Has anyone have a name brand expensive AA/14500 flashlight only start to work correctly with 14500 batteries ? Only moonlight mode with regular AA or eneloop batteries?
Thanks All.
No, can’t say as I have. I don’t have everyone ever made but, I have about 20 from most of the more popular and budget friendly makers. If it says they take both I have tried both in them and haven’t had any problems. I use mainly 14500’s and only use NiMh in lights that don’t lose much output on NiMh. I like the new Wuben E05 as well, the only thing you lose with NiMh is it’s turbo mode. I like the Ultratac A1’s mode spacing on NiMh too.
I am also 14500 fan and I prefer them above 18650. Why? Because of mobility.
I can put small 14500 flashlight into jacket pocket and simply forget about it untill I need it. It’s not exactly as small as 10440, but still … smaller and lighter than standard 18650 flashlight while there’s still more than decent output - modern 14500 flashlights reach between 500 - 800lm on max. It’s not like I need anything more than that realisticly.
Another advantage as some above already stated is also that those flaslights can use also standard alkaline AA batteries available in every store.
I try to limit my flaslights to only (10180)/10440/14500/18650/26650 format because I prefer to have all flashlights available and functional long term, while there’s simply too many battery formats to take care of, replace and keep in good condition over years to come.
I am aware that I am missing some great flashlights because of that, but on the other side … how many od them we, as flashaholics with hundreds flashlights, have in regular use at all?
I like the Wuben E05 also but I think they should have used an OP reflector instead of a smooth one.
I agree that 18650 size flashlights are just too big to carry around (EDC). That is why I like AA/14500 single cell lights. Triple A size is even better but such short run times make them unfeasible in most situations needing light for more than a couple of minutes.
Zebra brand lights are nice. Just too expensive for me.
Amen. A OP for sure we need. 
Those Nitecore lights look so sophisticated and high tech. Tup/Tip/Tini/Thumb/Tube.
Wish I noticed the UltraTac A1 when it was $12.00 each.
I have a Tube and a Tip.
The Tube isn't very durable, but I love the Tip and it seems much more durable.
I tried some DC-Fix film on the lens of the E05. Just made the beam look worse. That film usually works wonders.
Sooo True teacher. Love mine. Will never leave collection.
Any related note 14500 much better for run times than any AA. Not knocking AA but prefer 14500 as primary and AA NiCad as backup.
NO ALKALEAKS!!! unless out of options.
Agree!! Even after putting a Luxeon on it, there are some “rings” on the beam that would be only eliminated by a diffuser or a reflector mod!
Despite this, it is a very good flashlight and is still very useful on AA batteries (even without turbo)!! :+1:
Hum, have you tried a different type of diffuser? I tried a piece of a “frosted” diffuser once sent by Boaz and the beam improved greatly! No greens or other shifts! Loses throw, but gains quality!
It was closer to $10 at one point. I got two of them. It’s a very simple, 3-mode, great little light with no blinkies. No nasty greenish tint either. Mode spacing is a little weird on Li-Ion, from what I’ve read, but on NiMH it’s fantastic.
Couple of lights I’d like to try A1 and the wuben 05 ... just keep missing the deals .
I think 14500’s have their place but sort of default to the nimh . 14500’s usually kill the moon modes and don’t have very much runtime.
Otoh .... some lights are just begging for more horsepower so I recently added another 6 cells to my colle tion of 14500’s but I find I don’t normally reach for them .
Been wearing a lumintop tool on my collar for years now and recently find I’m grabbing the Boruit 11$ EHL0628 Super best budget headlamp with the headband 100% loose over my head / around my neck .
For me, when I just want to run out to the back yard and spotlight a skunk or head to the park to walk the dog, the little Nitecore MH20GT (18650) is my fav. It’s light, small, easy to turn on or bump the brightness, and the distance I get is both needed and sweet.
The Thorfire TK05 is really nice as a 14500, but I carry an 18500 quad daily, never without it. When I discovered the Samsung LH351D in 80 CRI at 5000K I updated this quad from XP-L HI under a Khatod optic to the Sammy under a Carclo optic, with a very pleasant result of a Beam profile that is essentially one large hot spot. This light comes in handy on a regular basis, with Bistro allowing 7 levels and reversing function so its easy to stay in ultra low levels when required. With a Turbo over 3200 lumens and a moon around 1/3 of a lumen I’m always ready for whatever presents. The 18500 cell with 1000mAh capacity allows that extra bit of run time as well as power.
Of course, the 10440 Texas Poker is always around my neck waiting to be needed. 
In spite of it’s rather dimunitive size it can still put out over 700 lumens and makes a good showing of itself. 
I have a spare 10440 in a custom Ti carrier on my key-chain should it be required.
Also have the super tiny DQG Spy on my keychain, just in case…
The newly announced GT micro has my eye… will def be getting this new 14500 asap to add to my arsenal.
A quick pic of part of my EDC, these 3 are with me always… regardless of what else I may carry…
FWIW, the Texas Poker is only off the chain when I bathe, it’s with me all other times, even sleeping. Has been for over 5 1/2 years.
(ok, the Dr’s made me take it off when they cut my throat, but it went back around my neck asap afterwards)
Hey, is this beautiful knife here just to looks nice on picture or you actually carry around $500 knife as an EDC beater?
(I am sorry for being offtopic, but urge to ask is too strong)