I don’t have the Tool AAA, only the AA versions. I do have an EDC01 though. I’d say the main differences are twisty vs clicky and TIR vs reflector. Oh, and pocket clip vs none.
I like my EDC01 for sure. It’s so small, I usually keep it clipped (suspension clip) to my shorts every night while sleeping. Granted, I swapped the LED for a 4000K Luxeon V2 and stripped the anodizing (I bought the blue, and it was more of a Tiffany blue than I thought it would be… so now it’s raw aluminum).
The stock 18650 is wrapped along a protection PCB and has 2 wires out. I simply removed the tabs from the included cell and soldered a new one in. Soldering required but it is as easy as it gets when it comes to replacing integrated 18650 cells. Led swap is pretty straightforward with enough room for triples or quads.
The Teslacom 12 LED soda can light is on sale through Vipon for $10.85. If you like the Skyray clones this one is ok. Finish is awesome for such an inexpensive light. I just changed the emmiters to a 3000K XML-U2 and it works pretty good.
I know it’s not worth it but that is the fun in what some of us do. A $10 light with $20 worth of LED’s. Got some from Arrow (4000K) at $1.60 each. XML2’s are fairly inexpensive for most. Since I had to order $50 worth of stuff for no handling or shipping fees I ordered some XHP 70.2’s as well. Good thing about it all is I didn’t care about the extra cost. I also have 2 Q8’s and 4 Sofirn Q8’s. Emitters will be changed on those as well n the future. I just like the warmer tints. The original tint on the Teslacom is a 6500ish K which I am not a fan of.
I get it.
I have more than enough hobbies where this (spending more updating than purchase price) applies and don’t want to add another hobby.
Not enough time so modifying flashlights is not what I’m looking forward to.
I would just buy and use it.
If that’s not enough, I will buy more.
My time is worth more as the minimum wage here is now over $10/hr and I don’t work at that rate, not even close.
However, if a few minutes work will significantly improve something, I’d do that regardless of what it is.
I’m pretty good in soldering as another hobby of mine includes electronics.