I'm jumping into the modern world and getting some 'real' flashlights finally!
I've decided to get a ZL headlamp (1xAA) which will be my backpacking/EDC light. Now I am looking for a handheld 2xAA to compliment it / be a backup. Wish ZL made one.
-I want to stick to AA format. Have lots of NiMh (eneloops, others) and Lacross 9009. Going hiking and such they are more readily available too. I have no Li-ions.
-I want my second light to be 2xAA, to get perhaps a little more power and a little longer runtime, but still light enough to be able to take anywhere easily.
-I want maximum efficiency. Dont want to have to pack too many sets of batteries for a week long hiking trip for example.
-trying to stay in the $50-60 range
-would like easy access to low, and high too but not as important.
I picked several lights after doing days of research here (literally). The finalists so far (in no order)
Thrunite Neutron 2A
4Sevens Quark AA2
Klarus ST20
Fenix LD20
Neutron: Not sure I would like the 'narrow flood' I think I'd rather have the flood in the headlamp and a little bit of throw in the flashlight (but still good spill). I was excited about it having the newer XM-L but it seems very inefficient. 120L/2.1hrs vs Klarus 125L/5 hours??? Thats CRAP if its correct. The UI doesnt seem too bad but I would like to be able to go into a low mode from start, and since the Neutron has memory it will always go into whatever it was last in correct? I like the memory feature but not being able to start in low...hmmm. I also dont care for the plain looks but thats minor. A big plus though is its the only one on my list in a neutral version I can find. And is the most lumens of all I have considered. Reverse clicky is a negative.
Quark: Ok this ones a big one here at CPF. The tactical - I dont like being limited to just two modes without going through a big deal to get to the others. Regular - I think no memory would be a pain having to always click through all the modes. Efficiency is ok but still behind the Klarus it seems. Looks are rather plain too. But all in all a good light and features moonlight. Can't seem to find any in neutral though.
Fenix LD20: The least powerful on the list. Seems decent overall though. No moonlight mode. Like the look. Dont like reverse clicky.
Klarus ST20: Nearly as powerful as the Neutron, but like double the run times. Highest efficiency of any I have looked at (according to manufacturers ratings). Memory on the main mode and ultra low in a separate mode so great access to low / or memorized output. Not available in neutral though. And spacing seem far apart 2/13/125/240. Seems like a big jump from 13/125, where for alot of stuff 13 would be too low and 125 too high, any comments on that one?
So for right now I think Klarus is my 1st choice. Does anyone have any beam shots or comparisons? :thinking: There are no proper reviews here on CPF yet, and I would love to see how the beam profile compares side by side to the others on my list. Selfbuilt? It seems like a great light to have so little talk here - perhaps its just too new. One negative it doesnt have moonlight. For me, I'll have a ZL for that so no biggie. 2L should be low enough for most stuff.
I am still open to other models as well if they seem to fit what I am wanting in a light. I have read lots of AA comparisons, and done lots of research already, but unfortunately most of those did not include the Klarus. Any other comparables in nuetral?
I've decided to get a ZL headlamp (1xAA) which will be my backpacking/EDC light. Now I am looking for a handheld 2xAA to compliment it / be a backup. Wish ZL made one.
-I want to stick to AA format. Have lots of NiMh (eneloops, others) and Lacross 9009. Going hiking and such they are more readily available too. I have no Li-ions.
-I want my second light to be 2xAA, to get perhaps a little more power and a little longer runtime, but still light enough to be able to take anywhere easily.
-I want maximum efficiency. Dont want to have to pack too many sets of batteries for a week long hiking trip for example.
-trying to stay in the $50-60 range
-would like easy access to low, and high too but not as important.
I picked several lights after doing days of research here (literally). The finalists so far (in no order)
Thrunite Neutron 2A
4Sevens Quark AA2
Klarus ST20
Fenix LD20
Neutron: Not sure I would like the 'narrow flood' I think I'd rather have the flood in the headlamp and a little bit of throw in the flashlight (but still good spill). I was excited about it having the newer XM-L but it seems very inefficient. 120L/2.1hrs vs Klarus 125L/5 hours??? Thats CRAP if its correct. The UI doesnt seem too bad but I would like to be able to go into a low mode from start, and since the Neutron has memory it will always go into whatever it was last in correct? I like the memory feature but not being able to start in low...hmmm. I also dont care for the plain looks but thats minor. A big plus though is its the only one on my list in a neutral version I can find. And is the most lumens of all I have considered. Reverse clicky is a negative.
Quark: Ok this ones a big one here at CPF. The tactical - I dont like being limited to just two modes without going through a big deal to get to the others. Regular - I think no memory would be a pain having to always click through all the modes. Efficiency is ok but still behind the Klarus it seems. Looks are rather plain too. But all in all a good light and features moonlight. Can't seem to find any in neutral though.
Fenix LD20: The least powerful on the list. Seems decent overall though. No moonlight mode. Like the look. Dont like reverse clicky.
Klarus ST20: Nearly as powerful as the Neutron, but like double the run times. Highest efficiency of any I have looked at (according to manufacturers ratings). Memory on the main mode and ultra low in a separate mode so great access to low / or memorized output. Not available in neutral though. And spacing seem far apart 2/13/125/240. Seems like a big jump from 13/125, where for alot of stuff 13 would be too low and 125 too high, any comments on that one?
So for right now I think Klarus is my 1st choice. Does anyone have any beam shots or comparisons? :thinking: There are no proper reviews here on CPF yet, and I would love to see how the beam profile compares side by side to the others on my list. Selfbuilt? It seems like a great light to have so little talk here - perhaps its just too new. One negative it doesnt have moonlight. For me, I'll have a ZL for that so no biggie. 2L should be low enough for most stuff.
I am still open to other models as well if they seem to fit what I am wanting in a light. I have read lots of AA comparisons, and done lots of research already, but unfortunately most of those did not include the Klarus. Any other comparables in nuetral?
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