Don’t have any of those 18650 batteries yet. Do I need to break down and just buy those batteries and chargers or are there good lights that use AAs? I plan on using it as a bike light and possibly a weapon light so brightness is key.
+1
I wish there were more lights with that simple design and 2xAA. And I think it could be even more interesting with a "high" of 450 lumens (or sth like that), instead of 270.
Anyway, I think Speedsix was asking for a pocket rocket 1xAA/14500 XM-L (so do I).
I would recommend the Balder SE-1 .
I own the neutral XML version and it is my EDC .
But it really only " shines " with a 14500 . 
The OP mentioned the possibility of bike use so the 2 AA format makes more sense due to the increased runtime .
It isn’t budget, but I think the Eagletac P20A2 xml is the brightest 2 aa light. Or the Fenix TK41 for a real burner on multiple AA. There are no budget multiple aa offerings that run on non-lithiums except the caveman.
You probably ought to break down and buy some 18650s and a charger .
And a whole bunch of lights that use 'em .
You won't be disappointed ....
I really like my JetBeam PA40. It takes 4 AAs and has both a very nice tint and excellent UI.
I really wanted that one but I was too cheap to pull the trigger. It seems like one of the better lights in terms of design and functionality.
caveman looks like a great light you may want to look at a Fenix e21
http://www.amazon.com/Fenix-E21-Lumens-Tactical-Flashlight/dp/B004Z06BKE
it has an XPG vs xml , but its a tough bright 2 aa light. also it has a good tight throw and decent spill. enough for a bikelight with the AA caveat. thats in low mode mind you which its actually like a medium brightness IMO . certainly a tight enough hotspot to be tactically used. high on this is very bright for 2 AAs.
having said that a good 18650 platform is the way to go as stated above. i would suggest a flashlight that can take cr123s, Rcr123s or one 18650.
I was gonna recommend the PA40, too. The carbon fiber composite body will make it nice and light weight, and the 4xAA format has awesome runtime and brightness.
Additionally, it comes in a neutral tint, and that's something I would consider a requirement for a light that's gonna be used on a bike.
As for the issue of the LI batteries and the availability of "good" AA lights, IMHO the truth is that you don't need to go the LI route at all in order to get what you want. There are tons and tons of lights that run on AA alkalines and AA NiMH (of which Eneloops are regarded the best).
Don't get suckered into the belief that you have to go to LI in order to get a bright light. 468 lumens from the PA40 is a shit-ton of light.
I've been wanting a PA40, but the darn thing is almost $80, so that will have to wait.
Caveman is the nicest AA XM-L, but I would not hesitate for a moment to buy a Klarus ST20, especially if you can pick one up for abouty $42. Excellent light, but it's an XP-G. 2 x AA lights don't make great XM-L lights unless they are under driven.
$69 and change from LightJunction in the U.S. 
The only thing that's kept me from buying one is the stupid Zebralight Q50. Who knows if that thing will ever be released, though.
I HATE YOU ALL. I JUST GOT A WARM WHITE BALDER.
I already have an IMR 14500, so I think they will be good friends.
Could be a great light. I have no experience with this brand
| Type | Title | Author | Replies | Last Post |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forum topic | Any good AA XM-L lights? updated | Speedsix | 17 1 new |
02/22/2012 - 15:24 |
How about Custom Quark AAX?
Oh sure , you hate me now . But wait until you shine that itsy bitsy little SE-1 into a dark patch of woods for the first time . Then it's MUAHAHAHAHAAA time .
Personally, I think the market is missing an XML driven by 3 or 4 AA NiMH's. I would prefer a short, fat flashlight body to a long, skinny one. I have a 4AA Princeton Tech Halogen that is a good size basis for such a light.
I agree.
2xAA doesn't cut it for me with an XML. There would be more output and more runtime gained from a 3xAA or 4xAA light.