aa or aaa flashlight

khardrunner · May 19, 2012, 08:37:00 PM

What's the best flashlight (read that...brightest, longest lasting, cheapest) flashlight that runs on aa or aaa batteries?

I know there are other lights out there that run on photo batteries and other stuff, but I'm looking for what's out there. I have an original minimag but it's just not bright enough for the woods.

Bear Heart · May 19, 2012, 08:41:00 PM

Purpose?
Brightest: something like a surefire Longest lasting: led Cheapest: walmart

Bear Heart · May 19, 2012, 08:42:00 PM

If you want something aa or aaa I would go with a LED light.

Steve O · May 19, 2012, 09:16:00 PM

Yep, if you have a MiniMag, you are really handicapping yourself. There are TONS of excellent headlamps and flashlights out there.

AAA are the smallest any on average will give the least time on a set of batteries.

AA are the best balance of power and time and also the best one to go with to standardize your equiptment. Light, GPS, Camera, you name it, lots of stuff runs AA.

If you want the best, longest lasting lights, you can step up to the CR123. An excellent one is the Main Beam by Brothers of the Bow.

May 19, 2012, 09:17:00 PM

best double a, i have found yet, super bright and very long lasting. (COLEMAN MAX)

DesertDude · May 19, 2012, 09:44:00 PM

x2 Coleman line

lpcjon2 · May 19, 2012, 09:45:00 PM

Its starting to look like the AA flashlights are collectors items and antiques. everything is AAA anymore. Whats a D battery used for...LOL

Benjy · May 19, 2012, 09:48:00 PM

I had a surefire and loved it other than buying those expensive batteries. I lost it and went to buy anotrher one and they were sold out. I stumbled accross this one. Its an "ATAC A2" Flashlight. It uses 2 AA bateries and is as bright as the surefire. It has 162 Lumens on the high setting and 15 on the low.

jsweka · May 19, 2012, 10:56:00 PM

Hmmmm...I've always like my minimag lights. I bought a conversion kit to turn it into an LED. Batteries now last a LONG time.

Gen273 · May 19, 2012, 11:06:00 PM

Colman Max, is a great light. It runs on AA, and it costs les than $30.00. Plus it has a red and even a blue led on it as well.

Steve O · May 19, 2012, 11:10:00 PM

Try one of these and you will give all your mini mags away. I did that a long time ago :D

http://www.fenixlight.com/viewproduct.asp?id=160

Lost Arra · May 19, 2012, 11:12:00 PM

If you actually use a flashlight on a regular basis then get any Fenix model using 2 AA batteries. You can buy AA at any convenience store. AAA don't have the life unless you use a handful of them.

This model is like carrying an auto headlight.
http://www.fenixtactical.com/fenix-ld22.html

Night Wing · May 19, 2012, 11:29:00 PM

Another vote for AA batteries in an LED flashlight.

Rob W. · May 19, 2012, 11:49:00 PM

Energizer has come a long way since they got a bunch military contracts. I'm a flashlight nut. The new Energizer's are sweet.

Rob

Lefty · May 20, 2012, 07:21:00 AM

Another vote for Fenix. Best lights I have used.

cacciatore · May 20, 2012, 07:36:00 AM

I had some original Maglights in the past,right now they are really obsolete.You can go with the led upgrade for it,but still you'll have low power,they are good to find your way in the dark without spooking animals(not as good as a led green or red lights anyway)
If you really need something more powerful you can go with the Fenix/Surefire or other Chinese staff(that produce anyway the most famous brands)saving you at least the 80% of the cost.Make a search on Google.
With a AA size flashlight you now have more power than older 3D sized ones.The one I have on my pocket has a single AA battery and it is working since long time with a very brigth and powerful light perfect to track a deer at dark.It costs $10 and it is better than my $180 Surefire with 2 123 batteries.

Rick Wiltshire · May 20, 2012, 08:57:00 AM

Sounds as though I am the exception here. I use a $1 (with batteries) WalMart light and keep a couple on hand in case I lose one (which usually happens). They are not as bright as a more expensive one, but work fine for what I need.

Bowmag · May 20, 2012, 09:41:00 AM

The Fenix that they have on Brothers of the Bow are pretty amazing.
With multiple power settings the batteries can last quite a while. And they are a lot of fun to play with. They do use the 123 batteries.

jonsimoneau · May 20, 2012, 09:56:00 AM

Get the one uncle Gene and Barry sell. Best flashlight I've ever used. Done with mag lights now. All the guys who camp with me are planning on buying one after seeing or using mine.

straitera · May 20, 2012, 10:29:00 AM

Never enough pocket size flashlights IMO. Most important to me are lumens (brightness). Looking for dead deer after dark I want something bright. Not so much headed out to the stand in the morning.

Dorcy 5.5" 40 lumen w/(3) AAA. Carry extra batts for when you accidentally hit the on switch in your waist pack.