New flashlight

Well timed thread, I'm trying to upgrade from a streamlight stylus pro for a better EDC now that I know it's not much extra to carry with my knives.
 
I don't want to derail the OP thread but I was wondering what is the best AA light with normal alkaline batteries and just ONE mode and that being high lumens.. I am looking for a light without all these interfaces like high , low , medium and stobe ect. Just turn and off with a clicky and something that has very high lumens (I don't mind changing out cheap dollar store batteries so runtime is not an issue) for a regular AA battery.
 
To the op in that territory i would recomend tnc flashlights they are crazy bright and awesome user interface clickie or smooth twist with notches for low medium high on the small aaa 10440 and AA/14500 lights tnc microlux dragon is a hoss its a single AAA/10440 that puts out 1000 lumens and a ton of light it is between 200 and 300 bucks but its close to a custom as you get i would consider it a midtech :-) sinner lights are good and so are okluma they are more expensive though.

Colubrid i would recomend a peak eiger ultra for AAA or a peak el capitan X for AA they can use the fancy high output recahargeables or regular batteries get them without qtc and the the momentary acts like a tail switch if your interested shoot me an email and i can send pics of mine and beam shots also can give you contact info but you can find most of the info on their website peak led
 
I forgot to say colubrid that they are also on rmsk website and so are the tnc lights op. They come in everything from copper, brass, stainless, aluminum, and titanium and with the momentary you have the tailswitch that stays as long as you hold it in and the twist head for constant on function hopefully its alright to tell you where to check them out if not let me know and i can edit it and you guys can email or pm me for info. Bob seems like a really cool guy over at rmsk hes even into custom knives a couple of the tnc lights can be had in damascus and mokume
 
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I just recently went on a quest for a light myself. I've had mini mags, micro (button bats) & mini (AAA) Steamlights. And most recently an Inova XS (AAA). But have been envying pics here on the forum of all the copper lights, both production and customs. So I guess you can say I have a newish fetish for copper. [emoji56].

Anyway, finally pulled the trigger on a Maratac AAA. Really like it. I think it's the perfect size for EDC key chain carry. But still had the bug to try a bit brighter, but still with a touch of class. So within a couple weeks I had a Lumintop Prince Copper/Carbon Fiber. I take the published Lumin ratings with a grain of salt. But rather compare against other lights and attempt to find some benchmark area of brightness, though still very subjective. But the Maratac specs 130 lum with a lithium AAA, and the Prince at 1,000 lum with 2 CR123A's or included 18650 rechargeable. Don't know if it really hits 1,000, but it's very impressive....and really looks amazing.

Then I wanted something for my wife and driving kids. The wife picked out the Lumintop worm (AAA, 110lm). And for the kids, the Olight i3E (AAA, 120lm).

Then my wife wanted something a bit brighter for her bedside table, but not quite as big as my Prince. So I got her the Lumintop Torpedo 007 (1 CR123 or rechargeable RCR123A/16340, 520lm).

My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. [emoji12]. Lately been spending a good chunk of my knife surfing time looking at lights. You people are a very bad influence. With all the suggestions I've gotten, more are definitely in my future.

OP, good luck with the search. Sometimes half the fun.

wji6ww.jpg




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Sent from my mind....using Tap-a-Thought. (tm)
 
Goose 7279 said:
I forgot to say colubrid that they are also on rmsk website and so are the tnc lights op. They come in everything from copper, brass, stainless, aluminum, and titanium and with the momentary you have the tailswitch that stays as long as you hold it in and the twist head for constant on function hopefully its alright to tell you where to check them out if not let me know and i can edit it and you guys can email or pm me for info. Bob seems like a really cool guy over at rmsk hes even into custom knives a couple of the tnc lights can be had in damascus and mokume
Click to expand...

Hey thanks for all that info. I don't mind you sharing here so everyone else can learn.

I went to the rmsk website and I have been there before and I am just as confused as before. That is why I never bought any lights.

I am looking for a AA light that just takes regular batteries but has the most lumens and with a simple turn on and off (I don't even like the two levels because I seem to only use the brightest and all the trouble of going thru all the modes takes up more time than any long runtime is worth IMO) . The Peak El Capitan x you suggested uses only a 14500 Li-Ion protected battery (whatever that is?) and that whole website talks are all these different Crees and such chinese to me... I just want a brightest light with just one or two settings and don't have the time to study up and learn on all the nuances of color tones, and what a Li-Ion battery direct driven protected battery is . That is why I give up looking.. To complicated. I just want a simple light but something with highest possible lumens Runtime means nothing to me since I don't plan on getting stuck in the wilderness and need a battery that last 9 hours.

Like some of these old skool lights I had years ago before they came up with all these great cree and drives and such..Just simple turn on/off and with 1000 lumens (or the most possible from a basic AA battery).

P1010184.JPG


Besides that I would think they could make a light with a dime store battery to put out a 1000 lumens by now? Even if it is for a short runtime.. If not, which light does put out the most lumens with a common AA battery?
 
I would say to look at what battery/batteries you would like to use first off. Then look at what is available for each. If you are looking for AA or AAA battery lights, then Fenix or Olight will serve you well. They have small single and dual battery lights that are well-built and reliable. If you are looking at 18650 lights, there are great lights from Fenix, Olight, Jetbeam Klarus and other less common mfrs. There are also lights like the Nitecore Tip or Tube that are nice and handy, although the Tip is relatively new. I carry a Tip and a Fenix PD35 as my EDC lights. The PD35 rides on my belt, is tough and reliable, as well as very bright. It is also small enough that it is easy to carry. The Nitecore Tip is on my key chain. I use both frequently.


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I just found these and took the lplunge and bought several of these rechargeable flashlights in all colors and even in titanium. These are perfect for me since they have one mode (well the Fenix has two modes but I prefer the single mode on the Jetbeam in the second picture below) and I can charge them with a any USB laptop, phone or power station .


FEUC02XPBL.jpg



JTMINI1ALBLUt.jpg



Only problem is they are only 130 lumens :(. Isn't there a single mode AA light that has a great deal more?? If so, I would like to know which light it is.
 
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colubrid said:
Hey thanks for all that info. I don't mind you sharing here so everyone else can learn.

I went to the rmsk website and I have been there before and I am just as confused as before. That is why I never bought any lights.

I am looking for a AA light that just takes regular batteries but has the most lumens and with a simple turn on and off (I don't even like the two levels because I seem to only use the brightest and all the trouble of going thru all the modes takes up more time than any long runtime is worth IMO) . The Peak El Capitan x you suggested uses only a 14500 Li-Ion protected battery (whatever that is?) and that whole website talks are all these different Crees and such chinese to me... I just want a brightest light with just one or two settings and don't have the time to study up and learn on all the nuances of color tones, and what a Li-Ion battery direct driven protected battery is . That is why I give up looking.. To complicated. I just want a simple light but something with highest possible lumens Runtime means nothing to me since I don't plan on getting stuck in the wilderness and need a battery that last 9 hours.

Like some of these old skool lights I had years ago before they came up with all these great cree and drives and such..Just simple turn on/off and with 1000 lumens (or the most possible from a basic AA battery).

P1010184.JPG


Besides that I would think they could make a light with a dime store battery to put out a 1000 lumens by now? Even if it is for a short runtime.. If not, which light does put out the most lumens with a common AA battery?
Click to expand...

Sorry for the late reply wild fires up here and stuff coupled with not seeing your reply.
Yea the standard peak el capitan takes alkaline or the 14500 li ion rechargeables. These are like the superchargers of the flashlight world . And with the option to use either it is nice having the option in a pinch. The best way i can relate the difference in using the 14500s is like the difference the old cordless nicd drills/powertools and the new 20v max li ion powertools way more power/way brighter you know. Its cool to try those 14500 out and see the difference but awesome you can throw any cheap battery in it if it dies. now if you just wanted the twist function you can get it with the solid back pocket body and its shorter but with the key ring body you can add momentary and the pocket clip. I work in a zinc mine and it will amaze you the power out of one of these tiny lights right now im using the brass eiger ultra x with the new led and its got a little over 500 lumens out a single AAA light thats using the rechargeables. I like it because it is so small and takes up hardly any room and i love the pocket clip and the momentary switch (tail plunger that only works only while you thum is pressing it in) And if i need it to stay on and dont want to hold the momentary switch on you always got the constant on twist function. It sounds like you would be happy with a peak eiger ultra pocketbody narrow optic cool white. In any light the cool white is always gonnna be the brightest. If you wind up not liking the fenix try one out i promise you wont be disappointed. opt for one of the fancier metals i love the patina brass and copper get and the machining is great
 
My recommendation would be FOURSEVENS Quark Tactical QT2A-X .

Takes 2AA(they do have a similar 1AA model). High is 336L, next step down is 138L. Good runtimes. Can be problammed or cycled though all levels, has mode memory so it comes on in the last level used and you reach high with a simple twist of the head.
I gift these to non techie family members. Turn it on by the switch, then either tighten or loosen head to select "low or high". Very durable and can be had under 30.00 delivered.

Bill
 
Goose 7279 said:
To the op in that territory i would recomend tnc flashlights they are crazy bright and awesome user interface clickie or smooth twist with notches for low medium high on the small aaa 10440 and AA/14500 lights tnc microlux dragon is a hoss its a single AAA/10440 that puts out 1000 lumens and a ton of light it is between 200 and 300 bucks but its close to a custom as you get i would consider it a midtech :-) sinner lights are good and so are okluma they are more expensive though.

Colubrid i would recomend a peak eiger ultra for AAA or a peak el capitan X for AA they can use the fancy high output recahargeables or regular batteries get them without qtc and the the momentary acts like a tail switch if your interested shoot me an email and i can send pics of mine and beam shots also can give you contact info but you can find most of the info on their website peak led
Click to expand...

I'm gonna check out that microlux dragon sounds cool. Actually so does that colubrid.
 
bflying said:
I just recently went on a quest for a light myself. I've had mini mags, micro (button bats) & mini (AAA) Steamlights. And most recently an Inova XS (AAA). But have been envying pics here on the forum of all the copper lights, both production and customs. So I guess you can say I have a newish fetish for copper. [emoji56].

Anyway, finally pulled the trigger on a Maratac AAA. Really like it. I think it's the perfect size for EDC key chain carry. But still had the bug to try a bit brighter, but still with a touch of class. So within a couple weeks I had a Lumintop Prince Copper/Carbon Fiber. I take the published Lumin ratings with a grain of salt. But rather compare against other lights and attempt to find some benchmark area of brightness, though still very subjective. But the Maratac specs 130 lum with a lithium AAA, and the Prince at 1,000 lum with 2 CR123A's or included 18650 rechargeable. Don't know if it really hits 1,000, but it's very impressive....and really looks amazing.

Then I wanted something for my wife and driving kids. The wife picked out the Lumintop worm (AAA, 110lm). And for the kids, the Olight i3E (AAA, 120lm).

Then my wife wanted something a bit brighter for her bedside table, but not quite as big as my Prince. So I got her the Lumintop Torpedo 007 (1 CR123 or rechargeable RCR123A/16340, 520lm).

My future's so bright, I gotta wear shades. [emoji12]. Lately been spending a good chunk of my knife surfing time looking at lights. You people are a very bad influence. With all the suggestions I've gotten, more are definitely in my future.

OP, good luck with the search. Sometimes half the fun.

wji6ww.jpg




•••••••••••••••

Sent from my mind....using Tap-a-Thought. (tm)
Click to expand...

Man that prince is beautiful. How do you like it? Good throw and flood? How's the tint? I almost bought that very light last week.
 
colubrid said:
Hey thanks for all that info. I don't mind you sharing here so everyone else can learn.

I went to the rmsk website and I have been there before and I am just as confused as before. That is why I never bought any lights.

I am looking for a AA light that just takes regular batteries but has the most lumens and with a simple turn on and off (I don't even like the two levels because I seem to only use the brightest and all the trouble of going thru all the modes takes up more time than any long runtime is worth IMO) . The Peak El Capitan x you suggested uses only a 14500 Li-Ion protected battery (whatever that is?) and that whole website talks are all these different Crees and such chinese to me... I just want a brightest light with just one or two settings and don't have the time to study up and learn on all the nuances of color tones, and what a Li-Ion battery direct driven protected battery is . That is why I give up looking.. To complicated. I just want a simple light but something with highest possible lumens Runtime means nothing to me since I don't plan on getting stuck in the wilderness and need a battery that last 9 hours.

Like some of these old skool lights I had years ago before they came up with all these great cree and drives and such..Just simple turn on/off and with 1000 lumens (or the most possible from a basic AA battery).

P1010184.JPG


Besides that I would think they could make a light with a dime store battery to put out a 1000 lumens by now? Even if it is for a short runtime.. If not, which light does put out the most lumens with a common AA battery?
Click to expand...

I agree all these modes are complicated to navigate. Especially when you go on a flashlight buying spree and are trying to figure out 10 different lights in a 2 week period. Also all the light lingo is very confusing!
 
Blues-90 said:
I would say to look at what battery/batteries you would like to use first off. Then look at what is available for each. If you are looking for AA or AAA battery lights, then Fenix or Olight will serve you well. They have small single and dual battery lights that are well-built and reliable. If you are looking at 18650 lights, there are great lights from Fenix, Olight, Jetbeam Klarus and other less common mfrs. There are also lights like the Nitecore Tip or Tube that are nice and handy, although the Tip is relatively new. I carry a Tip and a Fenix PD35 as my EDC lights. The PD35 rides on my belt, is tough and reliable, as well as very bright. It is also small enough that it is easy to carry. The Nitecore Tip is on my key chain. I use both frequently.


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Click to expand...

I just bought the e35eu and love it so far. Very easy to use.
 
mbkingshane said:
Man that prince is beautiful. How do you like it? Good throw and flood? How's the tint? I almost bought that very light last week.
Click to expand...

I really love the Prince. It looks amazing, and has a great light throw. The light seems to be more neutral than others I've had. Not blue, and not that warm yellowish. Just a nice bright white. And since I've been on a carbon fiber and copper kick lately, I think it's perfect. Also, it does not have the memory reset that so many new lights have. You can cycle through the three brightness levels, but if you just turn it off on any setting, it comes back on at that setting. So if you always just want medium throw, leave it there and it stays. As long as you don't turn it on and off repeatedly, if you turned it off on medium, it will always turn on to medium. So far I'm super impressed. I've had other 1,000 lm lights before, but they were three times the size.



•••••••••••••••

Sent from my mind....using Tap-a-Thought. (tm)
 
Of my three decent lights, the 4sevens Quark Pro is my favorite by far. The form factor is awesome, easy to carry, very bright, with lots of various useful options.

In my car I have an Olight S1 and an older LED Lenser. The Olight is a lot of flashlight in a small package, but it's almost too small for my fat fingers to operate reliably, especially with the smallish button (I prefer the tail clicky on the foursevens).

Out of all of them, the S1 would be the easiest to carry on a regular basis due to its tiny size, but my go-to is still the 47.
 
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