This Foursevens Quark AA2-X looks like the way to go.
I was skeptical I would see a 400 plus lumen 2xAA light but definitely happy to see it.
Thank you
bigC
You should still be skeptical ;-)
Please be aware that "400 plus lumens" is actually a matter of interpretation and definition, and that Selfbuilt himself disclaims his lumen scale to be ANSI accurate or official. His review site indicates that he is using a "best fit" line with a variety of manufacturers, and so if many of those included manufacturers are overstating, so too are his estimates. The important point, which Selfbuilt stresses, is that his numbers are consistent across his tests and so make the lights comparable on a relative basis, and with which I agree.
I'm also measuring my lights with a light meter and using a "best fit line" but since I mostly own lights from what appears to the "conservative lumen scale manufacturers" (Foursevens, Eagletac, and Thrunite), then I find my lights from these companies to be merely true to spec, and all my Zebralights are significantly overstated. While Selfbuilt's results are the reverse of mine (ZL true to spec, FS,ET,TN understated - at least in the AA class), simply due to different lumen scales, my results are consistent with his
on a relative basis.
Having said all that, this reminds me that there may be one to beat the QAA2-X... the Eagletac D25A2-XML clicky. Again, being a "conservative scale" company the light is rated 277 lumens OTF, same as the Quark. However, using the same emitter/driver/voltage head, Selfbuilt rated the D25C-XML clicky at 450 lms, which is also the brightest CR123 he's tested, btw. Not sure if there's a big internal resistance difference between 3V from a CR123 and 2xAA.
FWIW, I have both in 1xAA versions and the Quark meters brighter, not to mention ability to Lego different battery tubes, take Li-ions with full regulation, and having a US-based HQ & customer service location. But the ET has very nice UI with buried disco modes and ability to go back down to low.