Glad I saw the video before I made my purchase. The Sofirn SF13 has mode memory which I don't care for. I am a trigger-happy user and always forget to reset the flashlight to the preferred startup mode before I shut it off. Hate to be surprised, lost, and not feel in control when I turn a flashlight on. Otherwise, it looks like a decent flashlight, and a good value.
I agree that a headlamp is arguably the most useful flashlight that you can have for many circumstances. For example, changing a car tire. If I could only own one flashlight, it would have to be a headlamp. However, they can be awkward to keep with you on a belt or in a pocket. If you EDC a small tube flashlight like a single 14500/AA, then you can put it in your mouth if you need both hands free for a few minutes.
What ya think about the thrunite archer 1A or 2A?
Hi Lightbringer,
Why not use Nimh batteries?
That would solve the leakage problem??
Jerry
TK20 is my first pick also. It may seem dated to these whippersnappers but it’s a well made, reliable light. I’ve got the diffuser and it comes out every Halloween at a minimum.
Would be good for whacking zombies with also. Solid light.
I like the single 14500/AA flashlight form factor, but don't own a Thrunite Archer 1A because: (1) it has mode memory, (2) it would be cumbersome for me to turn it on with the tail switch and then change modes with the side switch, and (3) it is relatively expensive compared to say a Sofirn SF14 or Thorfire TGO6S. But this assessment mostly boils down to my personal preferences. I DO like the fact that the Archer 1A has a 0.1 lumen Firefly mode and a forward-clicky tail switch for momentary On. What do you think of the 1A? I have never seriously considered the 2A.
Ugh. That would drive me bonzo. Same reason I don’t use my Folomov, because of the high→low order with strobe in rotation. Other’n that, it’s a great light in every other way, just the UI kills it.
Acto the OP, he wanted AA lights because:
As for me, I unearthed over a hunnert alkaleaks that I’m loathe to throw out, even if they are hateful little batteries.
The best 2xAA flashlight I’ve used is the Thrunite Archer 2A v3. I found out about it reading the best flashlight article by theWireCutter
It is very bright and their lumen rating is legit and not exaggerated.
The brightest 2xAA is the Armytek Partner A2 Pro, which I measured 630 lumens for the WW version with my TA lumen sphere. The tint is beautiful if you like WW/NW. The Prime A2 Pro for some reason measures significantly less probably because of the optics. The only thing I don’t like about the Partner A2 Pro is that it lacks tail standing ability whereas the Archer 2A does.
They already do exist…… I see them every day walking the streets with their faces glued to a phone screen whilst walking in to me, or out in front of cars etc with completely blank emotionless faces.
They may not be trying to eat me yet, but they are out there in their millions! 
I just purchased an UltraTac A1 off of Amazon for 10.75 using the 10% discount code of SS6TRV2E. There are not many Amazon reviews for this flashlight, but the couple I read are pretty in-depth.Also check out this BLF thread, and also these two YouTube videos: (1) UltrTac A1 Flashlight Kit Review!, (2) Ultratac A1 Flashlight Review.
This flashlight is very similar to the Lumintop Tool in size, construction, performance, modes, and it even comes with a diffuser. Here are the outputs::
| Lumens | |||
| Battery | Low | Med | Med |
| 14500 | 20 | 280 | 600 |
| AA | 1 | 30 | 220 |
This would be a great bug out single AA light IMHO because it provides a battery conserving and discrete 1 lumen Low mode as well as a very robust 220 lumen High mode, if needed. Additionally, it would be very easy to carry because of its size and weight. It has no mode memory and always starts up in Low mode.
Zombies among us now...............the newer generation with their smartphones......duuuuuuuuhhhhhhh..... must load app............duuuuhhhhh....press..press...click.click (tongue-and-cheek 
)
RIGHT!
:+1: Maglite has a two nice 3C lights…one the “old timey” Alkaline/incandescent model, that can be upgraded with a drop-in LED bulb. But, they are hard to come by.,
Or, for about $40, they build a very nice LED 3 C model. Lighter than the Incand model, don’t feel as rugged as the other…and probably, less utility as an impact weapon. Had one, returned it. Streamlight, I think it is, offers a couple of LED C cell lights. Utilitarian, not really great throwers, but very capable. 
Just bought one! Waiting to see what sort of product I get. :nerd_face:
1A flashlight: ThruNite Archer 1A V3
2A flashlight: Nitecore MT2A LED Flashlight.
Here is my favorite 2aa flashlight list
Although, I am a big fan of Thrunite v3 aa flashlight.
You can read about the Sofirn SF13 here:
How do you like the color rendering index (CRI)? In a YouTube video, a guy walks in the woods with a Partner A2 Pro. The tint, he says, is warm white. But to my eyes, the woods looked like a colorless moon. I commented as much. The video maker said the CRI looks a lot better in real life.
I have a hard time believing that a warm white light in a V5 or V6 bin can generate over 600 lumens out the front AND have high CRI.
My two 4300K XM-L2 lights use a modest T6 bin. They have a high CRI. But they’ll still no match for a Nichia 219C.
My 4300K XM-L2 light in U2 bin is incrementally brighter than my T6s. But its CRI is incrementally lower.
I keep somewhat dated 2AA lights in one of my BOBs: a Klarus P2A and a Jetbeam BA20. A quad of standard Eneloops and some Energizer Ultimates round things out.
They’re two mode twisties (250/30LM,) but they get the job done.
I got them almost seven years back.
Chris