Top Throwers AA

[Dimt]

I'm looking for flashlights with a far reach (Throw) in three sizes:
1AA
2AA
3+AA

 

[Yamabushi]

2AA - FourSevens Quark Turbo QB2A XP-G2: 8,800 cd / 188 m (as tested & reviewed by Selfbuilt)
4AA - Fenix E40 XP-E R4: 17,500 cd / 260 m
8AA - Fenix TK41 XM-L U2: 59,000 cd / 486 m

EDIT: 4AA Fenix LD41 XM-L2 U2 18,250 CD / 270 M (but steps down after 30 min)

 

[PreemptiveStrike]

Nitecore MT21a 2AA 260 Lumen, 10K CD, 200 meters $33
Nitecore EA8 8AA, 900 kumen, 60K CD, 490 meters $100

I cannot speak for the Fenix but I have both of these Nitecores and I've been very impressed with them. I also got mine significantly below the prices listed by waiting for sales.

 

[Yamabushi]

Depending on your intended use, this may matter: The QB2A, E40 and TK41 sustain maximum outputs for the entire runtime. The Nitecore MT21A and EA8 stepdown after 3 minutes.

 

[JJohn]

For 1 AA the Nitecore EA1 is a pretty good thrower, as are the Thrunite Archer series of lights.

 

[Dimt]

Ok, I have to qualify what I'm looking for since I could not resist and ordered a Sunwayman D40A. So unless you know of a better 4AA (or 3AA light) I think I'm covered there. I have a large field next to me I like to check out so the throw is important. I have a Fenix L2D I have been using but there are times when I see eyes but are not sure if it is a coyote, fox, raccoon, etc. Have been wanting to upgrade/update and the D40A is a major part of the upgrade. I'm still looking for a 1AA to pocket and carry when I'm outside as a daily carrier. JJohn the Nitecore EA1 is to wide to be comfortable but I do like the side button.

 

[Dimt]

The Thrunite Archer 1A is close to what I'm looking for and @178 lumens it is putting out what my L2D does with 2AA. I like the ring mode adjustment ring & the pocket clip looks sturdy. I am concerned of some complaining that it ruins the O ring quickly. What do you guys think?

I notice a preference on this string for Nightcore lights. I have not heard of Nightcore or Thrunite before, but I have not looked for lights for a few years.

 

[Rod911]

XinTD X3. It's a 3*AA light. Not as bright as a D40A. At stock, throws as far as a D40A. I have both (NW versions), so I can compare. Comparison is also done by eye, rather than raw numbers.

However, the XinTD can be easily modded to throw further. A simple de-dome on an XM-L2 U2 1A will result in a tint shift towards neutral with hints of yellow/green in tint, along with greater throw.

I have a Big Head K8 which has a similar sized reflector to the XinTD X3 and both have 2.8A going to the LED. I modded the Big Head K8 with a de-domed XM-L2 U2 1A, and powered with one cell, it out throws the XinTD X3 and D40A quite easily. Brightness also seems comparable to the D40A when doing a light bounce test in the bedroom. Note that the K8 was powered by an 18650 and the XinTD and D40A with AA's.

 

[RTR882]

I like the Armytek Partner A1 (1 AA) it is very bright and is available either as a thrower or a more floody light. Can use all types of AA batteries including the 14500. Built like a tank too. This is my car light. Check out the selfbuilt review on here.

 

[Dimt]

XinTD X3. It's a 3*AA light. Not as bright as a D40A. At stock, throws as far as a D40A. I have both (NW versions), so I can compare. Comparison is also done by eye, rather than raw numbers.

However, the XinTD can be easily modded to throw further. A simple de-dome on an XM-L2 U2 1A will result in a tint shift towards neutral with hints of yellow/green in tint, along with greater throw.

I have a Big Head K8 which has a similar sized reflector to the XinTD X3 and both have 2.8A going to the LED. I modded the Big Head K8 with a de-domed XM-L2 U2 1A, and powered with one cell, it out throws the XinTD X3 and D40A quite easily. Brightness also seems comparable to the D40A when doing a light bounce test in the bedroom. Note that the K8 was powered by an 18650 and the XinTD and D40A with AA's.

Two questions:
What do you mean by de-domed?
Will a larger reflector give a better throw? Or is it dependent on the shape of the reflector?

 

[Rod911]

Two questions:
What do you mean by de-domed?
Will a larger reflector give a better throw? Or is it dependent on the shape of the reflector?

De-domed - removing the little "bubble" you see that protects the LED phosphate. I have de-domed four emitters so far by dunking them into petrol. All a success.

Better throw? Normally I just look for the widest and deepest available. That is the usual formula. I guess the exception to that is the D40A with its reflector narrower than the XinTD X3, yet, by my eyes, throws as far.

 

[RIX TUX]

2AA - FourSevens Quark Turbo QB2A XP-G2: 8,800 cd / 188 m (as tested & reviewed by Selfbuilt)
4AA - Fenix E40 XP-E R4: 17,500 cd / 260 m
8AA - Fenix TK41 XM-L U2: 59,000 cd / 486 m

EDIT: 4AA Fenix LD41 XM-L2 U2 18,250 CD / 270 M (but steps down after 30 min)

+1 on the e40.......and no step down

 

[bright star]

I still like my jetbeam pa40; 468 lumen;s 170 m throw 7300 cd . The carbon fiber body is a nice touch to.

 

[Sofastreamer]

the before mentioned thrunite archer 1a has some decent throw for what it is. i would go another route: dereelight javelin. you can throw in any p60 drop in. dereelight offers an xre drop in which has really long reach because of the small emitter. you can use it with single aa (with c2h body and ectender), 2x aa as it is stock or you can get another extender for use with 3xaa. so you have one light for every configuration you want and it will stay upgradeable to any new emitter.

 

[kst]

Great choice on the D40A, even has moonlight mode.

FYI, " This limited holiday combo deal edition D40A has an XM-L2 U2 with upgraded max turbo mode to 1020 lumens, combined with a random color R15A (Black/Grey Lottery) makes this a great AA enthusiast gift. Quantities are limited and backorders will be cancelled." for $78 with coupon code at homepage of illuminationsupply.com

If you want more more lumens, check out Vinh's version here in the custom/mod subforum.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...0Avn-Compact-AA-Lumen-Monster-4-4A-1480-Lumen

" D40Avn NW – Compact AA Lumen Monster 1480 LED Lumen
Current Boost from factory 2.8A to 4.4A measured at the LED with Eneloop AA. Dome Left on by default for max lumen. "
Don't like NW, can request CW or any led of your choice ... even dedome on copper heat sink. So impressed with his work, I bought three. :huh:

 

[PreemptiveStrike]

Depending on your intended use, this may matter: The QB2A, E40 and TK41 sustain maximum outputs for the entire runtime. The Nitecore MT21A and EA8 stepdown after 3 minutes.

My EA8 doesn't step down (that I've seen/noticed. Selfbuilts review says step down on his sample was about 7% and that it's so small that it may not be noticed which may be the case for me as I haven't) and there are a number of reviews that say they dont. The MT21a does step down but it's not a huge issue for me, especially for a light that I got for under $25 shipped with the output/throw that it has for an AA light. Even when they do step down they are still brighter than their "high" settings. Just bump it back up to full brightness if you want. All of my Nitecore lights have been pretty impressive so far for their value and durability considering they generally cost significantly less than others.