Which 1 x AA light?

[BigBluefish]

I have been EDCing a Quark clipless tactical 123 with a neutral tint emitter for some time. Until I recently got a NovaTac 85 T, and a SureFire E1L, which are now supplanting my Quark for EDC duties. I realize that much of this may be due to NTS (New Toy Syndrome).

I've decided I need a 1 x AA light of comparable quality and simplicity of operation to these two new CR123 lights. I currently have and like a Fenix L1T v. 2, but I'd like an AA with a brighter high, and a much lower low. OTF high on the L1T v.2 I'd guestimate at 65-70 lumens, low around 10-12 lumens. I'd also like it be not so slick as the Fenix. In other words, I'd like knurling a la Quark & NovaTac. Two, or better yet three levels of output is all I need. I dont' care for blinky-stuff, but if it's "hidden" and I don't have to go there, I dont' care about it. Beam profile should be clean, not ringy. It can be floodier like the NovaTac, or more throwy.

The three lights that seem to meet my requriements are the NiteCore NDI, the NiteCore D10 SP, and the Quark AA.

Things I like about the NDI (which I've never actually seen in the flesh, let alone used) are the reprotedly "high" high which should be substantially greater than my L1T v.2. and the abitlity to adjust the output level of the second setting, and it's ability to produce a very low low. it is also reportedly very well made and rugged. My only concern is that I have always thought of this as really a 14500 light, and not an Enloop or L91 fed light, and I'm not sure I'll get a good high (hmmm. that didn't sound quite right...) or good runtime on an NiMH or Lithium primary cell.

The D10 SP also looks promising. I actually like the "only 3 levels" of this model. And the piston drive seems interesting. I prefer the "button" of my NovaTac to any clicky I've used, so maybe I'll love the PD design. Or, will I hate it? The high is reprotedly very bright, but I don't know if the 135-145 lumen rating is emitter or torch lumens. I'm sure it will be brighter than my L1T v2. The D10 only goes down to 2 lumens on low, but that's alot lower tham my L1T v.2.

My third option is the Quark AA Tactical, R5. I like the UI. I can pick my two levels, change 'em whenever I want. I like the Quark form and knurling. I know the 109 lumen high rating is OTF and it's going to be pretty accurate. I also like the moonlight mode for a low, low, low. My only issues with Quark, based on the one I have, is the construction seems a bit "light" not bad, it's very nicely made, but I have doubts as to its long-term ruggedness, compared to say my NovaTac or Surefires (and, yes, I realize they are not comparable lights construction-wise or price-wise). I also think the Quark clicky may be prone to activate in the pocket (haan't happened yet, but I can see it happening, one day.)

So, which should I get, being so fond lately of the NovaTac and SureFire, and thinking pretty highly of the Quark as well? I'm honestly leaning towards the Quark, but I'm intrigued by the NiteCores. I have a couple of EZs, but they aren't really in the same league as the D10 or the NDI as far as quality is concerned; at least, that's my impression from various reviews and comments here.

 

[don.gwapo]

Best way would be get them all if you have the coin. Personally, I would take the quark r5 edition. You can even run it on Li-ion.

 

[Cheapskate]

The NDI is omniverous when it comes to batteries. It performs well on all battery types, at all output levels. I have had one for a couple of years and have never felt the need to get anything to replace it.

You could checkout Selfbuilt's excellent review of it and look at the graphs to see how it performs with different battery types:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=184939&highlight=defender

The Jetbeam Jet 1 pro V.3 is probably another contender worth evaluating.

 

[shortstack]

Check out the EagleTac P10A
http://eagletac.com/flashlights/p10a.htmlhttp://eagletac.com/flashlights/p10a.html

 

[was.lost.but.now.found]

What about the Jetbeam Raptor RRT-0?

 

[cistallus]

Since you like Quark, what about the Quark Mini AA? It seems to meet all of your requirements. Brightness is crazy with a 14500 (as long as you don't need to run it unattended on high for very long), but even with other batteries should be brighter than L1T.

 

[FlashKat]

+1 accepts different battery types, great light, and easy to use.

What about the Jetbeam Raptor RRT-0?

 

[jhc37013]

A Quark AA Tactical and a 14500 battery is nice and so is the Jetbeam RRT-0 with the extender tube for AA or 14500. I really like the RRT-0.

 

[shark_za]

If you might consider a cheaper option that still offers a lot then look at the iTP SA1.
It only gets down to around 5lumen and up to 120 but its got a great user interface.

Its tactical (one power when you need it, forward switch) and I assume you appreciate it because that is also what I like about my L1Tv2 (LGX200).

But you can instantly get to other levels with the second side mounted switch.

Its extremely "grippy" as its got this really cool hand grenade pattern and clip.
The clip is not really usable, I never use it, but it gives great feel for alignment.

I really enjoyed mine till I broke the LED alignment jobbie, when my new one arrives I'll put the L1Tv2 into part time carry again.

 

[pobox1475]

Raptor 0 with extender is too portly IMHO. I would go with the JetPro I v3.0 for a solid AA pocket rocket.

 

[Xak]

I wouldn't worry about the ruggedness of the Quarks. I have a Q123^2 for work, it gets beat up pretty bad, is all dinged and scratched up. It's been dropped so many times, but never misses a beat. Last time I dropped it the AW 17670 protected battery shorted out, but the light still works perfectly. Perhaps a defective battery.

A QAA with the new R5 and a 14500 surely won't disappoint.