I’m not sure I have a singular favorite. I currently use a Fenix E05 as my EDC, but the mode spacing is not great and there is no moonlight. The Fenix E01 and Sofirn C01 both share a simple ruggedness and efficiency that really resonates with me, but the low output limits their versatility, and I adore the beam of the C01.
The Lumintop clickies look interesting, but I wouldn’t want the MLH mode order, and some of the past runtime tests have shown poor efficiency.
The Olight i3e is charming for its size, but they went with a low CRI emitter that is not easily replaced, since it is mounted on the driver board and has an uncommon footprint.
The Lumintop IYP07 with a UI like Bistro would be really appealing to me, even if it were based on a variation of existing drivers that would require a 10440.
I actually have a Sofirn C01s in my Amazon cart waiting for my next order, because I decided work use is one case where coming on in high is a good feature for me, but I don’t need to do this kind kind of task regularly enough that I want to carry a larger light. This will be a dedicated light my job. Otherwise I wouldn’t want it to start on high.
The AAA light I drool over the most is the Balaton (10440 only), but I’d never be able to justify that, and it’s as large as some AA lights.
At some point in the future I might make myself a couple Jet-u E21A mods, but don’t have time to do so right now.
It depends on how much light you need. Even when I’m using my D4, it spends the overwhelming majority of its time below 100 lumens.
The higher outputs are certainly useful to me on a fairly regular basis, but for simply walking around comfortably at night or doing arms-length inspection tasks at work, a AAA is fine for me.