AA light

Hotshot10

Hotshot10

Joined
Dec 23, 2012
Messages
341
I'm thinking of swapping my Surefire, which use CR123 batteries, for a light that uses AA batteries. I currently have the E2D.

I like the construction of the Surefire and the fact that it's made in the U.S., but I am thinking about standardizing some of my gear to use AAs. Unfortunately, Surefire no longer makes the AA Outdoorsman, so it looks like I am going to have to buy from another company.

Any suggestions? I'm partial to U.S.-made gear (personal preference). Thanks.
 
Zebralight makes high quality stuff and is always pushing the envelope of lumens and runtime from a given battery.
 
I have the original LED E2D Defender (not current version) and just picked up a Tactician. However, my EDC is a single AA Eagletac Clicky. I too didn't want to have to rely on finding CR123's while traveling. However, be aware, the CR123 battery flashlights are generally much brighter than the AA options.

Additionally, you have the choice of a much thicker flashlight that takes 3 x AA (or more) or a skinny long flashlight that takes 2 x AA, and neither will generally equal the brightness of the 2 x CR123's. If you like your Surefire's form factor, I might suggest an Eagletac D25LC2 Clicky, which takes a rechargeable 18650 (head down pocket clip).

I also have different sized Fenix, Eagletac, and Nitecore flashlights. They all perform admirablly for EDC. Although I generally carry the single AA Clicky because I like the roll-of-dimes size, I also have the single CR123 version which is even brighter with rechargeable RCR123A / 16340 because of the increased voltage over non-rechargeable CR123's. This might be an option if you want to go a lot smaller and don't want to give up quite as much lumen.

Last note, if you go the rechargeable route, I suggest ones that use a single battery. Additionally, a rechargeable 16650 might fit in your E2D, but it would probably loose a little bit of brightness because of the lower voltage. I haven't tried it, but heard that some people went in this direction with the Tactician. Rechargeable Li batteries can be dangerous, especially in equipment not designed to vent them. Try at your own risk.
 
What about a classic AA LED mini Maglite ?

Maybe not fancy or the brightest out there, but they are US made and their lights have always been reliable for me.
 
I had to toss a couple mag lights in the last couple of months because I have a lot of flashlights and forgot about the batteries. All leaked badly. There is a lesson here. ;)

I don't spend gobs of money on flashlights. Use them all the time, everyday actually for both work and around the house. I am not recommending any as most seem to want the highend stuff that I don't buy. Around 200 lumens is where I like for general use.
 
I am sick of the alkaline batteries leaking and ruining good flashlights. I'd stick with the CR123's or 18650's. Much better cold weather performance and longer useful lifespan. And try getting a "guarantee" out of Duracell when their batteries leak. Not easy.
 
indischI said:
And try getting a "guarantee" out of Duracell when their batteries leak.
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Despite advertising, Duracell batteries seem to be the most unreliable meaning they seem to leak the most. If I find an old light with batteries stuck in it, odds are the batteries are Duracell.
 
I’ve got some Streamlight and Surefire lights and they are top notch. If you are looking for AA, I’ve had a couple Browning Crossfire flashlights for a few years now and they are nothing but good. They are around 200 lumens and run $20-$25.
 
Streamlight 1L 1AA can use a CR123A or AA interchangeably with no adapter and it has great performance and size.
The Fenix E12 is also a great AA light with great specs, a tail clicky and threr modes. Sits nice in bottom of your pocket.
Both of them are reasonably priced.
 
GB940Rookie said:
Y’all need to get Eneloop rechargeables. No leaking, better performance and saves money in the long run.
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I agree they are good, but not better performing because I used lithium before and they were brighter and lasted a long time and never a leak. I still ise them but generally use enloop.
 
Boxer .45 said:
I agree they are good, but not better performing because I used lithium before and they were brighter and lasted a long time and never a leak. I still ise them but generally use enloop.
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I was comparing to regular alkaline batteries. I should have said that.
 
Surefire Titan Plus has been my favorite! I bought some AAA rechargeable batteries and a charger from Amazon so I no longer need to waste money on batteries.
 
GB940Rookie said:
Y’all need to get Eneloop AA rechargeables. No leaking, better performance and saves money in the long run.
Click to expand...

This is what I use in all my AA lights. I need to pickup some aaa also. But no leaking, and they last forever

As far as a light. Lumintop AA is a fantastic light. Check it out
 
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