Smallest single-AAA with clicky switch?

[Kindle]

The Microstream is a great little light but it's a bit longer than the OP is looking for. It's around 3 1/2" rather than the <3" he's looking for. Also the only way to mount it to a keychain would be through the ring on the clip which isn't optimal.

 

[boondongle]

Just seen the world's silliest tailcap design: have a look on DX at SKU44167, particularly the tailcap... with a "normal" flat tailap design, that light could be about 15mm smaller and hence of interest to me

It's not silly, it's just not suited to everyone's needs. If you just want a small light to clip on a belt loop or purse handle, it's perfect. I own one and haven't had any problems.

 

[Rusty Shackleford]

I like the Black Cat and the Tank E08 or clone.

 

[Kindle]

FWIW I'm guessing the primary reason for the difference in length between the 703 & 701 is the depth of the reflector.

If the 701 is anything like the E06 (also a P4) it's very shallow whereas the ones using a Cree (703) have a much deeper reflector.

When I get home tonight I'll remove the extension tube from the E06 and see how long it is in the 1xaaa format.

The E06 with a single battery is exactly 3" long (76.2mm).

My 703s are 3 1/8" long (79.375mm).

The difference in length is all in the head. The body tubes are the same and the clicky tailcaps are the same length (although a slightly different design...ie the E06 has an integrated clip). The different in overall length is all due to the head.

If I were to hazard a guess...it would be that the 701 is closer to the 75mm listed by DX rather than the 70mm listed by the manufacturer.

 

[jk037]

Given the limitations of the lights currently available I asked my lady if she would rather compromise on size or on battery life and she says she would rather have a slightly larger torch than one that will eat Duracells.

So based on that, there's a new favourite - the Black Cat HM-01. I already have one of these and have established that it will produce a and reasonably consistent level of brightness for around an hour on a NiMh AAA; based on the relative discharge characteristics I'd expect it to go for longer, albeit at lower and less consistent ouput, on a decent alkaline cell.

Will give her my HM-01 today and see how she gets on with it

 

[EZO]

I rotate the use of several key chain flashlights with a Black Cat being one of them (small split ring through one of the lanyard holes works great for key chain carry). For the moment the two others I use are an ITP A3 and a Quark mini CR2. Each light offers things that I enjoy about using them but for some reason it's the Black Cat I keep reaching for. It has remarkable throw for a light like this, has been amazingly durable and there's just something about that clicky; it really is the UI of choice. And because it only cost 8 bucks I just never worry about it like I do with more expensive lights. Even though it's probably the cheapest light I own and has some drawbacks its one of my favorites for it's given purpose.

 

[EZO]

Anybody familiar with or own a Lions AAA S-A7? (42670 at DX) Black Cat sibling?
XP-E Q4 81.78mm x 14.02mm. Takes a 10440! I believe this is manufactured by Tank007.

Edit: Poster at DX claims emitter is XP-C Q3, not XP-E Q4. Also, "Output on one AAA is definitely brighter than BlackCat. Output on 10440 is MUCH brighter"

 

[coyote]

i'm into the same thing and been thru quite a few of these cheapies.

my pick is the TANK007 TK-701.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.18630

its smaller than the 703 and a better light than the black-cat.

i have a bunch of them. why? 1xAAA, clickie, small, bright enough, smooth fairly wide beam with nice hot spot, and around $8

all they need is some textured stair tape (aka skateboard tape) added to the tiny button so you can feel which-end-is-which (so you don't accidentally press to hard on the lens).