Flashlight recommendation

craytab said:
Which AA lights do that?
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desmobob said:
That's the claim for the EagTac D25A MkII using a 14500 cell.
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craytab said:
Hmm. I can only find that in a blurb on the product ad page and not in the technical specs. Wonder if it is really true?
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I have and use the Ti versions of the Eagletac Clickies. The 1xCR123 is the one advertsied to put out 800 lumen with a RCR123 battery (XM-L2 U4 LED option). The 1xAA versions are 405 lumens if you use a 14500 which it lists as compatible (XM-L2 U4; about half that if you use 1xAA). I have an older version but started carrying the Ti 1xAA versions a few years ago. I use a 14500 Li rechargable in the D3A and eyeball estimates compared to my other lights suggest this claim is accurate.

Some things to consider... the smaller heads mean the light is more floody. Even though the CR123/RCR123 version has more lumens, it has a slightly larger head and therefore a tiny bit more throw, compounding the hotspot, and therefore the usable beam distance. I rarely use my EDC flashlights past 25 yards except for "fun" so I generally prefer the floodier patterns... at least for EDC. Although I have been VERY happy with their Ti versions (and frequently recommend them), I recently purchased an 18650 Clicky (D25LC2 MKII; no Ti option) that I'm not as happy with, and don't suggest unless other options don't work for you.

If you're looking for a less expensive AA that is also focusable and has similar outputs, the Coast HX5 should get you close (345 lumens) with a 14500 Li rechargeable battery (Coast says it works with the 14500 or an AA).
 
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Scott321 said:
I have and use the Ti versions of the Eagletac Clickies. The 1xCR123 is the one advertsied to put out 800 lumen with a RCR123 battery (XM-L2 U4 LED option). The 1xAA versions are 405 lumens if you use a 14500 which it lists as compatible (XM-L2 U4; about half that if you use 1xAA). I have an older version but started carrying the Ti 1xAA versions a few years ago. I use a 14500 Li rechargable in the D3A and eyeball estimates compared to my other lights suggest this claim is accurate.

Some things to consider... the smaller heads mean the light is more floody. Even though the CR123/RCR123 version has more lumens, it has a slightly larger head and therefore a tiny bit more throw, compounding the hotspot, and therefore the usable beam distance. I rarely use my EDC flashlights past 25 yards except for "fun" so I generally prefer the floodier patterns... at least for EDC. Although I have been VERY happy with their Ti versions (and frequently recommend them), I recently purchased an 18650 Clicky (D25LC2 MKII; no Ti option) that I'm not as happy with, and don't suggest unless other options don't work for you.

If you're looking for a less expensive AA that is also focusable and has similar outputs, the Coast HX5 should get you close (345 lumens) with a 14500 Li rechargeable battery (Coast says it works with the 14500 or an AA).
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I just picked up a Nicron N7 which puts out 600 lumens on a 14500, less on a AA. Has a twisty head and magnetic tail too. Nice light for $17.
 
craytab said:
I just picked up a Nicron N7 which puts out 600 lumens on a 14500, less on a AA. Has a twisty head and magnetic tail too. Nice light for $17.
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I remember buying cheap ebay AA "1000 lumen" lights back in 2012, using them for a couple months until they died, and thinking "but this can't really be 1000 lumens can it"? And the light you're talking about now would be about the same price, and probably three or five times as powerful. The future is now!
 
Scott321 said:
I have and use the Ti versions of the Eagletac Clickies. The 1xCR123 is the one advertsied to put out 800 lumen with a RCR123 battery (XM-L2 U4 LED option). The 1xAA versions are 405 lumens if you use a 14500 which it lists as compatible (XM-L2 U4; about half that if you use 1xAA).
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I have both the D25A MkII (AA/14500) and D25C MkII (CR123A). Both lights are advertised at 800 lumens and seem to live up to the claim. The D25A MkII product pages states 405 lumens with a AA and "Up to 800 LED lumen when using 1x14500 li-ion!"

http://eagtac.com/html/d25arcmkii/index.html
 
craytab said:
I just picked up a Nicron N7 which puts out 600 lumens on a 14500, less on a AA. Has a twisty head and magnetic tail too. Nice light for $17.
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There's a nice YT video review by "Matt Smith": Testing the Best Rated Flashlights on Amazon.

His measurements are putting the output at around 148 lumen with a AA, and 467 lumen with a 14500, and he suggests that it punches well above it's price point in terms of quality! I might have to pick one up to replace or supplement my 3AA COB light I keep in the glove compartment. :D
 
desmobob said:
I have both the D25A MkII (AA/14500) and D25C MkII (CR123A). Both lights are advertised at 800 lumens and seem to live up to the claim. The D25A MkII product pages states 405 lumens with a AA and "Up to 800 LED lumen when using 1x14500 li-ion!"

http://eagtac.com/html/d25arcmkii/index.html
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Well darn it... Looks like they upgraded internals again... I was looking for a reason to get another Ti Clicky. :D
 
My favorite keychain light is the Rovyvon Aurora. Otherwise I have a few that I rotate. The Lumintop Fw3A is one of my favs for pocket. My Malkoff Md2 is tough as nails and has been a good one for hard use, weapon light, etc.
 
6_String_Jams said:
My favorite keychain light is the Rovyvon Aurora.
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Fantastic light. Amazingly bright for its size, and the side flood lights make it especially versatile. Only change I would make would be to start the cycle with low instead of turbo.
 
Planterz said:
Fantastic light. Amazingly bright for its size, and the side flood lights make it especially versatile. Only change I would make would be to start the cycle with low instead of turbo.
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I have the Aurora A2 in a sharp looking sandblasted finish. It starts in low mode, cycles up. I'd buy 10 more if I could find a use for them!
 
craytab said:
I've had it since it came out in September and love it. Until the recent cold and wind I ride for exercise 4-5 times per week 30min or 6 miles per outing on generally crappy city streets (Lots of bouncing and hills).

The mount is the best I've used and I've had a few over the years, from the crappy Amazon specials to some from dedicated cycling companies that should know better than put out the garbage mounts they have. Apparently, the mount has some go-pro inter-functionality that is important but I don't know anything about go-pros so can't really comment. I can say that it doesn't jiggle around, is very secure, and looks like the hardware is quality. I sort of wish you didn't have to rotate it to get it in and out because I mount it next to another light and have to be mindful of the order I attach and remove them, only a minor annoyance.

The light itself is fantastic. From what I can tell, you get the full 1500 lumens the whole runtime (no step downs), something many non-bike lights, even from olight, don't do. Battery life is good. I get 1 hour of full high (two rides) and it doesn't usually get in to where the red indicator comes on (20-11% remaining power). I doubt you get the 100 minute claim on full, especially in the cold, haven't tested it though. The strobe is very good, I do wish you got the full or at least more lumens in strobe, the light is certainly capable. I do use the strobe to help cars see me if my ride starts late and the sun is starting to come up. I really like that the battery is big, usb-c, and can be used as a power bank to charge other things. Also, the recharging port is placed properly so you can run the light off a portable power bank if need be.

I've got another capable light that I run along side the olight that is put out by a cycling light company that gets many things wrong where the olight gets them right, including putting the charging port on the bottom of the light so you can't use the light while it is charging (the mount on that light is trash too).

The olight RN1500 is a collaboration with magicshine, and you can get the same light under their brand but with less lumens. I've come to really rely on the olight. It is on the spendy side but considering the Lumens, features, quality, and that the company really backs their products, I think it is well worth the price. Plus, it is actually a really good stand alone flash light as well.

Edit: also, it isn't massive considering the battery and lumens you get.

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What Spyderco is that?
 
I have a Photon Pro attached to my watch band. 90% of the time it is all I need/want.

I carry a second as a spare battery/light because of the 1 is none philosophy.

As a Soldier during the Cold War in Europe you learned quickly how little light you actually need.

I carry a Surefire Stiletto Pro as a weapon light but rarely use it.

I've played with other lights but the Photon is my go to. With Lithium batteries they are good for years when put in kits etc.
 
Mikel_24 said:
Thanks! Anything outside VG10... I always mess it up! XD

I will probably buy one of those PS2, yours is PE or SE? Do you use in a marine environment?

Mikel
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PE. I don't use it in a Marine environment, yet. It does stay soaked in sweat for hours on end though. SE edge I think I would still go H1.
 
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