I’ve always been interested in LED light but recently started buying a few. Right now I have a few of the $5 Sipik 14500’s, a Trustfire 502B w/ T6, a Trustfire TR-3T6 and a Fenix E25. For batteries I have Orbtronics 18650’s and Trustfire Flames 14500’s and 18650’s.
I realized that I like smaller (shorter) lights overall. Here are two that I am looking at and would like input or other recommendations.
http://dx.com/p/ultrafire-cree-xm-l-t6-600lm-5-mode-white-flashlight-black-1-x-14500-171560
Well that little Ultrafire isn't going to throw at all. What you want is the largest reflector diameter in an AA/14500 host. The Rook would probably be your best bet. As for single AA lights, the terms "AA" and "thrower" don't usually go hand-in-hand.
The UltraFire would definitely NOT be a thrower the small reflector should make this a very floody light.
The ROOK looks like it has the potential to be a decent thrower just based on looking at the reflector. It appears to be about the size of a C8 diameter. If it does use the C8 reflector and if the emitter is driven hard enough, it could be an interesting light.
Well, if you want something similar (in size) like that Ultrafire, you will need to search for lights with XP-G or even XP-E. I have Klarus P1A (XP-G) and ITP C7 (XR-E) that throws quite nicely 
Xtar WK26 comes to mind as well.
That makes sense. I will check those out.
There’s this
UltraFire SK68 Focus Adjustable Zoom 5-Mode Cree XM-L T6 LED Flashlight (700LM, 1x14500/1xAA)
but it’s still kinda pricey.
I think all 14500 lights should be able to run AAs in a pinch, and I’m not sure about that first one going by the product page. The second option is lame because it won’t have a decent low mode.
This one's a pretty good thrower for its size:
The Inova x5 has decent throw for its size, the reflector does a decent job in a small form factor.
By no means will it throw like a Sipik sk68 but its quite a bit smaller and a great two mode light
Link here for my favorite 14500 zoomie: TrustFire F12-A, modded. Pretty decent thrower zoomed: U2 emitter, running at 2.8A now, will be uping that to almost 3.2A. Brass pill takes the heat well. Unfortunately it does need the driver mod to work well. It's fairly hefty for a 14500, see pics in that thread, but that's why it can take the high amps.
You would probably still be better off wth a LED more suited/designed for throwing such as XP-G or XP-E as previously mentioned. That RC-G2 looks nice - ShiningBeam does a great job with the custom Romisen's.