My votes get 3 lights
Utorch UT01
Klarus Mi7
Lumintop Tool AA
Sofirn SF14 is gaining lots of points with me. Much nicer than the Thorfire TG06S because it has no PWM in the lower modes and is brighter.
I’m with you on this! Sofirn SF14 has been a pleasant surprise from this year AA/14500 flashlights.
I have the SP10A (driver) and SP10B on the way, gotta check on those and see how they behave!
I’m also curious about Lumintop EDC05, that seems a Utorch UT01 and Manker E11 competitor!
Yep, the ’14 is a nice little critter! I was gifted one, really like it.
Also got a ’10B on the way. Well, a few ’10Bs. 
Digging my UT01 and Manker E11.
I only got 3X AA lights this year
My vote goes to the UT01 Mine works. If you get one that don’t have issues its a really cool light. Small and UI has 3 brightness levels to play with for each brightness level. $10 on the deals lately. Mine has 3D 5000K on the box but I would call it 4-4500K and not bad tint for a new Cree (XP-L).
Other was the Amutorch stainless from Neal with a 219C. It’s OK but one of the 2 I purchased is getting SW issues from 14500 use. I predicted that to another member right after I took it apart and saw the SW they used.
I also have the TG06 I got 2 of them and one died immediately because the driver was not properly seated as the retaining ring tightened on it. I like the second one but having one die killed the love for it.
klarus MI7 is a nice light, the pocket clip is a little flimsy, but hard to find problems with this light
My Klarus MI7 is great, bought a pink one for the wife as well. Really needs a 14500 to perform though, on an alkaline there is almost no difference between medium and high.
I have a UT01 on the way, looking forward to a shootout with the prize being an EDC home in a leather pouch on my belt beside my Leatherman.
Only a 14500 light is the right size for this, unless someone comes up with an affordable max100x20mm 18650 light that can compete. Not likely.
A Utorch UT01 that works is a very good candidate. The new Lumintop EDC05 has all the signs of being the same light, but if it does not have the problems that the Utorch has, it will win, especially if there will be a high CRI Nichia version. And I like the design 
Zebralight is expensive
Tool AA fails miserably on Eneloops
WK007 is bulky
Ultrafire, well, Ultrafire (I fear visible PWM, bad mode spacing, blinkies in main sequence etc.)
There is new 2017 ON THE ROAD M5 AA flashlight, I am waiting one to arrive for a review. Should be nice as all OTR lights are really nice quality.
Here is the link : OTR M5 Ali store
On The Road M5 AA looks nice. Similar to an Olight s15. Are the specifications between the two similar?
It’s very new so no reviews, I expect my sample will come in 7-10 days so we will know then
I’m also curious on this one! I’ll be waiting for that review 
Specs: Low - High - Off + Strobe (double click) ! At least is what I understood from seeing the diagram on their store.
+1
I have the NW version that works. Debating whether to pull the trigger on the CW now, but with my luck, I’ll get a malfunctioning one this time since it seems like half of them are having issues…
The M5 claims 170 lumen on a AA battery, that makes its driver fall into the oldschool category, not the nice regulated drivers that perform to well over 200 lumen that the Mankers and Utorches (and Zebralights) have.
I believe the name “Sofirn” is mispelled, their intention was to register SoFire :-D but they probably sent Chumlee's asian cousin to the business register office and shit happened (LoL!). 
Cheers ^:)
My favorite 1xAA lights:
- Zebralight SC5w. Great EDC, very bright, efficient, lots of modes. Nice user-interface for a flashaholic, but a newbie will likely just use the high mode.
- Fenix LD12 (2017 edition). Nice simple UI for newbies, with multiple modes. Pleasant neutral-white tint.
- Armytek Prime A1 (warm). Nice tint if you like warm tints (also available in a more neutral cool-white). Very tough.
- Manker T01. Very good throw for a 1xAA light.
- DQG Tiny AA. Very small 1xAA light. Twisty interface (keeps size small), but it works well.
I just ordered one of those SF14’s, because of the feedback here. I’ve bought quite a few of the Thorfires, over the last couple of years for friends, and family. I’ve had one in my pocket, since. I must not be very susceptible to PWM, because I’ve never noticed it ( I had to record it, to see it).
I have a new TG06s that I got a week or so ago, from Amazon ( I gave another one away :person_facepalming: ) , that doesn’t have PWM, on any mode. It is clearly a different driver design than my other TG06s. The TG06 I presently carry has a Sofirn labeled driver, but it is one of the earlier models.
I am “fairly” confident, that Sofirn is the actual manufacturer, for Thorfire lights. Thorfire might have their own R&D, but I believe Sofirn is the producer.
I like that it starts on high, but do wish it had memory, though obviously not a dealbreaker for me.