Its only got two modes switched by twisting the head and the only other function is on/off.
Very simple.

The reflector is perfect for my needs, its more flood than throw and very smooth from hot spot to spill.

 

[glockboy]

Get for her the 4Sevens Preon.
It's AAA but very bright, and cute too.

 

[cw2]

I am looking for a 2xAA flashlight for my wife, who is not technically oriented.
Good light output will be appreciated, and probably more of a flood than a spot, but the ability to blind an attacker is not necessary.
Obviously, I am looking at the low end. One choice is the min-MagLite

Fenix L2D (or newer equiv.) is the bomb, but at close to $60, you will cry if you loose one. Ask me how I know... But if you have to bet your life on one light, I would buy a Fenix Power Pack, and use the AA for everyday and the CR123 for more critical use. But you said "low end", so ...
The 2-AA LED Mini-MagLite is excellent, but focused to a spot more than a flood. Costco has them in a combo pack with a 3-D LED MagLite for almost what most places charge for either light alone (about $32 for both).
I found a "Nebo" single AA which is good for utility use, and paid $11.50 for one, and $10 from a different vendor. This is on-off only, maybe 20 lumens, and good for general utility only. Only problem is the castled (tactical-look) bezel, which can eat a hole in your jeans pocket. I put a water-bottle clear protector cap over it, which avoids this and doesn't destroy the beam, and can go on the tail if needs to be packed where it could click on accidentally (which cost me 2 new CR123s on my old car emergency light...)
My vote goes for one of the $10 single AA cheapies, much better in the pocket....

 

[sol-leks]

They aren't really cute, but I would recommend The Romisen RC-N3 or the Romisen RC-G2 or the Fenix E20.

Maybe the duracel Daylite 2xAA? its supposed to be pretty decent, and I guess its kinda cute.

 

[Light Sabre]

I found a "Nebo" single AA which is good for utility use, and paid $11.50 for one, and $10 from a different vendor. This is on-off only, maybe 20 lumens, and good for general utility only. Only problem is the castled (tactical-look) bezel, which can eat a hole in your jeans pocket. I put a water-bottle clear protector cap over it, which avoids this and doesn't destroy the beam, and can go on the tail if needs to be packed where it could click on accidentally. My vote goes for one of the $10 single AA cheapies, much better in the pocket....

I have several of the Nebo CSI Lumina 35 flashlights item number 5112 (referred to above). Nebo says they are 35 lumen. Pretty bright white for such a small flashlight. Just white walled tested the 4 that I have and they all were the exact same color and beam pattern. No perceivable tint to my eyes. Did some runtime tests on it and it lasted 4 1/2 hours (it's regulated) on an alkaline battery with 1 hour of gradually diminishing output. The switch is glow in the dark. Has anti-roll. No pocket clip tho. My only major complaint is that the tactical bezel only has 4 sides and makes it very easy to knock over when it's standing on the head. Can't tail stand very well, the on/off button sticks out a little too far. We had 2 power outages at work yesterday and it came thru with flying colors. Have seen them at ACE hardware and Batteries Plus at the checkout counters for $10. Have seen a different model Nebo at K-Mart, so they eventually may have some of these.

Website: www.nebotools.com

 

[Rixter]

Fenix L2D (or newer equiv.) is the bomb

You bet! I just got mine delivered yesterday. It's the first advanced flashlight that I have gotten, and it fully meets my expectations (even after having my expectations pumped up by reading posts on this board about all the great LED flashlights).

But it's not a flashlight that my wife would like. And she wouldn't like a one-celled flashlight or anything with a crenellated bezel.

Out of the suggestions so far, I think the one to beat is the Fenix E20. Some reviews on Amazon complain about battery rattle, but I don't think she would notice. And it doesn't seem to come in any color other than black, though I think black is probably OK with her.

The price is OK. Anything higher and I think she would be appalled. (Don't ask what she will spend on a blouse, however.) While I would have no compunction on spending a lot of money on a flashlight for her, it would just irritate her if I did. So let's just say that a high-end purchase would be counterproductive.

What other flashlights can CPFers suggest to dethrone the Fenix E20 as the leading contender?

Thanks for the replies to date and for those to come.

 

[pobox1475]

If you consider single AA lights you will have many more cute options;

http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=93&products_id=1864

145 lm is plenty of light ...

 

[hyperloop]

They aren't really cute, but I would recommend The Romisen RC-N3 or the Romisen RC-G2 or the Fenix E20.

Maybe the duracel Daylite 2xAA? its supposed to be pretty decent, and I guess its kinda cute.

+1 on the Romisen RC N3, i'd recommend the RC N3 II Q5 which has 2 modes, its utilising a forward clicky so you 1/2 click to switch modes or just click on and off quickly. Added advantage is using a CR123, you get a really tiny light which still retains the 2 modes (but only on primary CR123s). You can get them off shiningbeam.com and remember to use "CPFuser" for a discount.

Get the grey (it actually looks more blue-grey) than pure grey. Great site, my light shipped to Singapore within 24 hours of making my order.

It's since been given to a friend's husband who has got a new job which puts him on the road a lot so i hope he gets great use of the light.

 

[PCC]

What about the Icon lights? In a pinch she can use it as a potato peeler, too

 

[John_Galt]

Maybe a Quark tactical, and program it to the brightness she likes? Easy enough to switch modes, but not (that) easy to unwittingly go into programming mode.

My $0.02

 

[Zeruel]

Why 2xAA? Is she going to use it around the house? Or is she going to use it out of the house? If it's out, I think 2xAA might be a bit long to stuff into handbags.

I recommend the new Preon series too, elegant, bright and comes in color choices that she'll like at least one of them?

And as for cute, er, perhaps this?

 

[Rixter]

Why 2xAA? Is she going to use it around the house?

Yes, primarily as a nightstand light at home and when traveling. She likes to stand the light face down on the bezel so the body stands up. The larger body makes it easier for her to grab.

145 lumens would be too much light.

 

[Rixter]

And as for cute, er, perhaps this?

Arrgh. Too cute.

 

[yalskey]

Yes, primarily as a nightstand light at home and when traveling. She likes to stand the light face down on the bezel so the body stands up. The larger body makes it easier for her to grab.

145 lumens would be too much light.

Seems like a 2xAA would be too easy to tip-over if she likes to reverse-candle-stand it on the night stand.

You may want to look at a single AA light, which would stand more stable, but still be sizable enough to grab.

Try these single AA lights out... they look nice too...

http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapower-connexion-x2-silver.html

http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapowerf1.html

http://www.eagletac.com/flashlights/p10a.html

I like the Lumapower Connexion X2 silver myself... might just pick that one up to replace my finicky D10. Anyone want a finicky D10?

 

[Gunner12]

The Nitecore EZAA could work for her. It does have a low mode which could be good for around the house stuff. The L2T V2.0 is also a good choice because of it's larger size and it's relatively simple looks and functionality. If you want lower price, the Romisen RC-N3 from Shiningbeam is another good choice.

8% off coupon at 4sevens is "CPF8" and 6% off at shiningbeam is "CPFuser"

:welcome:

 

[hyperloop]

I'm gonna stick with the requirements, why not just get the Magled in 2xAA in a colour she likes, shouldnt be much of an issue with one of those.

 

[Wattnot]

I was going to suggest the Fenix TK20 as hands down the one you want but if 145 lumens is too much, I agree a single AA would be a better choice.

Go with one of those already recommended.

 

[Brasso]

I think the EZ AA would be a good fit. Easy twisty with 2 power levels. It comes in blue and red now too.