AA Flashlight Suggestion?

M

maury

Joined
Sep 24, 2000
Messages
606
Is there still a simple, reliable, reasonably priced AA/LED flashlight out there? No multiple modes, no crenulated bezel, powered by a single AA battery and reasonably water resistant although I don’t expect to be diving with it.

My current travel light is a Fenix Civictor that’s about 10 years old. If they still made ‘em I’d buy another, but since it appears to be an ‘antique’ on today’s flashlight market, I need something similar.

Any suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks!
 
I just did heaps of research on this. I was looking for one for my emergency EDC bag. My needs in order were:
- AA (I'm standardizing all my lights to AA or AAA)
- long run time
- bright
- small size
- light weight
- price

The best all round light was 4Sevens Quark MiNi AA S2. A single battery. Multimode, (but very easy). Also the weird useless modes are hidden and you wouldn't encounter them on normal use. It's extremely lightweight with a lithium energizer. Only negative is no pocket clip. But it has a lanyard. I also bought a couple of Fenix E05 for keychains (I highly recommend this little AAA). Same list, but for keychain. Did my research. All in all, I like Fenix fit and finish better. But 4Sevens technology and electronics are way ahead of the field, also they are always first with new LEDs. My other bed-side light is the 4Sevens Quark AA2 S2 - excellent all round too, but with the amazingly useful "moonlight mode" - I use it every night to check on my toddlers and tuck them in - just enough light! Love them. The light. And the toddlers.

P.S. For a travel light you might want to look at the Quark MiNi AA2 S2 (it is same as mine but with 2x AA batteries). The only reason I bought the single battery version was cos it needed to fit a very small EDC bag.
 
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Most of the nicer lights are going to have multiple modes. I like Zebralight, and would also suggest the SC51 or the SC51w for better tint, but a little less brightness. The three main levels are all instantly accessible, and the light is very simple to use.

My newest light is the SC51Fw, the F meaning it has a flood beam by virtue of light diffusing film under the lens, and the w for "warm", though it's actually a neutral emitter.
I had the SC30w, but it was almost immediately lost or stolen. Also use two H30w and one H60w headlamp, with the H60w seeing ~2hrs. of use nightly.
Zebralights don't have a lot of wow factor, and won't impress you 'til you use them in the dark(especially the floods).
 
Simplest 1AA Light out there? INOVA X1 if a tight spot will work for you.
 
Actually, I have carried an Infinity CMG on my key ring for about 10 years: I am talking about the original model. It is not super bright - espically by current standards - but bright enough for most times I've needed it. Just noticed there is now a new improved model. Maybe this is what I am looking for?
 
there is a streamlight that runs on one AA. Can't remember the name but from what I know, Streamlight's have tight hotspots that throw very well. There is also a Fenix AA counterpart along with a 4sevens one. All these 3 are reputable just google them.
 
Looks like the old Fenix L1Tv2 is still available. Simple basic light. Clicky tailswitch, twist head for high, low levels. That's all there is. Low is good to have, as it will run fine on Low with standard alkalines in an emergency.
 
Been using a Fenix L1Tv2 for years now without ANY complaints. Like it so much I opened it up and replaced the Cree XRE Q2 with a XPG R5. Liked THAT so much I bought two more used. One got a neutral XPG R4 and one got a left over XRE R2. The latter two get more use than the R5- Maybe because I did a better job, maybe because I like the beam pattern of the XRE better, who knows.
 
Walmart's been carrying a Rayovac 1AA LED flashlight for $3 lately. Just twist the bezel and it turns on. Bright enough for lighting up your path. No real throw, though. But for $3, it's a great deal!!

Opps, it's a AAA, but still a good light.
 
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smithkzn said:
I just did heaps of research on this. I was looking for one for my emergency EDC bag. My needs in order were:
- AA (I'm standardizing all my lights to AA or AAA)
- long run time
- bright
- small size
- light weight
- price

The best all round light was 4Sevens Quark MiNi AA S2. A single battery. Multimode, (but very easy). Also the weird useless modes are hidden and you wouldn't encounter them on normal use. It's extremely lightweight with a lithium energizer. Only negative is no pocket clip. But it has a lanyard. I also bought a couple of Fenix E05 for keychains (I highly recommend this little AAA). Same list, but for keychain. Did my research. All in all, I like Fenix fit and finish better. But 4Sevens technology and electronics are way ahead of the field, also they are always first with new LEDs. My other bed-side light is the 4Sevens Quark AA2 S2 - excellent all round too, but with the amazingly useful "moonlight mode" - I use it every night to check on my toddlers and tuck them in - just enough light! Love them. The light. And the toddlers.

P.S. For a travel light you might want to look at the Quark MiNi AA2 S2 (it is same as mine but with 2x AA batteries). The only reason I bought the single battery version was cos it needed to fit a very small EDC bag.
Click to expand...


^^^^ This. I bought the Quark AA S2 Tactical (which has the clip) and it has been fantastic. I can't recommend the maratac lights, I had one of those too. One day in use it decided to start warming up and then smoking, while not in use. Off to the garbage with you!
 
Cause of ya'll, I have a new flashlight in transit. Never had a Fenix. Time to try one out. LD20 to start. A man can't really have too many flashlights (packs, knives, yada yada) right?
 
LD20. Fantastic fit & finish. Anti roll. Feel's very good in-hand. Nice coating on Alu. The lowest lumen setting is a little too bright for my needs (mostly checking on sleeping kiddies). So I gave that to my nephew and got the Quark AA2. Not as nice a fit & finish (only just though) but LOVE the low lumens. The Quark AA2 regular does have a clip - this is what prevents it rolling. I'm also happy with being able to immediately access the many brightnesses on the regular as opposed to the tactical. Just personal prefs. All good lights actually from my experience. Much prefer these to my INOVA or Surefire BTW. All my keychain lights are Fenix.
 
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