I happend to purchase around 10 really good AA flashlights some years ago, but now I have donated them to friends and lost and have only one left.
So what I’m looking for as specs would be:
- Inexpensive, less than 5USD/each maybe even 4 or 3
- Works at least wit 1.5V AA battery (decently) 14500 is option (and probably brighter)
- Robust (no breaking parts)
- Preferably only 2 modes like low and high and off
- Small size, smaller the better
Lumens mediocre so I don’t expect them to be killers
They are mainly used so that I throw AA battery in and then they lay down somewhere like pocket or car door pocket or so. My friend has used his so that its fully polished to aluminium even though it was originally black. Cheap so that if you drop that to Well or sewer or lost it it is not huge mistake or grief.
I tried to look but didn’t immediately found anything that I would have dared to order 10pcs. I think this could be helpfull for others also as to be used like with AA batteries on similar purposes and minding that with 14500 it probably could give even more output.
Be aware this is a real gamble: At some point I ordered two, at the same time, from the same vendor, arriving at the same time. 1 had terrible blue tinted light and only worked once. The other had nice neutral white tint and still works.
This is the issue what I would like to try to avoid. I’ve noticed the same that the batches differ, but still would like to try it so that if someone has managed to recently get decent flashlight somewhere, then to order 10 of those or so.
The batch I purchased years ago was inexpensive and good quality, all of them and have not since managed to get similar good bargain.
1-mode is also good so maybe those SK68 would be good choices. If someone has recent good experiences somewhere I would cladly like to hear those also.
Hugsby XP-1 might fit the bill. It is only one mode though. I have bought a lot of 5 for around 20 USD including the shipping. If they are still being sold, I got mine on eBay from a seller called tomtop. I think they also may have their own website.
Aside from those mentioned above in The Miller’s thread, the “cheap but decent” AA/14500 lights I’ve seen are a bit more expensive (5-8€) and have more modes, like Thorfire TG06/TG06S; Sofirn SF10 /SF12/ SP10A /SF14; Ultrafire C3 (1 mode only); Trustfire S-A2; or some “SecuryIng” flashlights (in AliExpress).
3bux a pop, on/off, side-clicky, my bobofett light (beat to Hell, looks like bobofett’s helmet) eats “dead” AAs that won’t even power my wireless optical mouse anymore. With new alkaleaks, it puts out some decent, albeit cool, light.
Runs off eneloops beautifully, so no need to chance alkaleaks ruining it if you’re not interested in wringing dry “dead” alkies.
Someone here actually took one apart (rather destructively!) just to see the wonderful little driver circuit-board. I like my lights whole, so I just looked at the pix. But it’s a nice little critter, and the price can’t be beat. I wouldn’t waste my time on SunSkyMoonBright 1000000lm lights for 4bux, because you know they’re gonna be crap. Me, I got a half-dozen of these lights (R22s, just like the Robinson) and have given away more as gifts. No complaints.
Although these are AAA, if someone has working link for this seller (tomtop) I would be interested. Didn’t find from Aliexpress nor ebay.
Before I posted this thread I ordered 3 of these for test, the review looked decent and everything is good on that flashlight if it just works. I have not received yet them, I will post my comments and measurements once I receive mine.
Yeah, thos lights would be good, if someone has and link or place where to buy with decent worldwide shipping, I would be interested in.
ot. yes I liked Nightwish when Tarja was there better than now
Currently, our German Amazon has the Sofirn SF10 rather cheap in the “AIMAI Shop”: https://www.amazon.de/s?merchant=A2CMSMX7FMGD9B&fallThrough=1
Btw. there were (are) also Hugsby models for one or two AA’s - search the forum for their names.
They are usually well made, although there might be cheaply made copies these days.
Indeed, its a nice little light! The COB provides good “room” illumination and the front beam is not bat at all, despite being really CW! But I guess it worths the try being that cheap :money_mouth_face:
Indeed, it would fit better one small light like this! The only thing I find “annoying” is the blinky part and that you have to go through all the modes again if you miss the one you want! Other that is a great AA light and the side COB (which at first wasn’t that interesting for me) is a good feature
Putting a magnet on the pocket clip it will work as a work light too