What is the best AA battery LED light for the money?

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speedsix

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Jan 17, 2009
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I have decided that LED is the way to go for the future. I have also decided that even though there are trade offs, I want to stick with AAs just because they are easy to find and cheap. I am tired of CR123s even thought they are better in some ways. Prefer spot to flood. Lightweight is good. Compact is good. A clip is good. Waterproof is good. High low and strobe would be perfect.

So, I am looking over at Deal Extreme and a few other places like that and I am overwhelmed. Looking for a compact but doesn't have to be really tiny light. Thinking like 2 AAs and a 1 Watt Cree LED. I keep hearing how good the Solarforce L2 is but it uses CR123s. I am a newbie still so let me know what you think.
 
There are literally a dozen threads asking this very question every week it seems. You best bet is to use that dreaded search function. There's tons of great information already here.

As to not be a total jerk, here are some GREAT reviews for AA lights that could lead you in the right direction.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=224932

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=214890

All the info is on here, so no need to start yet another thread about the same thing.

P.S. Never ask for the "best" light on CPF... that's yet another dead horse here.
 
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I meant best for the money. The money being $20-30 give or take. Light will be used around the house not for work so it doesn't have to be the "best".

I did a search and didn't find the exact things I was looking for. Guess I didn't try hard enough.
 
speedsix said:
I meant best for the money. The money being $20-30 give or take. Light will be used around the house not for work so it doesn't have to be the "best".

I did a search and didn't find the exact things I was looking for. Guess I didn't try hard enough.
Click to expand...
At that price, try one of , these Romisen lights. I've not used them (I sprang from $10 lights to $50 ones) but I hear only good things.

Edit: BBcode fix
 
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You could start with this review link as it is a lively discussion, a relatively new higher binned LED (the XPG R5). Would be at least a contender for a great single AA at the moment. I believe 4sevens also has a 2xAA model if that is more your style. This 1xAA XPG R5 Quark looks really hard to beat! I don't currently own any quarks but this may change soon.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=256685

Another consideration might be the ITP A3 EOS. If you are trying to stay really small (1xAAA), but still carry a good amount of light - these are nice. I just picked one up for my wife and am really impressed with the output for such a small non lithium powered light. At $20 bucks this should keep people away from DX and you don't have to wait until next Christmas to receive the goodies.
 
yalskey said:
There are literally a dozen threads asking this very question every week it seems. You best bet is to use that dreaded search function. There's tons of great information already here.

As to not be a total jerk, here are some GREAT reviews for AA lights that could lead you in the right direction.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=224932

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=214890

All the info is on here, so no need to start yet another thread about the same thing.

P.S. Never ask for the "best" light on CPF... that's yet another dead horse here.
Click to expand...

Jerk? You put this CPF'r in a highchair, gently tied a bib arround his neck, slightly warmed his bowl of information, and placed that little rubber spoon in his hand. He's all set to devour some good, nutritious information! Rest assured, he will make a mess though!

lovecpf
 
I am surprised to see the negatives about DX. This is where I first heard about DX so I though they were a good place to get deals.

Also, I don't need a mini light. I have a few minis, I am looking for a handheld that produces a bright and focused beam. The more focused and brighter the better. I know going with AAs is going to limit the output but I am not a flashaholic yet, I am still getting my feet wet.

I am looking for something that fits in my hand or pocket but still has the power to throw a beam a long way. Don't care about flood at all.

Three mode would be good (high, low and strobe) but one mode will be just fine as well.

The four most important requirements are
1. Focused beam.
2. Bright
3. AA batteries
4. Cost ~30
Not as important but would be nice:
5. Click on/off
6. Waterproof
7. Pocket clip
8. Long runtime (I know it is at odds with brightness)
9. three mode (high,low and strobe)
10.



I read selfbuilt's AA review and while it helped, he didn't provide any choices.

I was thinking you guys may have a favorite light that fit these categories or even a few to avoid.
 
Want decent LED lights for cheap? Go to DX and check out SKU# 26122 and #28546 lights. They are both 1AA, amazingly bright for a 1AA, and seem to be a good deal for the money. You can get both for under $30.00 I have them both. Hows that for an exact recommendation! There are many more expensive lights, but in my eyes, they are a deal for the money. I had to buy several more because my son and brother in law begged me for them! Ken
 
speedsix said:
I have decided that LED is the way to go for the future. I have also decided that even though there are trade offs, I want to stick with AAs just because they are easy to find and cheap. I am tired of CR123s even thought they are better in some ways. Prefer spot to flood. Lightweight is good. Compact is good. A clip is good. Waterproof is good. High low and strobe would be perfect.

So, I am looking over at Deal Extreme and a few other places like that and I am overwhelmed. Looking for a compact but doesn't have to be really tiny light. Thinking like 2 AAs and a 1 Watt Cree LED. I keep hearing how good the Solarforce L2 is but it uses CR123s. I am a newbie still so let me know what you think.
Click to expand...

sounds like the quark AAx2 would be perfect, price is higher, but you wont regret it. quarks are awesome lights, lightweight, good clip, good switch, good knurling, parts can be interchanged.
has tactical version or regular. (different interface and switch)
either R2 emitter for more throw, or R5 for wider beam. also the quark turbo model for even more throw.

fenix tk40 which is a beast of a light using 8 AA(alkalines not recommended)

itp makes good less expensive lights.
 
If ~30 is your budget, you should definitly have look at iTP lights. You might not be looking for small lights, but with your price range, a small light will still be of great quality.
 
speedsix said:
I meant best for the money. The money being $20-30 give or take. Light will be used around the house not for work so it doesn't have to be the "best".

I did a search and didn't find the exact things I was looking for. Guess I didn't try hard enough.
Click to expand...

i havent read the thread past the quote above but im guessing someone would have suggested the 3 mode programmable Akoray K106. I'm not too sure if it is waterPROOF (how much can you expect for $20 - $30) bt its a pretty decent light. I own one of those and like it too though i prefer smaller lights for EDC.

Output for the K106 only hits full potential when using 14500s though.

If you up your budget, go check out the Jetbeam Jet I Pro v3.0
 
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This my favorite DX light. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26122 It offers good quality and brightness under $15 shipped. The beam is focused but this doesnt offer the MOST throw for a AA light. There are AA lights out there that throw better. But not for your budget. If you just want throw and don't care about anything else look into the Flood-to-Throw DX lights that are powered by AA's. Honestly these lights are pretty useless. Yes they throw but the don't offer much useable everyday carry light.
 
speedsix said:
I meant best for the money. The money being $20-30 give or take. Light will be used around the house not for work so it doesn't have to be the "best".

I did a search and didn't find the exact things I was looking for. Guess I didn't try hard enough.
Click to expand...
For $20-$30, this is best that i can find. $25 + shipping. (10% off coupon code: ggcpf10 & free domestic shipping for orders over $49)

Next one up would be this, $39 shipped which also has a 8% discount (Code: CPF8). If shipped is a fair bit @ going gear, then I'd recommend the AA mini over the iTP A2.
 
For an added 10 bones more you can take a look at the ITP SA1......nice bright spot on both 14500 and nimh cell. Another fav budget light is the Romisen RCN3 which uses 2AA cells or one cr123/rcr with the extension tube off.
 
The NEW Mini-MagLite LED 2AA, with Rebel emitter, and Multi-Modes.

Got a couple of 'em, On Sale at Home Depot, for $9.88 each !

Very Nice, dependable & useable flashlight. :thumbsup:


At this price, it's one of the Best Bargains of the Year !

:twothumbs
_
 
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