Single AA flashlights

[Inova his head]

Hi all,

I'm after an LED flashlight running on a single AA cell. Now, I had decided on an Inova X1 but looking around I saw some impressive looking stuff from fenix that I was wondering about insteat, but I have a few questions.

First of all, Lighthound gives the X1 as waterproof to 150 feet, but the picture is of an old version. Any change in waterproof-ness in the later models?

Secondly, does anyone have any other suggestions for another make to look at? It needs to be waterproof and a decent compromise between brightness and runtime. It would also be preferable if it could stand on end, and obviously the more rugged and reliable the better.

Thirdly, is it true that all the Fenix single AA flashlights all have reverse clickies with no 'temporary on' ability?

Finally, How water resistant are they? Any other comments on them?


Many thanks,
Tom

 

[sparkysko]

You could always put your light in a plastic bag

 

[Cydonia]

You could always put your light in a plastic bag

:shakehead

Anyway... Inova his head, I know what you mean, I'm still looking for this fabled "ideal" light too. Not sure it exists yet. If I had the tools and know-how I would go out and make it since I have a clear vision of what it would have to consist of...
Meanwhile that Arc-AA and old X1 seems the closest to the ideal we share. I've two old X1's that I've had for over 3 years. They continue to amaze my feeble mind by their simplicity and solid build...

 

[Inova his head]

I see. Old X1 particularly? As in the spotlight?

:shakehead

Anyway... Inova his head, I know what you mean, I'm still looking for this fabled "ideal" light too. Not sure it exists yet. If I had the tools and know-how I would go out and make it since I have a clear vision of what it would have to consist of...
Meanwhile that Arc-AA and old X1 seems the closest to the ideal we share. I've two old X1's that I've had for over 3 years. They continue to amaze my feeble mind by their simplicity and solid build...

 

[Cydonia]

Yes, the old one. But you'd be crazy not to wait until the new X1 has been delivered to shops and reviewed by people. It really could be an awesome light that makes the old X1 totally obsolete in more ways than one. But if the new X1 turns out to be goofy then you'll see a new wanted ad by me in the buy section requesting old X1's !


Ye old waiting game...

 

[Inova his head]

So why the old one, rather than the 2nd generation one?

 

[Lobo]

Seriously, is the X1 rated waterproof to 150feet? If that's true, that's damn impressive. I dont think there are any other single AA lights that are that diverated. A couple of people here has forgot their L0D CE in the washing machine, and they have survived it. Impressive to survive that environment (heat, water, centrifuge etc) but it's not much of a testiment of how many atm they would survive.

All of the Fenixes are as you said, reverse clickys (or twisties). Look elsewhere if youre gonna use it as a divelight, but if you just want dunkable, theyll do fine. I've brought my L1P for swimming(not diving) and it was no problem.

You might allready know this, but Inova are about to release yet another new version of X1, that might be of interest.

 

[scottv]

Has to be AA?

Aunoc 3A is single AAA (nichia 5mm) but only 132 ft

Aunoc K2 is single CR123 and 198 feet

 

[TORCH_BOY]

I would go for a well lubed Fenix L1d-ce

 

[kurni]

I would go for a well lubed Fenix L1d-ce

I second that; although I must say that I'm very tempted with Lumapower F1.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Unfortunately all Fenixes are reverse clickies. There are only 2 Chinese manufacturers that I'm aware of with the kohones or the brains to make a forward clickie or tactical switch so far.
If you can overlook this (major) blemish the Fenix is a nice light from what I'm told. Definitely much brighter than an X1, and with multiple light levels can beat an X1 in runtime too. Highly worth considering.

Another nice 1AA light to look at is the Lumapower F1.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/lumapowerf1.html
Not a ton of runtime but it does push a respectable amount of light. Being a twist-on light it can easily tailstand. It doesn't beat the Fenix in versatility, but has gotten good reviews here.

edit: looks like kurni beat me to the F1 recommendation I'll have to type faster next time.

 

[CLHC]

The Fenix L1D CE is nice, but personally, I prefer the Fenix L0D CE because of its inconspicuousity(?) and a step-down in size from its larger brethren; yet this little torcher puts out enough light to be recognizable on its own.

I'm assuming that the aforementioned lights are water resistant rather than water-proof; and not really dive-rated for such use as underwater sporting (be it scuba or abalone fishing), but don't see why it can't stand a momentary drop into a puddle of water or running stream while fly fishing or the like. One can see the importance of making sure that their flashlights' threads are well lubed.

Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy!

 

[Lobo]

Unfortunately all Fenixes are reverse clickies. There are only 2 Chinese manufacturers that I'm aware of with the kohones or the brains to make a forward clickie or tactical switch so far.

That's a pet peeve of mine too, allthough I can live with it if I must. Just realized that there actually is at least 4 Chinese manufacturers(Nuwai, Liteflux, Lumapower and Wolf eyes) who makes forward clickies or tactical switches so far. Hope Fenix will join that group soon.

Anyway, back on topic.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Ah forgot about wolf eyes, or at least forgot that they're Chinese. I guess it's the name, sounds like its from Texas.
I haven't had much hands on at all with Nuwai. Don't know their product line too well. I'll have to look closer at them, good to know more are adopting proper, useful switches.

 

[evanlocc]

I would go for a well lubed Fenix L1d-ce

Get both! X1 & L1D-CE. and played with em! then always the B/S/T folder for...

BUT ! Trust me you will keep both! for SURE !

 

[Inova his head]

Well I was rather thinking of getting a Fenix, and I've yet to get a Cree so I guess I don't really have a choice but to get a L1D.

I do have a couple of questions though. I know with some adjustable level flashlights there's a delay between activating it and the light actually coming on. Is this the case with the fenix? Also, I read somewhere that fenixes tend to chew through O-rings. Anyone had any problems there?

Tom

 

[soffiler]

... Just realized that there actually is at least 4 Chinese manufacturers(Nuwai, Liteflux, Lumapower and Wolf eyes) who makes forward clickies or tactical switches so far. Hope Fenix will join that group soon...

Add Coast to the list.

 

[Lobo]

Add Coast to the list.

Aren't they german? Or are they just designed there?

 

[kurni]

Well I was rather thinking of getting a Fenix, and I've yet to get a Cree so I guess I don't really have a choice but to get a L1D.

I do have a couple of questions though. I know with some adjustable level flashlights there's a delay between activating it and the light actually coming on. Is this the case with the fenix? Also, I read somewhere that fenixes tend to chew through O-rings. Anyone had any problems there?

Tom

I can never notice any delay with L1D; in theory there might be a delay, but it is probably too fast for anybody to notice. I can hear a high-pitched noise though if I stick the neck to my ear; just like a camera flash charging. It's very faint; I can never hear it unless I really try to.

I have no problem with O-ring, but do get the lube because it's always good to lube it regularly (e.g. when you change the battery).

 

[soffiler]

Aren't they german? Or are they just designed there?

Coast is actually a US distributor of knives, multi-tools, and flashlights. Their line of flashlights are designed by the German company Zweibruder LED Taschenlampe. Coast/Zweibruder products are manufactured in China. Now what was the question again?