I really like my Streamlight ProTac 2AA. XPG2 led. It's "only" 155 max lumens but it has great throw to 45-50 yards and spill to about 20-25 yards. 10 tap programmable to set to either high/strobe/low, high only, or low/high. The switch has very good texture and it very responsive.
Runtime with eneloops is about 3.5-4 hours on high (till it steps to low). The only downside is the body isn't super grippy, but I've never had much trouble depressing the switch with the light sliding in the hand. Definitly won't tear pants pockets and the clip is robust. It's a very underrated light but worth every penny.
My second favorite is the Eagletac P20A2 (now discontinued). 453 lumens with the XM-L2. Very bright and floody, and plenty of throw/spill to 50 yards. The only downside is that battery life on max isn't too good and you end up with the medium mode, which is very good but mostly floody. Medium is good for about 20-25 yards throw/spill. It feels great in the hand but is on the larger side and more practical to carry in cargo pants versus jeans. The switch has good travel, but it isn't very responsive meaning that there is kind of a delay from switch depression to light. Almost like it has to load or power up.
i like bright lights like anyone here, but for me, a 2AA light doesn't have the battery capacity for sustained high outputs. The SL just worked for me of being super practical with the high being able to do the job as the default setting giving tons of close to medium range light with fantastic battery life. The low is very good in low light environments, but may be a bit bright for 2am night adapted eyes. Better suited for looking for something in your car.
